Households that wash plates and pans too
If you run a cycle almost every day, consider how plates, glasses, cutlery and larger utensils fit together in the racks. UFC-Que Choisir’s test procedure includes plates and pans in its test loads.
Which households are they for?
Households replacing an integrated dishwasher
In a fitted kitchen, the new appliance must fit the housing and allow you to keep or install the furniture door without obstructing the dishwasher door. Bosch Electroménager France recommends measuring the housing before you buy.
Households short on space
A compact model could be a good option if you have fewer dishes to wash. UFC-Que Choisir features 6-place-setting models designed to sit on a worktop. However, check that the interior has enough room for the utensils you use regularly.
Which features should you prioritise?
Freestanding
Consider this if : you have a separate space for the appliance and don’t want to fit a furniture door.
Bear in mind : the appliance will be visible, and you’ll need to measure the space required for installation.
Integrated
Consider this if : you want your dishwasher to blend into a fitted kitchen.
Bear in mind : the housing, furniture door and opening mechanism must all be compatible with the specific model. Bosch Electroménager France lists integrated models in several widths and heights.
Compact
Consider this if : space is limited and you don’t have a large load of dishes to wash each day.
Bear in mind : a smaller interior may mean washing large plates and pans separately.
If your household uses a dishwasher every day, compare formats based on the space available, then consider how you’ll load it and which cycles it offers. Different households may prioritise different needs:
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Check the rack layout and make sure there’s room for your largest plates, as well as somewhere to put the cutlery. | When plates and pans join the everyday dishes, I want to fit everything in without blocking the spray arms; around 36% of consumers would put usable capacity first. |
| Installation | Measure the space and check the furniture door, plinth and door clearance against the plan for your chosen model. | When replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen, I want to avoid finding that an incompatible housing or door prevents installation. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise compatibility. |
| Cycles | Compare the programmes suited to your loads and the Eco cycle duration, rather than simply counting the programmes. | If food residue and the time available vary from one meal to another, I want to choose a suitable cycle; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this flexibility. |
| Everyday use | Check the Eco figures and noise level on the label, then look at the drying performance and repairability information for the model. | With frequent cycles, I want to take noise and long-term ease of use into account. Around 14% of consumers would put this need first. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Relying on place settings alone
This figure doesn’t show how your pans, containers and plates will fit alongside the rest of your dishes. UFC-Que Choisir includes these items in its loading test procedure.
Check the rack layout against the dimensions of your bulkiest utensils.
-
Measuring only the width of an integrated model
Two appliances listed at the same width can differ in height, depth or door mechanism.
Measure the whole housing and compare the furniture door, hinges and door clearance with the technical drawing for the model.
-
Assuming a quick cycle is the same as the Eco cycle
UFC-Que Choisir describes the Eco programme as a longer cycle designed to keep consumption in check. A quick programme may not be suitable for the same loads.
Check the Eco cycle duration and choose other cycles according to how dirty your dishes are.
Brands to consider across their ranges
Bosch
Bosch’s French ranges include freestanding and integrated formats, including 45 and 60 cm models.
- Product specifications let you check the dimensions and rack layout.
- Check the details for the specific model: the availability of several formats alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for your plates.
Beko
Beko offers freestanding and integrated dishwashers; the right format will depend on your kitchen.
- Beko France’s listing for the DVN06430W states that this freestanding model has 14 place settings and six programmes.
- These features don’t apply to every Beko model, so check the loading options and cycles for the one you’re considering.
Miele
The G 5611 SCU Active is one model to consider for a fitted kitchen requiring a 60 cm integrated dishwasher.
- Miele lists a cutlery drawer, Comfort baskets, AutoOpen drying and a noise level of 45 dB for this model.
- These are the stated features of this particular model, not a conclusion about the entire range.
Dishwashers for everyday use
These Joybuy models include a freestanding dishwasher and 60 cm integrated options. For each one, compare the stated capacity with your usual load. For integrated models, also check the dimensions and door compatibility before ordering.
Image unavailable
Indesit D2F HK26 S, freestanding, 14 place settings, grey
Worth considering if you have space for a freestanding model and often wash a large load of dishes.
The title lists a width of 60 cm, 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Check that the racks can accommodate your largest plates and that the appliance fits the space available.
Image unavailable
AEG FSB34707Z, fully integrated, 14 place settings
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if you want a fully integrated appliance with a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
The title describes a 60 cm model with a C energy rating. Before you buy, ask for the technical drawing: the dimensions listed in the product information don’t match the 60 cm description. Check the furniture door and hinges too.
Image unavailable
Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1, integrated, 13 place settings
Worth considering if your kitchen can accommodate an integrated model and a stated capacity of 13 place settings suits your needs.
The title lists a width of 60 cm and a B energy rating. Check that the door and housing are compatible. If noise is a key consideration, compare the figures for the cycle you’ll use, as the stated noise levels vary by programme.
Image unavailable
Samsung DW70H72WCB0U1, integrated, 13 place settings
Worth considering for frequent loads in a fitted kitchen, provided the installation is compatible with your units.
The title lists a width of 60 cm, 13 place settings and a C energy rating. Check the housing dimensions, make sure the door works with your furniture door, and confirm there’s space for larger utensils.
Image unavailable
Whirlpool W2I HD526 A, integrated, 14 place settings, white
Worth considering if you’re looking for an integrated model for everyday loads and a stated capacity of 14 place settings suits your household.
The title lists a width of 60 cm and an E energy rating. Check the installation plan to make sure the housing, furniture door and door opening are compatible. Then look at the programmes if you alternate between everyday loads and heavily soiled dishes.
Frequently asked questions
Which figures on the energy label should you compare for everyday use?
Compare the energy use per 100 Eco cycles and the water use per Eco cycle, taking capacity and programme duration into account. The European Commission also notes that the label provides information about noise. These figures apply to the reference programme, not every cycle on the appliance.
Can any 60 cm integrated dishwasher replace another 60 cm model?
No. The stated width alone isn’t enough to establish compatibility. Measure the housing and compare the height, depth, furniture door and opening mechanism with the technical drawing for the model you’re considering. Bosch Electroménager France recommends doing this when installing an integrated dishwasher.
Can you use the quick programme instead of the Eco programme every day?
Not for every load: choose a cycle to suit how dirty your dishes are and how much time you have. UFC-Que Choisir explains that the Eco programme takes longer in return for controlled consumption. Check the features of the other cycles on the model you choose.