First, choose a size that suits your kitchen and the amount of washing-up you produce each day. A freestanding model gives you more flexibility to move the appliance, an integrated model is designed to blend in with your kitchen units, and a compact model is best suited to smaller loads. Then compare the Eco programme’s energy and water consumption, duration and noise levels across appliances with a similar capacity. Also check the repairability index displayed in France.
If meals quickly fill the sink, compare the stated place-setting capacity with the space actually available for your pans and dishes. The capacity figure alone doesn’t tell you how the racks are laid out.
If your dishwasher runs during meals, while you’re working from home or in the evening, check its noise emissions in dB and its noise class on the energy label, as recommended by the European Commission.
An appliance recess, existing door panel or small worktop may determine which format is right for you before you even compare programmes. Measure the space and check it against the installation plan for the model you’re considering.
Worth considering: if you have a separate space for your dishwasher and would like to be able to move or reinstall it more easily.
Bear in mind: unlike a fully integrated model, it won’t blend in behind a kitchen door panel. You’ll still need to allow for the connections and clearances.
Worth considering: if you have a compatible appliance recess and want your kitchen doors to create a seamless look.
Bear in mind: installation depends on the kitchen unit and door system. Miele notes that a door panel, which is not supplied, may be required for some products.
Worth considering: if space is limited and your washing-up loads are relatively small.
Bear in mind: a table-top model may need to run several cycles to wash a day’s dishes, and the water supply method varies by model.
| Feature | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place-setting capacity, width and rack layout with the dishes and pans you use regularly. | When meals produce lots of washing-up, I want to avoid running a second cycle because there isn’t enough room. Around 36% of consumers would make capacity their top priority. |
| Water, electricity and Eco programme duration | Check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco programme duration on the label. Compare models with similar capacities. | If I run frequent cycles, I want to know how much energy and water they use, without confusing a quick programme with the Eco programme. Consumption would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise | Check the noise emissions in dB and the noise class on the label, then think about when you usually run the dishwasher. | In an open-plan kitchen, I’d prefer a cycle that doesn’t disrupt activities at home. Noise would be the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Space and connections | Check the instructions against the available space, any door panel, the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply. | If space is limited by a recess or worktop, I need to know I can install the appliance before choosing its features. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
According to ADEME and the European Commission, the energy label brings together information on capacity, Eco programme consumption and duration, and noise levels. These figures are most useful when comparing appliances that suit a similar load.
The rating won’t tell you whether the racks will fit your dishes, how much water the Eco programme uses or how long it takes.
Read the whole label and, where possible, compare models of a similar size and capacity.
Candy offers a table-top model for 6 place settings, as well as slimline models with more space. A small footprint may not be enough for a large daily load.
Estimate how many dishes you use in a day, including pans, then compare the compact model with a 45 cm dishwasher if you think you’ll need several cycles.
Extra cycles also take time and use more dishwasher detergent.
The kitchen unit, plinth and door fitting all need to be compatible with the model you choose. Miele and Electrolux offer appliances that are supplied without a door panel.
Check the installation plan against your recess, door panel and connections before ordering. If you’re unsure whether the model will fit, ask for clarification about installation.
Depending on the appliance and kitchen units, you may need a suitable door panel or a professional installation.
A drying mode or control feature may only be available on certain models. Its presence also doesn’t mean that those models use less energy or make less noise.
Check the features listed for the exact model in its product details and instructions, then use the energy label to compare the stated figures.
Bosch’s range in France includes freestanding, integrated, slimline and compact dishwashers.
Miele distinguishes between freestanding models and integrated appliances designed to match your kitchen units.
Candy offers table-top models and 45 cm dishwashers, making it useful to compare the trade-off between space taken up and capacity.
Beko’s range is worth exploring if you’re choosing between a 45 cm dishwasher and a 60 cm model.
These appliances illustrate the three formats covered here: integrated, freestanding and compact worktop models. Start by choosing a format that can fit your dishes and be installed in your home, then compare the specifications of each model.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with an appliance recess and a large daily load. The title states 14 place settings and an energy rating of C. The dimensions given for this appliance don’t match the stated 60 cm width, so check the installation plan against your recess and door panel before choosing.
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Worth considering if space is limited and 6 place settings suit your usual washing-up. The title states 7 programmes, 47 dB and an energy rating of D. Check that you have enough room on your worktop and review the connections and drainage specified in the instructions.
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Worth considering for a separate space and plenty of daily washing-up. The title states 14 place settings, 41 dB and an energy rating of C. If you’re planning to install it under a worktop, check the model’s installation instructions, along with the available space and connections.
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Worth considering if you’re planning to integrate the appliance into your kitchen units and 13 place settings suit your needs. The title states an energy rating of C. Before choosing this model, check its installation plan against your kitchen recess and door fitting.
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Worth considering for small loads in a compact space. The title mentions a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Before choosing this water supply option, check the available space and the filling and drainage requirements in the instructions.
Compare the place-setting capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise levels, as well as the energy rating. The European Commission lists these details on the label. Comparing models with similar capacities makes it easier to choose between them for the same amount of washing-up.
No. You can’t work out consumption from the programme duration alone. For the models you’re considering, compare the litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles stated for the Eco programme, then check that its duration suits your daily routine.
Not necessarily. Miele notes that its integrated appliances may need a door panel that is not supplied. Electrolux also states that one of its fully integrated models is supplied without a door panel. Check the product details and installation plan for the exact model.
Check the appliance instructions for the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply, as well as the space available. Water supply methods vary: for example, Candy states that its compact CP 6E51LS connects directly to the water inlet.
Yes. In information published on 18 August 2026, the French Ministry of the Economy states that the repairability index is compulsory for dishwashers in France. Check the index displayed for each model you compare, and don’t confuse it with the energy rating.