For regular meals at home, first decide between a dishwasher and washing up by hand, based on the space you have and the amount of washing up, then choose a format that suits your kitchen. If you opt for an appliance, compare a capacity that suits your usual loads with the energy use, eco programme duration and noise level shown on the energy label. A larger capacity is only useful if you can fill it without running lots of lightly loaded cycles.
If you often cook and eat at home, start by considering how much washing up builds up between washes, including dishes and pans. The place setting capacity on the energy label is a useful guide, but you should also check how much space there is in the baskets. ADEME recommends waiting until the appliance is full before starting a cycle.
If space is limited or you cannot alter the units, compare the installation options before looking at the stated capacity. The ranges from Bosch and Electrolux include slimline models; dimensions and capacity vary by model.
If your kitchen is next to your living space or you run cycles often, consider the noise level, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and eco programme duration together. ADEME and the European Commission list these as details on the energy label.
First decide whether the amount of washing up you have and your kitchen layout make an appliance a better choice than washing up by hand. If you choose a dishwasher, check the space available and the capacity, then compare suitable models using the eco programme figures on the energy label.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Place setting capacity shown on the energy label and space in the baskets for larger items. | I want to load the washing up from several meals without having to run lots of lightly loaded cycles. Around 31% of consumers prioritise a capacity that matches the amount of washing up they have. |
| Size and installation | Dimensions of the space and the appliance; for an integrated model, check that the housing, door panel and hinges are compatible, as set out in the instructions. | In a narrow or already fitted kitchen, I need to be able to fit the appliance without assuming that the stated width is all I need to know. This is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Water and electricity | Energy class, kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the label, for a capacity that suits you. | If I wash up regularly, I want to compare water and electricity use using the same units, rather than looking at the energy class alone. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these usage figures. |
| Noise and duration | Noise level and class, then the eco programme duration shown on the label. | If the kitchen is close to my living space, I also need to find a time when the cycle can run without disrupting my routine. Noise and duration come first for around 19% of consumers. |
The letter does not tell you whether the capacity suits your meals, how much water a cycle uses, how long the eco programme takes or how noisy the appliance is. ADEME and the European Commission show these figures separately on the label.
Compare all of these figures across appliances with a size and capacity that meet your needs.
The stated width does not confirm that the housing has the right dimensions or that the door panel and hinges are compatible. Bosch particularly highlights the importance of measuring the housing before choosing an integrated model.
Measure the space in your kitchen and check it against the installation instructions for the exact model. Do not assume the connections will be compatible.
Depending on your existing kitchen, you may also need a suitable door panel or changes to the units.
The water and electricity use and duration shown on the energy label refer to the eco programme. A duration taken from another programme is therefore not a like-for-like comparison.
Compare the energy labels first, then check other programmes if their durations better suit your routine.
An estimate provided by a manufacturer depends on the assumptions it uses. Your own usage will vary, particularly according to the number of cycles you run and how full they are.
To compare models that suit your household, start with the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle shown on their energy labels.
Bosch’s range lets you compare different installation options, including freestanding, integrated, slimline and compact models.
Electrolux offers 60 cm freestanding appliances as well as a 45 cm range, to suit the space available.
Miele’s range includes 45 cm freestanding models, as well as integrated and fully integrated appliances.
Siemens offers freestanding and integrated dishwashers, so you can choose the installation type that suits your kitchen.
These models are for households considering a high-capacity dishwasher for regular meals: the first is fully integrated, while the others are freestanding. Before choosing, check that the size suits your space and the capacity suits your usual loads.
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Worth considering if you want to integrate a 14-place-setting appliance into a fitted kitchen. The title states 60 cm and energy class C, but the model information lists a different width. Check the dimensions in the instructions before planning the housing, door panel and door clearance.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance with 14 place settings. The title states 60 cm, a stainless steel finish and energy class C; however, the model information lists a different width. Check the exact dimensions before confirming where it will go.
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Worth considering if the amount of washing up you have calls for 14 place settings in a freestanding model. The title lists 7 programmes and a grey finish. To compare energy use and plan your cycles, check the energy label for the exact model, particularly the eco programme duration.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for 14 place settings in a freestanding model and noise is a priority. The title states 41 dB, energy class C and a white finish. If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop, check the dimensions and installation requirements in the instructions too.
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Worth considering if you want a freestanding appliance with 14 place settings. The title states 60 cm, energy class E and a grey finish. To compare it with other models, check its kWh per 100 cycles and eco programme duration on the energy label, rather than the duration of a different cycle.
Compare the place setting capacity, energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, eco programme duration, and noise level and class. ADEME and the European Commission show these figures on the label. Start by choosing appliances with a capacity and size that suit your household.
The eco programme duration lets you compare models on the same basis as the energy use shown on their labels, as the European Commission explains. If you plan to use a quick cycle, also check its duration and the model-specific instructions for using it. Do not confuse these with the reference figures.
Measure the space and check the model’s instructions for the housing dimensions, clearance beneath the worktop, door panel and door or hinge system. Bosch notes that integrated models differ in their installation and panel requirements; the stated width alone does not confirm that a model will fit your kitchen.
ADEME recommends waiting until the dishwasher is full and avoiding pre-rinsing. However, load it according to the manufacturer’s instructions without blocking the flow of water, and take your hygiene needs and daily routine into account.