Small household sensitive to noise
If your kitchen shares a room with your living space, you may hear the dishwasher while you’re at home. Compare the decibel level and noise-emission class on the label rather than relying on the word ‘quiet’ alone.
Who is this guide for?
Household short on space
Whether you’re considering a worktop model, a slimline dishwasher or an under-counter installation, measure the space and check that the model can be connected before comparing its programmes.
Couple looking to run fewer cycles
If plates and pans fill the dishwasher quickly, check its capacity against the dishes you use every day. Then compare water and energy use, along with the Eco programme duration, across models with enough room.
Which features should you compare?
Choose a size based on the available space and the dishes you need to wash, then decide on the installation type based on your kitchen. A 45 cm model may be freestanding or integrated, depending on its design. When comparing suitable appliances, ADEME recommends checking the energy label, which shows details including capacity, consumption and noise level.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Each model’s dB rating and noise-emission class. | If I run a cycle while I’m in the living room, I want to keep noise to a minimum. Around 36% of consumers would put quiet operation at the top of their list. |
| Space and installation | Dimensions, door clearance, any housing unit required and the necessary connections. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to open the door and install the appliance without blocking the space. Space and whether installation is practical would be priorities for around 29% of consumers. |
| Capacity | Number of place settings and interior layout for plates and pans. | If my dishes quickly fill a compact model, I’d want to check whether a larger size could save me from running it too often. Capacity would come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Everyday use | kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and the maintenance requirements in the manual. | If I need my dishes back quickly, cycle duration matters just as much as the stated consumption. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise these everyday considerations. |
What to avoid before buying
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Relying on the word ‘quiet’ alone
In an open-plan kitchen, you may be able to hear the dishwasher from the living room. A marketing claim doesn’t help you compare two appliances.
Check the dB rating and noise-emission class for each model, then consider when you plan to run your cycles.
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Choosing a compact model just because it fits on the worktop
An appliance with too little capacity may mean running more cycles or washing some items by hand. UFC-Que Choisir lists compact models with 6 place settings, as well as 45 cm slimline models with 9 place settings.
Think about the dishes you use on a typical day, including plates and pans, then check what will actually fit in the baskets.
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Ordering before checking the installation requirements
A dishwasher that needs plumbing requires a suitable water supply, waste outlet and electrical connection. An integrated model also depends on the dimensions of the housing unit and, depending on the model, a compatible cabinet door.
Measure the space and check the installation instructions for the exact model. In France, Promotelec says that a dishwasher socket must be connected to a dedicated circuit. If you’re unsure, have the installation checked.
If the space isn’t ready, adapting the connections or cabinetry may require building work or help from a professional.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The rating letter doesn’t tell you how much water is used per cycle, how long the Eco programme takes, or the appliance’s capacity or noise level – all of which can affect its suitability for an open-plan kitchen.
Compare the same details on each energy label: kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration, place settings and noise level.
Brands to consider
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Frequently asked questions
Which figures on the label should you compare for an open-plan kitchen?
Compare the capacity, noise level in dB and its class, as well as energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and the Eco programme duration. ADEME lists these as factors to consider; the energy rating alone won’t tell you whether the appliance will suit your available space or the times you’re at home.
Does a small household have to choose a compact dishwasher?
No. A compact model is suitable if it has enough capacity for your dishes and you have space for it on the worktop. UFC-Que Choisir lists compact models with 6 place settings, as well as 45 cm slimline models with 9 place settings. If the compact model fills up too quickly, compare the space needed for a slimline option.
What should you check before installing a dishwasher?
Check the dimensions and connections required in the manual for the model you’re considering. For a plumbed-in appliance, check the water supply, waste outlet and electrical connection. For an integrated model, also check the housing unit and whether a cabinet door is required. In France, Promotelec says the dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit, and Bosch recommends using a professional to install its integrated models.