If you’re planning an open-plan kitchen, choose a built-in dishwasher if the space and door panel are compatible, or a freestanding model if you want to keep your layout flexible. Consider a compact model only if your space or dishwashing needs call for it, then compare the stated noise level, capacity and Eco programme figures before finalising your plans.
If your dishwasher will be running during a meal, while you’re watching TV or in the evening, compare the decibel level and the noise rating on the energy label. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how important noise levels are when the kitchen opens onto the living room.
For a built-in appliance, check the space, door panel and door opening against the model’s instructions. A door-panel mechanism won’t necessarily suit every kitchen.
A slimline or compact model is worth considering if space is tight or you have fewer dishes to wash. Check the place-setting capacity and how often you’d need to run a cycle, rather than deciding on width alone.
For an open-plan kitchen, first check that the appliance can be installed as intended, then compare its stated noise level and capacity with your day-to-day needs.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Noise in your living space | Compare the decibel levels and noise ratings on the labels for the exact models, rather than relying on the word “quiet”. | If a cycle will run while you’re chatting or watching TV, keeping things peaceful comes first; around 40% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Fit and connections | Check the instructions against the space, door panel and door opening; also check the water supply, electrical connection and waste outlet. | When finalising plans for a fitted kitchen, you need to be able to install and open the appliance with the planned cabinets in place. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Capacity and Eco programme | Check the place-setting capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco programme duration on the energy label. | To avoid having to run a small appliance too frequently, some households prioritise a capacity that suits their meals and resource use; this is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
A built-in model suits a kitchen with a compatible space and door panel; a freestanding one gives you more flexibility with your layout, but remains visible. Compact models are better suited to genuine space constraints or smaller loads. They don’t remove the need to check the capacity and dimensions. According to the European Commission, dishwasher energy labels let you compare capacity, water and energy use, and noise on a common basis linked to the Eco programme. They don’t, by themselves, describe every programme you might use at home.
This description is no substitute for the stated noise emissions. In an open-plan kitchen, when the appliance is running also affects how disruptive it feels.
Compare the decibel levels and noise ratings of the models you’re considering, then think about when you’ll run your cycles.
The space, door-panel fixings, plinth and door clearance all need to work together. IKEA France notes, for example, that some METOD configurations use a sliding door-panel kit, so you’ll need to check that it’s compatible.
Before choosing a model, check the kitchen plans against the instructions for both the appliance and the door-panel system.
You may need a decorative door panel, a compatible kit or professional installation.
A slimline or compact appliance takes up less space, but its capacity still needs to suit the amount of washing up you produce and how often you’re happy to run a cycle.
Check the stated place-setting capacity, full dimensions and your washing-up routine before settling on this type.
The energy use and duration shown are for comparing appliances on the Eco programme. The other programmes you use and how often you run the dishwasher also matter when choosing a model.
Compare labels on the same basis, then check the programmes you expect to use and each model’s capacity.
This selection includes a freestanding model and built-in models to consider when planning an open-plan kitchen. For each one, check the intended installation and the energy label information before making your decision.
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Worth considering if you want to avoid a decorative door panel and have room for a freestanding appliance. The product title states 41 dB and an energy rating of C; also compare the noise rating and Eco programme figures on the label for the exact model.
If you’re planning to install it under a worktop, check the final dimensions and fitting instructions in the manual.
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Worth a look if your kitchen has a suitable space and door panel. The product title states an energy rating of C; check the dimensions and door and panel compatibility in the manual.
To compare how it would perform in an open-plan room, check the noise level and Eco programme figures on the label for the exact model.
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Worth considering for a kitchen with a matching door panel, but only after confirming the required space. The product title gives a width of 60 cm, while another detail for the same model states 68 cm. Ask the retailer to confirm the official dimensions before finalising your plans.
Also check the door-panel fixings and noise rating in the documentation for the exact model.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a space and door panel that suit the model. The product title states an energy rating of B; check the hinge and door clearance in the manual before choosing this model.
Compare its noise rating and Eco programme figures with those of other models on their respective labels.
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Worth considering if your plans include a compatible space and door panel. The product title states an energy rating of E; check the dimensions and connections against the manual before choosing where to install it.
For an open-plan kitchen, also compare the stated noise level and Eco programme figures on the label for the exact model.
For an appliance sold in France, compare its energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, place-setting capacity, Eco programme duration, and noise level and rating. The European Commission lists these as part of dishwasher energy labelling. They’re useful for comparing models, but don’t describe every cycle they offer.
It’s best to check the space dimensions, door-panel fixings and door opening in the kitchen and appliance documentation first. IKEA France explains that some METOD configurations may need a sliding door-panel kit; this doesn’t guarantee it will be compatible with every dishwasher.
You’ll need a water supply, an electrical connection and a waste outlet. Bosch lists all three in its installation advice. Check their positions and any requirements for connecting to hot water in the manual for your chosen model and against your existing setup.
Yes. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, dishwashers sold in France must display this index out of 10. It gives you information about how repairable the product is, but doesn’t guarantee that it won’t break down or that a repair will be successful.