Who are these considerations useful for?

Households sensitive to noise in the living area

If your dishwasher runs while you’re having a conversation, watching a film, working from home or relaxing, compare the decibel levels and noise classes shown on the energy labels. Check the Eco programme duration too, so you know how long the cycle will run during that time.

People who prefer to run cycles later

If you load the dishwasher after a meal but want to run it when the living area is quieter, check the delay-start function. The available time range and how you set it vary by model.

Households replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen

An existing cabinet space, door panel and plinth may determine which type of installation you need. Measure the space and check the connections before comparing appliance features.

What should you check before buying?

In an open-plan kitchen, start with the noise level at times when the living area is in use. Then check whether the cycle timings, installation requirements and Eco programme details suit the way you use your dishwasher.

What to consider What to check Who this matters to
Noise in the living area Compare the decibel levels and noise classes on the energy labels of appliances with a similar type and capacity. These figures relate to the Eco programme, not necessarily every programme or every stage of the cycle. When the cycle runs during a conversation or while I’m relaxing, I want to keep noise in the living area to a minimum; around 36% of consumers put a quiet space at the top of their list.
Cycle timing Check the delay-start range and whether you set it on the appliance or need an app. Delaying the cycle won’t change its noise level. I prefer to load the dishwasher after a meal and run it when the living area is quieter; for around 21% of consumers, choosing when it runs comes before other considerations.
Installation Measure the cabinet space and check the door panel, plinth, water supply, drain and electrical supply using the instructions for the exact model. If I’m replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen, the door needs to open properly and the connections need to be suitable; installation compatibility is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Eco programme Check the programme duration, capacity, energy use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle together on the energy label, as outlined by the European Commission. When I’m short on time, I want to know how long the cycle takes while also considering its water and energy use; around 14% of consumers prioritise this balance.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Relying on the word ‘quiet’ alone

    Two appliances described this way may have different ratings. According to ADEME, an increase of three decibels corresponds to almost twice the noise level. However, this alone isn’t enough to predict how disruptive it will feel in your living area.

    Compare the decibel levels, noise classes and Eco programme durations on the labels of appliances with a similar type and capacity.

  • Confusing delay start with noise reduction

    Delay start changes when the cycle runs, not the appliance’s noise level. A one-off quiet mode may have different conditions of use depending on the model.

    First choose a noise level that suits the times when the appliance will be running. Then use the timer to plan your cycles more conveniently.

  • Choosing an integrated dishwasher based on width alone

    The height of the cabinet space, door panel and plinth can affect installation or prevent the door from opening properly. Bosch highlights some furniture configurations that require a suitable door mechanism.

    Take measurements, read the installation instructions for the exact model and check the available connections.

    If the door system isn’t compatible with your kitchen, you may need to adapt the door panel or plinth, or arrange for a professional to install it.

  • Looking only at the energy rating

    Energy use, water use, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise each tell you something different. The energy rating alone won’t tell you whether the cycle suits the times when you use your living area.

    Consider all these details together and prioritise the ones that affect your schedule and comfort levels.

Brands to compare

Bosch

Worth considering if you’re looking for an integrated appliance with scheduling or connected controls, depending on the model.

  • Bosch says the SMV2HTX08E model has an ‘On-demand Silence’ function available through Home Connect, for up to 30 minutes.
  • This feature isn’t available on every Bosch appliance. Check the instructions too, and make sure the door system is compatible with your kitchen units.

Miele

Worth exploring if you want to compare the noise ratings of models designed for different kitchen layouts.

  • Miele France lists, among others, a fully integrated model rated at 41 dB.
  • This rating applies to one specific model. Check the decibel level, dimensions and features of the model you’re considering.

Electrolux

Worth considering if delay start and an integrated installation are important to you.

  • Electrolux France lists a 24-hour delay-start function for the fully integrated EES48400L model.
  • Even if this feature is available, you’ll still need to check the dimensions, door panel and installation instructions for the exact model.

Dishwashers to consider on Joybuy

This selection includes a countertop model and integrated appliances. Start by comparing their format and capacity to find the right fit for your kitchen, then check each model’s noise rating against its energy label and the times you plan to run it.

Heinrich's HTG 8840 Weiss countertop dishwasher

Heinrich's HTG 8840 Weiss, countertop dishwasher, 6 place settings

Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop model for smaller loads and have space with the necessary connections.

The product title lists 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay-start function and 47 dB. To compare its noise level with other models, check the value and noise class on the Eco programme label.

View on Joybuy
Whirlpool W2I HD526 A integrated dishwasher

Whirlpool W2I HD526 A, integrated dishwasher, 14 place settings

Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if the cabinet space and door panel can accommodate this integrated model.

The product title lists a width of 60 cm. Before choosing when to run it, check how the delay-start function works. For noise levels, refer to the Eco label.

View on Joybuy
AEG FSB34707Z fully integrated dishwasher

AEG FSB34707Z, fully integrated dishwasher, 14 place settings

Worth considering if you need space for 14 place settings and have a kitchen designed for a fully integrated appliance.

Check the dimensions in the product specifications and instructions before measuring the cabinet space: the width details listed for this model differ. Also compare the noise level and programme duration on its Eco label.

View on Joybuy
Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1 integrated dishwasher

Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1, integrated dishwasher, 13 place settings

Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if a 13-place-setting integrated appliance meets your household’s needs.

The product title lists a width of 60 cm. Check the cabinet space and connections in the instructions, then compare the noise level and noise class with other appliances using the Eco label.

View on Joybuy
Samsung DW70H72WCB0U1 integrated dishwasher

Samsung DW70H72WCB0U1, integrated dishwasher, 13 place settings

Worth considering if you’re looking for a 13-place-setting integrated appliance, provided you check the available space and make sure the door can open properly.

The product title lists a width of 60 cm. Check the instructions for the door panel and plinth, and the Eco label for noise levels and cycle duration, before comparing it with other models.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How should you interpret decibel ratings in an open-plan kitchen?

Compare the decibel rating with the noise class on the energy label, ideally across dishwashers of a similar type and capacity. According to ADEME, an increase of three decibels corresponds to almost twice the noise level. However, the figure declared for the Eco programme doesn’t describe every intermittent noise or how disruptive the appliance may feel in your room.

Is delay start enough if the dishwasher is noisy?

No. It lets you choose a different time to run the cycle, but doesn’t reduce the appliance’s noise level. Check the delay-start range and how it’s controlled, then make sure the cycle can run at a time that works for how you use the living area.

What should you measure before buying an integrated dishwasher?

Measure the cabinet space and compare it with the instructions for the exact model, taking the door panel, plinth and door movement into account. Also check the position of the water supply, drain and electrical supply. Bosch recommends following the appliance’s installation instructions and advises using a professional for installation.

What should you do before loading the dishwasher to make maintenance easier?

Remove food scraps from dishes before loading them. According to 60 Millions de Consommateurs, food scraps can block the spray-arm jets and the interior filter. Follow your model’s instructions for maintenance too.