Sharp QW-I1GI47EX (dishwasher 45 cm built-in with 8 programmes): our review

A narrow gap beside the sink can dictate your appliance choice before any programme gets a look in. The Sharp QW-I1GI47EX measures 45 cm wide, 82 cm high and 55 cm deep. Those are the dimensions to compare with the available cabinet space and fitting requirements, rather than assuming a slim body will automatically fit. This is a fully integrated dishwasher, so a kitchen furniture door covers its front; that furniture door is not supplied.

For a studio flat where kitchen storage already involves negotiation, the narrow format has an obvious appeal. We would still settle the furniture front, fitting arrangements, delivery and removal of the old appliance before ordering. Confirm the warranty and returns arrangements with the retailer at the same time, particularly who handles a problem after installation. A tidy kitchen starts with the fitting plan.

Would you run the dishwasher while someone is trying to follow a softly spoken television drama nearby? The declared eco noise level is 47 decibels, among the highest declared levels in our comparisons. That makes its position in the home relevant: a separate kitchen gives you more freedom to get on with the washing-up while the rest of the household settles elsewhere.

In an open living space, we would favour starting it when you leave the kitchen rather than building an evening around the hope that it will fade into the background. Quiet operation is not its strongest argument. This figure belongs to the eco programme, so it should not be treated as a promise about every setting. If bedtime means the kitchen is empty but bedrooms are nearby, think about that layout too. The furniture front is a visual finish, not evidence of hushed operation.

Eco water consumption is above the stated average. At 11 L/cycle, this is the clearest reason we would hesitate, especially if keeping water use down is central to your choice. Its electricity figure of 75.5 kWh/100 cycles also sits among the highest declared figures, while the energy label is class E. Neither resource figure gives this model a persuasive efficiency story.

The eco cycle takes 222 min, a long programme in keeping with many dishwashers. A lengthy cycle is not itself a fault: allowing more time is part of how eco washing saves resources. For the household clearing away after a late supper, that means planning the unloading for later rather than expecting a quick turnaround. Both consumption figures apply to eco, not to every programme. When comparing alternatives, keep capacity in view too: a smaller machine using less overall does not necessarily use less per plate.

The height-adjustable upper basket gives you a way to alter the space available for different loads. After friends have left, that could help you arrange the glasses and plates more sensibly, though it does not promise room for every tall glass or bulky dish. Cutlery goes in a basket, giving forks, knives and smaller utensils a designated place. The serving spoon does not get its own postcode.

A half load option is included, which will interest households that sometimes want to run a smaller load. Do not assume that means halving either water or electricity consumption. Eco is confirmed, and the programme selection offers variety for people who prefer adjusting settings to their washing-up. The place settings capacity is not verified here; if loading space decides the purchase, confirm it with the retailer before choosing. A roasting dish can change the loading plan considerably.

Our overall assessment puts this model in a well placed position, but its appeal depends heavily on your kitchen and your priorities. We like the combination of an adjustable upper basket, a cutlery basket and a half load option for everyday domestic washing-up. Those are useful provisions when the load changes from breakfast mugs to dinner plates, even though they cannot settle the question of cleaning results.

The Miele G 7980 SCVi AutoDos K2O uses less water, making the Miele G 7980 SCVi AutoDos K2O an alternative when reducing consumption leads your shortlist. The Miele G 7980 SCVi AutoDos K2O has an eco water figure of 8.4 L/cycle; compare capacities before drawing conclusions about water use per plate. Choose around the routine you actually have. Useful loading adjustments matter, but so does the resource use of a programme you may run repeatedly.