Start by choosing a format that fits your kitchen: an integrated model needs a suitable housing unit and door panel, while a freestanding or compact dishwasher comes with different placement requirements. For shared meals in an open-plan room, compare capacity, noise levels and consumption figures on the energy label. A compact model saves space, but has less capacity.
If you run cycles during meals, conversations or when working from home, compare the dB level and noise class rather than relying on a marketing claim. Que Choisir highlights how important noise levels are when a dishwasher shares your living space.
If several people regularly cook and eat together, compare the number of place settings and the basket layout with the dishes you actually use. A dishwasher with too little capacity could mean running more cycles or washing some items by hand.
An existing housing unit, limited worktop space or hard-to-reach connections can determine which format will work before you even consider capacity. With an integrated model, also check the door panel and any adjustments needed to the cabinetry.
First, find a format that fits your kitchen, then compare appliances with enough capacity for your mealtimes. The noise and consumption figures on the energy label can help you narrow down your options, without confusing a compact size with a more comfortable experience in your living space.
Consider this if: you don’t have a fitted housing unit that requires an integrated appliance.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible. If you’re fitting it under a worktop, check the dimensions and whether the model’s top can be removed.
Consider this if: you have a suitable housing unit and want the appliance to blend into your kitchen in an open-plan space.
Bear in mind: the housing unit and furniture door must be suitable for the model. You may need to adapt your kitchen.
Consider this if: space is limited and you don’t produce many dishes between cycles.
Bear in mind: there are fewer place settings per cycle, and you shouldn’t assume the model can work without a water connection.
| Criterion | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Noise in your living space | The dB level and noise class on the energy label for the model you’re considering. | If a cycle is running during a conversation or while I’m relaxing, I want to keep noise disruption to a minimum. Around 31% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Capacity for regular shared meals | The number of place settings and the basket layout, compared with the dishes you use between cycles. | When shared meals quickly fill the sink, I’d rather not run several cycles or wash the extra dishes by hand. Capacity comes first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Placement and connections | The dimensions of the housing unit or worktop, the water supply, drainage and plug socket; for an integrated model, the door panel too. | With a fitted kitchen, my first priority is finding an appliance that can be installed in the space available. This is the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Running costs | The kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the label, taking capacity and the reference programme into account. | If I run the dishwasher often, I want to compare its stated water and electricity use without overlooking how many cycles I’ll need. Around 13% of consumers prioritise these figures. |
A marketing claim alone won’t help you compare how disruptive a cycle might be in an open-plan kitchen.
Check the dB level and noise class on the energy label for each appliance.
An appliance placed on a worktop may still need a water supply and drainage, or a nearby sink, depending on the model. Que Choisir points this out for a compact model it tested.
Before choosing a location, check the instructions for the exact model, the route for the hoses and access to a plug socket.
Depending on the setup, you may need connection accessories or changes to your existing installation.
The figures on the label are based on a reference programme. Low consumption per cycle won’t solve the problem if the capacity means you need to run more cycles for your household’s meals.
Look at litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles, the duration of the Eco programme and the number of place settings together.
An integrated dishwasher needs to fit a housing unit and a furniture-door system. Simply sliding it under a worktop isn’t enough.
Measure the housing unit and check the model’s requirements for the door panel, door and installation before ordering.
The door panel and any joinery or connection work may be additional to the appliance installation.
These integrated and freestanding models let you compare capacities suited to shared meals. Before choosing one for an open-plan kitchen, check the noise label and installation dimensions for each model.
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Worth considering if you have a suitable housing unit and need to handle dishes from regular shared meals.
Energy rating A stated in the product title. Check the door panel, connections and noise data on the label for the exact model.
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An option for shared meals if you don’t have a housing unit and door panel in place.
The product title lists seven programmes. Check the dimensions, connections and noise label before installing it in your living space.
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Worth considering if you need capacity for 14 place settings for shared meals without an integrated installation.
Energy rating E stated in the product title. Compare the water, electricity and noise figures on the label for the exact model.
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Consider this for a fitted kitchen with a compatible housing unit, if 13 place settings match the dishes you use between cycles.
Energy rating C stated in the product title. Check the connections and the consumption and noise figures on the label.
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Another model to consider if your kitchen is suitable for an integrated appliance and 13 place settings meet your household’s needs.
Energy rating B stated in the product title. Before comparing, check the housing unit, door panel and the water, electricity and noise data for the exact model.
First, check the dB level and noise class if the appliance will be running while you use your living space, then compare its capacity with the dishes you typically use. ADEME says the label also shows the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle. Compare these figures using the same reference basis, and don’t consider them separately from the number of place settings.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir says that a compact model it tested can be placed on a worktop, provided it has a water supply and drainage, or a sink nearby. Check the installation instructions for the model you’re considering before deciding where to put it.
Check that the housing unit, furniture door and connections are compatible with your chosen model. Installation may also require joinery, plumbing or electrical work. Before ordering, confirm with the installer exactly what their service includes.