If you don’t have a space built into your kitchen, choose a compact worktop model if space is limited and you don’t have much washing up. If you have room on the floor, compare 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding models according to the capacity you need. Only consider an integrated model if your kitchen has a compatible housing and door panel. Whichever type you choose, check the water supply, waste outlet, electricity supply and appliance dimensions before making a decision.
You want to cut down on washing up by hand without having to create a dedicated space. A freestanding model gives you more flexibility when arranging your kitchen, according to UFC-Que Choisir, as long as you have enough room and the necessary connections.
You’re considering a compact worktop model, but you’ll need to measure the space it will take up and check that it can hold your everyday plates, dishes and pans.
You could consider an integrated model if your plans include a compatible housing and door panel. If you rent your home, discuss any planned alterations with your landlord before arranging work.
Start by considering the space you actually have available: a compact appliance takes up worktop space, a freestanding model needs floor space, and an integrated model requires a built-in housing. Then compare capacity with the amount of washing up you generate, and don’t forget to check the connections.
Consider this if: you can set aside a stable surface for it and don’t have much washing up. UFC-Que Choisir, for example, describes worktop models with a capacity of six place settings.
Bear in mind: a smaller capacity doesn’t mean you can skip checking how the model is supplied with water and how it drains.
Consider this if: you have floor space but no built-in housing. UFC-Que Choisir says 45 cm models generally hold 9 to 10 place settings, while 60 cm models hold 12 to 17.
Bear in mind: a 60 cm model needs more width, and both sizes must be connected in accordance with the instructions.
Consider this if: your kitchen already has, or will have, a compatible housing and a suitable cupboard door panel.
Bear in mind: this type cannot simply be installed as a freestanding appliance. UFC-Que Choisir explains that it must be fitted into a purpose-built housing.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Locate the water supply, waste outlet and socket, then check their positions against the instructions for the exact model. | I want to install the appliance without making alterations whose feasibility still needs to be checked. For around 33% of consumers, compatibility with their home comes before other considerations. |
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth, the door opening and the space needed to load the dishwasher. For a compact model, check the size of the surface it will stand on too. | There’s little floor or worktop space in my kitchen, and I need to be able to use the appliance once it’s installed. Around 27% of consumers prioritise its actual size. |
| Useful capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the space available for your dishes and pans, then check the basket layout. | I’d rather not have to run several loads or wash up by hand to get through a day’s washing up. Everyday capacity is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Fitting with your kitchen units | For an integrated model, check the housing dimensions, door panel, hinges and installation requirements. | I want the appliance to match the units in my fitted kitchen, provided installation is possible. Around 13% of consumers put this first. |
Freestanding means you don’t need a cupboard door panel, but you still need the water supply, waste outlet and electrical connection described in Bosch and Beko’s installation instructions.
Locate the connection points in your home, then compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model.
If the existing connections aren’t suitable, you may need plumbing or electrical work.
A small size doesn’t guarantee there’ll be room for your larger utensils or that draining the water will be convenient. UFC-Que Choisir describes a compact model that needs a water supply and waste outlet, or a nearby sink.
Think about a typical day’s washing up, including dishes and pans, then check the model’s capacity, interior layout and instructions.
An integrated model must be fitted into compatible kitchen units and have a suitable door panel; it isn’t simply an appliance you can place on the floor.
Check your kitchen plans before choosing this type. If there’s no housing, compare a compact worktop model with a freestanding one instead.
The door panel and its fitting require extra preparation.
The energy rating letter doesn’t tell you everything on the label. ADEME also recommends checking water and energy consumption, cycle duration and noise levels.
Compare figures on the same basis, including kWh per 100 reference cycles and litres per cycle, while keeping the capacity you need in mind.
Bosch’s range includes compact worktop models and integrated dishwashers. Both are worth considering, depending on whether you have worktop space or a built-in housing.
Beko’s selection of 45 cm freestanding models may suit households with limited floor space but no built-in housing.
Whirlpool offers freestanding, built-in and integrated dishwashers in 45 cm and 60 cm widths, giving you several kitchen layouts to consider.
These models suit two of the situations covered here: compact worktop models when space is limited, and 60 cm freestanding appliances if you have room on the floor. For each one, check the useful capacity and installation requirements for your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want to install an appliance on your worktop and compare a tank-fed model with the connection options in your home.
The product name indicates a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Check the instructions for how to drain wastewater, even when using the tank.
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This worktop model is worth comparing if you’re looking for a tank-fed appliance rather than one that takes up floor space.
Its name indicates a built-in 5 L tank, 6+3 programmes and a D energy rating. Check the place-setting capacity and what equipment you’ll need if you plan to connect it to a tap.
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Its stated capacity of six place settings is worth comparing with your everyday washing up before you make room for it on the worktop.
The product name indicates seven programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Check its external dimensions and whether the hoses will reach your kitchen connections.
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Consider this if your kitchen can accommodate a 60 cm freestanding appliance and you’re looking for a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
The product name indicates 41 dB and a C energy rating. Check the space, delivery access and connections. The product details flag lead above 0.1% in certain soldered components; ask the seller for more information about this declaration.
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This 60 cm model is worth considering if you have floor space and want to compare its stated capacity of 14 place settings with that of compact models.
Its name indicates an E energy rating. Measure the space and delivery access, then check the energy label and instructions to compare consumption and prepare the connections.
Don’t assume so: the water supply and drainage requirements depend on the model. For one compact model it tested, UFC-Que Choisir says a water supply and waste outlet, or a nearby sink, are needed. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Yes, if you have suitable floor space and the necessary connections. A freestanding model doesn’t need a built-in housing or cupboard door panel. UFC-Que Choisir highlights its flexibility, but you’ll still need to check the dimensions and installation requirements for each model.
No, it isn’t designed to be installed as a freestanding appliance. UFC-Que Choisir explains that an integrated model must be fitted into a purpose-built housing. Check that you have a compatible door panel too. If you’re not planning suitable kitchen units, consider a worktop or freestanding model instead.
Discuss any necessary alterations with your landlord before arranging installation, particularly if it involves plumbing, electrics or kitchen units. Find out exactly what work is needed and have a suitably qualified professional check the connections rather than assuming the appliance can be installed as it is.
Compare the figures on the energy labels on the same basis, rather than looking only at the rating. ADEME lists energy consumption in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water consumption in litres per cycle. Check the capacity, cycle duration and noise levels too.