For regular shared meals, a standard dishwasher is a good choice if you have the space and suitable connections. A compact model saves space, but check that your dishes and pans will fit. Then compare the installation type and the eco programme figures on the energy label, bearing in mind that they are not a guaranteed estimate of consumption for every cycle. If you have a small amount of washing-up and can clean it straight away, hand-washing may still suit your routine.
You want to load all the dishes and utensils used by several guests in one go. Compare the basket layout with the stated place-setting capacity: this doesn’t guarantee that all your larger serving dishes will fit at the same time.
You need to choose between a floor-standing space, a compatible built-in housing unit or a worktop area for a compact appliance. Check the installation type and the dimensions of the exact model; the connections must also match the instructions for that model.
You’re comparing noise levels if the appliance will be near a living area, as well as water and electricity use and the duration of the eco programme. The European Commission and ADEME provide these figures on standardised bases, which you can check for each appliance.
Choose this if: you have a floor space and suitable connections, and don’t need the appliance to fit into a housing unit or behind a cupboard door.
Check: measure the space and door clearance. The stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that all your utensils will fit at once.
Choose this if: your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and a cupboard door that can be fitted using the system supplied with the exact model.
Check: the housing unit dimensions, cupboard door, hinges and clearances. Compact models can also be built in.
Choose this if: space is your priority and the dishes from a typical meal will fit within the model’s capacity and usable dimensions.
Bear in mind: larger dishes or several courses may mean running an extra cycle or doing some washing-up by hand.
Consider this if: you have a small amount of washing-up and can clean it soon after your meal.
Keep in mind: water use depends on how you wash up. A comparison won’t guarantee the same savings for every household.
If you’re buying a new dishwasher for regular meals with several people, compare capacity and available space first, then check the energy label figures and maintenance requirements.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who prioritises it most? |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting in the washing-up from your meals | Compare the place-setting capacity, basket layout and dimensions of your dishes and pans. | If I want to fit in the washing-up from a meal in a reasonable number of cycles, I look first at the capacity and basket layout. Around 29% of consumers prioritise fitting in a full load. |
| Finding the right installation type | Measure the space and door opening; check the housing unit, cupboard door and connections according to the installation type and instructions. | If my kitchen has limited space or requires a specific housing unit, I check that the format and installation type suit the space available. Around 23% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s footprint and installation compatibility. |
| Comparing water and electricity use | For the eco programme, check the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle, along with the capacity and duration. | If I want to keep track of the resources used to wash my dishes, I compare the eco figures on the same basis and take into account how many cycles I’ll need. Around 18% of consumers put water and electricity use first. |
| Matching noise and cycle duration to your household routine | Compare noise emissions in dB and the eco programme duration with the planned location and your schedule. | If the kitchen is near a living area or I need my dishes again soon, I check the noise level and programme duration. Around 18% of consumers prioritise comfort while the dishwasher is running. |
| Planning for maintenance and repairability | Check the repairability index shown and the care instructions in the manual, particularly those relating to water hardness. | If I want to understand routine maintenance and what my model needs, I check its manual and repairability information. Around 12% of consumers put these criteria first. |
The European Commission and ADEME explain that the energy label lets you compare standardised figures, including energy use per 100 eco cycles, water use per cycle, capacity, eco programme duration and noise. These figures alone can’t predict the consumption of every programme or load. ADEME also advises against pre-rinsing dishes and recommends waiting until you have a full load before starting a cycle.
The stated place-setting capacity doesn’t guarantee that all the dishes and pans from a shared meal will fit at the same time. An oversized load may mean running several cycles or washing some items by hand.
Make a list of the dishes you use for a typical meal, then check the basket layout and usable space before choosing a compact model.
A compact appliance may be designed to stand on a surface or be built in; these formats need different types of space. With an integrated model, you’ll also need to check the housing unit and cupboard door.
Check the installation type for the exact model, then measure the space and check the connections specified in the manual.
The energy label figures are based on a specific programme and standardised conditions. The amount of washing-up, number of cycles and method of hand-washing can all vary.
Compare appliances on a like-for-like basis, and don’t assume the eco programme figures apply to every other programme. With hand-washing, the results depend on how you do it.
French examples of freestanding and fully integrated 60 cm models give you a way to compare installation requirements for a standard-size dishwasher.
The ESA47400SX and ESL2500RO models illustrate a freestanding 13-place-setting appliance and a fully integrated compact six-place-setting model respectively.
The CP 6E51LS is an example of a six-place-setting tabletop compact model for smaller loads when floor space is limited.
The BDFN16431W is an example of a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher listed for 14 place settings.
This selection includes 60 cm freestanding dishwashers and one fully integrated model, all listed for 14 place settings. Compare standard capacity with different installation requirements.
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Its freestanding design and stated capacity of 14 place settings give you a useful benchmark for comparing loads from shared meals. Check that your larger serving dishes fit in the baskets.
The Joybuy product listing gives figures of 85 kWh per 100 cycles and 11,5 L per eco cycle, with a stated eco programme duration of 5 h. It also lists a delay start of up to 24 h. Make sure you have a stable space and the connections specified in the instructions.
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This freestanding model is listed for 14 place settings. Compare the basket layout with the dishes you use for your meals.
The Joybuy product listing gives figures of 75 kWh per 100 cycles, 9,5 L per eco cycle and 41 dB. It also lists 11 programmes and a half-load option.
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With a stated capacity of 14 place settings, this model is worth comparing for washing-up from meals with several people. Check the basket layout to see if it suits your bulkier utensils.
The Joybuy product listing gives it a C energy rating and a third cutlery drawer.
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The stated capacity of 14 place settings gives you a useful benchmark for shared meals. Compare the basket dimensions with your plates and serving dishes.
The Joybuy product listing gives water use of 9,5 L and a noise level of 46 dB. It also lists an 85-minute Push&Go cycle at 50 °C.
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This fully integrated model is listed for 14 place settings. Choose it only if your kitchen housing unit and cupboard door are compatible with this exact model.
The Joybuy product listing gives figures of 54 kWh per 100 eco cycles, 9,4 L per eco cycle, an eco programme duration of 5 h and a noise level of 42 dB. It also lists a delay start and a half-load option.
Compare the kWh per 100 eco cycles and litres per eco cycle, along with the capacity and duration of the same programme. The European Commission and ADEME explain that these standardised figures don’t guarantee the consumption of every programme or load.
Measure the housing unit and check the cupboard door, hinges and clearances for the exact model. Also check the connections listed in its manual: these requirements depend on the model and your kitchen, not just the place-setting capacity.
ADEME advises against pre-rinsing dishes and recommends waiting until you have a full load before starting a cycle. If waiting doesn’t suit the rhythm of your meals, take the number of cycles you’ll need into account when choosing the capacity.
Follow the model’s manual for detergent and, depending on the appliance and water hardness, salt and rinse aid. Bosch recommends checking the salt level for the appliances it applies to; always follow the manual for your exact model.
A new dishwasher sold in France must display an energy label, whether sold in a shop or online, and this category is also covered by a repairability index. When a private individual buys from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies. According to the DGCCRF, the corresponding claim must be made within two years of delivery. This is separate from an optional commercial extended warranty.