If you don’t have floor space and don’t produce much washing-up, consider a compact worktop dishwasher. If you have a 45 cm gap, this type of appliance could suit a small family that’s happy to run a cycle frequently, according to Que Choisir; a 60 cm model needs more space. In an open-plan kitchen, compare the noise levels and acoustic classes too, then check the dimensions and connections for the model you’re considering.
If the dishwasher will be running while you’re in the living area, compare the noise levels and acoustic classes before choosing a model. Que Choisir highlights how important noise is when an appliance shares your living space.
A compact worktop dishwasher is worth considering if you don’t have much washing-up. Que Choisir describes 6-place-setting models that sit on a worktop; be sure to check their footprint and the connections they need.
Que Choisir says that slimline models with 9 place settings can suit a small family, although you may need to run them every day. Check the available height and depth too. For an integrated model, make sure the door panel and plinth are compatible.
Start by checking the space available and how much washing-up you produce on a typical day. Then compare the noise and energy and water use of models that will actually fit.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the overall width, height and depth, then check how much room the door needs to open. For an integrated model, compare the cabinet space, door panel and plinth with the model’s installation plan. Que Choisir notes that you’ll need a water supply, an electricity supply and a drain. | If I don’t have floor space, I can consider a compact model for the worktop. If I have a 45 cm gap or room for a 60 cm appliance, I’ll check the exact dimensions before choosing. |
| Capacity and loading | Compare the number of place settings and the basket layout with your plates, dishes and pans. Que Choisir features compact 6-place-setting models and 45 cm models with 9 place settings. | I want to fit in all the washing-up produced between cycles. If a slimline model means I have to run it every day, I need to be happy with that routine. |
| Noise | Compare the noise level in dB and the acoustic class on the energy label, rather than relying on a marketing claim. Que Choisir particularly highlights this factor for open-plan kitchens. | The dishwasher may be running while we’re talking or watching television in the same room. |
| Water and energy use | Compare kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on a like-for-like basis, along with the Eco programme duration and capacity. According to ADEME, Eco mode reduces water and electricity use. | I’m looking for a level of consumption that suits how I use the appliance, without choosing a small model that would need too many cycles for my daily washing-up. |
In an open-plan kitchen, you’ll still be able to hear the dishwasher from the living area. A marketing claim doesn’t let you compare two models accurately.
Check their dB levels and acoustic classes on the energy labels. Que Choisir highlights noise as a factor in this type of layout.
The number of place settings alone won’t tell you whether your larger dishes and pans will fit in the baskets. Que Choisir distinguishes between compact models with 6 place settings and slimline models with 9 place settings, which can handle a small family’s daily washing-up.
Make a list of what you use in a day and check the loading layout before deciding whether you’re happy to run more frequent cycles.
The height, depth, door and plinth can all affect whether an integrated model will fit.
Compare the cabinet space with the installation diagram for the exact model, including the connections.
Electrolux explains that carpentry work and fitting the door panel may not be included in an installation service. Check what’s covered if your kitchen needs this work.
According to ADEME, this programme is designed to reduce water and electricity use. Its name doesn’t tell you how long you’ll have to wait for your clean dishes.
Check the programme duration in the model’s documentation if you need to start another load quickly.
Bosch’s 60 cm freestanding models give you a chance to compare dimensions and noise levels model by model.
The KDIS28122 is an example of a slimline integrated dishwasher.
The ESL2500RO is a 55 cm fully integrated compact model, so it’s different from an appliance that sits on the worktop.
This selection includes compact worktop models and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers. Compare their capacity and the space they need with your kitchen layout. It doesn’t cover integrated or 45 cm models.
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Worth a look if you need a worktop appliance for a small amount of washing-up. The product listing gives it 6 place settings, a noise level of 47 dB, 7 programmes and a 24-hour delay start. Check its dimensions and acoustic class to see if it suits your open-plan kitchen.
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Consider this model if your kitchen has space for a 60 cm dishwasher and you have a lot of washing-up. The product listing gives it 14 place settings, a noise level of 41 dB and energy class C. Check these details against the energy label and the model’s dimensions.
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If you have very little washing-up and space on your worktop, check whether the stated capacity of 3 place settings will suit your dishes. The product name lists 7 programmes and a 24-hour delay start. Before choosing it for an open-plan kitchen, ask for its noise level and energy and water consumption figures too.
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This 60 cm model is worth considering if you have floor space available and its 14 place settings suit your needs. The product title lists energy class D. Compare its acoustic label and dimensions with the space you have.
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Compare this model if you have room for a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher and need a stated capacity of 14 place settings. The product title lists energy class E. Check the consumption figures and acoustic label to see how well it suits your needs.
Yes, if its capacity suits the amount of washing-up you produce and the size of your dishes. Que Choisir features compact models with 6 place settings for small spaces, while its 45 cm models with 9 place settings can suit a small family running daily cycles. Be sure to check you have enough room on your worktop too.
According to Que Choisir, a dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a drain. Before you buy, check the model’s instructions to find out how to connect it in the space you have available.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare them with the model’s dimensions. For an integrated dishwasher, also check the cabinet space diagram, door opening, door panel and plinth: a suitable width alone isn’t enough.
Compare the noise level in dB and the acoustic class shown on the energy labels of the models you’re considering, rather than relying on the word ‘quiet’ alone. Que Choisir points out that noise is particularly important when the kitchen shares your living space.
Yes, especially if you need your clean dishes back quickly. According to ADEME, Eco mode reduces water and electricity use. Check the programme duration for the specific model and compare consumption figures on a like-for-like basis.