If several meals regularly create a large load, start by comparing the usable capacity and baskets of appliances that will fit your kitchen. Whether you choose a freestanding or built-in model depends on the space available. A compact dishwasher is better suited to smaller loads, provided you can arrange its water supply and drainage. If no size fits properly, or you have a small amount of washing up, hand-washing is still an option. Then compare the stated consumption for reference cycles, noise levels and leak-protection features across the models you shortlist.
When several people regularly fill the kitchen with plates, glasses and dishes, check the usable capacity and basket layout before choosing a size. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide lists place settings as one of the criteria to consider.
If limited width or worktop space makes installation difficult, compare slimline and compact models, and check the door clearance, water supply and drainage too. Beko, Candy and Daan Tech product information describes appliances with different sizes and connection requirements.
If you run cycles frequently, water and electricity use, as well as noise, may influence your choice. ADEME says the energy label includes information such as consumption per cycle, the duration of the eco programme and the noise level.
Start by checking whether your usual load justifies having an appliance, then shortlist only the sizes that will fit your available space and connections. Hand-washing is still an option if you have a small amount of washing up or nowhere suitable to install a dishwasher.
| Consideration | What to check | What shoppers say |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare a typical load with the stated number of place settings and the basket layout, taking into account the dishes and pans used in your household. | When several meals quickly fill the sink, I want to know whether the baskets can hold our dishes too. Around 33% of shoppers put capacity at the heart of their choice. |
| Installation | Measure the available space and door clearance. Check the model’s instructions for the water supply, drainage and electrical connection. | If space in the kitchen is limited, I need to know where the appliance will go and which connections it needs before choosing a size. Around 27% of shoppers prioritise installation feasibility. |
| Consumption | For models with a suitable capacity, compare kWh per 100 reference cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the eco programme. | If the appliance will be used often, I want to compare the stated water and electricity use for reference cycles. Around 20% of shoppers prioritise the cost of frequent use. |
| Noise and leaks | Compare the stated noise level and check the product information and instructions for details of the leak-protection feature on the exact model. | In a kitchen close to living areas, I want to consider noise and precautions against leaks. Around 20% of shoppers put this convenience and risk management first. |
The stated number alone won’t tell you whether your household’s larger utensils will fit in the baskets. The models reviewed range from a compact dishwasher for 6 place settings to larger floor-standing appliances.
Before opting for the smallest size, compare a typical load and your larger utensils with the inside of the model you’re considering.
If capacity is too limited, you may need to run extra cycles or wash some items by hand.
Daan Tech’s Bob can use a 4 L tank instead of a fixed water supply, but it still needs to drain away waste water. The Candy CP 6E51LW, on the other hand, connects directly to the water supply.
Check the water supply method and drainage requirements separately in the instructions for the exact model.
Allow space for the drain hose too. If you need to fill the tank by hand, factor in the time this takes.
The Electrolux EEQ47305L is a fully integrated model supplied without a furniture door. The housing unit, door panel and connections must all be suitable too.
Before buying, check the installation diagram, housing unit dimensions, door panel and door clearance.
Depending on your kitchen, you may need to arrange a furniture door or pay for installation.
Bosch says its AquaStop feature, included on selected models, does not prevent leaks from occurring and that its specific guarantee is subject to conditions.
Check whether the exact model has the feature, what conditions apply and whether the connections are properly fitted.
These examples showcase specific sizes and features. A model’s specifications don’t apply to every appliance in the same brand’s range.
For a 60 cm freestanding model, Bosch lists the SMS2HTW08E as a C-rated appliance with a water consumption of 9,0 L for its eco cycle.
The BDFS26040X is a slimline freestanding option if you have limited space in width.
Electrolux describes the EEQ47305L as a 60 cm fully integrated model with 13 place settings.
The CP 6E51LW is a compact, freestanding model designed for smaller loads.
The Bob model may be worth considering for a small load if you don’t have a fixed water supply.
These freestanding and built-in models let you compare capacities and configurations for the regular loads of a shared household.
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Worth considering if a 60 cm freestanding model suits your kitchen and the stated capacity matches your usual loads.
Freestanding, 60 cm, 14 place settings, stainless steel, D-rated; 5 programmes, 85 kWh per 100 cycles and 11,5 L per eco cycle. The description lists an Aquastop system and a delay start of up to 24 h.
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Compare this model if a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher and baskets designed to organise cutlery suit your household’s needs.
14 place settings, stainless steel, C-rated; 11 programmes, 75 kWh per 100 cycles and 9,5 L per eco cycle. The description mentions a third cutlery drawer, a half-load option, an adjustable upper basket and AquaStop protection.
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Worth looking at for regular loads if a freestanding model and the dimensions of this particular appliance suit your kitchen.
60 cm, 14 place settings, stainless steel, C-rated; the description lists a third cutlery drawer and dimensions of 91 × 67,5 × 62,5 cm. Check the full dimensions and clearances before installation.
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Compare this model if a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher suits the space available and the amount of washing up in your household.
14 place settings, grey, E-rated; the description lists 6 programmes, 9,5 L per cycle, overflow protection, a delay start of 1 to 8 h and a removable worktop.
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Worth considering if your kitchen has a housing unit that’s compatible with a fully integrated model.
60 cm built-in, 13 place settings, C-rated. The description mentions a basket adjustable to three heights, a quick cycle, automatic door opening and compatibility with a sliding door.
Not the Bob described by Daan Tech: its 4 L tank means it can operate without a fixed water supply, but the drain hose still needs to remove waste water as instructed. Check the instructions separately for any other model.
Bosch’s installation guide says you need to allow for a water supply, an electrical connection and drainage. Check the instructions for the model you choose and the connections available in your kitchen. The term ‘freestanding’ alone doesn’t confirm that they’re compatible.
Follow the model’s instructions and remember to check the filter. Bosch recommends regularly cleaning the filter in its appliances and explains how to remove and refit it. This manufacturer’s recommendation doesn’t set a schedule for every brand.
Compare the kWh per 100 reference cycles and litres per cycle on the label, bearing in mind that these figures apply to the cycles specified. ADEME explains this information. In France, the Ministry of the Economy and Finance says the repairability index applies to dishwashers.
ANIL says that alterations to rented premises or equipment require the landlord’s written consent. This doesn’t mean that every connection of a removable appliance requires permission. If your plans involve modifying the property’s installations, check what the proposed work will involve.