AEG FFB72746PW Specs and What They Mean for Your Kitchen

The AEG FFB72746PW is a freestanding dishwasher that combines a 13-place-setting capacity with an A+++ energy rating and a range of wash programmes designed to handle everything from delicate glassware to heavily soiled pots. Its key specs—a 42 cm width, 45 cm depth, and 81 cm height—make it a practical fit for most standard kitchen cabinets, while the 7 programmes and features like AirDry and ExtraHygiene directly affect how you load, run, and maintain the machine. This article explains each specification in plain terms, so you can decide if this model suits your household and how to get the best results from it.

Formula

The calculator estimates energy consumption based on wash time and a typical power draw. The formula is:

Energy (kWh) = (Wash time in minutes / 60) × 1.04 kW

Where 1.04 kW is an average power consumption during the cycle (heating water is the main draw). Water usage is taken directly from the AEG spec sheet for the Eco programme: 9.9 litres per cycle.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator:

• Wash time = 195 minutes (3 hours 15 minutes, the Eco programme duration)
• Energy = (195 / 60) × 1.04 = 3.25 × 1.04 = 3.38 kWh
• Water = 9.9 litres

So a full Eco cycle uses about 3.38 kWh of electricity and 9.9 litres of water. For comparison, an older dishwasher from the early 2000s might use 15–20 litres and 1.5 kWh per cycle, so the AEG is significantly more efficient.

Key Specifications at a Glance

The FFB72746PW is a 60 cm wide freestanding model, but its depth is only 45 cm—that is the standout dimension. Most full-size dishwashers are 60 cm deep, so this one can fit into a narrower gap or a shallow cabinet. The height is adjustable from 81 cm to 90 cm, which lets you match it to your countertop height.

• Width: 59.6 cm (standard 60 cm cut-out)
• Depth: 45 cm (shallow, fits in tighter spaces)
• Height: 81–90 cm (adjustable feet)
• Capacity: 13 place settings (enough for a family of 4–5)
• Energy rating: A+++ (on the old EU scale, roughly equivalent to a modern A or B rating)
• Noise level: 44 dB (quiet enough for open-plan living)

Programmes Explained

The machine has 7 wash programmes. Here is what each one is for and when to use it:

• Eco 50°C: The default programme. It runs for 195 minutes and uses the least water and energy. Best for normally soiled everyday loads. It is the programme used for the energy label test.
• Auto 45–70°C: Sensors detect how dirty the water is and adjust the cycle length and temperature. Use for mixed loads with varying soil levels.
• Intensive 70°C: High temperature and high pressure for pots, pans, and baking trays. It removes baked-on grease and burnt food.
• Quick 30 min: A short cycle at 40°C for lightly soiled dishes that you need fast. It does not dry as well as longer cycles.
• Glass 40°C: Gentle wash with lower pressure for delicate glasses and china. It prevents clouding and etching.
• ExtraHygiene: Adds a high-temperature rinse (up to 70°C) to the selected cycle. It kills bacteria and is useful for baby bottles or cutting boards.
• Rinse & Hold: A quick rinse that keeps dishes moist and prevents food from crusting until you run a full cycle.

Features That Matter in Daily Use

Beyond the programmes, the FFB72746PW has several features that affect how you use it:

• AirDry: The door automatically opens a few centimetres at the end of the cycle. This lets steam escape and speeds up drying. It works best if the dishwasher is not fully enclosed by cabinetry—the door needs space to open.
• ExtraHygiene: As mentioned, this raises the final rinse temperature. It is a separate button, not a standalone programme.
• TimeSave: A button that shortens the selected programme by about 20–30% by increasing water pressure and temperature. Use it when you are in a hurry but still want a thorough wash.
• Delay start: You can set the machine to start 1–24 hours later. This lets you run it during off-peak electricity hours or have it finish when you wake up.
• Adjustable upper basket: The top basket can be raised or lowered to make room for tall items in either basket.

How to Choose the Right Programme

Picking the right programme saves energy and avoids damage. Here is a simple guide:

• For everyday mixed loads, use Eco. It is the most efficient, even though it takes longer.
• For pots and pans with dried-on food, use Intensive.
• For glasses and delicate items, use Glass.
• For a quick refresh of lightly used dishes, use Quick 30.
• If you need to sanitise, press ExtraHygiene.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Owners of this model report a few recurring issues. Here is what to watch for:

• Dishes not drying: AirDry only works if the door can open. If your dishwasher is built in with a cabinet front, the door might not open fully. Also, rinse aid is essential—if the rinse aid light is on, refill it. Use a rinse aid even if your detergent contains it.
• Bad smell: Clean the filter at the bottom of the tub every few weeks. Food particles trapped there cause odours. Also run a maintenance wash with a dishwasher cleaner on a hot cycle once a month.
• Cloudy glasses: This is usually due to hard water. Set the water softener according to your water hardness (check the manual for the table). Use salt and adjust the dosage.
• Error codes: The display shows codes like i30 (water inlet issue) or i20 (drain issue). Check the water supply and the drain hose for kinks. If the code persists, contact a service technician.

Costs and Efficiency

The A+++ rating means this dishwasher is among the most efficient of its generation. In real terms:

• Annual energy consumption is about 237 kWh (based on 280 Eco cycles per year). At an average electricity price of $0.25 per kWh, that is roughly $59 per year.
• Water usage is 9.9 litres per Eco cycle, which is about half of what a 10-year-old model uses.
• Noise at 44 dB is quiet—comparable to a library whisper. You can run it at night without disturbing sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the AEG FFB72746PW be fully integrated?

No, this is a freestanding model. It has a visible front panel and a top that is not meant to be covered by a countertop. If you want a built-in dishwasher, look for the integrated version (FFB72746PW is the freestanding variant). You can still install it under a counter, but the control panel remains visible.

Why does the Eco programme take so long?

Eco programmes are designed to use less energy and water by soaking and washing at lower temperatures for longer. The 195-minute duration is normal. The machine heats the water slowly and reuses the same water, so it takes time to achieve the same cleaning result with less resources.

What does the ExtraHygiene button actually do?

It raises the final rinse temperature to 70°C and holds it there for several minutes. This kills bacteria on dishes, making it suitable for baby bottles, chopping boards, and jars. It adds about 10–15 minutes to the cycle.

Is the AirDry feature safe for all kitchens?

AirDry requires about 5 cm of space in front of the dishwasher for the door to open. If your kitchen has a handle or a wall that blocks the door, the feature will not work. You can disable AirDry in the settings, but then drying will rely on the condensation drying system, which is less effective.

How do I know if the water softener is set correctly?

Check your local water hardness (usually in the water bill or online). Then follow the manual’s table: for example, if hardness is 20–30 °dH, set the softener to level 3. If you see white spots on glasses, increase the level; if you see slimy film, decrease it.

Can I use tablets instead of powder?

Yes, but if you use all-in-one tablets, you may not need rinse aid or salt. However, in hard water areas, it is still recommended to add salt. Also, the machine has an option to activate the ‘3in1’ mode in the settings, which adjusts the cycle to work with combo tablets.

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in t | Wash time | min | 195 | 0
in p | Place settings | count | 13 | 1
out energy | Energy per cycle | kWh | (t / 60) * 1.04 | 2
out water | Water per cycle | L | 9.9 | 1