Start by choosing a capacity that suits the amount of washing-up you accumulate between cycles, then check that the appliance will fit in your kitchen. A standard-size model is a good choice if meals leave you with plenty of plates, pans and dishes; a 45 cm or compact model is better suited to a smaller space or a lighter load, but may need to be run more often. Then compare water and energy use, Eco programme duration and noise levels on the label for the specific model.
If plates, glasses, pans and dishes quickly fill your appliance, compare its capacity with what builds up between washes. Bosch says some of its 60 cm freestanding models can hold up to 14 place settings. UFC-Que Choisir notes that 45 cm models with 9 place settings can suit a small family, although they may need to be run every day.
A 45 cm or compact model is worth considering if space is limited or you tend to have smaller loads. However, check that the racks can also accommodate the dishes you use at mealtimes: saving space may not make up for having to run the appliance too often.
If you have an open-plan kitchen, or run cycles while people are at home, compare the stated noise level and Eco programme duration. To understand water and energy use, ADEME recommends checking the figures on the label rather than relying on the energy rating alone.
Start with the amount of washing-up you accumulate between washes, then rule out sizes that won’t fit the available space or connections. You can then compare capacity, consumption and noise using the information for the specific model.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and frequency | Compare the stated place settings with the amount of washing-up you produce between cycles, including pans and dishes. Check the rack layout. | When washing-up builds up after every meal, I want to avoid running extra cycles or leaving dishes out. Around 31% of consumers put loading capacity first. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and door clearance; for an integrated model, check the housing and door panel. Confirm the water, drainage and electricity connections. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without blocking the available space. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Water and energy | Check the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the exact model’s energy label. Factor in how many cycles your load will require. | If the appliance is used regularly, I want to compare its water and electricity use on a like-for-like basis. Around 25% of consumers put consumption ahead of other criteria. |
| Noise and duration | Compare the dB, noise class and Eco programme duration shown on the label. | With an open-plan kitchen or cycles to fit around mealtimes, I’m looking for noise levels and programme times that suit my daily routine. Around 19% of consumers prioritise fitting cycles into their schedule. |
For these comparisons, ADEME explains that the energy label shows details including capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level. You can’t work out an appliance’s consumption from its width alone.
A 45 cm model may suit a small family, but UFC-Que Choisir notes that its 9-place-setting models may need to be run every day.
Think about how much washing-up you produce on a typical day, including pans and dishes, then check that it will fit in the racks.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about water and energy use, programme duration or noise. ADEME says this information is shown on the energy label.
Compare the figures for models with a capacity that suits your load.
The housing, door panel and connections all affect installation. Bosch recommends using a professional to fit an integrated appliance.
Measure the space and check the installation plan for your chosen model before ordering.
According to ADEME, an increase of three decibels represents almost twice the noise. This is worth bearing in mind if the appliance will run in an open-plan kitchen.
Compare the dB and noise class on the labels rather than relying on marketing claims about quiet operation.
Bosch’s range includes compact, integrated and freestanding models in 45 or 60 cm widths, making it easy to start with the size that suits your kitchen.
The KDIS28122 is an example of a 45 cm integrated model to consider if your housing is narrow.
The G 5540 SC SL Active is a 45 cm freestanding model to consider if width and stated noise level are important to you.
These Joybuy models include freestanding dishwashers for larger loads and a compact tabletop model for smaller amounts of washing-up. For each one, check the available space, connections and details on the energy label.
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Worth considering if you build up a large load between washes. The listing states a capacity of 14 place settings and a C energy rating. Before deciding where to put it, confirm the model’s exact width: the detailed dimensions don’t match the stated width. Also check the Eco programme duration if it affects when you can run a wash.
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Its stated capacity may appeal to households that regularly fill their dishwasher after meals. The product name lists 14 place settings and 7 programmes. To compare it with other models for regular use, check the label for the exact model, particularly water use per cycle and Eco programme duration.
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This size is worth considering if your mealtime washing-up calls for a stated capacity of 14 place settings and your kitchen can accommodate a 60 cm appliance. The product name lists an E energy rating. Check the model’s label to compare kWh per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration.
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A tabletop model is worth considering if space is limited and six place settings are enough between washes. The product name lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Check that your usual pans and dishes will fit, and that you have enough worktop space and the necessary connections.
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Consider this for a large load if you have space for a 60 cm freestanding model. The product name lists 14 place settings, 41 dB and a C energy rating; check the label for kWh per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration. The description notes that some soldered components contain lead at a concentration above 0.1%: check the product’s substance information if this affects your choice.
Yes, if its capacity suits the amount of washing-up you produce between cycles. UFC-Que Choisir says that 45 cm models with 9 place settings can suit a small family, although they may need to be run every day. Also check that there’s room for your pans and dishes.
Compare capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level. ADEME says dishwasher labels show these details as well as the energy and noise classes. Use the figures for the exact model rather than relying on its width alone.
Measure the housing and check the door-panel fitting, installation plan, and water, electricity and drainage connections. Bosch recommends using a professional to install its integrated appliances.
Check the decibel figures and noise class on the labels for both models. According to ADEME, an increase of three decibels represents almost twice the noise, so it’s worth paying particular attention to this difference in an open-plan kitchen.