For your first dishwasher in an open-plan kitchen, start by checking the available space and connections. Then compare the noise levels on the energy labels of appliances with similar capacities. A 60 cm model can handle a large volume of washing-up if you have room for it. A 45 cm or compact model takes up less space, but you’ll need to look more closely at its capacity, how often you’ll run it and the noise level of the model you choose.
The size of your household isn’t the only thing to consider. Think about how much washing-up you produce between cycles, and measure the space available.
If you live alone or as a couple, compare a 45 cm model with a compact countertop dishwasher. Consider the space available and how often you’re happy to run a cycle. Check that your dishes and pans fit in the racks, too: the place-setting count doesn’t tell you everything about what you can load.
A 60 cm model is worth considering if washing-up builds up every day and you have enough width for it. Whirlpool France’s guide says that the 60 cm models it describes have a capacity of at least 12 place settings. Check that this suits the meals you actually make.
An integrated dishwasher may suit your open-plan kitchen if you want it to blend in with your units, but having a space for it doesn’t guarantee it will fit. Measure the usable height, width and depth, then check the pipework clearance and the door panel specified for the model.
First, choose a size that suits your kitchen and the amount of washing-up you produce. Then compare the noise levels and energy use on the label for the exact model.
Consider this if: you have floor space available and don’t plan to fit a kitchen unit door to the appliance.
Things to weigh up: a 60 cm model needs more width; with a 45 cm model, you may need to run cycles more often if its racks fill up quickly.
Consider this if: you have a suitable space and want the appliance to blend in with your kitchen units.
Plan ahead for: the door panel, carpentry and connections, which may require separate work in addition to fitting the appliance.
Consider this if: there’s no room for a floor-standing appliance and you don’t produce much washing-up.
Things to weigh up: its smaller capacity may mean more cycles; a compact size doesn’t guarantee quiet operation.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Compare the dB ratings and noise classes on the labels of appliances with similar capacities. Check the details of any quiet programme: it doesn’t replace the noise level declared on the label. | I want to be able to run a cycle without its noise getting in the way of activities in the living area. ADEME describes noise classes A and B as particularly quiet. |
| Capacity | Compare the place-setting count with the dishes and pans you use. According to Whirlpool France’s guide, the 45 cm models described hold up to 10 place settings, compared with at least 12 for 60 cm models. Look at the rack layout, too. | After a meal with guests, I want to be able to load the dishes without always needing to run an extra cycle. |
| Energy and water use | Check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle and Eco programme duration. The European Commission lists these figures on the energy label; compare water use between models with similar capacities. | If I have a busy day, the Eco programme’s duration matters just as much as the consumption figures shown for it. |
| Installation | Measure the appliance and, if needed, the space it will go in, allowing room for the pipes. Check the water inlet, drain, electrical supply and door-panel requirements in the model’s instructions. | Before ordering, I want to know whether the appliance will actually fit in my kitchen and what work I’ll need to arrange. Electrolux France’s pre-installation guide distinguishes between fitting the appliance and carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. |
A 45 cm appliance may need to run more cycles if your meals generate a lot of washing-up. A 60 cm model, on the other hand, takes up space you’ll need to have available.
Count the plates, glasses, serving dishes and pans you use between washes, then look at the rack layout as well as the stated place-setting count.
A marketing claim or special programme isn’t enough to compare the declared noise levels of two appliances in an open-plan kitchen.
Check the dB rating and noise class on each energy label. If you’re interested in a quiet programme, check its stated noise level, duration and conditions of use separately.
The visible width tells you nothing about the usable height, the depth needed for the pipes or whether the door panel will fit. Electrolux France explains that some installation services don’t include carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
Measure the space and check the model’s instructions. Also ask exactly what’s included in delivery, installation and fitting the door panel.
Adjustments to the connections or door panel may require extra work.
The standardised figures on the label relate to the Eco programme; they don’t necessarily describe a quick programme. The European regulation on dishwasher energy labelling also uses the Eco programme to measure noise.
Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle and Eco programme duration, then check the instructions if you think you’ll often use another programme.
These examples show some sizes and features to look for on a specific product listing. They don’t necessarily apply to every model from each brand.
The range includes freestanding and integrated models in 45 cm and 60 cm sizes.
The range includes fully integrated 45 cm appliances for fitted kitchens.
Beko France features 45 cm freestanding dishwashers for kitchens where space is limited.
These Joybuy models include large integrated appliances, a freestanding model and a compact countertop dishwasher. For each one, consider the space available, capacity and stated noise level in relation to how you use your open-plan kitchen.
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Worth considering if you have a suitable space and regularly fill a 13-place-setting dishwasher. Measure the space and check the door panel required. To compare how it will perform in an open-plan kitchen, check the noise data and Eco programme figures on the label for the exact model.
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Its stated capacity may suit a household that builds up a lot of washing-up and has a fitted kitchen. The product title gives a width of 60 cm, but the detailed listing says 68 cm. Check the dimensions in the instructions and measure the space before ordering. Check the noise class on the label, too.
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This freestanding model is worth considering if you have floor space and a lot of washing-up. The title states 41 dB; compare this figure and the noise class on the energy label. Check the connections in your kitchen, and take care of hot steam when opening the door after a hot cycle.
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Consider this if you have space for an integrated dishwasher with 13 place settings. Check the instructions for the required space, door panel and connections. To compare it with another model for an open-plan kitchen, check its noise class and Eco programme energy and water use on the label.
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Its countertop design and 6 place settings suit a small amount of washing-up when floor space is limited. The title lists seven programmes and a noise level of 47 dB. Before making space for it in your open-plan kitchen, check which programme this noise level applies to, as well as the dimensions and connections required.
Compare the dB ratings and noise classes on their energy labels, ideally for models with similar capacities. ADEME considers classes A and B particularly quiet. Check any special programme described as quiet separately, including its duration and conditions of use.
Measure the space and check the room needed for the pipes, water inlet, drain and electrical supply, following the model’s instructions. Check the door panel and what’s included in the installation service, too. Electrolux France’s pre-installation guide explains that carpentry, plumbing and electrical work may be excluded.
The Eco programme duration tells you whether the reference programme fits your routine. Under the European regulation on dishwasher energy labelling, the regulated energy, water and noise figures are measured or calculated using this programme. Check the instructions if you expect to use a faster cycle often.