Start by considering the space available, the connections and how much washing-up you need to deal with. A freestanding model suits a kitchen without a dedicated space, while an integrated dishwasher needs to fit your kitchen units. With a compact model, check that its capacity is enough for you. To compare appliances, ADEME recommends checking the energy label figures, which are based on reference conditions rather than your exact usage. If you have only a small amount of washing-up and it takes less than 15 minutes to wash and dry it after each meal, Que Choisir considers a dishwasher unnecessary.
If you can leave the washing-up until you have enough for a full load, compare the stated capacity with the plates, dishes and utensils you usually use. Also look at washing and drying results from comparable tests, as well as the Eco programme figures, rather than focusing on a single consumption figure.
A 45 cm or compact model may be worth considering, but size alone won’t tell you whether it’s right for you. Check how much washing-up it can hold, whether the door can open fully and whether there’s room for the hoses. If you won’t use it much, washing by hand is still an option.
Measure the space and check the door panel, its fittings and the connections before choosing a replacement. As Que Choisir points out, an integrated dishwasher must fit into a space designed for it; it is not automatically a suitable replacement for a freestanding model.
First decide whether the amount of washing-up and time spent on it justify buying an appliance. Then check the installation requirements and compare models on a like-for-like basis.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| How often you use it and its capacity | Estimate how much washing-up builds up between cycles. Compare the stated place settings with the space you need for your dishes and utensils, and look at washing and drying results from comparable tests. | I want to avoid washing up after meals, but an appliance that’s rarely full may not suit my routine. Que Choisir considers a dishwasher unnecessary if washing and drying by hand takes less than 15 minutes after each meal. |
| Installation and connections | Measure the space and allow for the door to open. Check the water supply, waste outlet and power supply against the exact model’s instructions. For an integrated model, also check the space, door panel and fittings. | In an existing kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance without discovering afterwards that it’s incompatible with the units or connections. |
| Water, energy and programme duration | Compare kWh per 100 cycles and litres per reference cycle, then check how long the Eco programme takes. According to ADEME and the European energy labelling regulation, these figures are based on the Eco programme, so don’t assume they apply to every programme. | I want to compare appliances under the same conditions, while also considering which programme I’ll use and how many cycles I’ll run at home. |
| Noise and loading | Check the declared noise level and noise class. See how the racks fit your large dishes, glasses and cutlery. If comparable tests are available, look at their washing and drying results. | My kitchen is open-plan, so the stated noise level matters, but I don’t want to choose on that basis alone. |
| Maintenance and services | Check what’s included for delivery, installation and connections. Read the instructions on detergent, salt, rinse aid and maintenance, and check the repairability index if one is displayed. | I want to know what maintenance and products regular use will involve, especially if a door panel or other work is needed. |
A slimline or compact appliance may hold less washing-up per cycle. If your larger dishes don’t fit, the space saving could make it less practical for everyday use.
Estimate how much washing-up builds up between cycles and check how the racks accommodate the items you actually use.
A model with too little capacity may mean running more cycles.
Que Choisir distinguishes between integrated and freestanding models: an integrated dishwasher must be fitted into a space designed for it. The door panel, its fittings and the connections must also be compatible with the model you choose.
Measure the space in your kitchen, check the installation plan for the exact model and ask about any work needed before placing your order.
According to ADEME and European energy labelling rules, the figures shown are based on the Eco programme under reference conditions. How full you load the appliance and which programmes you use at home may be different.
Compare appliances using the same indicators, including kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle, then factor in how often you’ll use yours.
Noise can be a nuisance in an open-plan kitchen, while a drying performance that doesn’t suit your needs could leave you with dishes to dry by hand. The products needed and maintenance tasks are also part of using the appliance.
Compare the declared noise levels, look for drying results measured under comparable conditions, and check the maintenance instructions for the model.
Depending on the appliance and installation, you may also need to budget for a door panel, installation service or maintenance products.
These ranges provide a useful basis for comparing sizes and installation types. Always check the specifications of the exact model you’re interested in.
Bosch offers freestanding, integrated and compact dishwashers in France, including 45 cm models.
Beko offers freestanding, integrated models with a visible control panel and fully integrated models in France.
Miele offers freestanding, integrated and fully integrated dishwashers in France, including 45 cm models.
These models are mainly for households considering a freestanding dishwasher for regular use. There’s also an integrated model among the options for a fitted kitchen. Make sure you’ve decided on the right size and confirmed that the appliance will fit your kitchen before comparing the specifications.
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Worth considering if you tend to build up a large load of washing-up and have space for a freestanding model. The product title lists 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Check the instructions for the dimensions and connections, and make sure there’s room for your dishes.
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This size could suit a household that builds up washing-up between cycles, provided the appliance fits the available space. The product title lists 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Check there’s room for the hoses and compare the energy label figures for the exact model.
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Worth considering if a freestanding model and its stated capacity of 14 place settings suit your kitchen and needs. The product title lists a 41 dB noise level and a C energy rating. Use the stated noise level to compare it with other models, and confirm the dimensions and connections before installation.
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This option is for a fitted kitchen, and only if the space, door panel and fittings are compatible. The product title lists 13 place settings and a B energy rating. Ask for the installation dimensions and energy label for the exact model before deciding if it’s right for you.
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The stated capacity of 14 place settings may appeal if you tend to build up a full load of washing-up. The product title describes this as a freestanding model with a C energy rating, but the dimensions listed for this product are inconsistent. Check the instructions for the exact model before deciding whether it will fit in your kitchen.
Measure the space and check the water supply, waste outlet and power supply against the instructions for the exact model. For an integrated dishwasher, also check the space, door panel and fittings. If any work is needed, ask a professional to assess the installation.
No. The figures are there to help you compare dishwashers under reference conditions. ADEME lists energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per cycle; the regulated measurements are based on the Eco programme. How full you load the appliance and which programmes you choose can affect how much it uses at home.
Washing by hand may still be a good option if you have only a small amount of washing-up and can wash and dry it soon after meals. Que Choisir says a dishwasher is unnecessary if these tasks take less than 15 minutes after each meal. This guideline alone isn’t enough to compare the water use of the two methods.
Allow for detergent and follow the model’s instructions on dishwasher salt, rinse aid and cleaning. ADEME also recommends paying attention to the indicator lights and the instructions for cleaning the filter and running maintenance cycles.
No. It’s one factor to consider alongside the appliance’s other features, not a guarantee of future reliability. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists dishwashers among the product categories covered in France. If an index is displayed, compare it with the information on spare parts and the model’s warranty terms.