For an open-plan kitchen, start by comparing the stated noise level in dB and the noise class. Then choose the capacity and installation type to suit your everyday washing-up and the space available. A slimline or compact model can help when space is tight, but check its capacity carefully. A 60 cm appliance is suited to larger loads, provided its dimensions and connections allow it to be installed.
In an open-plan kitchen, you can hear the dishwasher in your living space. However, the quieter option you want still needs to fit the space available and handle the amount of washing-up you need to do.
If you run a cycle during meals, conversations or downtime, look beyond the word ‘quiet’. Que Choisir highlights the importance of noise in open-plan kitchens and also considers vibrations, high-pitched sounds and annoying beeps in its tests.
Before comparing programmes, measure the space for the appliance and how far its door will open. For a built-in model, Bosch recommends checking the housing space. The cabinet front, hinges and connections also matter when choosing.
If pots and pans quickly fill the baskets, check their layout as well as the advertised place settings. Consider capacity alongside the noise level and the stated consumption for the Eco programme, rather than looking at it in isolation.
For everyday washing-up in an open-plan kitchen, start with the factors that will really narrow down your choice: keeping noise down during a cycle, available space and connections, then the load you need to wash. ADEME says the energy label lets you compare factors including water and energy consumption, and the noise class.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping noise down in your living space | Compare the stated dB and noise class. If two models are similar, also look at tests covering vibrations or beeps. | If I run a cycle during a meal or when I’m relaxing, I want the noise to disrupt conversation as little as possible; around 33% of consumers prioritise quiet. |
| Fit and connections | Measure the housing space and door clearance. Check the cabinet front and hinges, as well as the water inlet, waste outlet and electricity supply. | When my kitchen is already fitted, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without changing the planned layout; around 27% of consumers put finding a model to fit their space first. |
| Everyday capacity | Check the number of place settings and basket layout against your plates and pans. Compare Eco-cycle consumption using the same units. | With lots of washing-up every day, I want to avoid having to wash large utensils by hand or run another cycle; around 20% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Very limited space | Check the dimensions with the door open, the worktop’s stability, the capacity, and how the model is filled and drained. | If there’s no room for a freestanding appliance, I want to wash small loads on a worktop without getting in the way of using it; available space is the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
This label alone doesn’t tell you how disruptive a cycle will be. Que Choisir also takes high-pitched sounds, vibrations and beeps into account in its testing.
Compare the dB and noise class on the label, then look for an independent test if acoustic comfort is what sets your shortlisted models apart.
A ‘45 cm’ or ‘60 cm’ label doesn’t guarantee that the appliance, cabinet front and door will work in your kitchen. You’ll also need access to the water inlet, waste outlet and electricity supply.
Measure the housing space, then check all its dimensions, the plinth and the hinge system against the instructions for the exact model.
If it won’t fit your existing kitchen, you may need to adapt the cabinet, front panel or connections.
The narrower width generally means less capacity than a 60 cm model. Large dishes may need another cycle or have to be washed separately.
Think about a typical load including your pans, tall glasses and heavier meals, rather than just the number of people in your household.
Filling and draining methods vary between models. For example, Daan Tech describes the Bob as either self-contained or connectable, but that doesn’t apply to every countertop appliance.
Check the instructions for your chosen model, any accessories you need, door clearance and the stability of your worktop.
These examples of ranges and models can help you identify what to compare. A model’s features don’t necessarily apply to the whole brand.
Bosch provides installation information for its built-in dishwashers, including 45 and 60 cm models.
The range includes 45 cm models worth considering when floor space is limited.
Beko’s 60 cm fully integrated models are worth considering for a kitchen with a suitably sized housing space.
Whirlpool offers freestanding, built-in and slimline models, giving you options to compare width with capacity.
Daan Tech’s Bob is a countertop option to consider if you don’t have room for a floor-standing model.
These models include freestanding and compact countertop options. For each one, check its capacity and dimensions against your kitchen, then verify the acoustic information for the model you order. The products shown aren’t a comparison with built-in models.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have floor space and need to wash large everyday loads.
The product name lists 41 dB and an energy rating of C. To assess how noisy it will be in your living space, also check the noise class and, if possible, tests that measure perceived noise.
Check the dimensions, the available height if it needs to fit under a worktop, and the connections.
Image unavailable
Consider it for larger loads, provided you check the available space before ordering.
The title lists a width of 60 cm, while the detailed dimensions show 67,5 cm. Ask the retailer to confirm the measurements of the model you’ll receive. The name lists an energy rating of C.
If you plan to run cycles while people are using the living space, also compare its noise label and any available test results.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if everyday capacity matters more to you than a slimline design.
The product name lists an energy rating of D, but the description shows an E. Check the label on the product you order before relying on this information.
The stated noise level is 46 dB. Also check the noise class and any available test results to assess how it will perform in an open-plan kitchen.
Image unavailable
This compact design is suited to smaller loads when you don’t have space for a floor-standing model.
Before placing it on a worktop, check its dimensions, door clearance and the load the surface can support. Its stated capacity of 3 place settings should also suit the size of your dishes.
Don’t assume it works without connections: check the instructions for the cold water supply, drainage and any accessories required. For noise levels, refer to the label and available test results rather than relying on the stated figure alone.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have floor space and want to wash a large amount of washing-up every day.
The product name lists an energy rating of E. Check the label on the model you order for Eco programme consumption and the noise class.
Its stated noise level is 46 dB. For an open-plan kitchen, also look for information on vibrations and beeps, which can’t be judged from this figure alone.
Start with the stated dB and noise class on the energy label, then consider how disruptive a cycle might be. ADEME recommends checking the noise class. Where tests are available for the models in question, Que Choisir’s testing also considers vibrations, high-pitched sounds and beeps.
A 45 cm model may be sufficient if your loads and larger utensils fit in the baskets without needing lots of extra cycles. Whirlpool says some models of this width can hold up to 10 place settings, but check the capacity and layout of the specific model against your plates and pans.
Not necessarily; it depends on the model and how it’s filled. Daan Tech describes the Bob as either self-contained or connectable. For any compact model you’re considering, check the instructions for the water supply, drainage and any accessories required.
Measure the width, height and depth of the housing space, then check the door clearance, plinth, cabinet front and hinges against the model’s instructions. Bosch also notes that installation requires water, waste and electricity connections.