If you get through a lot of dishes every day, start by choosing a suitable capacity and checking the space available. A 60 cm model can hold more than a slimline or compact one, provided it fits in your kitchen. A 45 cm or compact model is better suited to limited space. If you can’t install an appliance or use it regularly, washing up by hand remains an option. Then compare the energy label for the specific model, including its capacity, water and energy use, eco-cycle duration and noise level.
If plates, cutlery, dishes and pans pile up every day, check the place setting capacity as well as how much room the racks actually provide for larger utensils. A model’s stated capacity alone won’t tell you how well your dishes will fit.
If you have limited width or less washing up to do, compare a 45 cm slimline appliance and a compact model against the space you have available. Bosch and Beko offer slimline models; check the capacity and connections for each specific model.
If the dishwasher will be running during meals or in the room where you work, compare the decibel rating and noise class on the label rather than relying on the word ‘quiet’. ADEME says that a three-decibel increase is almost a doubling of noise.
Start with a typical day’s washing up, then rule out any sizes that won’t fit the space or connections. The European Commission says the model’s label can then help you compare capacity, eco-programme water and energy consumption, cycle duration and noise.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday capacity | Compare the stated place setting capacity and rack layout with the dishes and pans you need to load. | When meals quickly fill the sink, I want room for bulky utensils too, without having to run several cycles. Around 28% of consumers rank this useful capacity as their top priority. |
| Installation | Measure the width, height and depth. For a built-in model, check the niche diagram, plinth and door front. | In a fitted kitchen, I need to know whether the appliance will actually fit and can be connected. Installation compatibility is the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
| Noise | Check the decibel rating and noise class on the label for the specific model. | If the kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to be able to run a cycle without choosing based solely on a promise of quiet operation. Noise is the top criterion for around 17% of consumers. |
| Consumption | For the eco programme, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and duration, for models with a similar capacity. | If I use the appliance often, I want to know its stated consumption before choosing, without confusing it with my actual annual usage. Water and energy come first for around 22% of consumers. |
| Whether an appliance is right for you | Consider how much washing up you have to do and confirm the space, connections and installation requirements. | If I don’t have much washing up or can’t install the appliance, I first need to decide whether it suits my routine. This is the main initial consideration for around 11% of consumers. |
A stated width of 45 or 60 cm doesn’t guarantee that an appliance will fit in a niche: height, depth, feet, plinth and door front all matter too.
Measure the space, check the installation diagram for the exact model and confirm the connections before ordering.
An incompatible niche may mean altering the unit, plinth or door front.
The energy class doesn’t tell you everything about capacity, water and energy use, cycle duration or the noise rating for the reference cycle.
Compare the label details for models that can handle a similar amount of washing up. The European Commission specifies that the consumption figures shown relate to the eco programme.
A compact model takes up less space, but you may need to load it several times if dishes and pans don’t fit alongside the cutlery. Darty lists the Bosch SKS62E32EU as holding 6 place settings; this figure doesn’t apply to all compact models.
Picture how you’d load a day’s worth of dishes, then check the dimensions, capacity and connections for the model you’re considering.
If the capacity is too small, you may need to run cycles more often.
In an open-plan kitchen, this claim is no substitute for a sound rating you can compare with other appliances.
Check the decibel rating and noise class on each model’s label. ADEME says that a three-decibel increase is almost a doubling of noise.
A range worth exploring if you’re deciding between freestanding and built-in, particularly at widths of 45 or 60 cm.
Freestanding models to compare if width and capacity are your main considerations.
Freestanding and fully integrated models to explore if rack layout, automatic dosing or the stated noise level are important to you.
These models are suited to kitchens where a freestanding or integrated dishwasher can be installed, with a stated capacity of 13 or 14 place settings. Choose between the two installation types to suit your kitchen, then check the label and dimensions of the model you’re considering.
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Worth considering if washing up piles up every day and you have room for a freestanding appliance. The title lists 14 place settings and 7 cycles. Check the dimensions, connections and energy label details for this model.
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Worth considering for a kitchen with a niche designed for a fully integrated appliance. The title lists a width of 60 cm and 14 place settings, but the dimensions in the product information don’t clearly match this width. Check the installation diagram, door front and energy label before buying.
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Worth considering if you regularly need to wash a large amount of dishes and don’t want to fit a cupboard door front. The title lists energy class E. Check the dimensions, connections and eco-programme consumption on the model’s label.
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Worth considering if your kitchen has a niche and 13 place settings suits your usual load. The title lists energy class C. Check the installation diagram, door front and water, energy and noise ratings for this model.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a compatible niche and a substantial daily load. The title lists energy class E. Compare the installation diagram and energy label for this model before deciding.
Compare the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, place setting capacity, eco-programme duration and noise level. The European Commission specifies that the consumption figures relate to the eco programme. They’re useful for comparing models, but don’t predict your annual usage on their own.
Measure the niche and compare its width, height and depth with the installation diagram for the exact model. Also check the feet, plinth, door front and connections. A stated width of 45 or 60 cm isn’t enough.
A compact model may be suitable if your daily load fits its capacity and it can be installed. Darty lists the Bosch SKS62E32EU as holding 6 place settings. If you also wash dishes and pans, check whether they’ll fit and how often you’ll need to run a cycle.
No. Compare the decibel rating and noise class on the model’s label. ADEME says that a three-decibel increase is almost a doubling of noise, which is worth bearing in mind if your kitchen is open-plan.
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says that electrical appliances can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre, or returned to a retailer. If you’re replacing your dishwasher, ask the seller what take-back options are available with your purchase.