Before replacing a worn-out dishwasher, check that the installation type, dimensions, connections and capacity suit your kitchen and how you use it. Then compare washing and drying performance based on tests carried out using the same method, and look at energy and water consumption, the repairability rating displayed in France and the parts available for the model you’re considering. A good repairability rating guarantees neither freedom from breakdowns nor good washing results.
If you’re replacing an appliance that has become unreliable, check its repairability rating and the details behind it, then look for parts that match the exact model reference. ADEME points out that the rating takes factors such as ease of dismantling and parts availability into account; it doesn’t guarantee a particular lifespan.
If you run frequent cycles, choose a capacity and interior layout that suit your dishes. When comparing appliances, washing and drying tests carried out using a common method are more useful than a simple list of programmes. UFC-Que Choisir, for example, assesses how clean dishes are after complete cycles.
If you’re fitting a dishwasher into an alcove, under a worktop or in a small space, measure the area and check the installation type before comparing features. UFC-Que Choisir points out that you’ll need a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste-water outlet.
The installation type helps you work out where the appliance will fit; on its own, it doesn’t tell you how well it washes or how easy it is to repair.
Consider this if: you’re replacing an appliance outside a fitted alcove and want to keep its exterior finish visible.
Bear in mind: whether it will fit under a worktop depends in part on whether the top can be removed from the model you choose. Also check how much space the door needs to open.
Consider this if: your kitchen has a suitable alcove and you want to conceal the appliance behind a cabinet door.
Bear in mind: the alcove, cabinet door and installation must all be suitable for the model. A built-in dishwasher can’t simply be installed like a freestanding one.
Consider this if: you have an alcove and want to keep the control panel visible.
Bear in mind: it still needs to be built in, with a compatible cabinet door fitted below the control panel.
Consider this if: space is very limited and you don’t have many dishes to wash. UFC-Que Choisir, for example, describes worktop models with a capacity of 6 place settings.
Bear in mind: a smaller capacity may mean running more frequent cycles, and you’ll still need the necessary connections.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Repairability | Check the details of the rating displayed for a new appliance sold in France, and look for parts that match its exact model reference. | After repeated breakdowns, I want the option of repairing my appliance instead of replacing it again. Around 31% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Installation and capacity | Measure the space and check all three connections, then choose a place-setting capacity that suits the amount of washing-up you produce between cycles. | In a narrow kitchen or one with a fitted alcove, I need an appliance that fits properly without being too small for my household. Around 25% of consumers put this fit first. |
| Washing and drying | Compare results from tests carried out using the same method, taking into account the cycle and materials tested. | If I often fill the dishwasher, I want to spend less time re-washing or drying dishes by hand. For around 25% of consumers, results are the main priority. |
| Energy and water use, and noise | Check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level in dB. | If I run regular cycles or have an open-plan kitchen, I want to keep an eye on water and electricity use, as well as noise in everyday use. Around 19% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
An incompatible alcove, plinth or cabinet door could prevent the appliance from being installed as planned, even if its stated width seems suitable.
Measure the available space and check the door clearance. Confirm which cabinet door is needed and check the connections before ordering.
According to the French ministry responsible for the ecological transition and ADEME, the repairability rating for relevant appliances sold new in France provides information about repair-related criteria. It doesn’t measure the likelihood of a breakdown or the washing results.
Check the details behind the rating and the parts available for the model you’re considering. Separately, compare washing and drying tests carried out on a like-for-like basis.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about water use, Eco programme duration or noise. ADEME lists these details separately on the energy label.
Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and dB in light of how you’ll use the appliance.
Also budget for consumables and maintenance, and, depending on the installation, delivery or set-up.
A compact or 45 cm model may suit a smaller space, but if it doesn’t have enough capacity for your dishes, you may end up running more cycles.
Work out how much washing-up builds up between washes before choosing a size, and check the connections, including for a compact model.
These details about product ranges and spare parts may help guide your checks; they don’t rank brands for reliability or assess the performance of their models.
Bosch offers freestanding, built-in and compact dishwashers, as well as a spare-parts search by E-Nr model reference on its French website.
Beko provides information about spare-part availability for its repairable large domestic appliances.
Miele France has a catalogue of dishwasher parts, including baskets and components related to drainage.
No. For a new dishwasher sold in France, the rating indicates how repairable it is according to criteria such as documentation, ease of dismantling and parts availability, as explained by the French ministry responsible for the ecological transition and ADEME. It doesn’t predict breakdowns or rate washing performance.
Check the water supply, electricity supply and waste-water outlet. UFC-Que Choisir says all three are needed to install a dishwasher. Then check the dimensions and installation requirements in the instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level. ADEME explains that consumption figures are based on a reference cycle, so they don’t replace like-for-like washing and drying tests.
No. In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual. A commercial warranty is a separate form of cover, so check its specific terms.
Follow your model’s instructions for cleaning the filter and spray arms. Bosch recommends these steps for its dishwashers; adjust how often you do them to suit how you use the appliance and the manufacturer’s instructions.