Place settings, width, consumption and programs: the parameters that matter to choose the right dishwasher, without paying for features you won't use.
Choosing a dishwasher means balancing three things: the space you have in your kitchen, the place settings you usually wash and the consumption you accept over time. Everything else — dozens of programs, smart functions, special baskets — comes after. A well-chosen dishwasher washes well, uses little energy and you load it without thinking: that's the goal.
In this guide you'll find the essential framework to decide, with the few parameters that really matter and the most common mistakes to avoid.
In brief: what you'll find in this guide
The short answer
For most kitchens the balanced choice is a 60 cm dishwasher, 13-14 place settings, in class A or B, with Eco program and good noise rating. If space is limited or you cook for one or two people, the 45 cm with 9-10 place settings is more suitable. The Eco program, longer but at lower temperature, is the one that consumes the least and is the reference of the energy label.
Place settings and width: 45 or 60 cm
A "place setting" is the standard unit for measuring capacity: a set of dishes, a glass and cutlery for one person. The two main widths are 45 and 60 cm:
| Format | Typical place settings | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| 45 cm (slim) | 9-10 place settings | Small kitchens, 1-2 people |
| 60 cm (standard) | 13-14 place settings | Families, those who entertain guests, large kitchens |
An important but counterintuitive point: the 60 cm does not necessarily consume much more than the 45 cm. In fact, by making better use of the tank's volume it reduces water consumption per place setting: approximately 0.67 liters per place setting versus 0.90 for the 45 cm, that is about 25% less for the same amount of dishes washed. The 45 cm makes sense mainly when space is the constraint, not when you're looking for the lowest absolute consumption.
We've detailed the comparison between the two formats, with numbers and use cases, here: Dishwasher 45 or 60 cm: which one to really choose.
Water and energy consumption
From 1st March 2021 the European energy label uses a single scale from A to G, without the old "plus" designations. Energy consumption is expressed in kWh per 100 cycles on the Eco program: as an order of magnitude, a 14 place setting model on Eco is around 54 kWh per 100 cycles, that is just over 0.5 kWh per wash on efficient models.
On the water side, an Eco cycle consumes approximately between 8 and 12 liters. It's much less than equivalent hand washing: the dishwasher, used at full load and on Eco, is almost always more efficient than hand washing. The practical advantage is twofold: you save water and energy, and comparisons between models become simple by looking at the two numbers on the label.
Programs: which ones really matter
As with washing machines, the number of programs is not an indicator of quality. The ones you actually use are few:
Eco: the reference program, the most efficient. Washes at 45-50 °C but for longer (often 3-4 hours). This is the one to use almost always.
Quick / 1 hour: useful for lightly soiled dishes when you're in a hurry, at the cost of higher consumption.
Intensive: for pots and stubborn dirt, at higher temperature.
Auto: adjusts duration and temperature based on the detected level of soiling.
Truly useful functions in practice are delayed start (to take advantage of convenient time slots), the third basket for cutlery (you gain space below) and well-distributed wash arms. Wi-Fi and apps are an extra: handy, rarely decisive.
Noise level and drying
In open-plan kitchens connected to the living room, noise level matters. It's indicated in decibels on the label: below 44-46 dB we're talking about silent models, suitable even for those who start the dishwasher in the evening.
On drying, the systems change the result. Condensation drying is the most common; systems with automatic door opening at the end of the cycle (such as "auto-open") improve drying by exploiting air circulation, particularly useful with plastic, which tends to dry poorly.
Mistakes to avoid
Choose the 45 cm only to save money: per place setting it consumes more; it makes sense for space, not for consumption.
Only look at the energy class: compare kWh per 100 cycles and liters per cycle, not just the letter.
Avoid the Eco program because "too long": it's the duration at low temperature that makes it consume less.
Be guided by the number of programs: you'll use three or four. Quality counts.
Don't measure the space: width, height and depth of the recess should be checked before purchase.
Portos choice
For a standard kitchen, it makes sense to choose a 60 cm dishwasher, 13-14 place settings, class A or B, with Eco program, delayed start, third basket and good noise class. Switch to the 45 cm if space is the main constraint or if you cook for one or two people. In both cases, use Eco as your regular program: that's where the savings are concentrated.
Once you've identified models that match your needs, you can compare prices and availability on SniffaPrezzi or see features and availability on OpportunityCommerce.
If you're renovating the washing area, you might also find the guide How to choose a washing machine useful.
Two real models, read line by line: we applied these criteria to two Bosch built-in 60 cm dishwashers actually on sale, one class D and one class A, starting from their European information sheets. Consumption, water, duration, noise and installation constraints are in the comparison between Bosch SMV4HVX03E and SMH6YCX02E.
A concrete case where the label is not enough: two Bosch Series 6 built-in models separated by 18 euros declare the same efficiency index, the same energy and water consumption and even the same drying index, yet they use different drying systems and have two program differences. What to look at when standardized data match is in Bosch SMI6ECS00E or SMI6ZCS10E.
Sources
ENEA — Energy label for dishwashers
European Commission — new energy label (from 1 March 2021) and consumption per 100 cycles on the Eco program.
Also worth reading: if you're choosing between two brands, see the comparison Bosch or Electrolux: which dishwasher to choose.
Maintenance: to keep your dishwasher efficient over time, see how to clean the dishwasher filter.
