In a shared household, start by comparing capacity and basket layout with the amount of washing up you produce, then choose a format that suits your available space and connections. A compact model may work if you have relatively small loads and no suitable floor space, but its reduced capacity could mean running cycles more often. In an open-plan kitchen, also compare the stated noise level and consumption figures on the basis given for each model; the installation type alone does not determine how quiet it is.
If several people use the dishes every day, compare the capacity and basket layout with the size of your loads. Beko and Electrolux product specifications give examples of capacities for particular models, which shouldn’t be assumed to apply to an entire range.
If the living area is in use while the dishwasher is running, check each model’s stated noise level and acoustic class. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of noise in open-plan kitchens; an integrated appliance isn’t automatically quieter.
If floor space or width is limited, distinguish between a slimline model and a compact countertop one. Measure the available space, and check the door clearance and connections. Bosch’s published dimensions and installation diagrams can help you check the model you’re considering.
Worth considering: if you have a space with the necessary connections and don’t want to add a kitchen door panel.
Things to consider: check the model’s dimensions and whether it can fit under a worktop.
Worth considering: if you have a suitable appliance housing and want the dishwasher to fit in with your kitchen layout.
Things to consider: check the dimensions, door panel, door fixing and plinth requirements for the model.
Worth considering: if a floor-standing appliance will fit, but there isn’t enough room for a standard-width model.
Things to consider: a narrower width doesn’t guarantee that the capacity and baskets will suit frequent shared meals.
Worth considering: if your loads are small and there isn’t a suitable space on the floor.
Things to consider: measure your worktop and check the space needed for the door to open and for the connections ; a smaller capacity may mean running more cycles.
ADEME and UFC-Que Choisir list capacity, noise, consumption and installation among the factors to consider. For a shared household with an open-plan kitchen, your choice mainly depends on how much washing up you produce, how much space you have and when the appliance will be running.
| What matters | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for shared meals | Compare the stated number of place settings, the basket layout and the space for larger utensils. | When several people use the dishes, I want to avoid running cycles close together without leaving out serving dishes and saucepans. Around 25 % of consumers in this scenario prioritise capacity. |
| Noise in the living area | Compare the decibel level and noise class for the exact model; check separately whether it has a quiet programme. | If the kitchen opens onto the living room and is in use while the dishwasher is running, I want to be able to chat or relax without being disturbed by the appliance. Around 25 % of consumers put peace and quiet in the living area at the heart of their choice. |
| Space and connections | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the door clearance, water inlet, drain and electrical supply. For an integrated model, also check the door panel and plinth. | When space is limited, I want to make sure the appliance will fit where planned and can be connected. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise the space needed and whether the connections are feasible. |
| Water, energy and cycle times | Compare the kWh per 100 eco cycles, litres per eco cycle and the duration of that programme. Then estimate how many cycles you’ll need for your household. | If the household runs the dishwasher often, I want to compare consumption on a like-for-like basis and take washing frequency into account. Around 15 % of consumers are primarily concerned with the running cost of cycles. |
| Maintenance and leak prevention | Check the manual for filter care, and see whether the model’s product information lists a leak-protection system and any conditions that apply. | In a shared home, I want routine maintenance to be easy to divide up and to know which protections are actually included with the model. Around 15 % of consumers put these considerations first. |
Capacity varies from model to model and may be too small for frequent shared meals. For example, the integrated Electrolux ESL2500RO is rated for 6 place settings, while the slimline Beko BDFS26040X is rated for 10 ; these figures don’t represent every appliance in these formats.
Consider the size of your usual loads and check the capacity and layout of the exact model. Make sure you distinguish between a countertop compact, an integrated compact and a slimline floor-standing appliance.
A countertop compact takes up some of your worktop, and insufficient capacity could mean running cycles more often.
The installation type describes how the appliance is fitted; it doesn’t tell you how noisy it is. Check the stated noise level and acoustic class for each model.
Compare the decibel level and noise class for the models you’re considering, whatever their installation type.
The housing must match the model’s dimensions, and some models require a compatible door panel.
Before choosing, compare the installation diagram with the space available, and check the door fixing and plinth requirements.
Label figures are based on the reference programme and don’t necessarily reflect the programmes you’ll use every day.
Compare models using the same eco basis, then consider how often you’ll run the dishwasher and which programmes your household will actually use.
Examples from its freestanding, integrated and countertop compact ranges give you several configurations to consider.
Examples of standard-width and slimline freestanding models let you compare different configurations.
The slimline freestanding WSFO3T223P is one model to consider if you have limited width available.
The ESL2500RO is an example of an integrated compact model, which is different from a countertop compact.
This selection mainly features 60 cm freestanding dishwashers for shared loads, along with a 60 cm fully integrated model.
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The freestanding design and stated capacity of 14 place settings are worth considering if several people share the washing up.
The product information lists a stainless steel finish.
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Consider this format if your kitchen has a compatible housing and you’re looking for an integrated model for shared loads.
It has a stated capacity of 14 place settings. Check that the door panel and housing are compatible before choosing.
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Compare the stated capacity of 14 place settings with the amount of washing up your household usually shares.
The product information lists a stainless steel finish.
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Compare this freestanding model and its stated capacity of 14 place settings with the loads produced by several users.
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The freestanding design and stated capacity of 14 place settings are worth considering if several people share the washing up.
The product information lists a grey finish.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check the diagram for the model you’re considering. Also check the door clearance, water inlet, drain and electrical supply. For an integrated model, make sure the door panel and plinth are compatible.
No. The European Commission’s energy label includes details such as energy use per 100 eco cycles, water use per eco cycle and the duration of that programme. Compare models on this same basis, then consider which programmes your household will actually use.
Agree who will take care of routine maintenance, and check the manual for the right steps for your model. Bosch describes how to clean the filter and spray arms on its appliances; this isn’t a rule that applies to every brand.
The statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual. For a new item, the French Ministry of the Economy states that the guarantee lasts for two years, and the buyer doesn’t have to prove that the fault existed on the day of sale. This guarantee is separate from any optional commercial warranty.
For the domestic dishwashers covered, the European label includes details such as the energy class, eco programme consumption, capacity and noise emissions. Check the label for the exact model rather than relying on a general claim about a range.