In an unfitted kitchen, start by measuring the space and checking which connections are available. A freestanding dishwasher gives you more flexibility, while an integrated model needs a compatible housing unit and cabinet door. If space is tight, choose between a slimline and a compact appliance based on how much washing-up you generate. For an open-plan kitchen, also compare the stated noise level, then check energy consumption and the Eco cycle duration on the energy label.
If your dishwasher runs near the living area, compare its stated noise level in dB and its noise class, as well as the Eco cycle duration. Que Choisir highlights how important noise is in an open-plan kitchen: a programme described as quiet is no substitute for checking these figures.
You’ll need to find a place for the appliance and check that a water supply, waste outlet and electrical supply are available. According to Que Choisir, a freestanding model offers more flexibility than an integrated one; with the latter, you’ll need to check the housing unit and cabinet door in particular.
A 45 cm or compact appliance may suit a tight space. Before opting for a smaller capacity, compare the stated place settings with your everyday washing-up, and remember to allow for large dishes and enough room to open the door.
First, choose between a freestanding and an integrated model to suit your kitchen layout. Then compare the width, capacity and noise level of each model that fits the space.
Consider this if: there’s no cabinet or door planned for the appliance and you want more flexibility with your kitchen layout.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible in your kitchen; installation under a worktop must be compatible with the model you choose.
Consider this if: your kitchen design includes a housing unit and cabinet door for the appliance.
Bear in mind: the door, its fixings and the installation must be suitable for the appliance; a semi-integrated model has a visible control panel.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Space and connections | Measure the space, including with the door open, then check the water supply, waste outlet and electrical supply against the model’s instructions. | If my kitchen isn’t already fitted, I need to make sure I can position and connect the appliance before choosing its size. Around 33% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Noise in the living area | Compare the dB level, noise class and Eco cycle duration shown on the energy label. | If my kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to minimise disruption while people are talking or working. For around 27% of consumers, noise would be the top priority. |
| Capacity in a small space | Compare the stated place settings with your usual washing-up and check there’s room for bulky dishes. | With limited width available, I want to save space without having to run cycles too often. Around 20% of consumers would put this useful capacity first. |
| Consumption and extra costs | Check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco cycle duration; also check what’s involved in installing your chosen type of appliance. | I want to take account of water and electricity use, as well as delivery and any cabinet door I might need. Around 20% of consumers would put these costs first. |
The housing unit, worktop, cabinet door and door fixings must also be suitable for the appliance. A cabinet door and its installation may involve extra elements in your project.
Ask for the model’s installation diagram and door fitting instructions, then confirm they’re compatible with your planned kitchen.
In an open-plan room, the time the appliance runs and the programme duration also matter to the people in the room.
Compare the dB level, noise class and Eco cycle duration of the models you’re considering, then think about when you’ll run the cycles.
If the capacity is too small for your usual washing-up, you may end up running more cycles, despite saving space.
Work out how many place settings you need, and consider your saucepans, large dishes and entertaining habits too.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about water consumption, cycle duration or installation requirements.
Compare all the information on the energy label, and check delivery, installation and old-appliance collection arrangements separately.
Bosch’s range includes 45 and 60 cm integrated appliances, as well as compact models. It’s worth considering if your kitchen design includes a housing unit.
Beko offers freestanding, built-in and fully integrated models, including 45 and 60 cm widths.
Whirlpool offers freestanding appliances and 45 cm models to consider when space is limited.
Miele offers integrated, compact and freestanding dishwashers, including models to consider for a narrow space.
These Joybuy models include freestanding appliances, models designed to fit into a cabinet, and a compact worktop model. Compare each one with your kitchen measurements and the amount of washing-up you generate; the width and connections must suit your installation.
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Consider this if your kitchen plans include a cabinet designed for an integrated dishwasher. The title states a width of 60 cm, 14 place settings and an A energy rating; check the housing unit dimensions, cabinet door and connections before ordering.
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A freestanding option for a kitchen without a cabinet door planned for the appliance. The title states a noise level of 41 dB and a C energy rating; measure the space and check the model’s dimensions and installation requirements.
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Consider this if you have a housing unit and cabinet door planned. The title states a C energy rating, but its 60 cm width doesn’t match the width given in the product description table. Confirm the exact dimensions and compatibility with your housing unit before buying.
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A freestanding model to consider if you don’t have a cabinet door planned for the appliance. The title states a stainless steel finish and a C energy rating; the published dimensions conflict, so confirm the exact measurements before deciding where to put it.
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Consider this if you have room on your worktop but nowhere for a full-size appliance. The title states a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 cycles; not needing a direct water supply doesn’t remove the need to plan for drainage, an electrical supply and space for the appliance.
Check that the appliance can be connected to a water and electricity supply, and that wastewater can drain away. Confirm the requirements in the model’s instructions, and have any new or altered connections checked before planning the work.
In particular, compare the noise level in dB and its class, then the Eco cycle duration if the appliance will run near your living area. ADEME says the label also gives the capacity, water consumption per cycle and energy consumption per 100 cycles. These details can help you choose between models that will fit your kitchen.
It can be, provided its capacity suits your usual washing-up and its full dimensions fit the available space. Que Choisir lists 45 cm models stated to hold 9 place settings; also check that there’s room for your large dishes and consider how often you’ll need to run a cycle.
You’ll need a compatible housing unit and cabinet door, plus installation and the connections required by the model. Bosch’s guidance explains that an integrated dishwasher has a cabinet door fitted to it. Ask for the installation diagram before finalising your kitchen plans.