First, choose a size and installation type that suit your kitchen, then check that the racks can hold the dishes you use regularly. A 60 cm model could work if you have the space, while a 45 cm model takes up less width. A compact dishwasher suits different space constraints, and with a built-in appliance you’ll also need to check the niche, door panel and door clearance.
You’ll need to compare a slimline appliance with a compact model without confusing width, height and capacity. Bosch Home Appliances France and Electrolux France list formats and dimensions to consider, depending on where you plan to put the appliance.
You want to keep your matching door fronts and check the niche, hinges, plinth and door clearance before choosing a built-in appliance. Bosch Home Appliances France explains these checks for its configurations.
You want to know how much space the racks actually offer for your plates, dishes and utensils, while taking into account the room available for the appliance. The European Commission says the energy label includes the stated capacity, among other details.
Start with the constraints that determine whether the appliance will fit, then check the loading space and useful features on compatible models.
| What matters | What to check | Who prioritises it? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and dimensions | Measure the available width, height and depth, including pipes; check the door clearance. | If every centimetre counts, I want to know whether the appliance will fit without blocking the walkway or door. Around 29% of consumers prioritise space and installation dimensions. |
| Loading capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings and rack layout with the dishes and utensils you use. | If I regularly wash plates and large dishes, I want to check they’ll fit in the racks. Around 24% of consumers prioritise loading capacity. |
| Fitting with your kitchen units | Check the niche, door panel, hinges, plinth and door clearance. | If matching door fronts matter to me, I want to make sure the door opens without catching on the plinth. Around 23% of consumers prioritise how the appliance fits with their kitchen units. |
| Noise in an open-plan kitchen | Compare the noise emissions shown on the labels of compatible models. | If my kitchen is close to the living area, I want to compare the stated noise level before choosing a size. Around 12% of consumers prioritise quiet operation. |
| Water and energy | Compare the Eco programme figures shown on the appliance labels. | I want to compare the stated water and energy use while also taking the installation requirements into account. Around 12% of consumers prioritise consumption and installation requirements. |
Bosch Home Appliances France recommends measuring the space and checking the installation diagram: width alone isn’t enough to confirm that an appliance will fit.
An appliance described as 45 or 60 cm wide may also need to fit the available height and depth, the pipes and the door clearance.
Measure the available space and compare it with the dimensions in the diagram and instructions for the model you’re considering.
“Compact” doesn’t necessarily mean a 45 cm appliance or a particular installation type. Dimensions, capacity and installation options vary between models.
Compare the full dimensions, installation type, capacity and rack layout rather than relying on the word “compact” alone.
An appliance that’s too small for your needs may mean running more frequent loads.
The door panel and hinge system need to let the door clear the plinth. Compatibility depends on your kitchen layout and the model.
Check the door clearance in the product documentation against the actual dimensions of your door panel and plinth.
Depending on the installation, you may need to modify the plinth or door panel.
This selection includes 60 cm freestanding models, a 60 cm built-in appliance and compact countertop dishwashers.
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Worth considering if you have space for a 60 cm freestanding model and want a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
Class C; 41 dB(A); 9.5 L per Eco cycle; 11 programmes. The product description mentions an adjustable upper rack and a third cutlery drawer.
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Worth a look if you have room for a 60 cm freestanding model and want to compare its options for fitting under a worktop.
14 place settings; class E; 46 dB; 9.5 L per cycle. The product description lists a removable top, a stainless steel tub and an adjustable upper rack.
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Worth considering if your kitchen is designed for a built-in appliance and the niche and door panel are suitable for this model.
14 place settings; class A; 42 dB. The product description mentions a cutlery drawer, adjustable feet, a concealed control panel and automatic door opening at the end of the cycle.
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Worth considering if you have space for a countertop appliance and want to choose between the built-in tank and a tap connection.
Dimensions: 420 × 435 × 435 mm; 5 L built-in tank; 6 programmes and 3 extra functions. The adapter required to connect it to a tap is listed as not included.
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Worth considering for a small space if the stated capacity of 3 place settings suits your needs.
Freestanding; dimensions: 49 × 34 × 49 cm; stated water consumption: 2.9 L per cycle.
Measure the available width, height and depth of the niche, allowing for the space taken up by pipes, then compare these measurements with the model’s diagram. Also check the door panel, hinges, plinth and clearance needed to open the door: dimensions vary between appliances.
No. The term “compact” doesn’t tell you how the appliance is supplied. Check the instructions for its water supply, drainage and electrical connection. For a built-in installation, also consult the installation diagram.
The European Commission says dishwasher labels show details including energy use per 100 Eco programme cycles, water use per cycle, capacity and noise emissions. Compare like-for-like figures: they don’t, on their own, determine consumption with other programmes or loading habits.
For a new appliance sold by a business to an individual, the legal guarantee of conformity applies through the seller. According to the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance, it may also cover installation if the contract states that the seller is responsible for it or must pay for it. You have two years to claim under the guarantee.
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance says the business must provide the delivery charges in writing before purchase. If it offers paid installation or commissioning, it must also state those charges. Check what’s included in the service offered.