A dishwasher is worth considering if washing-up regularly piles up, provided you can install an appliance with a capacity that suits your routine. Choose between a freestanding, integrated or compact model based on the space available and your plumbing and electrical connections. If none of these options works for you, washing up by hand is still an option. Then compare the energy labels of the models you’ve shortlisted, without treating their figures as guaranteed savings for your household.
If your meals regularly leave you with a lot of washing-up, start by considering how much you need to wash between cycles. The place setting capacity and Eco programme duration will help you decide whether a model fits your routine.
Freestanding, integrated and compact models each require different checks. Measure the space and check the connections. For an integrated model, also check the housing unit and door panel.
The energy label lets you compare noise, water and energy use, Eco programme duration and capacity. These figures are based on standard test conditions; they don’t show how much energy your household will use or what your bill will be.
First, check that you can install a particular type of dishwasher in your home and that it will fit your usual load. Then compare the labels of models that will work in your kitchen.
| Criterion | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the space using the model’s installation diagram. Check the water supply, waste outlet and electrical supply. For an integrated model, also check the housing unit and door panel. | I have an accessible space for a freestanding model, or I can confirm that the housing unit and door panel are suitable for an integrated model. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated place setting capacity with the washing-up that builds up between washes. For a compact model, also check that there’s room for your usual plates and utensils. | I’m interested in a smaller appliance if it can hold enough for my routine. Otherwise, the space saved may not meet my capacity needs. |
| Energy label | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and capacity. The European Commission says these figures are based on the Eco programme at rated capacity. | I want to compare models on a like-for-like basis, without treating the label figures as my annual energy use. |
| Noise and cycle time | Check the noise level in dB and the Eco programme duration on the label for the exact model, as recommended by ADEME when comparing appliance specifications. | I have an open-plan kitchen, or I need my dishes ready by a certain time, so noise and cycle time matter to me. |
| Washing up by hand | If installation or capacity isn’t suitable, consider whether to keep washing up by hand based on the amount of washing-up you have. Don’t compare its energy use directly with an appliance’s label figures. | If I can’t install or make useful use of a dishwasher as part of my routine, I can carry on washing up by hand. |
| Maintenance | Check the model’s maintenance instructions and any repairability information available for it. Remember to factor in the consumables needed to use it. | I want to consider how I’ll use and maintain the appliance after installation, not just its listed specifications. |
The rating letter on its own doesn’t tell you about capacity, water use per cycle, Eco programme duration or noise.
For every model you’re considering, also compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, place setting capacity, Eco programme duration and dB, using the information provided by the European Commission.
The capacity might suit you, but that won’t help if the appliance doesn’t fit in the housing unit or the connections aren’t suitable. Bosch highlights the need to take particular care with integrated installation.
Measure the space, check the model’s installation diagram and confirm what’s included in delivery and installation.
Preparing the space may require separate carpentry, plumbing or electrical work in addition to installing the appliance.
An appliance that takes up less space may need to run more cycles if it doesn’t have enough capacity for your washing-up.
Compare the stated place setting capacity with the amount you usually have, and check where you’ll put your plates, pans and utensils.
Regulatory measurements for dishwashers are based on the Eco programme at rated capacity. According to ADEME, household washing-up habits also affect energy use.
To work out whether an appliance makes sense for you, consider the number of cycles, how full you load it and how you currently wash up, rather than assuming you’ll save energy based only on the label figures.
These Joybuy models include an integrated dishwasher and freestanding appliances for regular washing-up. Check each model’s capacity and installation requirements before choosing a type.
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Its stated capacity of 14 place settings could suit regular washing-up if it matches your usual load. The width given in the title doesn’t match the dimensions listed, so check the model’s measurements, housing unit and door panel before arranging installation.
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This freestanding model has a stated capacity of 14 place settings. Compare this with the amount of washing-up you have between cycles. Check the dimensions and connections, as well as the Eco programme duration if that matters to your routine.
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Compare the stated capacity of 14 place settings with the amount of washing-up you usually have. The width in the title differs from the dimensions listed for this model, so check its external width and the space required for installation.
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With a stated capacity of 14 place settings, this model is worth comparing with the amount of washing-up you have between washes. Check the space and connections, then look at the model’s label to compare kWh per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration.
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If noise matters in your kitchen, compare the stated 41 dB with the figures for other models you’re considering. Also check the available space, Eco programme duration and safety instructions for opening the door after a cycle.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration, place setting capacity and noise level. The European Commission explains that regulatory measurements use the Eco programme at rated capacity. They let you compare models, but don’t tell you your annual energy use.
No. The figures shown are based on the Eco programme’s test conditions. Your energy use will depend on factors including how many cycles you run, how full the dishwasher is and which programmes you use. To compare it with washing up by hand, you’d also need to consider your own habits.
Use the installation diagram to check the dimensions of the housing unit and appliance, door or panel compatibility, clearances and connections. Bosch Home Appliances France highlights the need to take care with integrated installation. Also confirm whether any carpentry, plumbing or electrical work is included in the installation service.
Follow the requirements for the specific model and installation service you’ve chosen, rather than relying on a distance that applies to every brand. For its pre-installation service, Electrolux France specifies a maximum distance of 1,2 m from the water supply and waste hose, with no extension hose supplied by its installers.