Households short on kitchen space
The priority is to find a spot that fits the appliance, allows for the door to open and, where relevant, leaves enough room around nearby units.
Who is this choice for?
Households with lots of washing-up every day
Capacity matters, but the basket layout should also accommodate the dishes, pans and cutlery you use regularly, without making you run too many cycles.
People with an open-plan kitchen
If the dishwasher runs near your living space, noise levels matter more. Water and electricity use are still worth comparing on a like-for-like basis.
Which criteria should you consider first?
Start by measuring the space: a freestanding appliance, one built into a cabinet, a 45 cm-wide model and a worktop dishwasher all have different requirements. Next, work out how much capacity you need, then compare the energy and noise figures for models that can actually be installed in your kitchen.
| Criteria | What to check | Relevant consumer needs |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday capacity | Advertised place setting capacity and room for larger dishes in the baskets. | If my pans and plates fill the appliance quickly, I want to avoid running extra cycles. Around 27% of consumers put loading capacity first. |
| Installation | Available width, height and depth; for an integrated model, check the cabinet niche, door panel and clearance for the door to open. | In a fitted kitchen, the appliance needs to fit in its space and its door must be able to open. Installation compatibility comes first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Energy and water use | kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the energy label; duration of the Eco programme. | If I run cycles often, I want to compare water and electricity use on a like-for-like basis. For around 26% of consumers, keeping consumption under control is the main priority. |
| Noise | Noise level in dB(A) and noise class shown on the energy label. | If the machine runs near the living room or in the evening, I want to minimise disruption during the cycle. Quiet operation is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
The ADEME notes that the energy label includes information such as electricity use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, capacity, Eco cycle duration and noise figures. When comparing two appliances, weigh up these figures alongside a capacity that suits your dishes, rather than looking at width alone.
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Assuming a 45 cm model will be big enough without changing how often you run it
A narrower model leaves less room for bulky loads. Que Choisir explains that the 45 cm models in its comparison may suit a small family if used daily; the capacity of the model you choose and the size of your larger dishes are still key.
Look at the basket layout and compare the stated consumption for cycles suited to the amount of washing-up you have.
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Judging noise by a promise of quiet operation
In an open-plan kitchen, you may still hear the cycle during meals or in the evening. A sales description is no substitute for the noise information for the specific appliance.
Compare the dB(A) level and noise class shown on the energy labels of your shortlisted models.
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Ordering an integrated model based on width alone
The niche height, door panel, plinth or door clearance could prevent installation. Bosch recommends checking the model dimensions; Electrolux notes that carpentry, plumbing or electrical work may not be included in an installation service.
Measure the space and check your existing connections, consult the installation diagram and ask which tasks are included in the installation.
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Assuming leak protection is included
Whirlpool describes AquaStop as a system that cuts off the water supply in the event of a leak. This does not mean that every dishwasher has this system or that they all protect against the same situations.
Check the product specifications and manual for the model you are considering to find out what protection it offers and what its limitations are.
Brands to know when comparing sizes
Bosch
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated dishwashers in 60 cm, 45 cm and compact sizes.
- Its categories and dimension details make it easier to find the type of appliance to look at.
- Check the installation diagram and specifications for the exact model before making your choice.
Siemens
Siemens offers integrated models as well as slimline and compact appliances for kitchens where space is limited.
- The range lets you compare different ways to fit an appliance into your kitchen.
- Features vary by model, so check the dimensions, capacity and energy label too.
Miele
Miele offers freestanding and integrated dishwashers, including some slimline models.
- Model specifications let you check the installation type and noise figures.
- The noise level listed for one model does not represent the whole range.
Beko
Beko offers 45 cm and larger dishwashers, with capacity varying from model to model.
- Specifications for models such as BDFS26040X give you details to compare against your typical load.
- Assess claims about washing performance or quiet operation model by model, rather than applying them to the whole brand.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers freestanding and integrated models, including 45 cm and 60 cm widths.
- These sizes give you several options to compare capacity and fit.
- Check whether AquaStop or automatic functions are included on the specific model you choose.
Dishwashers to consider on Joybuy
These appliances show three ways to fit a dishwasher into your home for everyday use: an integrated model, a freestanding model and worktop options. First choose one that suits your space and the amount of washing-up you have, then check the specifications for that particular model.
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Samsung DW90H79JAI0U1 Bespoke AI, 60 cm integrated dishwasher
Worth considering if you have a large everyday load and your kitchen can accommodate an integrated appliance. It has an advertised capacity of 14 place settings and an A energy rating. Check the cabinet niche, door panel and installation diagram for this model.
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Heinrich’s HTG 8840 Schwarz, worktop dishwasher
Its worktop size is suited to kitchens with limited space and smaller washing-up loads. The product title lists 6 place settings, 7 programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Check the dimensions and connections required.
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Bob The Eco-Compact Dishwasher, All-Options Pack White/Copper
This compact size is worth considering if your everyday washing-up fits in a small appliance. Before choosing this pack, check its dimensions, how much it can actually hold, and how it is supplied with water and drained.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A white, 60 cm freestanding dishwasher
This freestanding model could suit a large washing-up load if it fits your space. The product title lists 14 place settings, 41 dB and a C energy rating. Check the manual if you plan to install it under a worktop, and use the energy label to compare consumption.
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Comfee’ CDWMTO201D(W) white, worktop dishwasher
Worth looking at if space is limited and the water supply method is an important factor. The product title mentions a 5 L built-in tank and a D energy rating. Check the capacity, drainage and any accessories needed for your installation.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare on a dishwasher’s energy label?
Compare the capacity in place settings, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise figures, as well as the energy rating. The ADEME presents these as useful points of comparison. Choose appliances with a capacity that suits your washing-up to make the comparison relevant to you.
What should I measure before choosing a freestanding or integrated dishwasher?
Measure the available width, height and depth before choosing an installation type. For an integrated model, also check the cabinet niche, door panel, plinth and door clearance using the model’s diagram. Confirm your existing connections and which tasks are included in the installation service.
Do all dishwashers have AquaStop?
No, you shouldn’t assume that AquaStop is included. Whirlpool describes it as a system that cuts off the water supply in the event of a leak. Check the specifications and manual for the appliance you are considering to confirm what protection it offers and what its limitations are.