Who are these sizes suitable for?

Households where dishes pile up every day

If several people cook and eat at home, consider the capacity as well as the space in the baskets for dishes and pans. UFC-Que Choisir gives a capacity of 12 to 17 place settings for 60 cm integrated models. However, the number of place settings alone doesn’t tell you everything about what you can fit inside.

Narrow or already-fitted kitchens

A 45 cm model may be the answer if you’re short on width: UFC-Que Choisir gives a capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for these appliances. If your kitchen has a dedicated space and a furniture door, also check which type of integration is required before choosing a built-in model.

Small spaces with only a few dishes at a time

A compact model may be worth considering if floor space is limited. UFC-Que Choisir features 6-place-setting models designed to sit on a worktop. Measure the space available and check the model’s connections, and don’t assume it will handle several meals’ worth of dishes.

What should you check before choosing?

Start with the space and connections: the right capacity is no use if the appliance can’t be installed in your kitchen.

What to consider What to check Who is this important for?
Capacity and usage Compare the number of place settings and basket layout with your largest dishes. If several meals a day leave you with plates and pans to wash, you’ll want to avoid having to wait for the next cycle. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this loading capacity.
Space and connections Measure the space and allow room for the door to open. Check the water supply, drain and electrical supply. For an integrated model, also check the housing and furniture door. If your kitchen is already fitted, you’ll need to install the appliance without blocking a cupboard or discovering that a connection is missing. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this compatibility.
Noise and energy use Check the dB rating, kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and Eco programme duration for the models you’re considering. If your kitchen opens onto a living area or you run frequent cycles, you’ll want to plan when to run them with noise and energy use in mind. Around 24% of consumers put these day-to-day considerations first.
Available space Compare the width of a 45 cm model with the worktop space needed for a compact one, then check the corresponding capacity. If you don’t have room for a standard appliance, you’ll want a size that leaves the kitchen practical to use, even if it means washing smaller loads. Making the most of space comes first for around 18% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Treating an integrated model like a freestanding appliance

    An integrated dishwasher needs to fit the kitchen housing and furniture-door system. A stated width alone doesn’t guarantee compatibility.

    Measure the housing and identify the furniture door required. Ask the retailer or kitchen fitter to confirm that your chosen model can be installed.

  • Choosing a compact model based only on the space it takes up

    The 6-place-setting worktop models featured by UFC-Que Choisir take up less floor space, but may mean running several cycles if several people cook every day.

    Estimate how many dishes you use on a typical day, including serving dishes and pans. If this regularly exceeds the load you expect to wash, compare 45 and 60 cm models too.

  • Focusing only on the energy rating

    The energy rating alone won’t tell you how long a cycle takes or how the noise will fit into your household routine.

    For each model, compare capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, dB rating and Eco programme duration. ADEME explains that the energy consumption shown is based on 100 reference cycles.

  • Assuming delivery includes all installation work

    Standard installation doesn’t necessarily include installing a water supply, drain or electrical connection.

    Ask exactly what the installation service covers. If a connection needs to be installed, make sure the work is agreed before ordering the appliance.

Brands to know

Bosch

Bosch offers both freestanding and integrated dishwashers. Some models come with PerfectDry or Home Connect.

  • Bosch product specifications make it easy to compare the features of individual models.
  • Don’t assume that drying or connectivity features, or the noise levels stated for certain models, apply to the whole range.

Electrolux

Electrolux’s range includes 45 and 60 cm models, both built-in and freestanding.

  • Two SatelliteClean models featured by the brand are listed as holding 9 place settings at 45 cm and 14 place settings at 60 cm.
  • The SatelliteClean name alone doesn’t tell you the capacity, installation type or washing results of another model.

Beko

Beko offers SelfDry on some dishwashers, which the brand says automatically opens the door at the end of a cycle.

  • This feature may be worth considering if your kitchen layout leaves room for the door to open after a wash.
  • Check that it’s included on the exact model you’re considering and that there’s enough clearance in front of the appliance. It isn’t available across the whole range.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in appliances, including 45 cm models.

  • The brand offers several installation types, which are worth comparing to suit your existing kitchen layout.
  • Names such as PowerClean Pro, MaxiSpace and 6th Sense don’t, on their own, tell you the capacity, noise level or features of a specific model.

Dishwashers for regular loads

These Joybuy models are freestanding or fully integrated dishwashers listed with a capacity of 13 or 14 place settings. For a shared kitchen, compare their installation types and check the dimensions and connections before deciding on the capacity you need.

Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX freestanding dishwasher

Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX, freestanding, 14 place settings

Worth considering if several people regularly fill the dishwasher and you have space for a freestanding appliance. The title states 60 cm and energy class C, but the detailed dimensions listed for this model don’t match that width. Ask for the external dimensions and required clearance to be confirmed, then check the connections.

View on Joybuy
Samsung DW60M6050FS freestanding dishwasher

Samsung DW60M6050FS, freestanding, 14 place settings

An option to consider for everyday loads, provided a freestanding model suits your kitchen. The title lists 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Check the dimensions, door clearance and connections at the intended location.

View on Joybuy
AEG FSB34707Z fully integrated dishwasher

AEG FSB34707Z, integrated, 14 place settings

This model is designed for a fitted kitchen with space for a fully integrated appliance. The title lists 60 cm, 14 place settings and energy class C, but the detailed dimensions provided don’t match the width in the title. Check the appliance dimensions, housing, furniture door and door clearance before arranging installation.

View on Joybuy
Indesit D2F HK26 S freestanding dishwasher

Indesit D2F HK26 S, freestanding, 14 place settings

Worth comparing if your kitchen can accommodate a freestanding appliance for several people’s dishes. The title lists 60 cm and energy class E. Check the energy label for the exact model to compare its energy use, then verify the dimensions and connections.

View on Joybuy
Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1 built-in dishwasher

Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1, built-in, 13 place settings

Consider this model if your kitchen has a housing and furniture door that are compatible with a built-in appliance. The title lists 60 cm and energy class B. Check the appliance and housing dimensions, as well as the clearance needed in front of the door. Professional installation is recommended for this model.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a 45 cm dishwasher big enough for a shared kitchen?

It may be, if the loads fit inside and your household is happy to run more frequent cycles. UFC-Que Choisir gives a capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for 45 cm models, compared with 12 to 17 for 60 cm integrated models. Compare these capacities with the dishes and pans you use, and the meals you eat at home.

What should you check before ordering a dishwasher?

Measure the space, access route and door clearance, then check the installation type and available connections. Bosch notes that a dishwasher needs a water supply, an electrical connection and a drain. Check the exact requirements in the instructions for your chosen model.

Can a built-in model directly replace a freestanding one?

Not without checking your kitchen layout. A built-in model needs a suitable housing and furniture door, as well as the necessary connections. Measure these and confirm that the model is compatible and what the installation service includes before replacing your appliance.

How can you compare the energy use of two models?

Compare the figures on the energy labels for the exact models, taking their capacity and Eco programme duration into account too. ADEME states that energy use is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles. This figure alone doesn’t represent your household’s actual energy use.

Does a commercial warranty replace the legal guarantee in France?

No. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, a commercial warranty is optional and is in addition to legal guarantees. For a new product bought from a professional seller in France, you can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity for two years. Check the terms of any commercial warranty separately.