If you cook often, choose a capacity that suits the amount of crockery you produce between cycles, then check that the size and connections will work in your kitchen. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a 45 cm model with 9 place settings may suit a small family happy to run it daily, while a compact 6-place-setting model is better suited to smaller loads. Then compare how well the machines accommodate dishes, their washing and drying performance, and the consumption figures for the Eco programme.
If plates, utensils and pans pile up after every meal, compare the stated capacity with the space actually available in the baskets. Also compare washing and drying performance on the programmes you expect to use.
A 45 cm appliance is worth considering if space is tight but you still have washing up every day. UFC-Que Choisir says a 9-place-setting model may suit a small family, provided they are happy to run it daily.
A compact 6-place-setting model that sits on a worktop may suit smaller loads, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. However, check there is room for your dishes, and consider the water supply and drainage for the model you have in mind.
Start with a typical day’s washing up, measure the space, then compare appliances that can handle your usual loads.
| What to consider | What to check | For my household |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings, the basket layout and the space for saucepans and dishes. UFC-Que Choisir specifically mentions 45 cm, 9-place-setting models for small families happy to run daily cycles. | I want to fit the washing up from our meals without running extra cycles or regularly having to leave larger dishes out. |
| Size and space | Measure the width, depth and height, and check the door clearance. For an integrated model, also check the housing and door panel; for a compact model on the worktop, allow space for the appliance and its hoses. | My kitchen needs to accommodate the appliance without blocking access to cupboards. If I have less washing up, a compact 6-place-setting model could be an option; otherwise, I’ll look at the capacity of a larger model. |
| Washing and drying | Look at comparable test results for the Eco and Auto or Normal programmes. Check how well the machine dries the materials you use, and consider noise if your kitchen is open-plan. These are all covered in UFC-Que Choisir’s tests. | I’d rather check how my glasses, containers and dishes come out than rely on the number of programmes alone. |
| Water and energy | The European Commission says the energy label shows, among other things, electricity use per 100 Eco cycles and water use per Eco cycle. Compare these figures between models, but don’t assume they apply to other programmes. | I want to estimate how much the appliance will use based on our meal routine, while also taking detergent, rinse aid and dishwasher salt into account. |
| Connections | Check the water inlet, drainage, electrical supply and the space needed to access them. Follow the model’s instructions for connection requirements, particularly if you’re considering a hot water supply. | Before choosing between a freestanding, integrated or compact model, I need to know where it can go and how the wastewater will drain away. |
Appliances of different sizes may not accommodate your dishes and saucepans equally well. A compact model that’s too small could mean running extra cycles.
Make a note of the washing up you produce over one or two typical days, then check the basket layout of the model.
The consumption figures on the EU energy label refer to the Eco programme; they don’t automatically reflect a quick or intensive cycle.
Use the label to compare standardised figures, and check the data separately for the programmes you plan to use.
Both freestanding and integrated models need suitable connections. A housing that’s wide enough won’t be sufficient if the door can’t open properly or there’s no room for the hoses.
Measure the space, locate the water supply, drainage and electrical supply, then read the instructions. Ask a qualified professional to assess any installation that needs to be added or modified.
Plumbing or electrical work may also be needed before installation.
UFC-Que Choisir points out that detergent, rinse aid and dishwasher salt are also part of using a dishwasher.
Factor in these consumables, the maintenance recommended in the instructions and the information available about parts for your chosen model.
These ranges illustrate the sizes to consider in France; features vary by model.
Bosch’s French ranges include 45 and 60 cm freestanding and integrated dishwashers.
Beko’s French range includes 45 cm freestanding dishwashers, including models listed with 10 place settings.
In France, Whirlpool offers integrated dishwashers as well as 45 and 60 cm models.
Miele’s French range includes freestanding, built-under and fully integrated appliances, including 45 cm models.
This Joybuy selection brings together freestanding dishwashers listed with 14 place settings and a compact tabletop model listed with 6. It gives you two options for different amounts of washing up, but you’ll still need to check the space and connections.
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Its stated capacity of 14 place settings is worth comparing with the washing up that builds up between meals. The title gives the width as 60 cm, but other dimensions listed for this model are inconsistent. Confirm the exact measurements before deciding where to put it.
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This freestanding model is listed with 14 place settings and could be worth considering for larger everyday loads. Its title gives a noise level of 41 dB and a C energy class. Check the installation dimensions and the model’s drying results before choosing.
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The stated capacity of 14 place settings tells you how much the machine can handle per cycle, but not whether it will fit larger dishes. Check the interior layout and confirm that the dimensions of this freestanding appliance suit your space.
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This freestanding model is listed with 14 place settings, making it another capacity to consider for everyday washing up. Its title gives an E energy class. Check the label for Eco consumption figures and the instructions for connection requirements.
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This tabletop compact model is listed with 6 place settings and is worth considering if you produce smaller loads between cycles. Its title gives 7 programmes, a noise level of 47 dB and a D energy class. Check that it has room for your dishes, and find out how it connects to the water supply and drains.
It may suit a small family happy to run daily cycles. This is the scenario UFC-Que Choisir considers for 45 cm models with 9 place settings. Also check that the baskets can accommodate your usual dishes and saucepans.
Check the dimensions and door clearance, then make sure the appliance can reach the water supply, drainage and a suitable electrical supply. For an integrated model, also check the housing and door panel. The instructions for your model will explain the installation requirements.
Not necessarily: it depends on the model. For example, the Joybuy product page for the Comfee' CDWMTO201D (W) mentions a built-in 5 L tank. This doesn’t apply to every compact model, and you should still check the instructions for drainage requirements.
No. Bosch says this depends on the model and its instructions; some appliances need a cold water supply. Check the instructions for your model before planning this type of connection.
To compare appliances, the EU energy label shows, among other things, electricity use per 100 Eco cycles and water use per Eco cycle, according to the European Commission. These figures don’t cover every programme. Also factor in detergent, rinse aid and dishwasher salt, as recommended by UFC-Que Choisir.