For an open-plan kitchen, start by comparing the noise levels in decibels and the noise class of each model. Then look at capacity, Eco programme duration and energy and water consumption. Choose between a freestanding, integrated or compact model based on the space available and installation requirements. A delay-start function can run the cycle at a different time, but it won’t make the appliance quieter.
If your kitchen shares space with areas for conversation, relaxing or working from home, noise deserves extra attention. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this as a consideration for open-plan kitchens. You should also compare capacity, water and energy use, and the duration of the Eco cycle.
A slimline or tabletop appliance can be a good solution when space is limited, as long as its capacity is enough for the dishes that build up between cycles. Measure the space before choosing a size.
Your choice depends on the cabinets and connections already in place. With an integrated model, you’ll need to check the housing, door front and plinth. A freestanding model doesn’t need a matching cabinet front, but you’ll still need to make sure it can be connected.
First check which appliance can be installed and what capacity will suit you. Then compare the Eco programme figures on the energy label for models that meet your needs.
Consider this if: you have a suitable housing unit and want the appliance to blend in with your kitchen cabinets.
What to bear in mind: integration means checking the door front, plinth and installation. Bosch recommends using a professional for installation.
Consider this if: your kitchen doesn’t have a matching cabinet front or you don’t want to build the appliance into a unit.
What to bear in mind: you’ll still need to allow space for the appliance and its connections. Bosch notes that the installation type alone doesn’t determine washing performance.
Consider this if: limited space rules out a larger appliance.
What to bear in mind: lower capacity may mean running more cycles if your household’s usual load is too large.
| What to compare | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Compare the decibel levels and noise class shown on the energy label for the specific models. Also check when you could use any delay-start function to run a cycle. | I want to schedule washes so the appliance isn’t running at times when its noise would bother me in the living area. |
| Water and energy | According to ADEME and the European Commission, the energy label shows energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. Compare these figures for appliances with a suitable capacity, rather than looking only at the energy rating. | I want to compare consumption on a like-for-like basis for regular cycles and choose a capacity that means I don’t have to run more washes than necessary. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the space, including doorways and access routes. For an integrated model, check the housing, door front, plinth and connections. Then compare the number of place settings with the amount of washing-up you usually have. | I’m interested in a compact model if the kitchen is small, but it needs to fit the dishes I expect to wash between cycles. |
| Cycle duration and timing | Check the Eco programme duration on the energy label: it doesn’t show the duration of every programme. Separately check whether the model has a delay-start function and what time range it offers. | If I need to delay a cycle, I’m looking for a setting that fits my schedule. Off-peak hours are only relevant if my tariff includes them. |
Appliances with different capacities won’t necessarily suit the same washing-up routine. The energy rating doesn’t replace the water, energy, duration and noise figures shown on the energy label.
Compare these figures for models that are the right size and capacity for your kitchen.
If its capacity is too small for your usual amount of washing-up, you may have to run cycles more often.
Think about how much washing-up builds up between cycles, then compare it with the model’s place settings and dimensions.
Delay-start changes when the cycle begins, not how much noise the appliance makes while it’s running. Washing could still be disruptive if the cycle runs while people are using the room.
Compare the decibel levels and noise class first, then check that the delay-start settings suit your schedule.
An incompatible housing unit, door front or plinth could prevent the appliance from being fitted. You’ll also need access to water, electricity and drainage connections.
Measure the space and check the model’s instructions for the door front, plinth and connections before ordering.
Depending on your kitchen layout, integration may require extra parts or a professional installer. Bosch recommends professional installation for integrated models.
These examples of ranges and models can help you identify what to compare. They don’t replace checking the energy label and instructions for the model you’re considering.
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated dishwashers, with guides explaining the differences in installation.
Miele offers a range of freestanding and integrated models in different sizes.
Beko offers freestanding and integrated dishwashers, including slimline models.
This selection from Joybuy includes tabletop appliances, a freestanding model and an integrated model. Compare their capacity and installation requirements, then check the noise and consumption figures for the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if a tabletop appliance with 6 place settings suits the available space and the amount of washing-up you have between cycles. The title lists 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay-start function, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Check the dimensions and energy label figures before comparing its consumption with another model.
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This 14-place-setting model is for households with enough space for a 60 cm freestanding appliance. The title lists a noise level of 41 dB and a C energy rating. Check the connections and consult the energy label to compare energy and water consumption, as well as the Eco programme duration.
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This tabletop model could suit a very small space if 3 place settings are enough between washes. The title lists 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay-start function, 56.3 dB and a C energy rating. For an open-plan kitchen, compare its stated noise level with the figures on other models’ energy labels.
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Consider this model if your kitchen has a suitable space for a 60 cm integrated dishwasher and 13 place settings will suit your household’s routine. The title lists a B energy rating. Before choosing it for an open-plan kitchen, check the noise level on the energy label, as well as the housing unit, door front, plinth and connections.
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The integrated water tank may appeal if you’re considering a tabletop installation without a permanent connection to the water supply. The title lists 9 programmes, dimensions of 37 × 50 cm, a delay-start function from 1 to 24 hours and a D energy rating. Check the exact dimensions for this model, which connection accessories are needed, and its noise and consumption figures before making your choice.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, capacity in place settings, Eco programme duration, decibel level and noise class. According to ADEME and the European Commission, these figures are based on the reference cycle, so they may not describe every programme.
No. The installation type alone doesn’t tell you how noisy a model will be. Bosch mainly distinguishes these formats by how they’re installed and how they look. For an open-plan kitchen, compare the decibel levels and noise classes of the models you’re considering.
Check the dimensions of the space and whether you can connect the appliance to water, electricity and drainage. For an integrated model, also check the door front, plinth and installation instructions. Bosch recommends using a professional for installation.
No. It delays the start without changing the appliance’s noise level. It can help you avoid running a wash while people are using the living area. Check that the model’s delay-start settings fit your schedule.