First, choose a size based on how many dishes build up between washes and the space you actually have available. A freestanding dishwasher offers more capacity than a compact worktop model, which is designed for smaller spaces and loads. Then check the dimensions, connections, energy and noise labels, and installation and running costs. No size is automatically the cheapest or quietest choice for every household.
You want to avoid a pile-up of plates, glasses and utensils between meals. Usable capacity and how often you run a cycle matter more than width alone. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering factors such as the number of place settings and energy consumption.
You’re short on floor space or only have a narrow gap available. You’ll need to balance the appliance’s footprint, capacity and connection requirements. UFC-Que Choisir’s comparisons include both slimline and compact worktop models.
You may want to run the dishwasher while you’re using the room. Compare the stated noise levels, but don’t treat any decibel rating as a universal comfort threshold: noise tolerance varies from person to person and at different times of day.
Consider this if: you have space for a floor-standing appliance and want to choose the width to suit your dishes.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible and still needs connections. A 60 cm model takes up more width than a 45 cm one.
Consider this if: your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and you’d like the appliance to blend in with your cabinets.
Bear in mind: measure the housing unit and check that the door panel is compatible and whether it needs fitting. An integrated design alone doesn’t prove that performance will be better.
Consider this if: you have limited floor space and usually have small loads of washing-up.
Bear in mind: the appliance takes up worktop space and has more limited capacity. Check the model’s instructions for loading and draining.
Consider this if: you have around 45 cm of floor space and a compact model would be too small for your meals.
Bear in mind: it has less capacity than many 60 cm models, and a small family may need to run a cycle every day.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity to suit your meals | Take stock of the dishes you use between washes, then check the stated number of place settings and the basket layout. | If I want to load plates, glasses and serving dishes without having to wash a large proportion by hand, I prioritise usable capacity: around 36% of consumers say this is their main concern. |
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. Check the housing unit, door panel, water inlet, drain and power supply for the model. | If my kitchen has a specific space or housing unit, I check that the appliance will fit and can be connected: around 29% of consumers put these constraints first. |
| Total cost | Compare labels on the same basis: kWh per 100 cycles and litres per reference cycle. Add any relevant installation and maintenance costs. | To keep costs under control beyond the ticket price, I factor in installation and running costs: around 21% of consumers are most concerned about the total cost. |
| Noise in your living space | Compare the noise level and noise class. Don’t confuse them with the energy class, and consider what time of day you’ll run a cycle. | If my kitchen is open-plan and I stay in the room while the dishwasher is running, I check the stated noise level without assuming one rating will suit everyone: around 14% of consumers prioritise quiet operation. |
A compact, 45 cm model and 60 cm appliance aren’t designed to handle the same amount of washing-up. The dishes and pans you use every day can also affect the capacity you actually need.
Before choosing, picture how you’d load the dishwasher after an ordinary day and measure the space, including the room needed to open the door.
A tub that’s too small could mean running extra cycles or washing some dishes by hand.
The installation type alone doesn’t tell you whether the appliance needs a water inlet, a drain or an electricity supply. Even if a mini model doesn’t need a permanent water connection, you should still follow its manual.
Check the installation instructions for the exact model and make sure you understand what’s involved in filling and draining it.
The current dishwasher label uses an A to G scale and shows energy consumption for 100 reference cycles. This gives you a basis for comparison, not a guaranteed bill.
Compare appliances on the same basis, and look at the energy and noise information separately.
An integrated model is designed to fit into a housing unit and may need a compatible cabinet door panel. These items aren’t necessarily included with the appliance.
Check what’s included and ask how much installation will cost for your kitchen before comparing offers.
A compatible door panel and installation service may add to the purchase price.
The French product information available covers freestanding models in 60 cm and 45 cm widths, as well as a 55 cm compact model. This lets you compare different sizes without assuming that one model’s features apply to the whole range.
The French product information available includes a slimline freestanding model and a 60 cm semi-integrated model, making them useful for comparing width and integration options.
The French documentation consulted covers 60 cm integrated models and a manual for a compact model. Information specific to each product should be considered separately.
This selection includes compact worktop dishwashers and a 60 cm integrated model, so you can explore options for different space and capacity requirements.
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This worktop model is worth considering if you’re short on floor space and want to wash small loads. Check that it will fit on your worktop.
The title lists a built-in 5 L tank, 9 programmes, a delay start of 1 to 24 hours and dimensions of 37 × 50 cm.
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This compact model may be worth considering if floor space is limited. Check the manual to understand the power and drainage requirements for your setup.
The title lists a built-in 5 L tank, 5 + 1 wash cycles and a double-glazed, tempered-glass door.
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Its stated capacity of 3 place settings is worth bearing in mind if you’re comparing appliances for small loads rather than looking to replace a full-size dishwasher.
The title lists 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay start, a noise level of 56,3 dB and energy class C.
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This tabletop model is worth comparing if you need more capacity than a mini dishwasher for 3 place settings. Remember to measure the space available on your worktop, too.
The title lists 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay start, a noise level of 47 dB and energy class D.
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Worth considering if your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and the stated capacity suits your everyday washing-up. Check that the door panel is compatible and confirm the installation requirements.
The title lists a width of 60 cm, a capacity of 14 place settings and energy class D.
Compare the dishes you actually produce between washes with the available interior space, especially for serving dishes and pans. UFC-Que Choisir says that slimline models for 9 place settings may suit a small family, sometimes with a daily cycle. This doesn’t guarantee that your own cookware will fit or that the price will be lower.
No, some preparation is still needed. Certain mini models don’t need a permanent connection to the water supply, but you’ll need to follow the manual for power, filling and drainage. A plumbed-in appliance needs a water inlet and drain that are suitable for that particular model.
Follow your model’s manual for set-up and loading. The Beko manual consulted recommends removing large food scraps and checking the rinse aid and, if the appliance has a water softener, the salt. These instructions don’t replace the guidance for your own model.
Not necessarily. ADEME presents energy consumption in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. These figures let you compare appliances on a consistent basis, but your actual use will also depend on how often you run the dishwasher and which programmes you choose, as well as any installation and maintenance costs.
Check the dishwasher’s energy label and product information sheet, which are required under European rules, including for distance sales. In France, dishwashers are covered by a repairability index. The legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual, subject to its legal conditions.