How to Choose a Dishwasher?

A dishwasher is one of those household appliances that can truly make your everyday life more comfortable. In 2025, dishwasher ownership in Europe has risen to a record 89% of households, clearly demonstrating their popularity and necessity in modern homes. But how do you choose the right model that meets your needs and fits your kitchen? In this guide, we'll explain what to pay attention to when planning to purchase a dishwasher.

Types and sizes of dishwashers

Before buying, it's important to understand the different types of dishwashers available.

Main types of dishwashers:

Integrated dishwashers are installed into kitchen furniture, with the front panel covered with the same material as the rest of the kitchen furniture. The fully integrated dishwasher market has grown to €13.9 billion globally by 2025. These models blend seamlessly into your kitchen's overall design, making the space visually more harmonious.

Freestanding dishwashers are independently placed appliances that can be moved if needed. These are typically more affordable and easier to install. Freestanding models offer flexibility that is especially useful in rental apartments or if you plan to move in the near future.

Compact dishwashers are ideal for smaller kitchens and can even fit on a worktop. These are an excellent choice for smaller apartments where space is limited, but you still want the convenience of a dishwasher.

Portable dishwashers are smaller units that can be connected to a regular tap. The global market has reached €5.12 billion. These are ideal for those who need a temporary solution or whose kitchen doesn't have space for a stationary unit.

Standard sizes:

Full-size dishwashers are 60 cm wide and typically hold 12-16 place settings. These suit larger homes and families who need greater capacity.

Slimline dishwashers are 45 cm wide and hold 8-10 place settings. Europe is seeing a clear trend towards narrower 45 cm wide dishwashers, especially in urban areas where living space is limited.

Compact dishwashers are typically 55 cm or less in width, offering a solution for smaller households.

If you're planning a kitchen renovation, it's worth thinking early about which type of dishwasher fits best with your kitchen. When planning your kitchen, account for the machine's dimensions, connections and placement to ensure maximum functionality.

Energy efficiency and environmental friendliness

In 2025, energy efficiency is one of the main criteria when choosing household appliances. According to the EU's energy labeling system, dishwashers are rated on a scale from A+++ to D.

Why is energy efficiency important? Studies show that modern dishwashers use up to 50% less water than hand washing dishes. The latest technologies, such as zeolite pellets or heat pumps, reduce electricity consumption by 20-30% compared to older models. It's also notable that 62% of consumers consider energy efficiency the most important factor when purchasing a dishwasher.

Since 2024, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) has been in effect in the European Union, setting even stricter requirements for household appliance energy efficiency. This means that dishwashers sold in 2025 must be even more efficient.

The new regulations require manufacturers to reduce both water and electricity consumption by 10-15% every year, which brings benefits to consumers through lower utility bills. Additionally, energy-efficient appliances help reduce your household's ecological footprint, an increasingly important value for today's conscious consumer.

Remember that a more energy-efficient machine may initially seem more expensive, but in the long term, it will help save both money and the environment. Calculate the return on investment – by purchasing a higher energy class appliance, you can save significantly on energy costs over the entire life of the machine.

Program selection and functions

Today's dishwashers offer a wide variety of programs and additional functions. Here are some of the most important ones to pay attention to.

Basic programs:

The eco-program is water and energy saving, but with a longer wash cycle. This program is ideal for everyday use when dishes aren't very dirty and when you're not in a hurry.

The intensive program is designed for heavily soiled dishes. This program uses higher temperatures and a longer wash cycle to deal with even the most stubborn food residue.

The quick program is designed for lightly soiled dishes to be washed faster. This is ideal if you need clean dishes in a short time or if the machine isn't completely full.

The pre-rinse program allows you to rinse dishes before a more thorough wash. This is useful if you're collecting dishes for several days before running the machine.

Additional functions:

Delayed start allows you to program the washing to start at a convenient time. This is especially useful if you want to run the wash at night when electricity is cheaper or when you're away from home.

Half load is an economical function for when the machine isn't completely full. This function adjusts water and energy usage according to actual needs.

Auto program detects the level of soiling and adjusts the program accordingly. Such smart solutions ensure optimal resource use and the best washing results.

The drying system offers various technologies for drying dishes, such as condensation drying or zeolite drying. The latest systems ensure that dishes are completely dry after washing and ready to use immediately.

This year's trend shows that increasingly more dishwashers are equipped with smart functions such as WiFi connectivity and mobile app support. These allow you to monitor and control the machine even when you're away from home, receive notifications when the wash cycle is complete, or even detect potential problems before they occur.

If you want to invest in a machine that does its job as quietly as possible and without disruption, we recommend paying attention to sound insulation, which is an important aspect of improving home comfort. A well sound-insulated dishwasher allows you to enjoy silence even while the machine is running.

Noise level

Noise is an important factor, especially if the dishwasher is located in an open-plan kitchen or near the living room. Modern dishwashers are generally quieter than earlier models.

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Dishwashers operating below 45 dB are very quiet, barely audible. Machines operating at 45-50 dB are comparable to the volume of a normal conversation. Those operating above 50 dB can be disruptive in an open space.

Premium-class dishwashers in 2025 already operate at a quiet 42 dB level, meaning they're barely noticeable even in the same room. This is especially important in open-plan homes where the kitchen and living room are connected. A low-noise dishwasher significantly improves your quality of life, allowing you to use the machine even in the evening or at night without disturbing the family's rest. Such models are usually equipped with special insulation and have fewer vibration-producing parts.

Noise level is also especially important in apartment buildings, where noise can reach neighbors. Investing in a quiet dishwasher is an investment not only in your family's, but also your neighbors' wellbeing. This helps create a more peaceful living environment for everyone.

Basket design and capacity

The dishwasher's interior and its basket system significantly affect user convenience. The presence of a third rack or drawer is especially useful for cutlery and smaller dishes. This extra space allows you to arrange items more optimally and increases the machine's overall capacity.

Adjustable racks and supports allow you to place different types and sizes of dishes. Modern dishwasher baskets are designed so you can adjust them according to your dishes' size and shape. This is especially useful if you have non-standard or large kitchen utensils.

Capacity is typically measured in place settings. Full-size machines typically hold 12-16 place settings, medium-sized ones 10-12 place settings, and smaller ones 8-9 place settings. One place setting typically includes a plate, soup bowl, dessert plate, cup with saucer, and cutlery.

Think through which dishes most frequently need washing. Do you have many large pots and pans or mainly regular dinnerware? If your family is large or you frequently host dinners with friends, it's worth choosing a machine with greater capacity. For a smaller family or if you mainly use regular dinnerware, a more compact model may be sufficient.

Modern dishwasher basket systems have become increasingly flexible, offering special places for delicate glassware, cutting boards, or even baby bottles. Some premium models even offer special programs and racks for wine glasses.

Price ranges and budget considerations

Dishwasher prices vary greatly depending on brand, features, and quality. Basic models typically cost €300-500 and offer simpler functions. These are usually freestanding units with basic programs but fewer additional features.

Mid-range models fall in the €500-800 price range. They typically have more programs and better energy efficiency. These machines offer a good balance between price and quality, being sufficiently functional for most households.

Premium models cost €800-1500 and more. They use cutting-edge technology, smart functions, and have low noise levels. These are ideal for consumers seeking maximum comfort and quality.

Research shows that in 2025, the global dishwasher market has reached €14.9 billion, representing 7.2% annual growth. This growth has led to increased competition and better prices for consumers. Consumers can now get more value for their money as manufacturers compete with more innovative and efficient models.

Remember that price is not always an indicator of quality. Mid-range models often offer the best value for money. Also consider long-term costs – a more energy-efficient model may be more expensive to buy but save money on electricity bills throughout its lifespan.

In addition to purchase price, it's worth considering warranty terms, maintenance costs, and spare parts availability. Reputable brands typically offer longer warranties and better customer support, which can prove important if problems arise.

Practical buying guide for different kitchens

Small kitchen

For a small kitchen, consider a compact or slimline (45 cm) dishwasher. Their dimensions fit ideally with limited space, allowing you to preserve worktop and movement space.

Look for an integrated model to save even more space and make your kitchen visually cleaner. Integrated dishwashers are hidden behind kitchen furniture, creating a unified and clean appearance.

Pay special attention to capacity. Even in smaller machines there are significant differences in how optimally they use space. Look for models offering adjustable racks and smart interior design.

In small kitchens, the machine's quiet operation is especially important, as sound carries more strongly in a smaller space. Therefore, choose a model with the lowest possible noise level, ideally below 45 dB.

Open-plan kitchen

In an open-plan kitchen where the dishwasher is visible and audible from the living room, choose the quietest possible model (below 45 dB). This ensures you can run the machine at any time without disturbing other activities or conversation.

Fully integrated design helps the machine blend into the overall interior, creating a visually harmonious and clean appearance. This is especially important when the kitchen is part of the overall living area.

Consider models with additional sound insulation. Some premium-class dishwashers offer special night programs that operate particularly quietly, ideal for evening use.

In open-plan kitchens, the appearance of appliances is often important too. If you choose a freestanding machine, pay attention to design and finish so it matches your kitchen's overall style.

Large family kitchen

In a larger family kitchen, choose a full-size (60 cm) dishwasher with maximum capacity (14-16 place settings). This allows you to wash your entire family's dishes at once, saving time and energy.

Look for models with quick programs to handle large amounts of dishes. Half-load programs are especially useful if you need clean dishes quickly but the machine isn't full.

Consider higher energy class models to limit your family's utility costs. For larger families, energy efficiency is even more important since the dishwasher is used more frequently.

Families also benefit from models with special programs, such as baby dish cleaning programs or particularly hygienic wash options. Some machines also offer automatic detergent dosing, which saves detergent and ensures the optimal amount is always used.

Checklist for buying a dishwasher

Before purchase, check:

• Do the machine's dimensions fit your kitchen?□ What is the machine's energy class and water consumption?

• Do the programs meet your needs?

• What is the machine's noise level?□ How convenient is the machine to use (control panel, baskets)?

• What are the long-term maintenance costs?

• What is the warranty length and terms?

• Does the machine require special installation?

Additionally, read user reviews and professional reviews to get a better understanding of the specific model. Reliable feedback helps avoid unexpected problems and disappointment.

Also familiarize yourself thoroughly with the appliance's user manual before making your purchase. Some models may require special detergents or additional accessories, which may affect your long-term costs and user experience.

Dishwasher maintenance

Proper maintenance helps extend your dishwasher's lifespan and maintain its efficiency. Be sure to also read our article on dishwasher cleaning, where you'll find detailed tips.

Basic maintenance tips:

Clean filters regularly. These collect food scraps and dirt, which can impair the machine's performance over time. Usually it's enough to rinse the filters with warm water once a week.

Use quality salt and rinse aid. These help achieve the best wash results and prevent limescale buildup. Quality products may seem more expensive at first, but they protect your machine and extend its lifespan.

Leave the machine door slightly open after use so moisture can escape. This helps prevent mold and unpleasant odors from forming inside the machine.

Periodically run the empty machine with hot water. This helps remove grease and dirt residue that may accumulate inside the machine. Add special dishwasher cleaning products for this or use natural alternatives like vinegar.

Make sure the spray arms aren't clogged. If you notice that dishes no longer come out as clean as before, check the spray arms and clean them if necessary with a needle.

A properly maintained dishwasher can last 7-12 years, while a neglected one may break down in just a few years. Regular maintenance also helps avoid costly repairs and ensures your machine always operates at optimal levels.

If you want to use natural cleaning products for your dishwasher maintenance, check out our article on natural cleaning products, which offers environmentally friendly alternatives to regular chemicals.

Summary

Choosing the right dishwasher depends on your kitchen, your needs, and your budget. In 2025, the focus is on energy efficiency, smart functions, and reducing environmental impact. Remember that a good dishwasher is a long-term investment that saves time, water, and energy.

Today's dishwashers have become increasingly smart, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Making the right choice requires thorough preparation and a clear understanding of your needs, but it's well worth it in terms of everyday convenience and resource savings.

If you're looking for a new home with a modern kitchen already equipped with a quality dishwasher, check Kinnisvara24's offerings. On our portal you'll find apartments for sale, rental apartments, and single-family homes where kitchens are already furnished. It's especially worth paying attention to new developments, where kitchens are equipped with the latest household appliances.

The right dishwasher makes your everyday life simpler and keeps your kitchen always clean. Thanks to modern technology, you get to enjoy more time with family and less time dealing with dishwashing.