For an open-plan kitchen, first choose a noise level that suits the times when your dishwasher will be running, then pick a capacity that can handle the dishes piling up between cycles. A 60 cm model is better suited to larger loads; consider a 45 cm or compact model if space is tight or your loads are small, bearing in mind that you may need to run cycles more often. For an integrated model, check the space, connections and door panel before you order.
If dishes pile up over several meals and the appliance runs while you’re using the living area, consider its capacity as well as its noise level. ADEME and Que Choisir recommend checking the noise level for this type of kitchen.
A freestanding model lets you replace your appliance without having to adapt a kitchen unit door panel. Still, measure the space available and choose a capacity that suits your usual loads.
If you have few dishes or are short on space, compare a compact model with a 45 cm model, and consider how often you want to run a cycle. Que Choisir highlights the different capacities of these formats.
First work out how much space you have and which installation type will suit, then compare noise and capacity with your household’s actual mealtime routine. The three formats are designed for different needs.
Consider this if: you’re replacing an appliance without a fitted kitchen space.
Bear in mind: the appliance will remain visible; its installation type doesn’t indicate how noisy it is or how well it washes.
Consider this if: you have a suitable space and want the appliance to blend in with your kitchen units.
Bear in mind: installation depends on the space and connections, and some models also need a compatible door panel.
Consider this if: space is limited and you don’t produce many dishes.
Bear in mind: its smaller capacity may mean more cycles when you have several meals’ worth of dishes to wash.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Noise in the living area | Compare the dB rating and noise class on the energy label, bearing in mind when you’ll be running the appliance. | If the cycle runs during meals or conversations, I want to limit the noise that carries into the living area. Around 33% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Capacity and cycle frequency | Compare the number of place settings and the basket layout with a typical load, including saucepans. | When dishes from several meals pile up, I want to be able to load them without running lots of cycles. This would be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Fitting the appliance in your kitchen | Measure the width, height and depth. For an integrated model, also check the installation diagram, door panel and connections. | If my kitchen already has a dedicated space or a door panel I want to keep, I first need to make sure the appliance will fit. This would be the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Space for smaller loads | Compare the space available and the capacity of a 45 cm or compact model with how often you do the washing-up. | I don’t produce many dishes and don’t want to take up unnecessary kitchen space, but a smaller model shouldn’t force me to run too many cycles. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
This label doesn’t help you compare two models for an open-plan kitchen.
Check the dB rating and noise class on each energy label. ADEME notes that a 3 dB difference corresponds to almost twice the noise.
The stated width alone won’t confirm that the appliance will fit or that the kitchen unit door panel is compatible.
Measure all three dimensions, then check the model’s diagram for the door panel, hinges and connections.
You may need to make extra arrangements for a door panel and suitable installation.
A smaller capacity can mean more cycles when dishes from several meals pile up.
Estimate what you’d put in a typical load, including saucepans and glasses, before comparing compact, 45 cm and 60 cm models.
The figures on the energy label apply to the Eco programme; on their own, they don’t tell you how many cycles your household will need to run.
Compare kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle for appliances with a similar capacity, then factor in how full you usually load them.
Worth considering if the dimensions of your kitchen space are a key factor in your choice.
A range to explore if you want to compare different installation options for a fitted kitchen.
A range to explore if you’re choosing between a freestanding, integrated or slimline appliance.
A range to compare by installation type, capacity and basket layout.
A range to explore if you want to compare freestanding and integrated models in 45 or 60 cm widths.
These 60 cm appliances include integrated models for fitted kitchens and a freestanding model for a space without a dedicated unit. Compare their capacity with your everyday loads, then check the energy label and installation requirements for the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you have a fitted kitchen and regularly wash large loads. Check the installation diagram, compatible door panel and energy label before choosing this model.
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Worth exploring for large everyday loads in a fitted kitchen. Compare the dimensions and door-panel fixing requirements with this model’s installation diagram.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing an appliance without needing to adapt a kitchen unit door panel. Measure the space and compare its stated noise level with how you use your open-plan kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want to fit an appliance of this capacity in a fitted kitchen. Check the space, connections, door panel and noise level in the model’s documentation.
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Worth exploring if a capacity of 13 place settings suits your loads and you have space for an integrated model. Check the installation diagram and energy label, especially the noise rating for an open-plan kitchen.
Compare the dB rating and noise class for each model on its energy label, then think about when you’ll run the cycles. ADEME states that a 3 dB difference corresponds to almost twice the noise, so a marketing term alone isn’t enough to compare models.
Don’t assume that it does. Some Whirlpool listings state that the decorative door panel isn’t included, so check what’s supplied and make sure the kitchen unit door is compatible with the model you choose.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model. Also check the door panel, room for the hoses, water inlet, drainage and power supply: a ‘45 cm’ or ‘60 cm’ label alone doesn’t confirm that the appliance will fit.
No. It’s best suited to households with few dishes and genuinely limited space. If it fills up quickly, compare it with a 45 cm model and consider how often you’d need to run each one.
Check the energy label for the Eco programme’s kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle, as well as the capacity. The European Commission specifies these figures for household dishwashers. Compare models that can handle similar loads, and take into account how many cycles your household will need.