In a shared home, start by checking the space available and the connections: if your kitchen can accommodate one, a 60 cm dishwasher offers more capacity than a 45 cm or compact model. UFC-Que Choisir generally gives a capacity of 12 to 17 place settings for a 60 cm model and 9 to 10 for a 45 cm model, and lists compact models with 6 place settings for smaller spaces. The right size therefore depends on how much washing-up you actually produce. Then choose between a freestanding and an integrated model to suit your kitchen, and compare the Eco programme’s energy and water consumption, duration and noise level using the energy label information described by ADEME.
If several people use the kitchen every day, first consider the capacity of a 60 cm appliance, then check its noise level and Eco programme consumption. UFC-Que Choisir generally gives this size a capacity of 12 to 17 place settings.
If a 60 cm model won’t fit, compare a 45 cm model with a compact one. UFC-Que Choisir generally gives the former a capacity of 9 to 10 place settings, compared with fewer than 9 for compact models. Check what each can hold for everyday use.
A freestanding model may be an option if there is no purpose-built housing for an integrated appliance. Check the space, water supply, drainage and electricity. If installation means altering the kitchen, discuss the plans with your landlord before starting any work.
First work out which size can be installed and loaded at a reasonable pace in your home. The installation type and energy label information can then help you compare models with a suitable capacity.
Consider this if: neither a 45 cm nor a 60 cm model will fit and you don’t produce much washing-up.
The trade-off: a compact model with 6 place settings takes up less room, but can fill up quickly when several people share it.
Consider this if: there isn’t enough width for a 60 cm model, but a compact one seems too small.
The trade-off: its usual capacity of 9 to 10 place settings gives you less room than a 60 cm model when washing-up starts to pile up.
Consider this if: several people use the kitchen regularly and there’s enough room for one.
The trade-off: its usual capacity of 12 to 17 place settings, according to UFC-Que Choisir, also means you’ll need more available width.
| Criteria | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings and the basket layout with the plates, pans and containers you use together. UFC-Que Choisir generally gives capacities of 12 to 17 place settings for 60 cm models, 9 to 10 for 45 cm models and fewer than 9 for compact models. | I want to fit the washing-up produced by several people in one load, rather than always leaving utensils in the sink. |
| Water and energy | ADEME says the energy label shows kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the Eco programme. Compare these figures between appliances with a similar capacity. | To organise washes between housemates, I need to know how much a cycle uses and how long it takes. |
| Noise | Check the noise level in dB on the energy label, especially if your kitchen is open-plan. ADEME notes that a difference of three decibels corresponds to almost twice the noise level. | If the kitchen opens onto the living room or our schedules differ, I want to compare noise levels before choosing. |
| Installation | Measure the space and access routes, then check the water supply, drainage and electricity requirements in the model’s instructions. For an integrated model, also check the housing and door panel requirements. | I need an appliance that fits my existing kitchen, without assuming the connections or housing are already suitable. |
A model with 6 place settings can fill up quickly when several people are producing washing-up, even if it fits easily into a small kitchen.
Measure the space and also consider how many plates, pans and containers you need to wash before comparing compact, 45 cm and 60 cm models.
The rating letter alone doesn’t tell you the capacity, water used per Eco cycle, programme duration or noise level.
Read all the information on the energy label and compare appliances that can hold a similar amount of washing-up.
A dishwasher needs suitable connections. An integrated model also needs compatible housing and, depending on the kitchen, a door panel.
Take measurements and check the water supply, drainage and electricity requirements using the model’s instructions. Discuss any plans to alter the property with your landlord before starting work.
You may also need to allow for kitchen alterations before the appliance can be installed and used.
Bosch explains that its AquaStop system, which is available on selected models, does not prevent every leak or fix faulty plumbing upstream of the connection.
Check the feature and its conditions in the model documentation, and inspect the existing connections.
Worth considering if installation requirements and anti-leak features matter to you. Check the details for each model.
A brand to consider when comparing different formats, including freestanding, built-in, compact and under-counter models.
Worth considering if your kitchen layout means comparing freestanding, integrated and fully integrated models.
These 14-place-setting models, available as freestanding or integrated appliances, are worth considering if their capacity suits the pace of your shared kitchen. Check the space and connections for each one before choosing.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a shared kitchen with space for a 60 cm freestanding appliance. Its stated energy efficiency rating is E. Also compare the Eco programme information on the energy label and check that the connections are suitable.
Image unavailable
Compare this capacity with the amount of washing-up produced by the people in your home. Seven cycles are listed. Check the Eco programme duration and confirm the dimensions and connections required for your chosen space.
Image unavailable
Consider this model if your shared kitchen has suitable housing for an integrated appliance. Its stated energy efficiency rating is E. Check the door panel and connection requirements, then consult the Eco programme information.
Image unavailable
Consider the stated noise level of 41 dB in light of your kitchen layout and household schedules. Its stated energy efficiency rating is C. Check the space available and follow the safety instructions about steam when opening the door after a hot wash.
Image unavailable
Its stated capacity may suit regular washes for several people, and its stated energy efficiency rating is C. Before deciding where to put it, confirm its width in the model’s technical specifications: the name says 60 cm, while the dimensions list 67.5 cm.
It can work if space is tight and you don’t produce much washing-up. UFC-Que Choisir lists compact models with 6 place settings for smaller homes. If several people fill the appliance quickly, compare the capacities of 45 cm and 60 cm models too.
Compare the energy efficiency rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity in place settings, Eco programme duration and noise level. This information appears on the label described by ADEME. Consider it in light of the capacity your household needs.
Check the water supply, drainage and electricity at the intended location, then consult the instructions for the exact model. The dimensions, hoses and connection requirements must all be suitable for your existing kitchen.
First check that the housing, door panel and connections are suitable for the model you’ve chosen. If installation means altering the units or plumbing, discuss your plans with your landlord before starting work.
No. Bosch explains that its AquaStop system, which is available on selected models, does not prevent every leak or cover faulty components upstream of the connection. Check the features of the model you’re considering and inspect the existing installation.