If several people regularly eat at home, start by looking at 60 cm dishwashers if you have enough space and the necessary connections; a 45 cm model is better suited to a narrower space, but has less capacity. For an open-plan kitchen, also compare the decibel level and noise class on the energy label, along with the water and electricity figures for the Eco programme. A countertop dishwasher is suitable for smaller loads, but won’t offer the same capacity as a full-size model for shared meals.
Who are these formats suited to?
Housemates and larger households
If your meals leave you with plenty of plates and utensils to wash every day, compare the stated capacity with the dishes you actually use in a day. Bosch says some 60 cm ranges can hold up to 14 place settings, while UFC-Que Choisir lists 45 cm models with 9 place settings. However, the place-setting count alone won’t tell you whether your saucepans will fit easily.
People with an open-plan kitchen
A cycle might run while you’re chatting, working or relaxing in your living space. UFC-Que Choisir highlights noise as an important consideration for open-plan kitchens. Compare the decibel levels and noise classes of specific models rather than relying on their marketing descriptions.
People in a small home or without space for a built-in appliance
A freestanding appliance means you don’t need to find a built-in space, while a countertop model may suit a smaller amount of washing up. In either case, check the available space, water supply and drainage. Even the tank-fed Bob model from Daan Tech needs its drain hose to be connected.
What should you check before choosing?
First choose a format that suits your washing-up needs and available space, then compare the energy labels of the models that fit the bill.
60 cm freestanding
Worth considering: for frequent shared meals, if you have floor space and the necessary connections; some ranges can hold up to 14 place settings, according to Bosch.
The trade-off: this format needs more width than a 45 cm model, and its size doesn’t tell you how noisy it will be.
60 cm integrated
Worth considering: if you have a suitable space and want the appliance to blend in with your kitchen units; some ranges can also hold up to 14 place settings, according to Bosch.
The trade-off: the space, cabinet door and connections must all be compatible with the model. Bosch recommends using a professional for installation.
45 cm format
Worth considering: if you can fit a floor-standing appliance but don’t have room for a 60 cm model.
The trade-off: the 9-place-setting models described by UFC-Que Choisir offer less room for dishes from a shared meal, so you may need to run more frequent cycles.
Countertop model
Worth considering: for smaller loads when there’s no space for a floor-standing appliance; UFC-Que Choisir lists countertop models with 6 place settings, for example.
The trade-off: it won’t have the capacity of a full-size appliance shared by several people. The Daan Tech Bob’s 4 L tank means it doesn’t need a permanent water supply, but you’ll still need to arrange drainage.
| Factor |
What to check |
What suits my needs |
| Capacity |
Compare the stated number of place settings and the basket layout. UFC-Que Choisir lists countertop appliances with 6 place settings and 45 cm models with 9; some Bosch 60 cm ranges can hold up to 14 place settings. |
After a meal with several people, I also need room for serving dishes and saucepans, not just plates. |
| Noise |
Check the dB rating and noise class on the energy label for the exact model. ADEME says that an extra 3 dB corresponds to almost double the noise level. |
In my open-plan kitchen, a cycle might run while people are using the living space, so I want to compare the stated noise level. |
| Water and electricity |
Compare the litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and duration of the Eco programme shown on the energy label, as recommended by ADEME. |
I want to know the consumption figures for the reference programme and check whether its duration works for our household routine. |
| Installation |
Check the water supply, electrical connection and drainage. For an integrated model, also measure the space and check the cabinet door. A water tank doesn’t necessarily remove the need for drainage. |
Before setting aside space for the appliance, I need to know how it connects and whether installation will require changes to my home. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
-
Assuming a water tank means no plumbing is needed
Daan Tech says the integrated 4 L tank in its Bob mini dishwasher means it doesn’t need a permanent water supply, but the drain hose must still be connected.
Check where the water can drain and, before ordering, consult the chosen model’s instructions to see how the hose can be routed.
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Choosing based only on the narrowest width
A slimline or countertop model has less room for washing up after a shared meal. UFC-Que Choisir lists 45 cm models with 9 place settings and countertop appliances with 6, for example.
Make a list of everything you wash in a typical day, including saucepans and lunch boxes, then check the baskets on the specific model.
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Taking the word “quiet” at face value
Stated noise levels vary between appliances. ADEME notes that a 3 dB difference represents almost double the noise level, which is worth considering in an open-plan room.
Put the energy labels of the models you’re considering side by side to compare their dB ratings and noise classes.
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Ordering an integrated model before measuring the space
The stated width alone won’t confirm that the appliance, its connections and its cabinet door will fit your kitchen units. Bosch recommends using a professional to install its integrated models.
Measure the usable width, height and depth, then check the door system and installation instructions for the exact model.
Which brands offer useful comparisons?
These ranges illustrate different formats and installation requirements. The features mentioned apply to the specific models identified by their manufacturers, not every appliance from a brand.
Bosch
In France, Bosch offers freestanding and integrated dishwashers, including 60 cm models.
- Bosch says some of its 60 cm ranges can hold up to 14 place settings.
- Check the dimensions, connections and energy label for the specific model; this capacity doesn’t apply to the entire range.
Beko
Beko offers freestanding and integrated appliances in a range of sizes.
- Its French product listings include a 45 cm model rated for 10 place settings and 60 cm models rated for 14.
- The stated capacity alone won’t tell you how noisy the appliance is or how well it accommodates larger items, so compare specific models.
Daan Tech
Daan Tech’s Bob mini dishwasher is designed for spaces where it’s difficult to install a floor-standing appliance.
- Daan Tech says the integrated 4 L tank means Bob can be used without a permanent water supply.
- The manufacturer still requires the drain hose to be connected, and you should also check that the capacity suits the amount of washing up you have.
Dishwashers available on Joybuy
This selection includes freestanding dishwashers for everyday washing up in a shared household, as well as an integrated model for a kitchen with a suitable space. Compare their dimensions and energy labels before choosing an appliance for an open-plan kitchen.
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Samsung DW60M6050FS freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, grey
Its stated capacity of 14 place settings could suit a shared household, provided the baskets can accommodate your dishes and utensils. The product title lists 7 cycles; also compare the noise level and consumption figures on the energy label for the exact model.
View on Joybuy
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Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, stainless steel
The stated capacity of 14 place settings could suit shared meals. The title lists a 60 cm width and a C energy rating, but the product’s stated width measurements differ. Confirm the actual installation dimensions before deciding where to put it.
View on Joybuy
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Hotpoint H4FD641A freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, white
This 60 cm model is rated for 14 place settings, making it worth considering for a larger household. It also lists 41 dB and a C energy rating. For an open-plan kitchen, compare its stated noise level and the consumption figures on its energy label with those of other models you’re considering.
View on Joybuy
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Indesit D2F HK26 S freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, grey
The 60 cm format and stated capacity of 14 place settings are worth considering if several people use the appliance every day. The title lists an E energy rating; check the label for the exact model to compare kWh per 100 cycles, water use and noise.
View on Joybuy
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AEG FSB34707Z fully integrated dishwasher, 14 place settings
Its stated capacity of 14 place settings could suit a shared household if your kitchen has a suitable space. The title lists a 60 cm width and a C energy rating, but the stated width measurements differ. Confirm the usable dimensions, compatible cabinet door and connections before choosing this model.
View on Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a dishwasher for an open-plan kitchen?
Compare the decibel rating and noise class on each model’s energy label. ADEME says that a 3 dB difference corresponds to almost double the noise level, so a “quiet” label isn’t a substitute for comparing the stated figures.
Can a mini dishwasher with a water tank work without drainage?
Not the Bob model described by Daan Tech: its integrated 4 L tank removes the need for a permanent water supply, but the manufacturer requires the drain hose to be connected. Check the water supply and drainage route separately for the model you’re considering.
How can I compare water and electricity consumption?
Check the energy label for the litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles of the reference programme, as well as its duration. For everyday use, ADEME recommends waiting until the dishwasher is full and not pre-rinsing your dishes.