For an open-plan kitchen, first choose a size that suits the space and the amount of washing up you need to do. Then compare the decibel rating and noise class shown on the energy label. An integrated dishwasher blends in with your kitchen units, but it isn’t necessarily quieter than a freestanding model. A compact dishwasher takes up less space, but its smaller capacity and noise level should be assessed for each model individually.
If your dishwasher runs during mealtimes, while you’re working from home or while you’re watching TV, its stated noise level deserves just as much attention as its capacity. Que Choisir particularly highlights how important this is in an open-plan kitchen.
An alcove, a cabinet front and the available connections will help determine whether you need a freestanding or integrated model. Check these requirements before comparing programmes.
A compact model may suit smaller loads. GIFAM puts this size at around 6 place settings. Also check that it can fit your dishes, and consider the model’s noise level and connections.
Worth considering: if there isn’t a kitchen unit designed to house the appliance.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible. Freestanding design alone tells you nothing about how noisy it is.
Worth considering: if your kitchen has an alcove and, depending on the model, a compatible cabinet door.
Bear in mind: fitting depends on the dimensions and connections, and doesn’t guarantee a quieter appliance.
Worth considering: when space is limited and your everyday loads are small.
Bear in mind: capacity will be lower, but don’t assume a smaller model will be quieter.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Compare the dB and noise class on the energy labels, using the same programme as a basis and, ideally, models with similar capacities. According to ADEME, an extra 3 dB corresponds to almost double the noise. | I want to run a cycle without causing too much disruption to conversations, the TV or work in the open-plan living space. |
| Installation | Measure the space and check the connections. For an integrated model, also check the alcove dimensions and that the cabinet door is compatible. For a compact model, check there’s room on the worktop. | My chosen model needs to fit in my kitchen as it is, without assuming one type of installation will be quieter. |
| Capacity | GIFAM generally puts the capacity of a 60 cm freestanding model at 12 to 15 place settings, a 45 cm model at 9 to 10, and a compact model at around 6. Also look at the basket layout. | I want to fit my usual dishes and pans, not just reach a stated number of place settings. |
| Consumption | The European energy label lets you compare energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per cycle, based on the Eco programme. Check how long it takes too if you expect to use another programme regularly. | If I mainly use short cycles, I don’t want to assume the Eco figures reflect all my usage. |
| After-sales support | Check the repairability index shown and find out about the availability of spare parts for the model you’re considering. | I want to consider repair options before choosing an appliance I expect to use regularly. |
A marketing claim doesn’t give you a consistent way to compare two dishwashers.
For an open-plan kitchen, compare the decibel ratings and noise classes on the energy labels, using the same programme as a basis.
According to ADEME, an extra 3 dB corresponds to almost double the noise. So this difference is worth considering if the appliance will be running in your living space.
When comparing two models that suit your space and typical loads, use their stated dB ratings and noise classes to help you judge how noisy they are.
Size is primarily about making the most of limited space. For example, the product listing for this particular model, the Electrolux ESF2400OS at BUT, states 52 dB and noise class D.
Choose a compact model because its size and capacity suit your needs, then check the noise level and connections of the specific appliance separately.
The number of place settings alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for larger items. The energy label’s consumption figures are based on the reference Eco programme.
Check that the baskets suit the dishes you usually use, then compare litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and the Eco programme duration.
A useful benchmark for a 60 cm freestanding appliance, with acoustic and consumption details provided on its French product listing.
A range of integrated models to consider if your kitchen has units designed to house an appliance.
An option to consider if limited space points you towards a compact worktop model.
A semi-integrated option for a kitchen with an alcove designed to take a cabinet door.
These models include freestanding dishwashers and one integrated model. Compare their installation requirements and capacities before checking each model’s acoustic details. The compact models mentioned above are designed for a different space-saving need.
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Its 14-place-setting capacity is worth considering for household loads in an open-plan kitchen. The product name states that it is 60 cm wide and has energy class C. Check the exact dimensions before settling on this space, and check the noise level on the energy label too.
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For an open-plan space, compare the 41 dB noise level stated in the product name with that of appliances with a similar capacity. This model is listed as 60 cm wide, with energy class C. Check the available height and installation instructions if you plan to fit it under a worktop.
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Its 14-place-setting capacity may suit larger loads, and the product name also mentions 7 cycles. To see how well it suits an open-plan kitchen, compare its noise level and energy use on the energy label, then check the space needed for installation.
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This 60 cm model is designed for a kitchen with a suitable space. Its name states that it has 13 place settings and energy class B. Check the alcove dimensions, cabinet door and connections, then compare the noise level for the reference programme rather than for a specific programme.
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With 14 place settings and a stated width of 60 cm, this freestanding model is worth considering if it suits your space and typical loads. Its name states energy class E. For an open-plan kitchen, also check the dB rating, noise class and consumption figures on the energy label.
Compare the decibel ratings and noise classes on their energy labels, using the same programme as a basis and, if possible, models with similar capacities. According to ADEME, noise classes A or B indicate particularly quiet appliances, while an extra 3 dB corresponds to almost double the noise.
No. ‘Integrated’ describes how the appliance fits into your kitchen units, not the noise level of every model in this category. Check each appliance’s dB rating and noise class, along with the alcove dimensions and cabinet door requirements.
GIFAM generally puts a 60 cm freestanding model at 12 to 15 place settings, a 45 cm model at 9 to 10, and a compact model at around 6. Also check that the baskets can hold your usual pans, dishes and glasses.
Not necessarily. Candy states that its compact CP 6E51LS connects directly to the water supply. Before choosing a model, check its dimensions, water supply, drainage and installation instructions.
To compare dishwashers based on the Eco programme, look at the kWh per 100 cycles and litres of water per cycle shown on the European energy label. If you mainly plan to use other programmes, don’t assume their consumption will match the Eco figures.