Before buying your first dishwasher, check that the amount of washing up you do makes it worth having one, and that your kitchen has room for it. A freestanding model works where there’s no space for an integrated appliance; an integrated model needs a suitable housing unit, while a compact tabletop dishwasher is a good option for smaller loads when a standard model won’t fit. Then compare the capacity, Eco programme consumption, noise level and repairability index for the specific model. Noise is particularly important in an open-plan kitchen, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Compare the amount of washing up you accumulate each day with the time you spend doing it. UFC-Que Choisir considers a dishwasher unnecessary if you wash and dry your dishes after every meal in under 15 minutes.
The space available may point you towards a freestanding model, an integrated dishwasher to fit a housing unit, or a tabletop model. Measure the height and depth, as well as the clearance needed to open the door: the stated width alone isn’t enough.
If the dishwasher will be running while you’re using the living area, compare its noise level in dB and its noise class. UFC-Que Choisir gives particular consideration to noise when assessing models for open-plan kitchens.
Start with the space available and the amount of washing up you do, then compare the specifications of models that can actually be installed in your home.
Consider this if: you have space near the connections and don’t need the dishwasher to be built into a unit.
Bear in mind: allow enough room to open the door, as well as space for the appliance itself.
Consider this if: your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and you’d like the dishwasher to match your cabinetry.
Bear in mind: the door panel, its fittings and the housing unit dimensions must all be compatible with the exact model.
Consider this if: there’s no room for a standard dishwasher and you usually have smaller loads.
The trade-off: its smaller capacity may make it difficult to wash lots of plates and pans.
| Factor | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the clearance needed to open the door. For an integrated model, check the housing unit and door panel too. Compare the stated number of place settings with your largest dishes. | I want to fit my usual dishes inside without choosing an appliance that won’t fit in the space available. |
| Water and energy | The energy label shows energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle, as specified by ADEME. Also compare the Eco programme duration for models with similar capacities. | If I run cycles often, I want to compare their consumption on a like-for-like basis rather than relying on the energy rating alone. |
| Noise | The ADEME label shows the noise level in dB and the noise class. UFC-Que Choisir’s assessments also take account of vibrations, beeps and high-pitched sounds. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to know whether the cycle might disturb me while I’m using the room. |
| Connections | At your chosen location, check that you have the water inlet, waste outlet and electrical supply specified in the manual. Consult the installation diagram for the exact model. | My kitchen needs to be suitable for the format I choose, whether freestanding, integrated or compact. |
| Repairability | In France, the Ministry for the Economy presents the repairability index for dishwashers as a score out of 10. Check the score for the specific model and review its information on spare parts and repairs. | I’d rather assess the repair options than rely on the brand name alone. |
Two appliances described as 45 cm models may differ in height, depth and installation type, as the Bosch SPS4EMW61E and SPV4EMX17E product specifications show.
Measure the whole space and compare it with the dimensions and installation diagram for the model you’re considering.
A rating letter alone won’t tell you how much water a cycle uses or how much energy the Eco programme uses per 100 cycles.
Compare both figures and the Eco programme duration on the labels of models with similar capacities, using the indicators provided by ADEME.
You may be able to hear the cycle in your living area. UFC-Que Choisir takes noise into account in its tests, particularly for this type of use.
Compare the dB level and noise class, then look for an assessment of noise disturbance if beeps or vibrations are a concern.
The index provided by the Ministry for the Economy applies to the specific appliance assessed, not every model from a particular brand.
Check the score for the model you’ve chosen and keep its full product reference so you can find the right documents and spare parts.
In France, Bosch offers 45 cm freestanding and fully integrated dishwashers. These are worth considering if width or matching your cabinetry is a priority.
Whirlpool’s French range includes different installation types and 45 cm or 60 cm formats.
Beko’s French range includes freestanding, semi-integrated and fully integrated models.
Candy offers mini tabletop dishwashers for kitchens without space for a standard model.
These options include freestanding dishwashers for larger loads and a tabletop model for smaller loads. First, check which of these formats will fit in your kitchen.
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For regular loads, compare the stated capacity of 14 place settings with your dishes and larger items. The product title lists a width of 60 cm, a noise level of 41 dB and an energy rating of C. Check the full dimensions, connections and noise class for this model.
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This model is listed with a capacity of 14 place settings and 7 programmes, making it worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding dishwasher for regular loads. Check its dimensions, connections and noise information on the energy label before choosing where to install it.
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The stated capacity of 14 place settings may suit households with larger loads, and the product title lists an energy rating of C. The stated width of 60 cm doesn’t clearly match the detailed dimensions in the product specifications. Confirm the external dimensions before checking whether it will fit in your home.
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This 60 cm model is listed with a capacity of 14 place settings and is worth comparing if you have room for a freestanding dishwasher. The product title gives it an energy rating of E. Also check the energy label consumption figures, full dimensions and door clearance.
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With its tabletop design and stated capacity of 6 place settings, this model is worth considering for smaller loads if a standard dishwasher won’t fit in your kitchen. The product title lists 7 programmes, a noise level of 47 dB and an energy rating of D. Confirm the dimensions and required connections before buying.
Check that there’s a water inlet, waste outlet and electrical supply where you plan to install it, following the points in Bosch’s installation support. For an integrated or semi-integrated model, also check the installation diagram, housing unit and door panel compatibility.
Compare the capacity, energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles, water use in litres per reference cycle, Eco programme duration, and the noise level and class. ADEME lists these details to help you compare models; make sure you also take account of the capacity you need.
First, check the programme duration on the model’s energy label. The Eco programme is used as a reference for consumption figures, but it may take longer than suits your routine. If you can start a cycle in advance, its water and energy figures give you a useful basis for comparing appliances.
Check the repairability index for the exact model. According to the Ministry for the Economy, dishwashers in France are covered by this score out of 10. It provides information about repairability, but doesn’t guarantee that every fault can be repaired in the same way on every appliance.
No. The European Commission says its rules for household dishwashers cover certain parts, including seals, spray arms, filters and baskets, which must remain available to everyone for 10 years after the product is withdrawn from the market. Check which part you need and the exact appliance reference.