In a shared kitchen, check the available space and connections before choosing a capacity. A 60 cm model is better suited to a high daily volume of washing-up, while with a 45 cm or compact model you’ll need to consider whether its capacity will prevent you from running repeated cycles. If installation isn’t possible or no one wants to manage the appliance, washing up by hand remains an option.
When several people prepare meals in the same kitchen, you need to compare the stated capacity with the actual volume of crockery, pans and utensils. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking the number of place settings into account when choosing a dishwasher.
The available space, connections and existing kitchen units determine which sizes are suitable. If installation requires alterations to the property or its fittings, ANIL advises that you obtain the landlord’s written permission.
When the kitchen is close to living areas, noise and cycle times matter just as much as sharing the tasks of loading, unloading and maintenance. ADEME lists the noise level on the energy label, while Matmut recommends agreeing on how chores will be shared in a house share.
First, work out whether an appliance can be installed, then compare its capacity with how often the kitchen is used. Next, check the noise levels and energy and water consumption of models in a suitable size.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Daily volume | Count the crockery and utensils used in a day, then check the capacity in place settings and the basket layout. UFC-Que Choisir generally gives a capacity of 12 to 17 place settings for 60 cm models, compared with 9 to 10 for 45 cm models. | When several people’s meals quickly fill the sink, I want to avoid having to run the dishwasher again and again. Around 36% of consumers would make this daily volume their priority. |
| Installation | Measure the space and check the water supply, electrical supply and drainage requirements listed by UFC-Que Choisir. For an integrated model, also check the cabinet opening and door panel. If you’re renting, get written permission if any alterations are needed. | If I rent my home or have an existing fitted kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance without unauthorised work. This would be the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Quiet operation and everyday use | Compare the noise level, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle and duration of the Eco programme on the energy label, as recommended by ADEME. Also decide who will load and unload the appliance. | In a kitchen close to living areas, I want to choose cycle times that work for everyone and share the maintenance. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise quiet operation and everyday use. |
| Space required | Check how much room the door takes up when open and the capacity of any compact model, which is generally under 9 place settings according to UFC-Que Choisir. If you don’t have much washing-up, also compare this option with continuing to wash by hand. | When every bit of storage space matters, I don’t want to install an appliance that makes it harder to move around when there isn’t much washing-up. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise keeping this space free. |
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a dishwasher needs a water supply, an electrical supply and a drainage connection. Even if the dimensions are right, the appliance must be able to connect properly and sit level.
Measure the space, locate the available connections and check the model’s instructions before ordering. If you’re unsure about the existing installation, ask a professional to inspect it.
An integrated model needs to fit into compatible kitchen units, and you may also need a door panel. In a rented property, any installation that alters the property or its fittings requires the landlord’s prior written permission, ANIL reminds tenants.
Check the cabinet opening dimensions, door panel compatibility and the work involved before choosing this type of model.
A 45 cm or compact model may fit in the kitchen but still not hold all the washing-up produced each day. You may then need to run extra cycles or wash some items by hand.
Think about a typical day’s meals, pans and food containers, then compare the volume with the capacity and basket layout of the model you’re considering.
Loading, unloading and maintenance still need to be organised. Matmut notes that sharing household chores can become a source of disagreement in a house share.
Agree on simple rules for starting cycles, unloading the appliance and keeping it maintained. Review them if the people in the household or their routines change.
These models are examples of configurations to consider; their features may not apply to other appliances from the same brand.
The Bosch SMS4EVW36F is an example of a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher for a kitchen with a suitable space for it.
The Siemens SN75EX23CE is a fully integrated 60 cm model to consider if you already have a suitable cabinet opening.
Beko’s 45 cm range lets you explore a slimline option if limited width restricts your choice.
Whirlpool describes the WSFO3T223P as a 45 cm freestanding model.
ANIL notes that you need the landlord’s written permission if the installation alters the property or its fittings. Even if you’re simply connecting the dishwasher to existing connections, check their condition, your tenancy agreement and the installation requirements before ordering.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, you need a water supply, an electrical supply and a wastewater outlet. Also check that the appliance can be installed level and read the instructions for any requirements specific to the model.
A 45 cm model may be suitable if its capacity matches your daily volume of washing-up, but the number of people in the household isn’t the only factor. UFC-Que Choisir gives a typical capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for this size, compared with 12 to 17 for a 60 cm model. Remember to count pans and dishes before choosing.
Agree on who will load and unload the appliance, when to run a cycle and who will take care of maintenance. Matmut recommends agreeing on how chores will be shared in a house share; you can review the arrangements if household routines change.
Compare models by checking the kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, duration of the Eco programme and noise level shown on the label, as explained by ADEME. For everyday use, follow the model’s instructions. UFC-Que Choisir notes, for example, that the water softener setting depends on water hardness.