In an open-plan kitchen, compare the noise level and noise class of specific models, then choose a capacity that suits the dishes you accumulate between cycles. A 60 cm model generally holds more place settings than a 45 cm or compact model, but takes up more room; whether you choose a freestanding or integrated dishwasher will depend largely on your kitchen layout. Also compare water and energy use based on the figures for the Eco programme shown on the label.
In an open-plan kitchen, available space, the amount of washing-up and noise during a cycle matter differently to different households.
If you chat, watch a programme or eat near the kitchen, check the decibel level and noise class of the specific model. UFC-Que Choisir highlights that noise deserves particular attention when the dishwasher shares your living space.
A narrower appliance frees up space, but its capacity still needs to suit your meals. UFC-Que Choisir generally gives a capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for 45 cm models, and also features compact worktop models that hold 6 place settings.
Check the existing space before choosing a model. According to UFC-Que Choisir, an integrated dishwasher must fit into a purpose-built housing unit; a freestanding model is designed for a different type of installation.
Start by considering where the dishwasher will go and how much washing-up you usually have, then compare the labels of models that will genuinely suit your kitchen.
| Feature | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Compare the dB ratings and noise classes of specific models. ADEME describes noise classes A and B as particularly quiet; UFC-Que Choisir notes that how disruptive a dishwasher sounds also depends on the type of noise. | I want to be able to stay in the living room while a cycle is running, rather than relying on the word “quiet” alone. |
| Capacity | UFC-Que Choisir generally gives a capacity of 12 to 17 place settings for a 60 cm model and 9 to 10 for a 45 cm model; compact worktop models hold 6 place settings. Also check whether your dishes and saucepans will fit. | If washing-up builds up after every meal, I’d rather check what fits in the baskets than rely on the place-setting figure alone. |
| Water and energy | On the European label described by the European Commission, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the Eco programme, taking capacity into account. | For regular use, I want to compare consumption on a like-for-like basis, not just the energy rating letter. |
| Installation | Measure the available space and check the appliance dimensions. For an integrated model, confirm the housing unit, door front and installation requirements; for a freestanding model installed under a worktop, check the installation requirements for that model. | My kitchen is already fitted, so the appliance needs to fit without assuming that an integrated and a freestanding model are interchangeable. |
Two appliances described this way may have different noise ratings, and a beep or vibration can also be disruptive in the living room. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol assesses these aspects of noise, among other things.
Compare the dB ratings and noise classes on the labels of the exact models, bearing in mind when you plan to run the cycles.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance must be fitted into a purpose-built housing unit. If the dimensions or installation requirements are incompatible, you may not be able to fit it as planned.
Measure the housing unit and confirm that the door front, plinth and hinges are compatible before you order.
UFC-Que Choisir generally gives a capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for a 45 cm model, and features compact worktop models that hold 6 place settings. If the load exceeds the usable capacity, you may need to run more cycles.
Take stock of the washing-up from a typical day, including dishes and saucepans, then check how the baskets are arranged.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about water use, the Eco programme duration or capacity. The European Commission lists this information separately on dishwasher labels.
Compare the figures shown for the same reference programme and consider how you’ll load the appliance.
These examples from manufacturers’ product pages illustrate features to check for a specific model, without making assumptions about other models from each brand.
Bosch lists the SMS4ECI28F freestanding dishwasher, with a stated noise level of 42 dB.
Siemens’ product pages for the fully integrated SN75EX11CE and SN75EX13CE models both state water use of 9,0 l per cycle and a noise class of B.
Miele France’s catalogue includes an XXL fully integrated dishwasher with a stated noise level of 41 dB.
These options include freestanding, integrated and compact models. Compare their capacity and installation requirements with your kitchen, then check the label for the model you’re interested in to compare noise and consumption.
Image unavailableWorth considering if capacity matters for your everyday meals. The product page lists a width of 60 cm, 41 dB and a C energy rating. Check these details and the consumption figures on the label for the exact model, along with its dimensions to make sure it fits the space.
Image unavailableAn option to consider if your kitchen has a compatible housing unit and 13 place settings suit your usual loads. The product page lists a width of 60 cm and a B energy rating. Check the door front, installation dimensions, noise level and consumption figures in the documentation for the exact model.
Image unavailableThis worktop model is worth comparing if space is limited and six place settings are enough between cycles. The product page lists seven programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Check the label, make sure your dishes will fit and confirm the water connection requirements.
Image unavailableA worktop model to consider when space is very limited. The product page lists seven programmes and a D energy rating. Check the capacity in place settings, the size of dishes it can accommodate, how it connects to the water supply and its noise level before choosing it for an open-plan kitchen.
Image unavailableWith this mini model, check whether three place settings will really be enough for your everyday meals. The product title lists seven programmes, 56,3 dB and a C energy rating. Compare the noise level on the label before installing it near your living room, and confirm the water supply requirements.
Compare the dB ratings and noise classes of specific models, then look at their capacity and installation requirements. To choose between appliances that suit your space, the label described by the European Commission also shows energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and the duration of the Eco programme.
No. The type of installation alone doesn’t tell you how noisy a model will be. Compare the dB rating and noise class for each appliance; UFC-Que Choisir highlights how important this is when the kitchen shares your living space.
Don’t assume the two types of installation are interchangeable. UFC-Que Choisir states that an integrated dishwasher must be fitted into a purpose-built housing unit, so check its dimensions and installation requirements before you buy.
It can be, if saving space is the priority and its capacity is enough for the washing-up you accumulate between cycles. UFC-Que Choisir features compact worktop models that hold 6 place settings, compared with a usual capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for a 45 cm model. Remember to allow for dishes and saucepans too.
They let you compare consumption on a like-for-like basis. The European Commission says dishwasher labels show information including energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and the duration of the Eco programme. Remember to consider the stated capacity too.