For an open-plan kitchen where several people share meals, first choose a capacity that suits the dishes that build up between cycles. Then compare the noise level, Eco programme duration and consumption figures for the models that meet your needs. Whirlpool says its 60 cm appliances hold at least 12 place settings, while its 45 cm models hold up to 10, so the space saving may mean you have less room to load. If you opt for an integrated model, check the dimensions of the housing space and make sure the door panel is compatible before considering other criteria.
If the appliance runs during conversations, downtime or working from home, compare its dB rating and noise class with the Eco programme duration. The European Commission lists these details among the information that helps you compare dishwashers.
When several people load the appliance, think about what builds up between cycles, including utensils. The stated capacity in place settings alone won’t tell you whether the racks will easily accommodate your usual load.
An existing housing space or restricted width may determine the installation type before you even compare programmes. For an integrated model, Bosch recommends measuring the housing space. Also check the depth and height, and make sure the door panel is compatible with the model you choose.
Worth considering: if you have a compatible housing space and want the appliance to blend in with your open-plan kitchen units.
Bear in mind: the door panel, door and available height must suit the specific model. Bosch, for example, offers ranges with heights of around 81 and 86 cm.
Worth considering: if your washing-up needs justify this size and you don’t want to fit a door panel to match your kitchen units.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible and needs a suitable space. Whether it can be installed under a worktop depends on the options specified for the model.
Worth considering: if fitting the appliance into the available width is your priority and your washing-up between cycles can fit in a smaller capacity.
Bear in mind: Whirlpool says this size holds up to 10 place settings, so larger loads may mean running the dishwasher more often.
Once you’ve established the available space and capacity you need, the energy label can help you compare models that genuinely suit your requirements. In an open-plan kitchen, the time the cycle runs is another factor to consider.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Noise while the dishwasher is running | Compare the dB rating, noise class and Eco programme duration for the specific model. | If the cycle runs while I’m working or chatting in the living room, I want it to disturb me as little as possible; around 42% of consumers would prioritise quiet operation. |
| Capacity for shared meals | Compare the place-setting capacity and rack layout with the dishes that build up between cycles. | When several meals quickly fill the racks, I want to load everything without having to run the dishwasher too often; around 33% of consumers would put capacity at the top of their list. |
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height and depth. For an integrated model, check the housing space and door panel too. Then compare compatible sizes by water per cycle and energy per 100 Eco cycles. | If my kitchen has a specific housing space or width requirement, I first need to find an appliance that will fit; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
A slimline model can fill up quickly when several people share meals. On the other hand, a large capacity is only useful if it suits the dishes you actually load.
Think about what you typically load between cycles, including pans and utensils, then check the rack layout.
In an open-plan living space, how long the appliance runs can matter just as much as its stated noise level.
For every model you’re considering, check the dB rating, noise class and Eco programme duration together, then think about when the cycle would run in your home.
The height and depth of the housing space, as well as the door and door panel, can prevent you from installing a model that appears to be the right width.
Take all the necessary measurements and compare them with the installation diagram for the specific model before ordering.
An incompatible door panel or housing space may mean adapting your kitchen units or choosing another appliance.
On the label shown by the European Commission, water consumption is given per Eco cycle and energy consumption per 100 Eco cycles. These figures are more meaningful when comparing appliances with a capacity that already meets your needs.
Compare the figures in the units shown and consider how many cycles the size you choose would mean running.
A brand to consider for 45 or 60 cm integrated dishwashers, particularly if the height of your housing space affects your choice.
A brand to explore when comparing 60 cm freestanding dishwashers using their product specifications.
A useful brand to consider when weighing up the available width against the stated capacity.
A brand to consider for 60 cm freestanding dishwashers if capacity and noise are among your priorities.
These models include an integrated dishwasher and freestanding options to compare for shared meals. First check that they’ll fit in your kitchen, then compare their capacity and energy label details with the times you plan to run a cycle.
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Worth considering if several meals’ worth of dishes build up between cycles.
The listing states a capacity of 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Check the Eco programme duration if the dishwasher needs to run while the living room is in use, and make sure its dimensions suit the space you have in mind.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 14 place settings without a kitchen-unit door panel.
The title states 60 cm, but another width is listed among the model dimensions. Confirm the actual measurement before allocating space for it. In an open-plan kitchen, check the noise class and Eco programme duration too.
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Worth considering if you want the appliance to blend in with your kitchen units and need to accommodate dishes from shared meals.
The title states 60 cm, but a different width is listed among the associated dimensions. Confirm the model’s width and check that the housing space and door panel are compatible. If noise matters while the living room is in use, check the noise class too.
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Worth comparing if your household’s washing-up between cycles calls for the stated capacity of 14 place settings.
The title specifies a 60 cm model with an energy rating of E. To compare it with other models that fit your space, check its energy consumption in kWh per 100 Eco cycles and the duration of the programme.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 14 place settings and noise matters in your living space.
The title specifies a 60 cm model with a noise level of 41 dB. Compare this figure with the model’s noise class and Eco programme duration, and check its energy consumption per 100 cycles too.
Compare specific models by capacity, noise level and noise class, Eco programme duration, water consumption per Eco cycle and energy consumption per 100 Eco cycles. The European Commission provides this information for domestic dishwashers sold in the European Union. First, choose appliances that suit your available space and the amount of washing-up you have.
No. The amount of washing-up you accumulate needs to justify the capacity, and you need to have enough width available. Whirlpool states that its 60 cm models hold at least 12 place settings, compared with up to 10 for its 45 cm models. Use these figures as a guide and compare them with your loads between cycles.
Measure the width, height and depth of the housing space, then check that the door and planned door panel will fit the model. Bosch, for example, offers integrated models with heights of around 81 and 86 cm, so a compatible width alone doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit.
No. It helps you compare models, but it can’t predict on its own how disruptive the dishwasher will be in your living room. Check the dB rating and Eco programme duration too, then think about whether the cycle might run while the room is in use.