If dirty dishes pile up every day, a 60 cm appliance is a good starting point if your kitchen has room for one. Que Choisir puts its capacity at between 12 and 17 place settings, compared with 9 to 10 for a 45 cm model. Whether you choose a freestanding or integrated dishwasher depends on your kitchen. Also compare how well it accommodates your dishes, its Eco-cycle figures, noise levels, and the costs of installation and use.
If you need to fit plates, glasses, dishes and utensils into one cycle, look at the basket layout as well as the stated number of place settings. Que Choisir gives typical capacities for both 60 cm and 45 cm models.
If your dishwasher runs near a living area, its noise level in decibels and noise class are important points to compare. ADEME includes both details on the energy label.
An alcove, kitchen door or limited width can determine the type of appliance you need before you even consider capacity. A slimline model gives you less room for loading; an integrated model must suit your kitchen layout.
For everyday washing, first choose a size that fits your kitchen, then check that the baskets can accommodate the dishes you use regularly. The three configurations below suit different installation requirements.
Consider it if: you have enough width and want a finished appliance that doesn't need a kitchen door panel.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible. If you plan to fit it under a worktop, check whether its top can be removed.
Consider it if: you have a suitable alcove and want the dishwasher to blend into your kitchen behind a compatible door panel.
Bear in mind: the door panel, its fixings and installation all need to be checked and may add to the fitting costs.
Consider it if: there isn't enough room for a 60 cm appliance and your usual load is suited to this size.
Bear in mind: Que Choisir puts its capacity at between 9 and 10 place settings, so you may need to run more cycles if dishes pile up.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and loading | Compare the stated number of place settings with the room actually available for your dishes and utensils, particularly if the baskets are adjustable. | When meals quickly fill the sink, I want to fit large dishes alongside everyday tableware without running extra cycles; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this usable capacity. |
| Running costs | Check the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the label, then factor in how often you wash and which products you use. | If the dishwasher runs often, I want to understand the long-term cost of water, electricity and consumables; around 27% of consumers would put keeping these costs under control first. |
| Noise | Compare the noise level in dB and the noise class shown on the label. ADEME explains that a 3 dB difference corresponds to almost twice the noise. | In an open-plan kitchen or when running cycles late, I want the appliance to disturb the living area less; around 20% of consumers would prioritise noise. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space or alcove and check the installation type, connections and door-panel compatibility for an integrated model. | When the available width or fitted kitchen limits my choice, I need an appliance that can actually be installed; around 20% of consumers would prioritise a good fit for their space. |
This rated capacity doesn't tell you whether your large dishes and utensils will fit easily. According to Que Choisir, 45 cm models generally hold fewer place settings than 60 cm ones.
Think about the items you load most often, then check the height and layout of the baskets on the model you're considering.
The consumption figures on the energy label are based on a reference programme. A quick cycle is designed for a different purpose, so it isn't directly comparable.
Compare Eco-cycle figures across appliances, then check separately whether the duration and conditions of use for quick programmes suit you.
Que Choisir points out that an integrated dishwasher isn't simply a freestanding appliance hidden from view: the alcove and door panel are part of the installation.
Before ordering, confirm the dimensions, door-panel and hinge compatibility, connections, and what's included in the installation service.
In an open-plan kitchen or during an evening cycle, a difference in noise can matter: ADEME says that an extra 3 dB corresponds to almost twice the noise.
Check both the decibel level and noise class on the labels of the models you're comparing.
Worth considering if you're looking for a 60 cm freestanding appliance and want to compare Eco-cycle figures, noise levels and basket layout.
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if alcove compatibility and flexible baskets are important to you.
Worth considering if you're looking for a 60 cm freestanding appliance with an adjustable basket and a short programme as well as the Eco cycle.
Worth considering if you're choosing between freestanding, integrated and slimline models, depending on the space available in your kitchen.
These models cover two options for everyday meals: freestanding and integrated into a fitted kitchen. Compare their stated capacity with your usual loads, then check the available space and Eco-cycle consumption figures before choosing.
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Worth considering if your priority is fitting your everyday dishes into a freestanding appliance. It has a stated capacity of 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Check that its dimensions and baskets suit your dishes and the space available.
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Worth considering if you have 60 cm of width for a freestanding appliance and need to wash your household's dishes. It has a stated capacity of 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Check the Eco-cycle figures to get an idea of running costs.
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Worth considering if the dishwasher will run near a living area and you want a family-sized freestanding model. The model title lists 14 place settings, 41 dB and a C energy rating. Also compare the Eco-cycle figures in light of how often you'll use it.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a suitable alcove for a 60 cm integrated model. It has a stated capacity of 13 place settings and a C energy rating. Check the door panel, installation dimensions and Eco-cycle consumption before ordering.
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Worth considering if your kitchen can accommodate a 60 cm integrated appliance for everyday dishes. It has a stated capacity of 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Check the alcove and door-panel compatibility, then compare the Eco-cycle figures.
It may be, if your usual loads fit in the baskets and the available width means this is the right size for you. Que Choisir gives a typical capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for a 45 cm model, compared with 12 to 17 for a 60 cm one. Remember to allow for the space your dishes take up, not just your plates.
Allow for any delivery and installation you need, as well as the water, electricity and products used over time. For an integrated model, check whether the door panel, fixings and connections are included. Que Choisir also highlights the cost of detergents as part of running costs.
Compare the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the label, then relate them to how often you wash. ADEME says the label also shows the Eco-cycle duration, capacity and noise level. Figures for a quick programme aren't directly comparable with those for the reference cycle.
Check the alcove, door panel and hinges, as well as the water inlet, waste outlet and electrical supply. Que Choisir explains that an integrated dishwasher must be fitted in a suitable alcove; it isn't simply used like a finished freestanding appliance.