For an open-plan or shared kitchen, first choose a noise level and capacity suited to the loads you’ll realistically be able to fill. Then compare water and energy use, along with the Eco programme duration. A freestanding model is suitable if you have space for it; a built-in model needs a compatible housing unit, while a compact one is mainly an option when space is tight or loads are small. If installation isn’t possible or it would take too long to build up a full load, washing by hand may be the more practical choice.
If the dishwasher runs near your living area, compare its stated noise level and noise emission class before choosing a format. UFC-Que Choisir particularly highlights noise as a factor to consider in an open-plan kitchen. The time of day you’ll be able to run it matters too.
If meals don’t all produce the same amount of washing-up, consider how much you’ll have accumulated between washes. The place-setting capacity should let you run reasonably full loads without having to wait too long.
A slimline or compact appliance is worth considering if space is limited, but width alone doesn’t tell you how much room it will take up. Measure the available height and depth too, then check the capacity and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
First work out where the appliance could go and how much washing-up you’d have for each load. Then compare models with a similar capacity using their energy labels.
Worth considering : if there’s a suitable space available and shared loads regularly fill the machine.
Bear in mind : the appliance will be visible, and you should check the noise level for each model individually, even at 45 cm wide.
Worth considering : if your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and a seamless look with the cabinets is important to you.
Check : that the cabinet and door panel are compatible; a built-in installation doesn’t guarantee quiet operation.
Worth considering : if a larger appliance won’t fit in your kitchen and your loads are small.
Check : the space required, capacity, and the exact model’s water supply and drainage requirements.
Stick with this option : if you can’t confirm there’s a suitable space or you wouldn’t regularly have enough washing-up to fill a machine.
The trade-off : you’ll still need to wash everything by hand, and water use depends on how you do it.
| Criteria | What to check | Everyday needs |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Compare the dB(A) rating and noise emission class on the energy label for appliances with a similar capacity. The ADEME states that an increase of three decibels corresponds to almost twice the noise level. | I want to be able to run a cycle without disturbing conversations or anyone relaxing in the living area. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the washing-up you accumulate between cycles. Check the capacity of the exact model, including for an appliance measuring 45 cm wide. | In a shared kitchen, I need enough room for our usual loads without having to wait too long to fill the machine. |
| Water, energy and duration | Check the litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and duration of the Eco programme. These figures don’t automatically tell you how a quick or intensive programme performs. | I want to compare like for like and know how long the Eco programme will keep the machine occupied. |
| Size | Measure the height, width, depth and clearance required. Check the model’s instructions for its water supply, drainage and electrical requirements. | With a limited amount of worktop or housing space, I need to know whether the appliance will fit and work in that setup. |
| Repairability | Check the repairability index for the model you’re considering. The Ministry of the Economy describes it as a way to assess how easy or difficult a dishwasher is to repair. | If several appliances meet my space, noise and capacity requirements, I also want to take their repairability into account. |
In an open-plan kitchen, even a difference of a few decibels is worth paying attention to: according to ADEME, an increase of three decibels corresponds to almost twice the noise level.
Compare the dB(A) rating and noise class of models with a similar capacity, rather than relying on the name of a programme alone.
Two appliances of the same width can have different noise levels. For example, Beko states 41 dB(A) for the BDFS26041XQ and 49 dB(A) for the DVS05024X; both are listed as having 10 place settings.
Once you’ve chosen a format, compare the specifications of the exact models: capacity, noise, water per cycle, energy per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration.
A small footprint doesn’t mean you can skip checking the available space and operating requirements. Beko’s instructions, for example, ask you to make sure that the water supply, drainage and electrical installation are suitable.
Measure the space and read the instructions for your chosen compact model before deciding whether it’s right for your kitchen.
Noise and capacity alone won’t tell you how easy an appliance is to repair. In France, the Ministry of the Economy presents the repairability index as a useful way to compare this.
If several models already meet your main requirements, check their repairability index to help you choose between them.
Manufacturer ranges can help you identify different formats, but you’ll need to check each model’s specifications to compare noise, dimensions and energy use.
Bosch offers several formats, including countertop models and compact built-in appliances. This is a useful starting point when every centimetre counts in your kitchen.
Beko’s 45 cm freestanding models let you explore slimline options without making assumptions about their noise levels.
Miele offers freestanding and integrated configurations to consider based on the space available and your kitchen layout.
These Joybuy options illustrate three different setups: small loads with a countertop appliance, shared loads with a 60 cm freestanding model, or a fitted kitchen with a built-in appliance. Compare their stated specifications with the space you have and your washing-up habits.
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This countertop model is listed as having six place settings, making it suitable for kitchens where loads are small.
The specifications list 47 dB, 6,5 L per cycle, 49 kWh per 100 uses and an Eco programme duration of 215 min. Compare these stated figures with those of appliances with a similar capacity.
Before buying, check the exact dimensions, available space and connection requirements in the instructions.
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Its stated capacity of 14 place settings could suit shared loads if your kitchen has a suitable 60 cm space.
The specifications list 41 dB, around 9,5 L for the Eco cycle and an energy rating of C. These are stated specifications, not independent measurements.
Before comparing it with other appliances, confirm the dimensions, connection requirements, kWh per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration for this model.
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This model is listed as having four place settings. It’s worth considering if you have small loads and want the option of using a water tank.
The specifications list dimensions of 45,8 × 42,8 × 42,5 cm and provide the option of using either the 5 L tank or a water inlet. In tank mode, the instructions describe draining into a container, so check that this setup will work in your chosen location.
For an open-plan kitchen, check the stated noise level and noise class for this model before choosing.
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This fully integrated model is designed for a kitchen with a compatible housing unit and loads of up to its stated capacity of 13 place settings.
The specifications list an energy rating of B, a noise level of 44 dB(A) and 42 dB(A) for the Extra Silence programme. These figures apply to different operating conditions, so don’t confuse them when making comparisons.
Before buying, confirm the housing unit dimensions, cabinet compatibility, connections and Eco programme data. The specifications state that installation should be carried out by a qualified professional.
Check the dB(A) rating and noise emission class on the energy label, then compare models with a similar capacity. According to ADEME, an increase of three decibels corresponds to almost twice the noise level, so even a small difference in the figures is worth looking into.
It lets you compare factors including capacity, noise, litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and the duration of the Eco programme. Ideally, compare appliances with a similar capacity: Eco programme figures don’t necessarily reflect those for a quick cycle.
No : width alone doesn’t determine how noisy an appliance is. Beko states 41 dB(A) for its BDFS26041XQ and 49 dB(A) for its DVS05024X. Both are 45 cm models listed as having 10 place settings. Check the rating for each model you’re considering.
No. Measure the available space and read the instructions for the exact model to check its water supply, drainage and electrical requirements. Even an appliance that uses a water tank needs a suitable drainage solution, as set out in its instructions.
Washing by hand remains an option if you can’t confirm there’s a suitable space or you wouldn’t have enough washing-up to fill the appliance regularly. However, it takes time, and water use depends on how you wash up, so don’t assume one option uses less water just because it’s done by hand or machine.