Bosch SMU2HTW08E built-in dishwasher, 60 cm, 13 place settings, class C

A capacity of 13 place settings means one load can handle a whole day of dishes for several family members, or most of the tableware after a dinner with guests. The more fits into one cycle, the less often you need to run the machine and the lower the electricity and water use per plate. A width of 60 cm is the usual size for a full-size dishwasher; slimmer models hold less.

Eco is the everyday economy programme, and the energy label figures are measured with it. The Auto programme picks a wash temperature between 45 and 65 °C depending on how dirty the dishes are. Intensive is meant for burnt-on pots and pans, Express 65 °C for a quicker hot wash, and the custom programme lets you store the settings you use most. That gives you a suitable choice for every situation without long menus.

AquaSensor is a sensor that monitors how cloudy the water is and helps the programme adjust wash time and water quantity to how dirty the load is. AquaStop protects the kitchen from water damage: if a leak occurs in the machine or the inlet hose, the system cuts off the water supply. For a built-in machine this matters especially, because a leak under the kitchen units could otherwise go unnoticed for a long time.

On the EU energy label scale from A to G, the SMU2HTW08E is rated class C, and the Eco programme uses 74 kWh of electricity per 100 cycles. The noise level is 46 dB, noise class C on the A–D scale. The delay start of up to 24 hours lets you time a wash for the night or for when nobody is at home, so the running noise does not disturb anyone. The child lock stops small children from changing the programme.

The machine is 60 cm wide, 57 cm deep and 82 cm high, and weighs 33.5 kg. It is a built-in model installed between kitchen cabinets under the worktop. The colour is white, and the electronic controls have a display, so the selected programme is easy to see. Exact niche dimensions and the adjustment range of the feet are in the Bosch installation instructions – compare them with your kitchen before fitting.

The SMU2HTW08E suits a household fitting a 60 cm machine into kitchen units that wants a roomy yet simple model: five clear programmes, space for 13 place settings, AquaStop leak protection and a delay start of up to 24 hours. Wi-Fi and a third basket are not listed for this model – if you need them, look at models from a higher series.