Who is it for?

Small household with a narrow housing unit

You have around 45 cm of available width and need a capacity suited to everyday use. Que Choisir reports that 45 cm models generally hold 9 to 10 place settings and can suit a small family, sometimes with a daily cycle.

Household sensitive to noise in an open-plan kitchen

You can hear the appliance from the living area, so you need to compare decibel levels and noise classes as well as capacity and consumption. ADEME states that noise classes A and B are particularly quiet.

Tenant or renovator without a fitted kitchen

Without a dedicated housing unit or furniture door, a freestanding model offers greater flexibility when planning your kitchen. An integrated model must be installed in a suitable housing unit and fitted with a compatible door panel.

What to look for

Start by measuring the space, then match the capacity to your household’s routine before comparing noise and consumption figures using the same label information.

Priority What to check Your needs
Noise Compare the noise level in dB and the A to D noise class on the energy label. Compare models using the same declared indicators. I want to run a cycle without disturbing the living area. ADEME describes classes A and B as particularly quiet.
Capacity and width Check the available width and the number of place settings. A 45 cm model generally holds 9 to 10 place settings; a 60 cm model holds 12 to 17. My plates, pans and cutlery need to fit in a typical load. A 45 cm model may suit a small family if running a daily cycle is acceptable.
Consumption Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the Eco programme. Do not compare the energy class alone. I want to assess water and electricity use on a consistent basis, while checking that the Eco cycle duration works for my routine.
Installation Measure the height, width and depth, including the door clearance. Check the housing unit, door panel and dedicated circuit with earth connection and a 16 A circuit breaker. My appliance needs to fit without unexpected building work. A freestanding model works without a furniture door, whereas an integrated model requires a suitable housing unit.

Mistakes to avoid before ordering

  • Assuming a 45 cm model automatically costs less

    Que Choisir states that 9-place-setting models are not necessarily cheaper than appliances with a larger capacity. Width alone is therefore not enough to compare the overall cost.

    First choose the format that suits your kitchen and the amount of washing up you generate, then compare the energy label, noise level and installation requirements between like-for-like models.

  • Ordering an integrated model without checking the housing unit, door panel and depth

    An integrated appliance must fit inside a housing unit and have a door panel fitted; incompatibility may prevent installation or require modifications.

    Measure the housing unit in all three dimensions, check the required door-panel system and consult the model’s installation diagram before buying.

    Que Choisir states that you should budget for at least an additional 100 € for the door panel and installation of an integrated dishwasher.

  • Comparing the energy class alone

    The label shows, among other details, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco cycle duration, capacity, dB and noise class.

    For your shortlisted models, compare at least the class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco duration, dB and noise class.

  • Planning to use an extension lead instead of checking the dedicated power supply

    Promotelec states that a dishwasher must be connected to a dedicated circuit with live, neutral and earth wires, protected by a 16 A circuit breaker.

    Check the socket, circuit and proximity of the connections before delivery. If in doubt, have the installation checked by a qualified professional.

Brand guide for slimline models

Bosch

The French range includes 45 cm freestanding and fully integrated appliances, making both installation types relevant for a small kitchen.

  • For the SPV4EMX17E and SPS4EMI17E models, Bosch states a width of around 45 cm, energy class B, 8.7 L per Eco cycle and noise class B.
  • These specifications apply to these specific references and do not describe the Bosch range as a whole.

Electrolux

The French range offers fully integrated 45 cm models for kitchens with a housing unit and furniture door.

  • For the EEA22100L, Electrolux states a width of 45 cm, capacity for 9 place settings and dimensions of 818 × 446 × 550 mm.
  • This specific model is rated F: compare its label with those of other appliances before making your choice.

Siemens

Siemens offers 45 cm and compact formats designed for small kitchens.

  • According to Siemens, some compact formats can hold up to 8 place settings, depending on the model.
  • Check the noise, consumption and capacity data on the product page for the model you are considering.

Joybuy selection

60 cm Joybuy options for a small open-plan kitchen where the available space can accommodate a standard width, either freestanding or integrated into a compatible housing unit.

Hotpoint H4FD641A freestanding dishwasher, 60 cm, 14 place settings

Hotpoint H4FD641A freestanding, 14 place settings, 60 cm

Worth considering for a household that needs generous capacity without a furniture door, provided 60 cm of space is available.

14 place settings, declared noise level of 41 dB, stated Eco consumption of around 9.5 L per cycle, removable top and stated height of 850 mm.

Check the energy label, connections and the full space beneath the worktop before installation.

Joybuy
Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1 integrated dishwasher, 60 cm, 13 place settings

Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1 integrated, 13 place settings, 60 cm

Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a 60 cm housing unit and compatible door panel, where standard capacity is required.

13 place settings; declared noise level of 44 dB(A), or 42 dBA with Extra Silence. Stated housing-unit dimensions: 820–900 × 600 × 555 mm.

Check the door panel, usable depth, door clearance and the model’s energy label before ordering.

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AEG FSB34707Z fully integrated dishwasher, 14 place settings

AEG FSB34707Z fully integrated, 14 place settings

This model may suit a household that needs standard capacity and an integrated door panel, once the housing unit has been carefully checked.

14 place settings, declared noise level of 44 dB, stated Eco consumption of 10.5 L per cycle and 0.75 kWh per cycle; sliding hinges.

The title states 60 cm, while a table mentions 68 cm: check the installation sheet and actual dimensions before buying.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a 45 cm model enough for a small open-plan kitchen?

Yes, if the width is genuinely limited and 9 to 10 place settings match your household’s usual volume of washing up. Que Choisir states that a 9-place-setting model can suit a small family, sometimes with a daily cycle; a 60 cm model generally holds 12 to 17 place settings when the available space and amount of washing up justify it.

Which noise indicator should you compare in an open-plan kitchen?

Compare the noise level in dB and the A to D noise class shown on the energy label. ADEME states that classes A and B are particularly quiet and points out that an increase of three dB corresponds to an almost twofold increase in noise.

Does a dishwasher require a specific electrical installation in France?

Yes. Promotelec states that a dishwasher must be powered by a dedicated circuit with live, neutral and earth wires, protected by a 16 A circuit breaker. Check this before ordering or have the installation inspected by a qualified professional if in doubt.

What do you need for an integrated dishwasher?

You need a suitable housing unit and compatible furniture door: integrated appliances are supplied without a door panel. Que Choisir also states that installation and the door panel must be included in your budget, with at least an additional 100 € cited for these two items.

How can you reduce water use without choosing an appliance that is too small?

Compare the reference litres-per-cycle figure on the label, then choose a capacity that suits your plates and utensils. ADEME advises against pre-rinsing dishes and recommends waiting until the appliance is full before starting a cycle.