Who are the different sizes suited to?

Households that regularly fill the sink

If plates, glasses, cutlery and dishes pile up every day, consider a 60 cm model if your kitchen has room for one. Check the basket layout too: the stated number of place settings alone won’t tell you whether your pans will fit.

Smaller households or narrow kitchens

A 45 cm model can free up space; a compact tabletop model suits smaller loads, provided you have a suitable spot and connections. Depending on the version, Siemens offers compact models for 6 to 8 place settings. In either case, measure your largest dishes before choosing.

Fitted kitchens where the door needs to match

For an integrated appliance, check the housing, door panel, door clearance and connections for the specific model. Before ordering, also confirm what’s included in the installation service.

What should you check before choosing?

Start with the available space and your usual loads, then compare energy and noise figures on a like-for-like basis.

CriteriaWhat to checkYour needs
Capacity and baskets Compare the number of place settings, usable basket height and adjustment options. Check where your pans, large dishes and tall glasses will go. Washing-up builds up between cycles: I want to be able to load my bulkiest items too, rather than relying on the number of place settings alone.
Size and location Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the door clearance. For an integrated model, also check the housing and door panel; for a compact model, make sure there’s room on the worktop. My kitchen is narrow, or I need to keep a door panel that matches the units: the size must suit the actual space available.
Energy and water Compare the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the energy label, along with the capacity and duration of the Eco programme. Under the EU regulation on dishwasher energy labelling, these figures are based on the Eco programme. I want to compare figures measured on the same basis to keep track of the consumption of my usual washes, rather than assume they apply to a quick cycle.
Noise Check the declared noise emissions for the exact model number. If you’re interested in a quiet programme, check its conditions and duration in the manual. In an open-plan kitchen, or when a cycle is running in the evening, the noise level of the programme I use matters to me.
Programmes and maintenance Look for the cycles you’ll actually use and check their operating conditions. Consult the manual for instructions on cleaning the filter and accessing the baskets. I sometimes run a different load from the previous one: I’d rather check which programmes are useful and what maintenance they involve than focus on the number of programmes alone.
Connections and installation Check the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply requirements in the model’s manual. If you’re unsure about your existing installation, ask a professional to inspect it. Before delivery, I want to know whether the appliance can be installed in the intended spot and what other work needs to be arranged.

What mistakes should you avoid before buying?

  • Choosing based on place settings alone

    Large dishes and pans can take up basket space before you reach the stated number of place settings. A larger capacity won’t help if it doesn’t suit the loads you usually wash.

    Look at the washing-up you produce between washes, measure your bulkiest items and check how the baskets can be adjusted.

  • Comparing a quick cycle with the energy label figures

    The consumption figures on the energy label are based on the Eco programme; they don’t automatically describe a quick or intensive programme. The EU regulation on dishwasher energy labelling specifies this basis for measurement.

    Use the label to compare models with each other, then check the manual for the cycles you plan to use.

  • Ordering an integrated model before measuring your kitchen

    An unsuitable housing unit, door panel or connection can prevent the planned appliance from being installed.

    Take measurements, check the door clearance and connections, then confirm what work is included in your chosen installation service.

    Depending on your kitchen, carpentry, plumbing or electrical work may need to be arranged separately.

  • Assuming one model’s features apply to an entire brand

    A noise level or drying feature applies to a specific model and its operating conditions. For example, Bosch’s stated 42 dB applies to the SMS4ECI28F, not all its dishwashers.

    Compare the details for the exact models, including their programmes, baskets and energy label figures.

Brands and ranges to know

These details apply to the ranges or models mentioned, not every appliance from each brand.

Bosch

In France, Bosch offers 45 cm freestanding dishwashers for narrow kitchens, as well as 60 cm models.

  • Bosch’s product details list a noise level of 42 dB for the SMS4ECI28F.
  • Check the baskets, programmes and noise figures for each model: the SMS4ECI28F’s features don’t represent the whole range.

Miele

Miele offers, among other options, fully integrated 60 cm dishwashers, with specifications that vary by model.

  • For the G 7260 SCVi, Miele states a capacity of 14 place settings, a noise level of 43 dB and water consumption of 8,4 L per Eco cycle.
  • These figures apply specifically to the G 7260 SCVi; check the details for the model you’re considering and make sure it’s suitable for your installation.

Siemens

Siemens offers built-in appliances as well as compact models for more restricted spaces.

  • Depending on the version, its compact range includes 45 × 45 cm models for 6 place settings and models for up to 8 place settings in a 45 × 60 cm size.
  • Check that the model you choose has the features you need and the dimensions required for installation.

Beko

Beko offers, among other options, freestanding dishwashers and slimline models.

  • In its range guide, Beko recommends the 45 cm size for a household of 1 to 2 people.
  • This is only a guide: you’ll still need to check the baskets, space for large dishes and the dimensions of the exact model.

Dishwashers for different spaces

These Joybuy models include 60 cm freestanding and integrated options, as well as a compact tabletop model. Compare each one with your available space, usual loads and connections.

Samsung DW60M6050FS freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings

Samsung DW60M6050FS, freestanding, 14 place settings

This 60 cm model is suited to households that regularly have large loads to wash. Its product details list 7 programmes, an adjustable upper basket, a noise level of 44 dB and water consumption of 10,5 L for the Eco cycle. Check the available space and energy label before comparing its electricity consumption.

View on Joybuy
Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings

Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX, freestanding, 14 place settings

For regular loads, the product details list an adjustable basket, 11 programmes, a noise level of 41 dB(A), 75 kWh per 100 Eco cycles and 9,5 L per Eco cycle. Confirm the external width before planning where to put it: the product details list both 60 cm and a width measurement of 67,5 cm.

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Indesit D2F HK26 S freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings

Indesit D2F HK26 S, freestanding, 14 place settings

This 60 cm model is worth considering if everyday washing-up fills your baskets. Its product details list six programmes, an adjustable upper basket and a noise level of 46 dB. Check that there’s room for your large dishes, and consult the energy label to compare consumption based on the Eco programme.

View on Joybuy
Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1 integrated dishwasher, 13 place settings

Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1, integrated, 13 place settings

This fully integrated 60 cm model is designed for a fitted kitchen with a housing unit and door panel that suit this model. Its product details list an adjustable basket and a noise level of 44 dB(A). Check the installation dimensions, connections and energy label before comparing it with other models.

View on Joybuy
Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz compact tabletop dishwasher, 6 place settings

Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, compact tabletop, 6 place settings

This tabletop model suits smaller loads if you have room for it on your worktop. Its product details list 7 programmes and a noise level of 47 dB. Measure the available space, check the connections and consult the energy label before comparing consumption.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do you compare the energy consumption of two dishwashers?

Compare the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle shown on their energy labels, and consider the capacity and duration of the Eco programme too. Under the EU regulation on dishwasher energy labelling, these figures relate to the Eco programme at rated capacity; they don’t automatically describe a quick or intensive cycle.

Can a 45 cm dishwasher be enough for one or two people?

Yes, if the washing-up you produce between cycles and your larger items fit in the model you choose. Beko recommends the 45 cm size as a guide for a household of 1 to 2 people, while Bosch offers it for smaller kitchens. Most importantly, check the baskets and think about your usual loads.

What should you check before ordering an integrated dishwasher?

Measure the housing unit and door panel, then check the door clearance, connections and installation instructions for the exact model. Electrolux’s pre-installation guide calls for connections that meet current standards; separately confirm what work is included in your chosen service.

How can you tell if your existing connections are suitable?

Compare your kitchen’s water inlet, drainage and electrical supply with the requirements in the manual for the model you’re considering. If the installation is old, missing or in doubt, ask a professional to inspect it in person before arranging installation.

What should you check for maintenance and after-sales service?

Check the model’s manual for filter maintenance, and look into the warranty, spare parts and after-sales service. These details are especially important if the appliance is going into a fitted kitchen where access is restricted.