A dishwasher is worth considering if you can wait until it’s full enough and regularly use the Eco programme without pre-rinsing your dishes. Buying one won’t automatically reduce your consumption. A standard model suits larger loads, while a compact one is primarily designed for smaller spaces. If you have few dishes to wash or the installation isn’t practical, you can stick with hand-washing and keep an eye on the tap flow rate. When comparing appliances, check the water and electricity figures on the energy label alongside the capacity and Eco programme duration.
If you can save enough dishes to fill the appliance, compare its capacity with the water and electricity figures for the Eco programme. ADEME recommends waiting until the dishwasher is full before starting it.
You’ll need to find a suitable spot without choosing a capacity that means you have to run multiple cycles. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between slimline 45 cm appliances and small freestanding models.
If the amount of washing-up varies or installing an appliance is a problem, first consider your rinsing habits and whether you can reduce the tap flow rate.
Consider this if: you have enough space and enough washing-up to run full loads.
Bear in mind: a larger capacity won’t automatically save energy or water if you run the appliance with only a few items in it.
Consider this if: space is limited and you don’t have more washing-up than a smaller appliance can handle.
Bear in mind: a smaller capacity may mean running cycles more often.
Stick with this if: you have few dishes to wash, the amount varies, or installing an appliance isn’t practical.
Keep an eye on: the tap flow rate and the time spent rinsing under running water, as both affect consumption.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Loads and consumption | For a suitable capacity, compare the litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles on the energy label. Ask yourself whether you can wait until you have a full enough load without pre-rinsing. | When washing-up builds up regularly, I want to avoid running partly filled cycles without having to pre-rinse every item; around 50% of consumers would put managing their cycles first. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the available space and compare the place-setting capacity with the amount you need to wash between cycles. | In a small kitchen, I need an appliance that fits without a tub that’s too small for my dishes; around 30% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Whether it’s worth buying | Consider how regularly you wash up, whether you can install an appliance and your habits when rinsing under the tap. | If I don’t have much washing-up or only wash occasionally, I’d rather look at how I use the tap before buying an appliance; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this question. |
According to ADEME, the figures on the energy label relate to the reference cycle. The programme you use, pre-rinsing and how full the appliance is will all affect its actual use.
Compare appliances using the same energy-label figures, then check that the Eco programme and its duration suit your washing-up routine.
UFC-Que Choisir lists 6-place-setting freestanding models and slimline 45 cm appliances with around 9 place settings. If the capacity doesn’t suit your washing-up, you may end up running more cycles.
Consider how much washing-up you accumulate between washes, then check the capacity and energy-label figures for the model you’re considering.
These appliances include a 60 cm built-in model and freestanding worktop models. First, choose a format that suits your kitchen and the amount of washing-up you have, then compare the energy-label figures.
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For a kitchen where a tabletop appliance can hold the washing-up you accumulate before each cycle. The listing states 6 place settings and energy rating D. Check the dimensions, connections and Eco programme figures for this version.
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Worth considering if you regularly have enough washing-up to make use of its stated capacity of 13 place settings. The listing gives it energy rating B. Check the litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and the dimensions needed for installation.
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Worth considering if you plan to put the appliance on a worktop and have smaller loads of washing-up. The listing states energy rating D, but gives the capacity as “3 place settings”. Confirm the capacity and water-supply requirements before choosing.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance and want to explore the option of filling it from a tank. The listing states that it has a built-in 5 L tank, which isn’t the same as the amount of water used per cycle. Check the place-setting capacity, energy label and any connection accessories you’ll need separately.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, place-setting capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level. ADEME and the European Commission recommend considering these figures together, particularly when choosing between appliances with different capacities.
No. They relate to the reference cycle shown on the label, which is associated with the Eco programme. To estimate your own usage, also consider which programmes you’ll run and how full the appliance will be.
ADEME recommends not pre-rinsing and waiting until the dishwasher is full before starting a cycle. These are usage tips, not a guarantee that every household will use the same amount of water and energy.
No. Its smaller size alone doesn’t tell you how much your household will use. A smaller capacity may mean running more cycles, so compare the capacity, litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles of the appliances you’re considering.