If washing up every day is taking up your time, a dishwasher could help, provided you have enough washing to make regular use worthwhile and a suitable space for it. Choose a size based on how much washing-up you build up and the space you actually have: 60 cm for a larger capacity, 45 cm if width is limited, a compact model if you have a suitable spot on the worktop, or an integrated model if the housing and door panel are a good fit. Also check the connections, energy and water use on the Eco cycle, and noise levels.
You get through plates, pans and dishes every day and want to avoid running a second load or washing up by hand. In its guide dated 1 June 2021, UFC-Que Choisir identifies capacity and the amount of washing-up produced as factors to consider when choosing a dishwasher.
You need to choose between a 45 cm model, a compact one or an integrated model, depending on the space and connections available. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between 45 and 60 cm widths, while Bosch Electroménager France explains the installation requirements for integrated models.
You want to cut down on chores without overlooking cycle noise or the impact of frequent use on energy and water bills. ADEME and UFC-Que Choisir both highlight noise and consumption as factors to consider, particularly in an open-plan kitchen.
Start with the amount of washing-up and the space available, then compare energy and water use and noise levels in light of your routine. UFC-Que Choisir highlights capacity and basket layout; ADEME explains that the energy label shows energy use per 100 reference cycles and water use per cycle.
Worth considering : if you have the space and a large load, or are replacing an existing freestanding appliance.
Bear in mind : it takes up more width than a 45 cm model and has a visible exterior; check the connections and door clearance.
Worth considering : if your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and you want a matching door panel.
Bear in mind : check the dimensions of the housing unit, hinges and plinth, and make sure the door panel is compatible with the model.
Worth considering : if floor space is limited but you have a suitable spot on the worktop and only a small load to wash.
Bear in mind : capacity is limited and it takes up worktop space; check the model’s water supply and drainage requirements.
Worth considering : if a 60 cm appliance won’t fit but a 45 cm freestanding model can accommodate your washing-up.
Bear in mind : the narrower width may limit space for large dishes, and this size is not necessarily cheaper than a wider model.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for everyday washing-up | Place settings, basket layout and the height available for your dishes; allow for how much washing-up builds up between cycles. | I want to fit pans and plates in the same load rather than run the machine again : around 33 % of consumers prioritise capacity that suits their everyday load. |
| Space, size and connections | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the door clearance. For an integrated model, check the housing unit and door panel; also check the connections specified in the manual. | If my kitchen is narrow or already fitted out, I want to know which size will fit and can be installed : around 27 % of consumers prioritise space and connections. |
| Energy and water use with regular use | Compare kWh per 100 Eco cycles and litres per Eco cycle on a like-for-like basis; also check the programme duration. These label figures do not cover every programme. | When I run cycles regularly, I want to take account of the water and electricity used : around 20 % of consumers put running costs first. |
| Noise in a living space | Check the noise level in dB(A) and the noise class shown on the label, then consider when you’ll run the cycles. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to keep disruption to a minimum while I’m at home : around 20 % of consumers prioritise quiet cycles. |
The stated number of place settings alone won’t tell you whether your pans and large dishes will fit alongside your plates.
Check the height and layout of the baskets against the utensils you use every day.
If the capacity doesn’t suit your needs, you may have to run extra cycles or wash some large dishes by hand.
The housing unit, plinth, hinges and door panel can all affect installation. Bosch Electroménager France notes that fitting and door-panel requirements can vary by model.
Measure the housing unit and check that the door panel is compatible before choosing your appliance.
The label figures relate to a reference programme; they won’t necessarily reflect the cycles you use every day.
Compare appliances on the same Eco-cycle basis and check that the programme duration suits your routine.
It can free up floor space while taking up room on the worktop; installation also depends on the water supply and drainage requirements.
Check the dimensions and connections specified in the manual for the exact model.
Worth considering when comparing freestanding, integrated and compact models; specifications vary by model.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a slimline 45 cm freestanding dishwasher.
Worth considering for a 60 cm integrated model if your kitchen has a compatible housing unit.
Worth considering for a fully integrated 45 cm appliance when width and a seamless fit are priorities.
This selection includes a tabletop compact model, a 60 cm integrated model and 60 cm freestanding models. Compare them based on your everyday load and the space available.
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Worth considering if you need a tabletop model for a small load.
6 place settings; 7 programmes; energy class D; 6.5 l per cycle; 49 kWh per 100 uses; 47 dB. The stated capacity may not be enough for a larger everyday load.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 60 cm integrated appliance for a large everyday load.
60 cm; 14 place settings; energy class D. Check that the housing unit, door panel and hinges are compatible with your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want a 60 cm freestanding model with a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
Stainless steel finish; energy class D; 85 kWh per 100 cycles; 11.5 l per Eco cycle; 46 dB. The product description mentions a delay start of up to 24 hours.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 14 place settings in a 60 cm freestanding model.
Stainless steel finish; energy class C; 9.5 l per Eco cycle; 75 kWh per 100 cycles; 41 dB(A). The product description mentions an Extra Silence programme.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 60 cm freestanding model with a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
Stainless steel finish; energy class C; the product description mentions a third cutlery drawer.
Locate the water supply, waste outlet and electrical supply, then check that their positions work with the available space and the model’s manual. For an integrated model, also check the housing unit, door panel and hinges. Bosch Electroménager France explains that installation requirements can vary by appliance; a compact size does not automatically mean that no connections are needed.
Scrape off large food scraps rather than routinely pre-rinsing under the tap, then load the appliance and choose a programme suited to how dirty the dishes are, following the manual. You’ll still need to clean the filter; Bosch recommends following the appliance manual for cleaning instructions.
Check the arrangements for taking away your old appliance and the protections that apply to your purchase. The DGCCRF describes free take-back on a “one for one” basis for equivalent used equipment when a retailer sells a new product. For an item bought from a professional seller in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies under the conditions set out in French law, as the Ministry of the Economy explains; an optional commercial guarantee does not replace it.
For household dishwashers covered by the scheme, the European energy label includes the A to G energy class, energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per cycle, capacity and noise level, according to the European Commission. In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the repairability index remains compulsory for dishwashers covered by the rules; based on this information, the durability index required for certain other appliances does not apply to dishwashers.