For your first dishwasher, start by choosing a size that suits the space available and the amount of washing up you need to do. A freestanding model is suitable if you’re happy for the appliance to be on show; an integrated model also requires a compatible housing unit and cabinet door, while a compact model takes up less room but has a more limited capacity. Then compare the figures on the energy label and check the installation requirements in the manual for your chosen model.
If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop or behind a cabinet door, measure the available width, height and depth before choosing its programmes. Bosch explains that fitting the door and installing the appliance vary depending on the space and type of dishwasher.
A compact model could be worth considering if your kitchen can’t accommodate a standard-width appliance. Capacity is still key: Electrolux lists its fully integrated ESL2500RO compact dishwasher as holding 6 place settings.
If you’ll use your dishwasher regularly, compare models using the same figures from their energy labels. The European Commission’s label includes energy consumption per 100 cycles, water consumption per Eco cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level.
First, work out whether your kitchen can accommodate a dishwasher and whether you have enough washing up to make installing one worthwhile. Then choose a size based on capacity and installation requirements, before comparing consumption and cycle times.
Consider this if: you have a suitable space and don’t need the appliance to match your kitchen cabinets.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible, and its full dimensions need to fit the space you have available.
Consider this if: your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and you want the appliance to blend in with your cabinets.
Bear in mind: the housing unit, cabinet door and door fittings must all suit the specific model, as Bosch points out.
Consider this if: space is tight and you don’t have a large amount of washing up to do.
Bear in mind: a smaller capacity may mean running more frequent cycles or washing some items by hand.
Stick with this if: there’s no suitable space or water supply for the dishwasher you’re considering.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to wash up by hand. Don’t assume one method uses less than the other without comparing how you actually use them.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen compatibility | Measure the space in all three dimensions. For an integrated model, also check the housing unit, cabinet door and installation requirements in the manual. | I want to avoid choosing an appliance that won’t fit in my kitchen or work with my cabinet door. Around 36% of shoppers would put this compatibility at the top of their list. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated place settings and basket layout with your plates, pans and usual meals. | If washing up piles up after meals, I’d rather be able to load it all without running extra cycles. For around 29% of shoppers, capacity is the main priority. |
| Water and energy | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per Eco cycle on the energy labels, taking capacity into account. | I expect to use the appliance often and want to compare its consumption on a like-for-like basis. Around 21% of shoppers would put managing day-to-day running costs first. |
| Noise and cycle time | Check the noise level and Eco programme duration; look separately at any other programmes you’re considering. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to run a cycle without disrupting what I’m doing and know when it will finish. Around 14% of shoppers would prioritise this aspect of using their dishwasher. |
The nominal width doesn’t tell you the appliance’s full dimensions or how its door is fitted. Bosch says the door fitting and installation of an integrated model depend on the space and type of appliance.
Measure the housing unit, then check the model’s manual, paying particular attention to the cabinet door, clearances and connections.
If the appliance isn’t compatible, you may need to adapt the cabinets or arrange installation work.
A smaller footprint can mean a more limited capacity, so consider what you usually wash. Electrolux lists its ESL2500RO compact model as holding 6 place settings; this doesn’t apply to every compact dishwasher.
Check the stated place settings and whether there’s room for your pans, plates and glasses, rather than judging the model by its width alone.
According to the European Commission, the energy-per-100-cycles, water-per-cycle and duration figures on the label relate to the Eco programme. They don’t necessarily reflect a quick or intensive cycle.
First compare energy labels on this like-for-like basis, then look separately at the programmes you expect to use.
The range includes fully integrated 45 cm and 60 cm models, to consider based on the width of your housing unit.
The fully integrated ESL2500RO compact model is one option to consider when space is limited.
The WH2FD14BN70 is an example of a standard-width freestanding model if you don’t need it hidden behind a cabinet door.
The range includes 60 cm integrated dishwashers to consider alongside the requirements of your kitchen cabinets.
These Joybuy appliances let you explore three options for your first dishwasher: freestanding, integrated with your kitchen cabinets, and worktop-sized. For each one, check the stated features against your available space and the manual before deciding.
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Worth considering if you have space for a freestanding model and need a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
60 cm wide; stated noise level of 41 dB; energy rating C. Check the full dimensions and installation requirements in the manual.
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Consider this if your kitchen can accommodate a freestanding model and capacity is an important factor in your choice.
60 cm wide; stated capacity of 14 place settings; energy rating E. Check the space required and the energy label details for this model.
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Another freestanding option to compare with the amount of washing up you usually have and the space available.
Stated capacity of 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Check the energy label to compare consumption and Eco cycle duration.
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Worth considering if you want your dishwasher to blend in with your kitchen cabinets and have a suitable housing unit.
Stated width of 60 cm; capacity of 14 place settings; energy rating E. Check the manual for the housing unit dimensions, cabinet door and connections required.
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Consider this if you’d rather look at a worktop appliance than a freestanding or integrated model.
Stated built-in 5 L tank and energy rating D. Check the manual for the space, water supply and drainage required, as well as whether the capacity suits your washing up.
Compare energy labels on a like-for-like basis: energy consumption per 100 cycles, water consumption per Eco cycle and capacity. The European Commission’s label also includes Eco programme duration and noise level; these figures don’t necessarily describe other programmes.
Not necessarily: the nominal width alone isn’t enough to confirm compatibility. Bosch lists its fully integrated SPV4EMX17E as measuring 815 × 448 × 550 mm. Compare all its dimensions and the cabinet door and fitting requirements in the manual with your housing unit.
A compact model can help when space is limited, as long as its capacity suits your washing up. Electrolux lists the ESL2500RO as holding 6 place settings. Also consider how much room your pans take up and how often you’d be happy to run a cycle.
It depends on the housing unit, cabinet door, existing connections and the model. Bosch recommends using a professional for integrated installation. Check the manual for your chosen appliance before deciding how to arrange the installation.