In a kitchen used every day by several people, start by considering how much washing-up you generate, how much space you have and what connections are available. A 60 cm appliance is worth considering for regular, larger loads. A 45 cm model takes up less width, but check that its capacity suits the dishes you use at home. If there’s no suitable space or your loads are too small, sharing the washing-up without an appliance may be a better fit.
When several people prepare meals in the same kitchen, remember to count pans and dishes as well as plates. The place-setting capacity and basket layout should suit what actually needs washing between cycles.
A narrower appliance may be the right choice, provided there’s still enough room to open the door and access the connections. Measure the space and check the usable capacity before settling on a size.
If a cycle runs near the living room or a work area, noise can affect everyone at home. ADEME recommends comparing noise emissions and the noise class on the energy label. Check these details for each model you’re considering.
Start by assessing the washing-up and the available space. A slimline appliance won’t handle the same volume as a full-size model, while built-in installation is about how it fits into your kitchen, not its width. If no appliance suits both the kitchen and your mealtime routine, think instead about how to share the washing-up and draining space.
| Criterion | What to check | What consumers are looking for |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and loading | Compare the stated place-setting capacity with the room in the baskets for pans and dishes. | When several meals leave a pile of washing-up, I want to avoid running extra cycles without being able to fit the larger dishes in. Around 33% of consumers put loading capacity at the top of their list. |
| Installation | Measure the space and door clearance; locate the water inlet, drain and socket. For an integrated model, check the housing and door front too. | In a fitted kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance without finding out too late that a door or connection is in the way. Around 27% of consumers would make compatibility their top priority. |
| Noise | Check the dB rating and noise class on the energy label for each model you compare. | If the kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to run a cycle without disturbing the other people at home too much. Around 20% of consumers would put quiet operation ahead of other criteria. |
| Water and energy | Compare litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and the Eco programme duration shown on the energy label. | When cycles are frequent, I want to know how much they use and whether the programme duration fits around the next meal. Around 20% of consumers would make this their priority. |
The amount of washing-up also depends on the meals you make and the utensils you use. A stated place-setting capacity doesn’t show on its own how easily larger dishes will fit in the baskets.
For a few days, keep an eye on what builds up between cycles, then compare it with the layout of the model you’re considering.
The housing, door or access to connections could prevent installation, even if the appliance seems to be the right width.
Measure the space and clearances, then confirm that the door front, hinges and connections are compatible before ordering.
Depending on your kitchen, plumbing, electrical, joinery or fitting work may be needed. Electrolux says its installers don’t carry out this work as part of its pre-installation service.
Running a cycle while other people are working or relaxing can make it harder to share the space.
Compare the dB ratings and noise classes on the energy labels. If you’re counting on a quiet programme, check that it’s available and read the conditions in the model’s manual.
Bosch says its AquaStop system doesn’t prevent every kind of leak. You’ll still need to check the installation and the condition of the pipes.
Read the details of the system fitted to the model you’ve chosen, and have the connections checked if you’re unsure about their compatibility or watertightness.
Worth considering for freestanding or integrated dishwashers. Compare the specifications of individual models rather than assuming they apply to the whole range.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a standard-size appliance that can handle regular loads.
Worth considering if you need a 45 cm width and an integrated installation is possible.
Worth considering when comparing integrated sizes and deciding whether planning features would suit your household’s routine.
Worth considering for an integrated installation, provided you clarify the installation requirements before ordering.
These 60 cm models offer freestanding and integrated options for a shared kitchen. For each one, check the available space and connections, and make sure its stated capacity suits the washing-up you need to do.
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Worth considering for a shared kitchen with a compatible integrated space. It’s stated to hold 14 place settings and has an A energy rating. Check the housing, door front and connections before buying.
If the Eco programme duration affects your meal planning, check it on the energy label or product details for this model before choosing.
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A freestanding option worth considering if several people regularly load the appliance. The product title states that it holds 14 place settings and has 7 programmes. Check the door clearance, connections and Eco programme duration for this model.
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Worth considering if your kitchen has enough space for a 60 cm freestanding model. The product title states that it holds 14 place settings and has an E energy rating. To compare cycles, also check the kWh per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration on the model’s energy label.
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Worth considering for a shared kitchen with a suitable housing already in place. The product title states that it holds 14 place settings and has an E energy rating. Check the door front and connections, then compare the water used per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration on the energy label.
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Worth considering for shared loads, but only after confirming that it fits the housing. The product title states that it is 60 cm wide and holds 14 place settings, but the dimensions listed for this model don’t match that width. Confirm the exact measurements before making any installation decisions.
To compare its energy and water use with other models, use the standardised figures on its energy label.
Check that a water inlet, drain and electrical socket are available and easy to access. Bosch and Whirlpool both highlight these installation requirements. Also check the model’s manual for the space needed for the hoses and to open the door.
Not necessarily: connecting an appliance and modifying your kitchen are two separate services. Electrolux says its installers don’t carry out plumbing, electrical or joinery work. Ask the retailer exactly what the service on offer includes.
Compare the figures on their energy labels on a like-for-like basis, rather than looking only at the rating letter. ADEME states that electricity use is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per cycle. Also consider capacity and the Eco programme duration in relation to your mealtime routine.
Wait until you have a full load without cramming the dishes in, and don’t pre-rinse them: these are two tips from ADEME. Agree with the other people at home when to start and empty the appliance, so clean dishes are ready for the next meals.