First, choose a size that fits your kitchen and a capacity suited to the amount of washing-up that builds up between cycles. If your kitchen opens onto the living room, compare the decibel level and noise class next. An integrated door gives a neater look, but it doesn’t guarantee a quieter appliance than a freestanding model. Finally, check the energy consumption and the length of the programme you plan to use.
If a cycle is running during a meal, a conversation or a day of working from home, noise deserves particular attention. Que Choisir highlights its importance in open-plan kitchens. Compare decibel levels and noise classes rather than relying on the word ‘quiet’ alone.
When plates, glasses and pans pile up between meals, consider the place settings as well as the layout of the racks. A stated capacity alone doesn’t tell you whether your larger utensils will fit easily or how well they’ll be washed and dried.
When replacing an appliance, the housing, any door panel, worktop and connections can determine the size you need before you consider convenience features. Que Choisir distinguishes between the installation requirements of an integrated appliance and the greater flexibility of placing a freestanding model.
Start with anything that could prevent installation, then match the capacity to the amount of washing-up you produce. In an open-plan room, check the noise level before weighing up secondary features.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Noise in an open-plan room | Decibel level and noise class on the energy label; test results that distinguish measured noise from perceived disturbance if quiet operation is essential. | If I run a cycle while the living room is in use, I want to avoid disrupting conversations or quiet work. Around 29% of consumers prioritise noise for this reason. |
| Size and installation | Usable dimensions, housing and any door panel; access to water, drainage and electricity as specified in the instructions. | When replacing an appliance without refitting the whole kitchen, I first need to know what will actually fit in its place. Installation compatibility is the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Capacity and loading | Number of place settings and rack layout for dishes and pans; washing and drying results. | When washing-up from several meals builds up, I want to load everything without running extra cycles. Nearly 24% of consumers put usable capacity at the top of their list. |
| Water and electricity | kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the Eco programme on the energy label. | If the appliance is used often, I want to compare its consumption without overlooking cycle length. Around 18% of consumers put managing water and electricity use ahead of other criteria. |
Que Choisir notes that noise is a particularly important factor in open-plan kitchens, and its tests assess both measured noise levels and perceived disturbance. The energy label lets you compare the figures declared for different models, but your room’s acoustics and the time you run a cycle also matter.
Size raises a different question: an integrated model needs a compatible housing and door panel, while a freestanding model has its own finished exterior. If space is limited, consider a slimline or compact appliance, but compare its capacity with the amount of washing-up you produce between cycles. A narrower model is not necessarily an advantage for a household that gets through a lot of dishes.
In an open-plan kitchen, two appliances described as quiet may have different noise levels. ADEME notes that a 3 dB difference corresponds to almost twice the noise; how noticeable it is in your living room also depends on the room itself.
Compare the decibel levels and noise classes on the energy labels. If this is a deciding factor, also look at tests that assess perceived disturbance.
An integrated appliance can’t simply be put where a freestanding model stood: the housing, cabinet door and plinth must all be compatible with the chosen fixing system.
Measure the space and check the door panel and connections against the model’s instructions before ordering. Also allow for any work needed to fit the appliance.
A slimline appliance frees up kitchen space, but if its capacity is too limited, you may need to run more cycles as pans, containers and plates pile up.
Estimate how much you’ll need to load between washes and check the usable space in the racks, rather than basing your decision on width alone.
These ranges cover different installation types. To choose between two models, check the dimensions, energy label and instructions for each one.
Bosch Home Appliances offers freestanding, integrated, fully integrated and compact dishwashers: a range worth exploring if you’re still deciding on the right size and style.
Siemens Home Appliances offers freestanding and integrated ranges, with features that vary from model to model.
Beko offers freestanding, integrated models with a visible control panel, and fully integrated appliances.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and integrated dishwashers in 45 cm and 60 cm widths.
These freestanding and integrated models let you compare stated capacities and two ways of fitting out your kitchen. Before choosing an appliance for an open-plan room, also check each model’s noise level, dimensions and connections against your needs.
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Worth considering if your household builds up a lot of washing-up and you have space for a freestanding appliance. The product name specifies 60 cm, 14 place settings and a D energy rating. Check the installation dimensions and noise level before choosing it for an open-plan kitchen. If it needs to fit under a worktop, confirm the required configuration.
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A freestanding model to consider if capacity is a priority and you don’t need a cabinet door panel. The product name specifies 60 cm, 14 place settings and an E energy rating. If it’s going under a worktop, check the installation requirements in the instructions. Also compare its noise level and consumption on the energy label.
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If you want to compare loading capacity with other features in a freestanding appliance, the product name specifies 14 place settings and 7 cycles. Check that the racks can accommodate your larger utensils, then confirm the dimensions, noise level and connections required for your chosen space.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding appliance for a household that gets through a lot of washing-up every day. The product name states 14 place settings and a D energy rating; confirm the capacity in the model documentation. For an open-plan kitchen, check the stated noise level and installation dimensions separately.
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Worth considering if your kitchen has a compatible housing and you want the appliance to blend in with your units. The product name specifies 60 cm, 13 place settings and a B energy rating. Check the housing dimensions, door panel system and installation requirements in the instructions. A seamless look doesn’t replace the need to compare noise levels.
There’s no single level that suits every room. Compare the decibel levels and noise classes shown on the labels of models that can be installed in your home. ADEME highlights noise classes A or B as a way to keep noise down; the distance from the living room and the room’s acoustics also affect how noticeable it is.
Not without checking the installation. According to Que Choisir, an integrated model fits into a purpose-built housing, while a freestanding model offers more flexibility in where it can be placed. Measure the housing and check the door panel, plinth and connections before switching to a different type.
Make sure the space has access to water, drainage and electricity. Bosch Home Appliances lists all three in its installation guidance. Then check the instructions for your chosen model to confirm its specific requirements.
Compare the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on their energy labels, then check the duration of the Eco programme. Take capacity and noise into account too: one energy consumption figure alone won’t address every need in a busy household or an open-plan kitchen.
Yes. When a private individual in France buys a new appliance from a professional seller, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that this mandatory protection also covers second-hand and refurbished goods. It is separate from any commercial guarantee that may be offered.