People living in a studio flat or with an open-plan kitchen
If your dishwasher is near the living area or sleeping space, compare its stated noise level and noise class. Think about when you’ll run the cycles, too.
Who are these criteria useful for?
Households with a 45 cm space for a dishwasher
The width limits which models will fit, but capacity matters too. Check the number of place settings, whether there’s room for your dishes and the chosen model’s Eco consumption figures.
People living in a block of flats
Before regularly scheduling a cycle for a potentially disruptive time, check the rules that apply to your home. ANIL points out that the duration, frequency and volume of a noise all count when assessing a nuisance to neighbours.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the dimensions and noise level, then compare capacity and consumption using the same figures on the energy label.
| Criteria | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Compare the dB and noise class of the specific models on their energy labels. ADEME identifies classes A and B as particularly quiet. | In an open-plan living space, I want to be able to run a cycle without overlooking the noise I might hear from the living area or sleeping space. |
| Size and capacity | Measure the space, check the installation type and connections, then compare the number of place settings and the basket layout. | A narrow space might point me towards a 45 cm model; for a worktop, I need to check that a compact appliance will fit the amount of washing up I usually have. |
| Water and energy | According to ADEME and the European Commission, the label includes figures such as litres per Eco cycle and kWh per 100 Eco cycles. Check the Eco cycle duration too; these figures don’t cover every programme. | I want to compare consumption on a like-for-like basis, without assuming that a narrower appliance necessarily uses less water or electricity. |
| When to run a cycle | Check the model’s scheduling options and the relevant rules for your building, tenancy agreement and local area. Consider how close it is to bedrooms and neighbours. | If I often run cycles at a different time, I want to choose a time that suits my home rather than relying on the delay-start function alone. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
-
Relying on the word ‘quiet’ alone
This description isn’t enough to compare two dishwashers that will be used near a living space.
Put their energy labels side by side and compare the dB and noise class before weighing up their other features.
-
Assuming width determines consumption
A 45 cm model can solve a space constraint, but its width doesn’t tell you how much water or electricity it uses.
Choose a suitable size and capacity first, then compare the litres per Eco cycle and kWh per 100 Eco cycles for the specific models.
-
Scheduling late-night cycles without considering your home
Delay start changes when the cycle runs; it doesn’t stop noise that neighbours or people near a bedroom may hear regularly.
Check the relevant rules for your building, your tenancy agreement if applicable, and local regulations before making this a regular routine.
-
Choosing an energy class when the information is contradictory
The French product page for the Whirlpool WSFO 3T223 P shows both an old A++ rating and an E rating. These shouldn’t be treated as the same information.
Check the energy label for the exact model reference on offer, and ask the seller to clarify if the documents don’t match.
Which models demonstrate the different formats?
These manufacturer models illustrate configurations worth comparing; their features don’t apply to every model from each brand.
Bosch
The SMI4HCB19E is an example of a built-in appliance for a space around 60 cm wide.
- Bosch France gives this model a noise level of 42 dB, a noise class of B and water consumption of 9.0 L per Eco cycle.
- Its stated dimensions are 815 × 598 × 573 mm, so check that they’re compatible with your cabinetry and planned installation.
Electrolux
The EEM43200L is an example of a fully integrated 45 cm appliance.
- Electrolux France lists 10 place settings, an energy class of E and 75 kWh per 100 cycles for this model.
- For an open-plan kitchen, also check the noise level on the label for the exact model before comparing it with other appliances.
Whirlpool
The WSFO 3T223 P is an example of a slimline freestanding appliance.
- Whirlpool France lists a width of 45 cm, 10 place settings, 43 dB and water consumption of 9 L for this model.
- Its page gives contradictory energy class information, so check the label on the appliance being offered.
Which dishwashers should you consider on Joybuy?
This selection includes worktop, freestanding and built-in appliances. Depending on your space, first compare their capacity and installation options, then check the noise information for the exact model.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, 6 place settings
This worktop model is worth considering if floor space is limited. The product title lists 6 place settings, 47 dB and a 24-hour delay start. Compare its stated capacity and noise level with your needs and the label for the version on offer.
Image unavailable
Hotpoint H4FD641A, freestanding, 60 cm, 14 place settings
Worth considering if you have room for a 60 cm appliance and need space for up to 14 place settings. The product title lists 41 dB and energy class C; check the noise class, Eco consumption figures and installation dimensions in the documents for the exact model.
Image unavailable
Whirlpool W2I HD526 A, built-in, 60 cm, 14 place settings
This option is for a 60 cm built-in installation with a stated capacity of 14 place settings. The product title lists energy class E; check that it fits your cabinetry and door panel, and review the noise level and consumption figures on the label for the model on offer.
Image unavailable
AIRMSEN worktop dishwasher with a 5 L tank
A worktop model may suit a small space where a built-in appliance isn’t an option. The product title mentions a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Check the place-setting capacity, drainage and noise level if you’ll be running it near the living area.
Image unavailable
Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1, built-in, 60 cm, 13 place settings
This model is designed for a 60 cm built-in installation and has a stated capacity of 13 place settings. The product title lists energy class B; for an open-plan kitchen, check the noise level for the programme you’ll use, along with the niche dimensions and compatible door panel.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare the noise levels of two dishwashers?
Compare their noise levels in dB and noise classes on the labels for the exact models. ADEME identifies classes A and B as particularly quiet. Also consider where the appliance will be in relation to your living spaces.
Do the consumption figures shown apply to every programme?
No. According to the European Commission, the label includes figures such as electricity use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per Eco cycle and the duration of that programme. Use the same figures to compare models, but don’t assume they apply to other programmes.
Does a 45 cm model necessarily use less than a 60 cm one?
No. Width alone isn’t enough to tell. Compare the litres per Eco cycle and kWh per 100 Eco cycles on the labels for the appliances you’re considering, and make sure their capacity suits your washing up.
What should I check before installing a built-in dishwasher?
Measure the niche and check it against the dimensions and instructions for your chosen model. Also check the installation type and access to the connections. For an integrated appliance, make sure it’s compatible with your cabinetry and door panel.
Can I routinely set my dishwasher to run overnight in a flat?
Don’t assume that using delay start makes this a suitable time to run a cycle. ANIL points out that the duration, frequency and volume of noise are all relevant when assessing nuisance in a block of flats. Check your building’s rules, your tenancy agreement if applicable, and local regulations before making it a regular habit.