To choose a dishwasher for everyday meals, first measure the space available and estimate how much washing-up you produce between cycles. A freestanding model is a good choice if you don’t have a housing unit to fit; an integrated model needs a compatible housing unit and furniture door, while a countertop compact model is best suited to homes short on space, though its capacity needs careful checking. Then compare the energy label and connection instructions for each model.
If your worktop or kitchen is small, compare the space a compact model takes up with the washing-up you produce between cycles. Que Choisir features countertop appliances that hold 6 place settings; this doesn’t mean all compact models have the same capacity.
If you’re adding or replacing an appliance in a housing unit, check the dimensions and furniture door before choosing an integrated model. Que Choisir notes that this type of appliance must be installed in a purpose-built housing unit.
If meals also leave you with large dishes and containers, the number of place settings alone won’t help you decide. Compare it with the basket layout and what you want to wash in one cycle – two factors highlighted in Que Choisir’s buying guide.
First work out where the appliance can go and how much washing-up it needs to hold. Then compare the usage information for models that meet both requirements.
Worth considering: if you don’t have a housing unit to fit; according to Que Choisir, this type doesn’t need a furniture door.
Bear in mind: the appliance remains visible and will only fit under a worktop if the specific model is designed to do so, for example with a removable top.
Worth considering: if your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and you want the appliance to match your cabinets.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a compatible furniture door for the type of integration you choose, and the appliance must be installed according to the instructions. An integrated model isn’t a straightforward replacement for a freestanding one.
Worth considering: if saving space is a priority and you don’t have much washing-up between cycles.
Bear in mind: the capacity is more limited, so check it against your household’s dishes. Water supply and drainage requirements vary by model.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the space and door clearance, then compare them with the model’s dimensions. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance without blocking access or giving up too much worktop space. Around 31% of consumers would put available space first. |
| Everyday capacity | Count the dishes you have between cycles and check there’s room for your larger items. | When meals quickly fill the sink, I look for a suitable capacity so I don’t have to run extra cycles. This is said to be the main requirement for around 25% of consumers. |
| Fit and connections | Check the housing unit, furniture door, water supply and drainage. Follow the model’s instructions. | If my kitchen is already fitted, the cabinet door and connections need to suit the appliance I choose. Around 25% of consumers would put this compatibility ahead of other factors. |
| Energy use and ease of use | For models with a similar capacity, check kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, eco programme duration and noise level. | If the appliance runs regularly near a living area, I want to understand its energy use and noise level before choosing. Around 19% of consumers would put these day-to-day considerations first. |
When reading a dishwasher’s energy label, ADEME highlights the electricity consumption figure in kWh per 100 standard cycles. These figures help you compare appliances, but don’t replace the need to check their capacity and installation requirements.
An integrated model needs to be fitted into a suitable housing unit. Bosch Home Appliances explains that a matching furniture door is fitted to the front of a fully integrated model.
Before ordering, check the housing unit, type of integration, compatible furniture door and installation requirements for the model.
Depending on your kitchen, you may also need a furniture door and a professional installation service.
Que Choisir features countertop appliances with 6 place settings in its comparison of smaller models. If your meals leave you with more washing-up or larger dishes, a compact model may mean running extra cycles.
Count what you wash between cycles, then compare the compact model’s capacity and interior space with those of a larger appliance.
The rating alone doesn’t tell you how much water the appliance uses, how long the eco cycle takes or how noisy it is. ADEME lists these as separate details on the energy label.
Compare figures for models with a capacity that suits your household, then check the programmes you plan to use.
Bosch Home Appliances says that whether an appliance can be connected to a hot or cold water supply depends on the model and the instructions in its manual.
Check the instructions for the exact model before changing an existing connection, and have the installation checked if needed.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding or integrated model and want to check the installation documentation for the specific model.
Worth considering if you want to compare the brand’s freestanding and integrated dishwashers, as well as 45 cm and 60 cm models.
Worth considering if a compact model would suit the space available in your kitchen.
These models include freestanding options for regular loads, a countertop compact for when space is limited, and a fully integrated model for a fitted kitchen with a compatible housing unit. Check that each model suits your available space and your household’s washing-up.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding model for larger everyday loads, after checking there’s room for your bigger dishes.
The model name lists 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Check its dimensions, energy label and instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Worth comparing for regular loads if you have space for a freestanding model.
The title lists a 60 cm width, 14 place settings and a C energy rating. However, the model information gives two different widths: confirm its external dimensions and the clearance it needs before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering for regular meals if the stated capacity suits your dishes and the space available.
The title lists a 60 cm width, 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Check the energy label to compare electricity consumption and the instructions to confirm the connection requirements.
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Worth considering when space is limited, as long as its capacity and interior space suit the washing-up you produce each day.
The title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 cycles. If you want to connect it to a tap, check that the adapter is compatible; the product details say it isn’t included. You’ll also need a suitable drainage outlet.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if you can confirm that the housing unit and furniture door are compatible.
The title lists a 60 cm width, 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Check the installation dimensions, furniture door and energy label for this specific model before ordering.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the clearance needed to open the door. For an integrated model, also measure the housing unit and furniture door. If you want a freestanding model to fit under a worktop, check whether its top can be removed.
Don’t assume it’s included: check what comes with the model you choose. Bosch Home Appliances says that a matching furniture door must be fitted to an integrated dishwasher. Also check the type of integration and the door dimensions.
No. The permitted connection depends on the specific model. Bosch Home Appliances recommends following the model’s manual to check whether to use a hot or cold water supply. Check this before changing your installation.
First compare appliances with a capacity that suits your needs, then check their energy labels. ADEME lists electricity consumption in kWh per 100 standard cycles. Also check water use per cycle, eco programme duration and noise level, rather than basing your choice on the energy rating alone.