First, choose a dishwasher that fits in your kitchen. Then check whether its baskets can hold the dishes you use between cycles, including plates and pans. A 45 cm model is mainly worth considering when width is limited, while a 60 cm model may be a better fit for larger loads. For an integrated model, check the available space, and with a compact dishwasher, make sure it offers enough usable capacity. Then compare each model’s Eco programme consumption and noise level rather than assuming these from its size alone.
If plates, dishes and pans pile up every day, look at how the baskets are laid out as well as the place setting capacity. The aim is to fit the items you use regularly without having to run an extra cycle or wash them by hand.
If you have limited width, a 45 cm model could be worth considering. Que Choisir describes this size as suitable for a small family, although it may need to be run every day. So check its capacity against the dishes you use, and measure the space before you choose.
If you run regular cycles, compare the figures on the energy label rather than relying on the energy rating alone. Noise levels are especially important if your kitchen opens onto a living area, although the impact will depend on where the appliance is positioned.
Start by working out how much space you have and what you need to fit inside: 45 or 60 cm width, installation type and usable capacity each address different needs. Then compare the Eco programme figures and noise levels of the models that will genuinely suit your kitchen.
| Feature | What to check before buying | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and loading | Place setting capacity and basket layout for your dishes, salad bowls and pans. | When dishes pile up between cycles, I want to fit larger items too, without having to wash them by hand; around 33% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Space and installation | Appliance dimensions, door clearance and connections; for an integrated model, check that the housing and door panel are compatible. | In a narrow kitchen or one with a fitted housing unit, I need an appliance that can be installed and opened properly. Around 27% of consumers put this compatibility ahead of other features. |
| Water and energy | kWh per 100 Eco cycles, litres per Eco cycle and the model’s capacity. | If the dishwasher runs regularly, I want to compare the water and electricity each model uses on a like-for-like basis; around 27% of consumers prioritise these figures. |
| Noise | Noise level in dB(A), noise class and proximity to living areas. | With an open-plan kitchen, I want to minimise disruption while the dishwasher is running. Noise is the top priority for around 13% of consumers. |
ADEME says the energy label provides information including capacity, consumption and noise levels. For household dishwashers, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2017 sets out measurements based on the Eco programme with the appliance loaded to capacity. These figures therefore do not automatically apply to other programmes or reflect how often your household will run the dishwasher.
This figure doesn’t tell you whether your dishes, salad bowls or pans will fit comfortably in the baskets.
Check the layout and adjustable features, keeping in mind the items you wash most often.
Que Choisir says a slimline model may need to be run every day in a small family. So its width alone doesn’t tell you how it will work for everyday use.
Among the models that fit your kitchen, compare the Eco figures alongside capacity and how often you’re likely to run a cycle.
Standardised measurements for the Eco programme don’t show the consumption or duration of every other programme.
Use the energy label to compare models on a like-for-like basis, then check the manual for the programmes you plan to use.
The stated width alone doesn’t confirm that the appliance will fit the unit, door panel and connections, or that the door will open properly.
Check the dimensions and installation requirements for the exact model before ordering. Bosch recommends using a professional to install its appliances as built-in models.
These ranges offer examples of sizes to consider. The features mentioned apply to the specific models listed, not every dishwasher from that brand.
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated dishwashers in 45 and 60 cm sizes. The brand presents its 45 cm models as a solution for kitchens where space is tight.
Beko offers 45 cm models that are freestanding or integrated, worth considering when width is a key factor.
The Miele range includes 45 and 60 cm dishwashers, with different configurations to compare depending on the space available.
These 60 cm models, both freestanding and integrated, are worth considering if dishes pile up after meals and your kitchen can accommodate one. Check how much you can really fit and any installation requirements before comparing their features.
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Worth considering if you want to fit a 14-place-setting dishwasher in a fitted kitchen. It has an A energy rating; check the housing dimensions, compatible door panel and Eco figures on the energy label for the model on offer.
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A freestanding option to consider if you regularly need to wash a large amount of dishes. The model is listed with seven programmes; check the space needed for the door to open and compare its Eco figures on the energy label.
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Worth considering for large everyday loads if you have space for a 60 cm freestanding model. It has an E energy rating; also check the energy label to compare its Eco figures and noise level with other appliances that suit your kitchen.
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Worth considering if 13 place settings is right for your household and you have a suitable housing unit. It has a C energy rating; check the dimensions, door clearance and connections, then look at the Eco programme’s water and energy figures on the label.
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Another integrated option to consider for large everyday loads. It has an E energy rating; check that the housing and connections are suitable, and compare the Eco figures on the energy label before assessing its consumption against other models.
A 45 cm model is worth considering if space is limited or if a small household is happy to run the dishwasher often. If plates and dishes quickly fill the baskets, also compare 60 cm models that fit your kitchen. Que Choisir describes 45 cm models with a capacity of 9 place settings as suitable for a small family, although they may need to be run every day. Whichever size you choose, check that there’s enough room for your larger items.
A compact model is worth considering if neither a 45 nor 60 cm appliance fits the available space, and you don’t have many dishes to wash between loads. Before choosing one, check the specific model’s usable space for your dishes, the connections it needs, its Eco figures and noise level. Its size alone won’t tell you what to expect from these features.
Compare the energy rating with the energy and water figures, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level, rather than focusing on a single letter. For household dishwashers, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2017 bases the relevant measurements on the Eco programme with the appliance loaded to capacity. Check the figures separately for the programmes you normally use.
Before choosing an integrated model, check the dimensions of the housing, whether the door panel is compatible, door clearance and connections. Bosch recommends using a professional to install its dishwashers as built-in models. If you’re preparing to install one yourself, consult the instructions for the model you’ve chosen.