If you’re planning to run a dishwasher in the evening in an open-plan kitchen, start by comparing its stated noise level and noise class, then check its capacity, energy and water consumption, and Eco programme duration. A 60 cm freestanding or built-in model could suit regular loads if you have enough space. A 45 cm or compact model is an alternative when space is limited, provided it has enough capacity for your household’s meals.
If the dishwasher is running while you’re chatting or watching a film, pay particular attention to its stated noise level. ADEME says that an increase of three decibels corresponds to an almost doubling of noise, and describes noise classes A and B as particularly quiet.
After regular meals, check that the place settings and basket layout suit the crockery you use. Then compare the Eco programme’s duration and consumption: the appliance’s size alone won’t tell you what these will be.
A 45 cm model could be a good fit if width is limited, as Whirlpool notes for this category. Still, measure the space and check the specific model’s capacity and noise level before choosing this size.
If you’ll be running a cycle close to your living space, start with noise. Then check how much the appliance can hold, where it will fit in your kitchen and how long the programme you plan to use will take.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who might prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Noise in the evening | The stated level in dB(A) and the noise class, comparing models of similar size and capacity. | If the cycle is running while I’m talking or watching a film, I want to keep noise to a minimum. Around 33% of consumers would make quiet their top priority. |
| Capacity for mealtimes | The number of place settings and the basket layout, to suit the crockery you usually use. | When the washing-up piles up after meals, I want to load everything without having to start another cycle straight away. Capacity would come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Water, electricity and Eco programme duration | The kWh/100 cycles, litres/cycle and duration shown for the Eco programme. | If I run cycles regularly, I want to know how much energy and water they use, and whether the Eco programme will finish at a time that suits me. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Space and installation | The dimensions of the appliance and the space available; for a built-in model, the required niche and door panel. | If space is limited or I’m planning a fitted kitchen, the appliance first needs to fit. This would be the priority for around 20% of consumers. |
The energy class alone won’t tell you how long the Eco programme takes or whether the capacity will suit your meals.
According to ADEME, the energy label also shows energy use in kWh/100 cycles, water use in litres/cycle, capacity, noise and Eco programme duration. Look at these figures together for the models you’re considering.
In an open-plan kitchen, a stated noise level is more useful for comparing appliances than a marketing claim. ADEME says that an increase of three decibels corresponds to an almost doubling of noise.
Check the dB(A) and noise class, then compare models of similar size and capacity.
A narrower appliance frees up space, but its capacity still needs to suit the amount of washing-up and the size of the dishes you use.
Measure the space, then check the number of place settings and the basket layout.
The installation type determines the dimensions you need to allow for and the kitchen fittings required. The stated width alone isn’t enough to confirm that the appliance will fit in the niche.
Before ordering, compare the exact dimensions and installation type with your kitchen. Then check whether a door panel is needed and whether it’s included.
Worth considering if you’re comparing 60 cm freestanding and built-in models with product details that specify noise levels and installation requirements.
Worth considering if you’re choosing between a 60 cm built-in and freestanding model. Compare the details for each model individually.
Worth considering for a 60 cm freestanding model if capacity and start time are important to you.
Worth considering if you’re short on width and need a 45 cm appliance, or if you want to compare a different installation type.
These models cover three ways to fit out your kitchen: freestanding, built-in and compact enough to sit on a worktop. For each one, check that its capacity and installation requirements suit your meals and the space you have available.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have space for a freestanding model and regularly need to wash up after meals. The product title states 41 dB and a C class rating. If you plan to run it in the evening, also check the Eco programme duration and electricity use.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your kitchen has space for a suitable niche and door panel. The product title states 60 cm and a C class rating, but the description also gives a width of 68 cm. Be sure to confirm the exact dimensions of the appliance and niche before ordering. The Eco programme duration is listed as 240 minutes, which is worth bearing in mind if you plan to run a cycle after a meal.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to fit the appliance into a suitable niche. The 42 dBA figure applies to the Extra Silence programme, while the general specifications list 44 dB. Don’t compare these figures without taking the programme into account. Also check energy and water use, as well as the Eco programme duration, for evening use.
Image unavailable
This size is worth considering for smaller loads if you don’t have room for a full-size floor-standing appliance. Check that three place settings are enough for your meals, that you have a suitable spot on your worktop and that the Eco programme duration works for your evening routine.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact appliance for very small loads. Before choosing this pack, check that its capacity suits the crockery you usually use, confirm how it needs to be connected and check the Eco programme duration.
Start with the dB(A) rating and noise class, then check the place settings, energy use in kWh/100 cycles, water use in litres/cycle and Eco programme duration. ADEME lists these as factors to consider when choosing. For consumption, compare the figures for the reference programme rather than assuming they apply to every programme.
No. ADEME describes these classes as particularly quiet, but the capacity, dimensions and Eco programme duration also need to suit your kitchen and the time you want to run the cycle.
Not necessarily. Electrolux gives an Eco programme duration of 4 h for the built-in EES47400L and 5 h 10 for the freestanding ESG88600SX2. Check the duration of the model you’re considering if you want the cycle to finish before you go to bed.
Measure the niche and compare its width, height and depth with the appliance’s exact dimensions. Also confirm the installation type and whether a door panel is needed. For example, the Electrolux EES47400L product details state that it’s supplied without a door panel.
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new goods sold by a business to a consumer, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. If the appliance doesn’t match the seller’s description, keep a copy of the product details and proof of purchase so you can assert this right with the seller. A voluntary returns policy doesn’t replace it.