A dishwasher makes most sense if you can wait until you have a reasonably full load and your kitchen has space for one. A full-size model suits larger amounts of daily washing up; a slimline 45 cm or compact model can help when space is tight, while washing by hand may still be simpler for small amounts or if installation would involve building work. Don’t assume you’ll automatically save water or energy: how full the machine is, how you wash by hand and the figures for each appliance all matter.
If you can collect plates, pans and utensils between cycles, start by looking at a full-size model. Make sure, though, that you can fill it regularly and have a suitable space with the necessary connections.
If there’s no room for a full-size appliance, compare a 45 cm slimline model with a compact one. Their capacity, the space they need with the door open and the room available for your larger dishes will help you decide which suits your loads.
If a matching kitchen door is important to your plans, check the housing, door panel and connections before choosing an integrated model. The appliance’s dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm it will fit.
If you want to replace frequent handwashing, start with the amount of washing up you can collect, then check the available space and connections. If these requirements aren’t met, carrying on washing by hand is still an option to consider.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Daily washing up | Compare the place settings capacity and the space for pans and larger dishes; check whether you’ll be able to run full loads. | If plates and utensils pile up every day, I want to avoid washing things as I go or running a half-empty machine. Around 33% of consumers put this need for capacity first. |
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and clearance needed with the door open; compare the actual capacity of a 45 cm model with a compact one. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to fit the appliance without losing space needed for other things. Saving space is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Fitting in with your kitchen | Check the housing and appliance dimensions against the door panel, then check the connections and any work that may be needed. | If my kitchen is fitted, I want to make sure the door and housing are compatible before ordering an integrated model. For around 20% of consumers, fitting in with the kitchen is the main priority. |
| Small loads or installation work | Consider how often you wash up and check whether the space has a suitable water supply, waste outlet and electrical connection. | If I don’t produce much washing up or installation would need adjustments, I’d rather check whether I’d use the appliance often enough. Avoiding an unsuitable purchase comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
The rating won’t tell you whether the capacity suits your loads. According to ADEME, the label also shows kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle; these figures are based on the Eco programme.
Compare models that suit the amount of washing up you have, then also consider how long the Eco programme takes and how noisy the appliance is, if these affect how you’ll use it.
An incompatible door panel or door can prevent installation, even if the stated width seems right. Electrolux says its installers don’t carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
Measure the height, width, depth and clearance needed with the door open; compare these with the appliance instructions and the terms of the installation service you’re planning to use.
Adjustments to the door panel or connections may require a separate visit from the appliance installation.
The benefits of a dishwasher also depend on how you use it. Always rinsing dishes first and running cycles with only a few items can change how it compares with washing up by hand.
ADEME recommends scraping food off dishes rather than pre-rinsing them, filling the appliance and using the Eco programme if its duration suits your routine.
Choosing an appliance isn’t just about its dimensions and energy label: using it involves detergent and the maintenance tasks specified for that model.
Check the model’s instructions to find out what maintenance is required, and consider how often you expect to run a cycle.
Bosch’s range lets you compare freestanding, integrated and compact models.
Beko’s 45 cm range is worth considering if there isn’t enough width for a 60 cm appliance.
Whirlpool’s 60 cm freestanding models are worth comparing if you need enough capacity to run full loads.
Miele’s range includes freestanding, built-in and fully integrated dishwashers, including XXL models.
These models let you explore freestanding appliances for full loads, built-in models for fitted kitchens and a worktop appliance for smaller loads. Start by choosing a format that suits your available space and connections.
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Worth considering if you can collect a large amount of washing up between cycles and have space for a freestanding appliance.
The product title lists 7 programmes. Check the dimensions and connections needed for your chosen location.
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Consider this format if you can collect your daily washing up and your kitchen has room for a 60 cm appliance.
Listed as energy rating E. Compare the figures on the energy label and check the depth and connections before choosing.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if the housing, door panel and connections are suitable for this model.
Listed as energy rating B. Check the instructions and energy label to see whether the installation requirements and energy use suit your needs.
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Consider this model if you want to run full loads and have a suitable space for a built-in appliance.
Listed as energy rating E. Check the housing dimensions, door panel, connections and energy label figures for this model.
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Worth considering if you have smaller loads and are thinking of installing an appliance on a worktop.
The product title lists 7 programmes and energy rating D. Measure the available space and check access to the water supply and waste outlet; a capacity of six place settings may limit washing larger dishes.
Compare the figures on their energy labels: kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity and the Eco programme duration. ADEME explains the units shown, while the European energy labelling regulation bases these measurements on the Eco programme. Your energy use will also depend on how many cycles you run.
No. The result depends on how full the appliance is and how you wash up by hand. UFC-Que Choisir gives a general indication that dishwashers use less water, but this won’t predict every household’s usage. ADEME recommends scraping dishes rather than pre-rinsing them and running full loads.
Measure the housing and check that the door panel, door and connections are compatible with the model, using its instructions as a guide. Also check what the installation service covers: Electrolux says its installers don’t carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
No. The length of a cycle alone doesn’t tell you whether it uses less energy. The Eco programme is used as the reference on the energy label; compare its water use, energy use and duration, then look at the other programmes separately.