If several people are building up a pile of dirty dishes, first choose a capacity that suits the volume of meals, then check the space and connections available. A 60 cm model may mean fewer loads, while a compact model takes up less space but has a smaller capacity. If you have a suitable housing unit, an integrated model may be the right choice. In an open-plan kitchen, also compare the stated noise level and, if possible, test results that assess how disruptive the sound is: the dB(A) figure alone doesn’t tell you how comfortable an appliance is to use.
If plates, cutlery and dishes from several meals are waiting for the next cycle, look at the capacity and basket layout. UFC-Que Choisir says freestanding 60 cm models generally hold 12 to 17 place settings, compared with 9 to 10 for 45 cm models. Also check that there’s enough room for your larger dishes.
If the appliance runs near your living area, workspace or bedroom, noise deserves as much attention as capacity. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between measured noise and perceived disturbance in its tests. Consider both where results are available for the model you’re looking at.
Start by measuring the space and locating the water inlet, waste outlet and electrical supply. An integrated appliance needs a suitable housing unit, according to UFC-Que Choisir. A compact model on the worktop frees up floor space, but holds fewer dishes per cycle.
Start with the available space and the amount of washing-up. Noise levels and programmes can then help you choose between appliances that fit your kitchen.
Consider this if: you don’t have a dedicated housing unit or want the flexibility to rearrange your kitchen.
What to plan for: suitable space and the necessary connections. If you’re placing it under a worktop, check the dimensions and whether the top panel can be removed from your chosen model.
Consider this if: you have a suitable housing unit and want the appliance to blend in with your kitchen units.
What to plan for: a suitable door panel and installation in line with the instructions. Semi-integrated models have visible controls on the front, unlike fully integrated models.
Consider this if: there isn’t room on the floor for a 45 or 60 cm appliance and you don’t have much washing-up each day.
What to bear in mind: the smaller capacity may mean running more cycles when dishes and cookware from several meals start to pile up.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Stated number of place settings and how much room the baskets actually provide for larger dishes. | When washing-up from several meals builds up, I want to avoid running multiple loads. Around 29% of consumers rank capacity as their top priority. |
| Noise | Stated dB(A) level and, where available, tests that distinguish measured noise from perceived disturbance. | If the appliance runs near the living area, I want to be able to carry on chatting or working without too much disruption. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Installation | Appliance dimensions, door clearance, connections and, for integrated models, a compatible housing unit and door panel. | In a kitchen where every bit of space matters, I need to be sure the appliance will fit without assuming the housing unit or door panel is compatible. Around 24% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Cycles | Programmes suited to your usual loads, plus the duration and consumption figures for the Eco cycle. | When the amount of washing-up varies from day to day, I want cycles that are easy to choose and clear consumption information. Around 18% of consumers put ease and flexibility of use ahead of other criteria. |
Its smaller footprint comes with a lower capacity. In a household that also builds up dirty cookware, this can mean more loads and more cycles.
Picture a load with your bulkiest dishes. UFC-Que Choisir lists compact models with 6 place settings, which you can compare with the stated capacities of 45 and 60 cm models.
In an open-plan kitchen, vibrations, the pitch of the noise and alerts can contribute just as much to perceived disturbance as the stated noise level.
Compare the exact model and, if possible, look for tests that assess noise and disturbance separately. UFC-Que Choisir takes these aspects into account in its testing protocol.
An integrated appliance needs a compatible housing unit, door panel and fixing. Simply finding a space for it on the floor isn’t enough.
Measure the housing unit and check the door panel system, plinth and installation instructions before choosing a model.
Programmes are designed for different loads and uses. The number of programmes alone won’t tell you which one is right for your everyday washing-up.
Identify the cycles you’ll actually use, then compare details such as the duration and consumption figures for the model’s Eco programme.
Bosch offers a range of formats, from freestanding and compact to integrated, to suit different kitchen layouts.
The French range includes freestanding and compact appliances, which you can compare based on the space and capacity you need.
The brand’s freestanding models let you compare capacities and cycle options for different-sized loads.
Miele’s freestanding and integrated models are worth considering if basket layout and stated noise levels are important to you.
These freestanding and fully integrated models have capacities of 13 or 14 place settings. To choose between the two formats for an open-plan or shared kitchen, first check the available space and installation requirements, then compare the acoustic information for the specific model.
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Worth considering if several people share the washing-up and you’re looking for a freestanding appliance.
Listed as a 60 cm model with 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Check the external dimensions and the space required before ordering. In an open-plan kitchen, don’t judge acoustic comfort by the stated noise level alone.
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Worth considering for a shared household if a freestanding model suits your kitchen.
Listed as a 60 cm model with a C energy rating. Make sure you check the external width before confirming the space. The stated noise level alone doesn’t tell you how disruptive it may be near the living area.
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Worth considering if capacity for several meals is a priority and you’re planning a freestanding installation.
The model name indicates 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Check its external dimensions against your space, and look beyond the stated noise level if it will be running near your living area.
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Worth considering if your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and you want the appliance to blend in with your units.
Listed as a 60 cm integrated model with 13 place settings and a B energy rating. Check the housing unit dimensions, door panel and installation requirements. For noise, look for an assessment of perceived disturbance if available.
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Worth considering if you have a lot of washing-up and a housing unit designed for a fully integrated appliance.
Listed as a 60 cm model with a C energy rating. Check the appliance’s actual dimensions against the housing unit before choosing a door panel. The stated noise level doesn’t tell the whole story when it comes to possible disturbance in an open-plan kitchen.
Yes, provided you already have a suitable space and the necessary water, waste and electrical connections. If you want to fit it under a worktop, measure the space and check whether the top panel can be removed from the model.
Before ordering, check the dimensions of the housing unit, the door panel, the plinth and the model’s fixing instructions. An integrated model needs a compatible installation; you can’t simply put it where a freestanding appliance would go.
It may be enough if you don’t have much washing-up or your household doesn’t mind running several cycles. UFC-Que Choisir lists compact models with 6 place settings, so also check whether your dishes and pans will fit.
Agree on how to load the baskets and choose a programme to suit the amount of washing-up and how dirty it is. Follow the instructions for cleaning the filter and, where applicable, topping up the salt and rinse aid.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy. If the product doesn’t conform, keep your proof of purchase and installation documents so you can clearly explain the problem to the seller.