For your first dishwasher, start by choosing a type that suits your kitchen and its connections: freestanding, with no furniture door; integrated, if you have a suitable space and matching door panel; or compact, if space and the amount of washing-up are limited. Then compare capacity, Eco programme consumption, noise, and washing and drying results. An integrated installation may also require preparatory work.
To avoid running multiple cycles, start by considering how much washing-up you produce each day. UFC-Que Choisir recommends looking at place settings, programmes and cleaning results when buying your first dishwasher.
A 6-place-setting compact dishwasher can sit on a worktop and is best suited to smaller loads. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a 45 cm model with around 9 place settings may suit a small family, although you may need to run it every day.
In an open-plan kitchen, compare the noise emissions shown on the energy label. For a fitted kitchen, check the space available, the planned door panel and access to water, drainage and electricity before choosing an integrated model.
Consider this if: you don’t need a door panel to match your kitchen furniture.
Bear in mind: if you want to place it under a worktop, UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking whether its top panel can be removed.
Consider this if: you have a suitable space and want the appliance to blend in with your kitchen furniture.
Bear in mind: fitting the door panel may require a separate visit from the appliance installation, as Electrolux France explains.
Consider this if: you have a small home and produce little washing-up; UFC-Que Choisir describes 6-place-setting models as worktop appliances.
The trade-off: a smaller capacity may mean running more frequent cycles if your daily load increases.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the space and check the model’s instructions. Locate the water inlet, drain and electricity supply. For an integrated model, also check the available space and door panel. | I want the appliance to fit in my kitchen without finding out too late that a connection or piece of furniture needs adapting. |
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the washing-up you produce each day, including pans and containers. UFC-Que Choisir features 6-place-setting compact models and 45 cm models with around 9 place settings. | If washing-up piles up quickly, I’d rather check the capacity than choose a compact model just because of its size. |
| Water and energy | According to ADEME and the European Commission, the energy label shows the A to G rating, kWh per 100 cycles and litres of water per cycle, based on the Eco programme. Compare like with like. | I want to compare the stated consumption figures without confusing one appliance’s Eco programme with another programme. |
| Noise | Check the noise emissions in dB and the noise class on the energy label. ADEME states that a 3 dB difference corresponds to almost twice the noise level. | In an open-plan kitchen, the noise level matters more to me than a simple claim that an appliance is ‘quiet’. |
| Washing and drying | Look for test results covering both, and check the conditions they were carried out in. UFC-Que Choisir notes that marks or damp patches can remain depending on the cycle and materials. Also check the maintenance requirements and leak protection on the specific model. | I want to minimise the amount of washing-up I have to finish by hand and understand how to maintain the appliance, without assuming every model has the same programme or protection. |
A 6-place-setting model may suit a smaller load, but you could need to run it more often if your daily washing-up increases. UFC-Que Choisir presents a 45 cm model with around 9 place settings as an option for a small family.
Think about a typical day’s washing-up, including pans and containers, before deciding on capacity.
Noise deserves particular attention in an open-plan kitchen. According to ADEME, a 3 dB increase corresponds to almost twice the noise level.
Compare the stated dB figures and noise classes on the energy labels of the models you’re considering.
The water inlet, drain and electricity supply must be suitable for the model. An integrated dishwasher also needs a suitable space and, depending on the set-up, a compatible door panel. Electrolux France explains that its installers do not carry out preparatory plumbing, electrical or carpentry work.
Measure the space and follow the installation instructions. If the connections are some distance away, check with the manufacturer which lengths and extension hoses are approved for the model.
Depending on your kitchen, you may need preparatory work, a door panel fitted or compatible connection accessories.
Worth considering if you want to check installation guidance for freestanding or integrated appliances.
Worth considering if access to manuals, spare parts and customer support is important to you.
Worth considering if automatic detergent dosing is one of the features you’re looking for.
This freestanding option is for households considering a 60 cm appliance. Check its dimensions and connections against your kitchen before choosing.
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For everyday washing-up, compare its 14 place settings with your usual load and check that its 60 cm width fits the space. The product title lists 41 dB and a C energy rating. Check the energy label for Eco programme consumption, and look into its washing and drying results and whether it has leak protection.
Check the water inlet, drain and electricity supply at the intended location, then consult the model’s instructions for connection requirements. Bosch Home Appliances France points out that installation can be complex or dangerous. If work is needed, agree who will carry it out before delivery.
Not necessarily. Electrolux France states that fitting and covering the door are not included in its pre-installation service. Check the dimensions of the space, whether the door panel is compatible and exactly what the proposed service covers.
Compare the figures on their energy labels: kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, capacity and noise emissions. According to the European Commission, the consumption figures on domestic dishwasher energy labels are based on the Eco programme; don’t compare them with figures for a different programme.
No. Check what the instructions for the specific model allow. Bosch Home Appliances France states that whether to use hot or cold water depends on the model, and that some appliances require a cold water supply for rinsing.
Read the maintenance instructions and check with the manufacturer or retailer which parts are available for the model you’re considering. The European Commission states that certain spare parts for domestic dishwashers must remain available for 10 years after the model is discontinued; this does not mean that every part is covered.