A dishwasher can take the effort out of washing up after meals if you build up enough crockery and utensils to run cycles that suit your routine. Start by considering how much you need to wash and how much space you actually have: choose a freestanding or integrated model for regular loads, or a compact one for smaller loads. If washing up is quick and installation would be difficult, carrying on by hand is still an option. Then compare the energy and water use, as well as the noise levels, of the models you’re considering, and don’t forget to check the connections.
If washing and drying the dishes after every meal is becoming a repetitive chore, compare the stated capacity with how much you actually build up before running a cycle. The basket layout matters for your plates and utensils, too.
The options available depend on the space, any existing housing unit and the connections already in place. Measure the width, height and depth before choosing a compact, freestanding or integrated appliance.
In an open-plan kitchen, noise levels can matter just as much as water and electricity use. According to ADEME, the energy label lets you compare these figures across the models you’re considering.
Consider this if: you have a measured space and suitable connections, and don’t need the appliance to blend in with your kitchen units.
Bear in mind: the appliance will remain visible. A 45 cm width takes up less space, but limits the choice of capacity compared with a wider model.
Consider this if: you have a compatible housing unit and want the appliance to fit in with your kitchen.
Bear in mind: installation depends on the model’s instructions and may require a door panel or work that the installation service does not carry out.
Consider this if: you have fewer dishes to wash and can’t make room for a 45 or 60 cm appliance.
Bear in mind: a smaller capacity may mean running cycles more often.
Stick with this if: you have fewer dishes to wash, can get through them quickly or can’t install an appliance without major disruption.
Bear in mind: washing and drying the dishes will still be a chore after meals.
To choose between these options, start with your washing-up routine and the space available, then compare appliances that will work in your kitchen.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Time spent washing up | Time spent washing up by hand after meals and how much you build up before a cycle. | When the dishes pile up every day, I mainly want to stop having to wash everything after a meal. Around 31% of consumers would put cutting down on this daily chore first. |
| Space and installation | Available space, connections and, for an integrated model, the housing unit and door panel. | In a kitchen with limited space, I need to know whether the appliance can actually be installed and connected. This would be the first priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Capacity and routine | Number of place settings, room for larger utensils and how often you’re happy to run a cycle. | If my plates quickly fill the baskets, I want a suitable capacity without having to run lots of cycles. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this balance between load size and frequency. |
| Energy, water and noise | kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise level, comparing models of similar capacity. | With an open-plan kitchen or regular cycles, I keep an eye on energy and water use and noise levels first. This would be the main priority for around 19% of consumers. |
The stated width isn’t enough when it comes to an integrated model: the height, depth, housing unit and door panel can all affect whether it will fit.
Measure the space, check the connections and consult the model’s installation instructions before ordering.
Depending on your home, you may also need to allow for plumbing, electrical or carpentry work.
If the capacity is too small, you may need to run more cycles when your usual amount of washing up exceeds the recommended load. Width alone doesn’t tell you how much energy or water an appliance uses.
Choose a capacity that suits your usual loads, then compare the water and energy figures shown for the models you’ve shortlisted.
A letter alone doesn’t tell you how much water is used, how long the eco cycle takes or how noisy the appliance will be in an open-plan kitchen.
As ADEME advises, also compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise level, taking capacity into account.
Detergents and maintenance are also part of the appliance’s day-to-day running costs.
Pre-rinsing dishes or running cycles with very few utensils won’t help you get the most out of the appliance.
ADEME advises against pre-rinsing. Wait until you have a reasonably full load, without cramming the dishes in, and follow the manual when choosing a programme.
The range shown by Bosch Electroménager includes freestanding and built-in dishwashers, particularly in 45 and 60 cm widths.
Whirlpool France’s catalogue includes freestanding, built-in and integrated models in a range of widths.
The Electrolux range includes fully integrated models whose product information may specify capacity, usage figures and installation documents.
These Joybuy models include a freestanding option for regular loads, a compact model for smaller loads and a fully integrated model for a kitchen with a suitable housing unit. Choose the format first, then compare the features of each appliance.
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Worth considering if you regularly build up a large load and have space for a freestanding model.
14 place settings, 7 programmes, grey finish. Check the dimensions and connections before ordering.
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Worth considering for regular loads if your kitchen can accommodate a 60 cm freestanding appliance.
14 place settings, 60 cm wide, energy rating E, grey finish. Check the model’s label to compare its energy and water use and the eco cycle duration.
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Worth considering if you want to wash regular loads in a 60 cm freestanding appliance.
14 place settings, stated noise level of 41 dB, energy rating C, white finish. Check the available space and consult the label to compare energy and water use for the reference cycle.
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Worth considering for smaller amounts of washing up, as long as the reduced capacity suits your mealtime routine.
Tabletop model with 6 place settings, 7 programmes, stated noise level of 47 dB and energy rating D. Check its external dimensions and connection method before deciding where to put it.
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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.
Stated width of 60 cm, 13 place settings and energy rating B. Check the installation instructions, connections and compatibility, as well as whether a door panel is included. Consult the label to compare energy and water use.
Compare the capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, eco programme duration and the specific model’s noise level, as well as its energy rating. ADEME lists these as factors to consider; a single letter isn’t enough to compare models with different capacities or usage patterns.
Wait until you have a reasonably full load, but don’t pack the dishes in so tightly that the water can’t circulate. ADEME also advises against pre-rinsing; follow the model’s manual for loading utensils and choosing a programme.
Before ordering, check the dimensions of the housing unit and the installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen. Also check the connections and ask whether a compatible door panel is needed or included. Depending on the service you choose, carpentry, plumbing or electrical work may need to be arranged separately.
No. The result depends on how you wash up by hand, how much you have to wash and how you use the appliance. To decide, compare your washing-up routine with the figures on the model’s energy label. Take energy, detergents and maintenance into account rather than assuming every household will make the same savings.