Start by choosing a format that fits your kitchen and the amount of washing-up you build up between cycles. A freestanding model gives you more flexibility when arranging your kitchen, an integrated model needs a suitable space, and a compact model suits smaller kitchens and lighter loads. Then compare capacity, energy and water use, Eco programme duration and noise on the energy label. Finally, check the dimensions and connections for the model you’re considering.
If washing-up regularly piles up in a kitchen without a fitted dishwasher, start by measuring the space available and working out how much you typically wash. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a freestanding model gives you more flexibility when arranging your kitchen, but you’ll still need suitable connections.
If you’re planning a door panel to match your kitchen units, an integrated model needs a compatible space. Measure it and check the door and hinge system before choosing your appliance.
A compact model can handle lighter loads when there’s no room for a standard-sized appliance. Check how much space it takes up, its capacity and the route for the water supply and drainage.
Worth considering: if you don’t have a dedicated space or want to keep your kitchen layout flexible.
What to plan for: enough room for the appliance and access to water, drainage and electricity.
Worth considering: if you have a compatible space and want the appliance to blend in with your kitchen units.
What to plan for: a door panel, a compatible door system and, depending on your kitchen, professional installation.
Worth considering: if there isn’t room for a standard-sized appliance and you have a relatively small amount of washing-up between cycles.
What to plan for: a more limited capacity and a suitable spot with access to water and drainage.
| Criteria | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Format and capacity | Measure the available height, width and depth. Compare the stated place setting capacity with your usual loads and the space needed for plates and pans. If you’re choosing an integrated model, measure the space too. | Washing-up builds up after meals, so I want to fit in the everyday items without choosing an appliance that won’t fit in my kitchen. |
| Energy, water and duration | For dishwasher energy labels, the European Commission lists energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, capacity and Eco programme duration. Compare these figures across appliances suited to how you’ll use yours. | If I often run a cycle after meals, I want to know both the stated consumption and how long the Eco programme takes. |
| Noise | Check the noise level in dB and the noise class shown on the label. If the product details give another noise figure, check which programme it applies to. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters more to me if the dishwasher is running while the room is in use. |
| Installation | Check the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply, then read the model’s instructions. For an integrated model, check the door panel and hinges too. | I’d rather make sure the space and connections are suitable before arranging delivery or installation. |
The stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit in your kitchen or that its racks will accommodate the plates and pans you use regularly.
Work out which format will fit, check the interior layout, then compare capacity, consumption, Eco programme duration and noise together.
A suitable space isn’t enough if the door panel or door mechanism isn’t compatible with the model you’ve chosen.
Measure the space and door panel, check the hinges in the instructions and ask for a quote if installation is needed.
Depending on your kitchen, you may need to budget for an additional door panel and installation.
A compact format alone won’t tell you its energy class or water use per cycle.
If limited space points you towards a compact model, compare its energy label with those of other models that can actually be installed in your home.
A dishwasher needs a water supply and electricity, as well as a way to drain wastewater. There must also be enough room to install it.
Check the connections and the instructions for the exact model. If any changes seem necessary, ask a qualified installer to assess the space.
Changes to the space may require plumbing, electrical or carpentry work.
Bosch offers integrated dishwashers and compact models, two formats worth considering depending on the space available.
The BDFN26450WP is an example of a freestanding model to consider if this format suits your kitchen.
The G 7210 SC is an example of the figures to look at when considering a freestanding dishwasher.
These options include freestanding models with a stated capacity of 14 place settings, as well as countertop appliances for smaller loads. Check that the format suits your kitchen’s available space and connections.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have room for a 60 cm freestanding appliance and regularly wash a large load. Check the full dimensions, connections and Eco cycle duration before choosing.
Image unavailable
A countertop model can help when space is limited, provided you have a suitable surface and a way to drain the water. The product name mentions a 5 L tank; check the instructions for connection options and loading capacity before making it part of your mealtime routine.
Image unavailable
Its stated capacity of 6 place settings may appeal to a household looking for a countertop appliance for smaller loads. The product name also states 7 programmes and 47 dB. Measure the available space and check the connections and the figures on the model’s energy label.
Image unavailable
Consider it for a stated capacity of 14 place settings if you have room for a 60 cm freestanding appliance. The product name states a noise level of 41 dB. Compare this with your expectations for an open-plan kitchen, and check the energy label for consumption and Eco programme duration.
Image unavailable
This freestanding format and stated capacity could suit regular meals if your kitchen has enough space. To compare its wash cycle and consumption with other models, check the figures for the Eco programme rather than those for a different programme.
Compare the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level. The European Commission includes these details on dishwasher energy labels. Looking at them together helps you avoid judging an appliance by just one figure.
No. An integrated dishwasher needs to fit the space in your kitchen. Measure the available area and check the door panel, door and hinges using the product details and instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
Check that there’s suitable access to a water supply, drainage and an electrical supply. The model’s instructions explain the installation requirements, which you’ll need to check against the space available. If you’re unsure about the connections, have them checked before delivery.
ADEME advises against pre-rinsing dishes and recommends waiting until the dishwasher is full before running a cycle. Remove any large food scraps and follow the loading instructions in the manual.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer in France. If you need to make a claim about a fault, check the terms that apply to your purchase and contact the seller.