If washing-up regularly piles up, a first dishwasher could be a good fit, provided you can load it efficiently and have a suitable place with the necessary connections. A 60 cm model can handle larger loads if you have the space; a 45 cm model is mainly useful when width is limited. If you have smaller or irregular loads, or connecting the appliance would be difficult, compare compact models individually or stick with washing by hand.
If meals regularly leave you with a full load, consider how long it takes to fill an appliance and which large dishes need to fit inside. You may still need to wash some utensils by hand: Electrolux advises against putting wood, horn, aluminium, tin and copper in the dishwasher, for example.
A narrow kitchen may call for a comparison of 45 cm models, compact dishwashers and hand-washing. Measure the depth and height too, along with the door clearance and, for an integrated model, the housing unit and door panel.
Before ordering, check where the water supply, waste outlet and power supply for the appliance are. Electrolux says its installation service connects appliances to existing compliant installations, but may not carry out plumbing, electrical or joinery work.
Start with how much washing-up you have and the space actually available, then check the installation requirements and details of the model you’re considering.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and loading | Compare the place settings, basket layout and space for your largest dishes. Check whether the time it takes to fill the dishwasher fits in with your mealtimes. | Plates pile up in my kitchen, but I also want to fit my saucepans and serving bowls inside—not just meet a stated number of place settings. |
| Size and location | Measure the width, height and depth, and check the door opening. According to UFC-Que Choisir, integrated models are available in sizes including 60 cm, advertised for 12 to 17 place settings, and 45 cm, advertised for 9 to 10 place settings. Always check the exact model. | If a 60 cm model won’t fit in my kitchen, it’s worth looking at a 45 cm one. If space is very limited or my loads are irregular, I can also compare a compact model with continuing to wash by hand. |
| Installation and connections | Check the water supply, waste outlet, socket and installation instructions. For an integrated model, also check the housing unit, door panel and how it is attached. | I want to know whether the appliance can be installed in the space available, without assuming that freestanding and integrated models need the same preparation. |
| Water and electricity | On the EU energy label described by the European Commission, compare the A to G rating, kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle for the Eco programme. Check the programme duration too, along with the programmes you’ll use. | I want to compare figures based on the same programme, then check whether that programme suits my routine rather than assuming its figures apply to every cycle. |
| Noise and protection | Check the model’s noise level if you have an open-plan kitchen. Look at its product details for protection against leaks or overflows, how it works and any repairability information. | Noise matters to me in a room that opens onto the living area. I also want to know which protective features are actually included with the model I choose. |
The stated number doesn’t guarantee that your casserole dishes, serving bowls or wine glasses will fit in the baskets.
Measure your bulkiest items and check the top basket adjustment, plate supports and cutlery layout before choosing.
An integrated model needs to fit its housing unit and door panel. Electrolux says its installation service does not carry out joinery, plumbing or electrical work.
Check the installation plan and door fitting. If the space needs to be altered, make sure you know what work is required before ordering.
The energy and water figures used to compare dishwashers on the EU energy label relate to the Eco programme, not necessarily a quick cycle.
Compare the Eco figures across models and check the manual for the programmes you plan to use.
Filling and draining arrangements vary by model, and a smaller capacity may not leave room for larger utensils.
Check the manual for the compact model you’re considering to find out how it connects to the water supply and waste outlet, its dimensions and whether there’s enough room for your dishes.
These examples show configurations worth comparing; their features don’t automatically apply to other models from the same brand.
Bosch offers a range that includes 60 cm freestanding and integrated dishwashers.
The Beko KDIS28122 is an example of a 45 cm integrated model, advertised for 11 place settings.
The range shown by Miele France includes freestanding and integrated models in slimline and standard sizes.
These models are 60 cm options for households with regular loads: four are freestanding and one is integrated. Check their dimensions and connections before choosing one of these instead of a 45 cm model, a compact dishwasher or hand-washing.
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For regular loads, consider how the stated capacity of 14 place settings and adjustable top basket will work with your larger utensils. The product details give dimensions of 85 × 60 × 59 cm, a noise level of 46 dB and overflow protection. Check the connections at the installation location and the energy label figures to compare Eco consumption.
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This 14-place-setting model is worth considering if you have room for a 60 cm freestanding appliance. The product details give dimensions of 600 × 590 × 850 mm, a noise level of 41 dB and automatic door opening. Check the height and clearance required, as well as the energy consumption figures on its label.
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If you need room for larger dishes, this model has a stated capacity of 14 place settings, an adjustable basket and a third basket. The product details give dimensions of 59,8 × 60 × 84,5 cm and a noise level of 44 dB. Before comparing its energy use with other appliances, check the Eco programme figures on the label.
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The product details list 14 place settings, a third basket, an adjustable top basket and AquaStop. However, the model is described as 60 cm wide, while another listing gives its width as 67,5 cm. Confirm the exact external dimensions before deciding where to put it. Check the connections required too.
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This 13-place-setting option is for kitchens with a housing unit suited to an integrated model. The product details mention adjustable baskets and a noise level of 44 dB, but refer to both a fixed hinge and a sliding door. Confirm that the door system will work with your door panel before ordering. Check the connections required and the energy consumption figures on the label too.
Check the water supply, waste outlet and power supply at the intended installation location. Bosch lists these three connections as part of the installation requirements. Then check the manual for your chosen model and clarify any work needed before installation.
Don’t assume energy use from the width alone. For the models you’re considering, compare the kWh per 100 Eco cycles, litres per Eco cycle and capacity shown on the label. Then take into account how often you’ll be able to run a full load.
Yes. As the European Commission explains, the energy and water figures on the EU energy label for dishwashers relate to the Eco programme. They don’t necessarily reflect the consumption of other programmes, so check the manual for the ones you plan to use.
No. Electrolux advises against putting wood, horn, aluminium, tin and copper in the dishwasher, for example. Check the care instructions for your utensils and leave room for hand-washing anything that isn’t suitable for the machine.
Check the repairability index shown for the model you’re considering, along with the accompanying information. Weigh it against the other essentials for your kitchen, including dimensions, installation and usable capacity.