Auto programme (sensor, 45–65°)
A sensor-controlled programme: the machine measures how dirty the rinse water is (and, on some, how full the baskets are) and picks the temperature, water and time between the limits shown.
What the manuals say to do
Use it for mixed loads when you do not want to choose. The remaining time shown at the start is an estimate: Hotpoint says an animation shows while the sensor is measuring (around 20 minutes) and then the time is updated. AEG’s AUTO Sense also adjusts to the amount of dishes, and does not accept any EXTRAS.
What it does not mean
It does not guarantee the lowest energy use: the manuals name Eco, not Auto, as the most economical programme, and a heavily soiled load makes Auto run hotter and longer (Hotpoint: 1:20–3:00 h). It is not the same as the Auto door opening described on its own page.
Makes differ, check your dishwasher’s manual: the same drawing can mean different things on different brands, and only your model’s manual says exactly what a light means and which programmes an option works with.
- What it looks like
- The word Auto with a temperature range such as 45–65°, sometimes drawn as a letter A or with small wave lines for the sensor.
- Names makers use
- Auto 45-65° (Bosch); Auto 45–65 °C (Miele); AUTO Sense (AEG); 6th Sense (Whirlpool); Auto Mixed / Auto Intensive (Hotpoint); Auto 40–65 °C (Beko)
Where makers differ
The range differs by maker — Bosch and Miele 45–65 °C, AEG 50–60 °C wash, Beko 40–65 °C, Whirlpool 50–60 °C. Hotpoint splits it into several automatic programmes (Auto Intensive 65°, Auto Mixed 55°, Auto Fast Wash 50°).
Other symbols with the same shapes
Sources
No single published standard defines dishwasher panel icons, so this meaning is taken from the manuals of 4 different maker groups (Bosch, AEG, Miele, Hotpoint), each fetched and read on the date shown:
- Bosch: Bosch — User manual, dishwasher SMV4HVX32E (PDF) — Programme table: Auto 45-65° “Sensor-controlled: Optimised by sensors depending on the soiling of the rinsing water”, for mixed tableware with lightly dried-on household food remnants. Checked 2026-09-26.
- AEG: AEG — User manual, dishwasher FSK52917Z (PDF, Electrolux media library) — “The AUTO Sense program automatically adjusts the wash cycle to the type of load. The appliance senses the degree of soil and the amount of dishes … adjusts the temperature and quantity of water as well as the wash duration.” Wash 50–60 °C; EXTRAS not applicable. Checked 2026-09-26.
- Miele: Miele — Operating instructions, dishwashers with touch display, M.-Nr. 11 831 681 (PDF) — Programme overview: “Auto 45–65 °C Variable programme sequence, sensor-controlled adjustment according to load size and level of soiling.” Checked 2026-09-26.
- Hotpoint: Hotpoint — Dishwasher Daily Reference Guide, 15 place settings with 3D Zone Wash and ActiveDry (PDF, 05/2023) — Auto Intensive 65°, Auto Mixed 55° and Auto Fast Wash 50° “Senses the level of soiling on the dishes and adjusts the program accordingly”; SENSING animation for around 20 minutes, then the cycle duration is updated. Checked 2026-09-26.
Written in our own words; quotations are the makers’ wording.