For frequent cycles, first check the available space and connections, then choose a capacity that suits the dishes you actually accumulate. A larger capacity can help you combine loads, an integrated model can meet your kitchen design needs, and a compact model frees up space but holds fewer place settings. Then compare energy and water use, Eco programme duration and noise levels on the energy label, without assuming these figures apply to other programmes.
If dirty dishes pile up between cycles, compare the stated place-setting capacity with the space available for your plates, serving dishes and saucepans. The stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you how the interior is laid out.
In an open-plan kitchen or near living areas, noise levels matter just as much as when you run a cycle. To compare consumption, the energy label shows figures including water use per Eco cycle and energy use per 100 cycles, according to the European Commission.
Start by checking the dimensions, any available niche and the connections. A compact model may suit smaller loads, while an integrated model requires you to check that the cabinet and door panel are compatible with your chosen model.
First choose an installation type that works with your kitchen, then compare the capacity and energy-label figures with your usual loads. The European Commission says that the consumption, duration and capacity figures shown let you compare dishwashers’ Eco programmes.
Consider this if: you have a suitable space with connections and want an appliance that doesn’t need to match your kitchen units.
Keep in mind: the appliance will be visible, and its dimensions and baskets need to suit both the space and your dishes.
Consider this if: a seamless fit with your units is a priority and the niche and door panel suit the model.
Keep in mind: installation depends on the measurements and accessories specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Consider this if: space is limited and your usual loads are small.
Keep in mind: the 6-place-setting compact models featured by Candy France and Electrolux France hold fewer dishes per cycle than the 15-place-setting freestanding example featured by Beko France.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Place-setting capacity and basket layout for your dishes and saucepans. | When dishes pile up quickly, I want to combine them in one load rather than immediately running another cycle; around 29% of consumers would make capacity a priority. |
| Water and energy use | Litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles for the Eco programme on the energy label. | When I run the dishwasher frequently, I want to limit water and electricity use over time; this would be a priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Noise | Noise level in dB and noise class, taking the appliance’s location into account. | If the dishwasher runs near living areas, reducing noise is my main concern; around 18% of consumers would prioritise noise. |
| Installation | Dimensions, water inlet, drainage and electricity supply; niche and door panel for an integrated model. | In a fitted kitchen, I first need to find a model that will fit; compatibility would be the priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Cycle duration | Eco programme duration in hours and minutes; check the conditions for other programmes if you plan to use them. | When my household’s schedule means I need the dishes ready by a certain time, I first check how long the cycle takes; around 12% of consumers would put cycle duration first. |
The rating doesn’t tell you about capacity, noise or Eco programme duration. As the European Commission explains, the energy-label consumption figures apply to the Eco programme.
Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and other energy-label figures together, then look at the programmes you plan to use.
Noise during a cycle can matter more in an open-plan kitchen or near living areas.
Check the noise level in dB and the noise class on the label, taking into account where and when you’ll use the appliance.
Candy France and Electrolux France feature compact models with 6 place settings, while Beko France lists 15 place settings for its freestanding BDFN36560XC. These capacities don’t make the appliances interchangeable for large daily loads.
Estimate how many dishes you put in a typical load before prioritising the space you’ll save.
The space needs to allow for water, electricity and drainage connections; an integrated installation also has niche and door-panel requirements.
Measure the space and check the installation instructions for the exact model before ordering.
Bosch notes that some integrated models may require additional installation accessories.
Worth a look if you want to check the connection and installation instructions for a model you’re considering.
Worth considering if a high-capacity freestanding model suits your space and your loads.
Worth a look if you’re looking for an integrated model and place importance on its stated noise level.
Worth considering if your kitchen needs a fully integrated compact model.
Worth a look if a 45 cm width is a better fit for your available space.
Compare the place-setting capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level. According to the European Commission, the consumption and duration figures on the energy label relate to the Eco programme; they don’t automatically describe a quick or intensive programme.
First check that the space allows for water, electricity and drainage connections. Also check the niche, door panel and any accessories listed in the instructions for the model you’re considering.
A compact model may suit you if your loads are small, even if you run it often. For large daily loads, compare its capacity with your dishes and saucepans: the 6-place-setting compact models featured by Candy France and Electrolux France don’t offer the same capacity per cycle as the 15-place-setting Beko BDFN36560XC listed by Beko France.
Check the repairability information for the exact model and find out which spare parts are available for its model number. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition lists dishwashers among the products covered by the repairability index. A brand having a spare-parts portal doesn’t, by itself, guarantee that every part is available.