Who are these sizes suitable for?

Households still washing dishes by hand

If you’d like a machine to take care of the daily washing-up, think about how much washing-up builds up between cycles. ADEME recommends waiting until the dishwasher is full before running it and not pre-rinsing dishes, to reduce water use.

Smaller households and narrow kitchens

A 45 cm or compact appliance is worth considering if space is limited or you don’t have much washing-up. According to Que Choisir, a 45 cm model generally holds 9 to 10 place settings. Check that this capacity also suits your plates and pans.

Households with a fitted or open-plan kitchen

In a fitted kitchen, check the recess and cabinet door before choosing an integrated model. In an open-plan kitchen, also compare the noise level in dB and its airborne acoustical noise class, shown on the energy label according to ADEME.

What should you check before choosing?

Start with the washing-up you need to do and the space available, then compare the usage information for models with similar capacities.

What to considerWhat to checkWhat I need
Capacity Compare the number of place settings with your usual loads, including large dishes. According to Que Choisir, 60 cm models generally hold 12 to 17 place settings, 45 cm models hold 9 to 10, and compact models hold fewer than 9. I want to wait until I have a full load without running out of room for the washing-up that builds up between cycles.
Installation Measure the width, height and depth, and allow enough room in front of the door. Check the water supply, waste outlet and electrical supply. For an integrated model, also check the recess and cabinet door. My kitchen must have room for the appliance and the right connections, whether it’s freestanding or built into the cabinetry.
Water and energy On the energy label, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the Eco programme duration for models with similar capacities. ADEME explains that these figures are based on reference cycles. I want to understand the stated consumption for the reference programme, rather than choosing based on the class letter alone.
Noise Check the dB level and airborne acoustical noise class on the energy label, as recommended by ADEME. In an open-plan kitchen, I want to compare the stated noise levels of models that will fit my space.
Washing and drying Look at the programmes that suit your dishes and, where available for the exact model, the washing and drying test results. Que Choisir points out that results vary between appliances. I want clean plates and dishes that are dry enough for my needs, without assuming that a product specification guarantees the results.

What should you watch out for?

  • Ordering before checking the space

    Que Choisir reminds buyers that a dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste-water outlet. The width alone won’t tell you whether the door can open or the connections will be accessible.

    Measure the space in all three dimensions and check the door clearance. Then locate the three connections before choosing a model.

  • Choosing a smaller model just to save space

    According to Que Choisir, a 45 cm model generally holds 9 to 10 place settings, while a compact model holds fewer than 9. If the capacity is too small for your washing-up, you may need to run more frequent cycles.

    Think about what you use between washes, including pans and dishes, then check the capacity and basket layout of the model you’re considering.

  • Looking only at the energy class

    Two appliances in the same class can have different figures for water use, Eco cycle duration, capacity or noise. ADEME says these measurements are shown on the energy label.

    Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration, place settings and noise levels across models with similar capacities.

  • Treating an integrated model like a freestanding appliance

    Que Choisir explains that an integrated model needs to fit into a recess and have a kitchen cabinet door fitted. It can’t simply be placed in a room as it is.

    Check the recess dimensions, fixing compatibility and what’s included in the installation service, particularly for the cabinet door and plinth.

Which brand ranges should you compare?

Bosch

Bosch’s range in France includes 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers.

  • These two widths let you look for an appliance without needing a kitchen cabinet door.
  • Check the dimensions, capacity, consumption and noise level on the product information for the model you choose, rather than making assumptions based on its width.

Beko

Beko France’s range includes freestanding models, integrated models with a visible control panel and fully integrated models.

  • This gives you a choice of installation types to suit your kitchen layout.
  • Capacity and dimensions vary by model, so check the details for the model and recess you have in mind.

Miele

Miele France’s range includes freestanding and fully integrated models, including a 45 cm integrated model.

  • If you’re planning an integrated installation, the product information for each model lets you check recess dimensions and connections.
  • Check cabinet-door compatibility and usage specifications for the exact model you’re considering.

Models for different spaces

These Joybuy models show three ways to make the switch to a dishwasher: a 60 cm freestanding model, an integrated model for a fitted kitchen and a compact countertop appliance. Start by choosing the installation type and capacity that suit your kitchen.

Indesit D2F HK26 S grey freestanding dishwasher

Indesit D2F HK26 S, 60 cm freestanding, 14 place settings

Consider this model if your kitchen has room for a 60 cm freestanding appliance and 14 place settings suit the washing-up that builds up between cycles. The model name indicates an E energy class; also check the space needed with the door open and the figures on the energy label.

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Samsung DW70H72WCB0U1 integrated dishwasher

Samsung DW70H72WCB0U1, 60 cm integrated, 13 place settings

Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a suitable recess. The model name indicates 13 place settings and a C energy class. Check the recess dimensions, cabinet door and fixings before choosing this integrated model.

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Hotpoint H4FD641A white freestanding dishwasher

Hotpoint H4FD641A, 60 cm freestanding, 14 place settings

Another 60 cm freestanding option for a household whose washing-up suits 14 place settings. The model name indicates 41 dB and a C energy class. Check the space needed for the door, along with the other figures on the energy label.

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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz tabletop dishwasher

Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, tabletop, 6 place settings

This tabletop model is worth considering if six place settings are enough and you don’t have room for a full-size appliance. The model name indicates seven programmes, 47 dB and a D energy class. Measure the available space and plan how to connect the water supply and waste outlet.

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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher with built-in water tank

AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5 L tank

The built-in 5 L tank means you can use this model without a fixed water supply connection. The product name indicates 5+1 wash cycles. Check the usable capacity, the space on your worktop and how you’ll drain the waste water.

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Frequently asked questions

What connections do you need for your first dishwasher?

A plumbed-in installation needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste-water outlet, according to Que Choisir’s guide. Check where they are and whether they’re accessible, as well as the space available for the appliance and its door.

What should you compare on the energy label?

Compare the A to G class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level. The European Commission says this information appears on the labels of dishwashers sold in the EU. Ideally, compare models with similar capacities.

Is a 45 cm dishwasher big enough for a small household?

Yes, if the washing-up you accumulate between cycles fits its capacity and it suits the available space. According to Que Choisir, 45 cm models generally hold 9 to 10 place settings and can be used daily by a small family. Remember to include pans and dishes when choosing.

Should you pre-rinse dishes before loading them?

ADEME recommends not pre-rinsing dishes and waiting until the machine is full before starting a cycle. Remove large food scraps, following the instructions for your model and detergent.

Does an integrated dishwasher come with a kitchen cabinet door?

Don’t assume it does: Que Choisir says integrated dishwashers are supplied without a kitchen cabinet door. Check that the door and fixings are compatible, and confirm what’s included in the installation service before ordering.