Households with lots of washing up every day
If dishes and utensils pile up between washes, look at the capacity and basket layout, not just the advertised place settings. Que Choisir generally puts 60 cm models at between 12 and 17 place settings.
Which households are these options suited to?
Smaller households with limited kitchen space
If space or worktop room is limited, measure the available area first. A 45 cm model or a compact dishwasher may be an option, depending on its capacity and the connections it needs.
Households mindful of noise and running costs
For an open-plan kitchen or frequent washing, compare the stated noise level and Eco programme consumption. Include installation services and consumables when comparing offers.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
Start with the load you need to wash and the space available: these two factors determine which sizes are suitable. Then compare the energy label figures on a like-for-like basis, along with the installation requirements.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Number of place settings and the room available for dishes in the baskets. | If pans and plates quickly fill the sink, I want to avoid running multiple cycles or finishing the job by hand. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise capacity. |
| Space and installation | Appliance dimensions, door clearance and, for a built-in model, compatibility with the housing and cabinet door. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without obstructing the walkway. The space available would be the top consideration for around 31% of consumers. |
| Running costs | kWh per 100 Eco cycles and litres per cycle on the label; installation services and consumables. | With regular washing, I want to take account of costs after purchase, not just the appliance itself. Around 25% of consumers would put the overall cost first. |
| Noise | Noise level and noise class shown on the energy label. | When the kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to be able to start a cycle without its noise taking over the evening. Quietness would come before other criteria for around 13% of consumers. |
ADEME explains that the consumption figures shown relate to the reference programme. They make it possible to compare appliances, but cannot predict a household’s costs on their own. To choose between two similar models, also check their repairability index and the features of the programmes you plan to use.
What to avoid before placing your order
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Measuring only the width of a built-in dishwasher
A built-in model is designed for a suitable housing unit and cabinet door; simply finding a space for it under a worktop is not enough.
Measure the housing and available clearance, then check the installation diagram, door type and fixing method for the model you’ve chosen.
The cabinet door and its installation may incur additional costs.
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Assuming the stated place settings mean everything will fit
The number of place settings doesn’t tell you how your salad bowls, saucepans and large dishes will fit in the baskets.
Check whether the baskets are height-adjustable, whether the supports fold down, and how much room you need for the items you wash most often.
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Treating Eco consumption figures as a guaranteed cost
How often you run a cycle, which programmes you use and your tariffs all affect your actual costs. The figures on the label are based on a reference programme.
Compare kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the label, then factor in your usage and tariffs.
Remember to budget for water, electricity and consumables.
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Assuming a compact model needs no connection checks
A countertop appliance still needs the water supply and drainage arrangement specified for that model.
Read the manual and check the water supply, drain and electrical socket location before ordering.
If a water supply or drain needs to be installed, additional work may be required.
Brands to consider by size
Bosch
Bosch’s French range gives you the option of looking at 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers.
- Bosch presents its 45 cm models as an option for smaller households or limited spaces.
- Check the capacity, dimensions and noise level on the product page for each model, as these features vary.
Beko
Beko is worth considering if the available width in your kitchen points towards a slimline appliance.
- Beko’s product information for the BDFN26450XP lists a width of 45 cm and a capacity of up to 11 place settings.
- The stated capacity and noise level for this model don’t apply to every Beko dishwasher.
Electrolux
The range includes fully integrated models to consider if your kitchen has a suitable housing unit.
- For the EES68510L, Electrolux lists 14 place settings, 9,9 litres per cycle and 64 kWh per 100 cycles.
- This model is supplied without a cabinet door: check that the housing, door and installation are compatible.
Miele
Miele’s range includes 45 cm models, including freestanding options to consider when space is limited.
- Miele’s product information for the G 5740 SC SL lists a width of 45 cm and a noise level of 44 dB.
- Compare the label and repairability index for the exact model rather than assuming one model’s features apply to the whole range.
Dishwashers to consider on Joybuy
These models are designed for household loads of 13 or 14 place settings: four freestanding dishwashers and one built-in model for a compatible housing unit. The stated size doesn’t replace the need to check the dimensions, installation requirements and energy label for each appliance.
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Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX freestanding, 14 place settings
Worth considering if you regularly have a large load to wash and want a freestanding appliance.
Listed as a 60 cm model with energy rating C. The dimensions in the description don’t match the stated width, so confirm the overall dimensions before deciding where it will go.
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Samsung DW60M6050FS freestanding, 14 place settings
Consider this if your everyday washing calls for a capacity of 14 place settings and you don’t need a built-in model.
This model is listed with seven programmes. Check the Eco cycle duration and consumption figures on its energy label before comparing running costs.
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Indesit D2F HK26 S freestanding, 60 cm, 14 place settings
This size is suited to a household looking to fit a large load into a freestanding appliance.
Energy rating E. Before installation, check the manual for this model’s water connection requirements.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A freestanding, 60 cm, 14 place settings
Worth considering for large loads if a 60 cm freestanding model will fit in your kitchen.
This model is listed at 41 dB with energy rating C. Its description mentions lead above 0,1 % in some welded components. Check the regulatory information that applies to this product before making your choice.
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Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1 built-in, 60 cm, 13 place settings
Consider this if your kitchen has a housing unit suitable for a built-in dishwasher.
Energy rating B. Confirm the housing dimensions, the cabinet door required and its compatibility before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Which figures should you compare on two dishwasher energy labels?
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level. As ADEME and the European Commission point out, these figures are based on the reference programme. They provide a common basis for comparison, but don’t guarantee your actual running costs.
Does a built-in dishwasher come with a cabinet door to match your kitchen?
Don’t assume that it does. Que Choisir states that built-in dishwashers are supplied without a cabinet door. Check what’s included in the offer, then make sure the door and its fittings are compatible with your chosen model.
Does a compact dishwasher mean you won’t need any connections?
Not necessarily: its water supply and drainage requirements depend on the model. Que Choisir describes, for example, a compact model that needs a water supply and drain, or a nearby sink. Read the manual before setting aside space for it on your worktop.
How should you factor repairability into your choice?
Check the repairability index for the model you’re interested in, then look at the information available on spare parts and documentation. The score applies to a specific model: it cannot, on its own, be used to judge an entire brand or predict how long the appliance will last.
What should you budget for beyond the appliance itself?
Allow for any services needed to install the appliance, as well as running costs. Depending on your kitchen and the offer, this may include delivery, installation, connections or a cabinet door, followed by water, electricity and consumables. Check which services are included before comparing two offers.