If you eat regularly in an open-plan kitchen, compare the dB(A) rating and noise class first, then choose a capacity that suits the dishes you accumulate between cycles. A compact or 45 cm model may help if space is limited, but it won’t necessarily be quieter. Also check the water and electricity consumption, and the duration shown for the Eco programme.
If the dishwasher runs while people are using the living space, compare its dB(A) rating and noise class rather than relying on the word ‘quiet’. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how important this is in an open-plan kitchen.
If you prefer to fill the appliance before starting a cycle, match the place-setting capacity to the dishes you usually use and check how the baskets are arranged. ADEME recommends waiting until the dishwasher is full.
For an existing housing unit or a small space, check the model’s dimensions, installation type, any required furniture door and the connections. The stated width alone isn’t enough to confirm that it will fit in the available space.
In an open-plan kitchen, consider noise alongside the amount of washing-up and the space available. To compare consumption and cycle duration, use the figures for the Eco programme on the energy label.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Noise in the living space | The dB(A) rating and noise class of the exact model, as shown on its energy label. | If the cycle runs while I’m in the living room, I want to compare the stated noise level before choosing; around 36% of shoppers would make quiet operation their top priority. |
| Capacity and size | The place-setting capacity, the dimensions of the appliance and the space available, and the installation type. | To avoid running extra cycles without exceeding the space available, I need to find a capacity that suits my meals; this would be a priority for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Water and electricity | The kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle stated for the Eco programme, considered alongside the capacity. | As I’ll use the appliance often, I want to keep track of the water and electricity needed for each load; around 21% of shoppers would put consumption first. |
| Planning your cycles | The duration of the Eco programme and the programmes or delay-start functions available on the model. | With meals to fit around and limited times when I can run the machine, I need a cycle that works with my daily routine; flexibility would come ahead of other criteria for around 14% of shoppers. |
In an open-plan kitchen, a marketing claim doesn’t let you compare two appliances. ADEME states that a 3 dB increase corresponds to almost twice the noise level.
Check the dB(A) rating and noise class on the label for the exact model.
The compact Electrolux ESL2500RO is stated to hold 6 place settings, compared with 10 for the 45 cm Beko LVI42F, according to their manufacturers. A smaller appliance may therefore mean you need to run a cycle more often.
Consider what builds up between washes, including saucepans, then check the capacity and basket layout.
The letter on the label doesn’t replace the electricity, water, duration and capacity figures you need to assess everyday use.
Compare these figures across the models you’re considering on a like-for-like basis, using the Eco programme.
The appliance dimensions, furniture door and connections all need to be compatible. Electrolux states that its installers don’t carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
Measure the housing unit and check the door panel, any accessories required and what’s included in the installation service offered.
Depending on the setup, you may need a furniture door, accessories or a separate service; Bosch highlights this for some integrated models.
These ranges offer a way to compare different formats. The features mentioned apply to the models named, not to every appliance from each brand.
The range includes integrated, freestanding and compact dishwashers.
A range to consider if a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher suits the space available.
The range offers freestanding models and different types of integrated appliances.
A brand to consider if a small integrated appliance would help with space constraints.
These integrated and freestanding models let you compare capacities of 13 or 14 place settings for regular mealtimes. Before choosing one for an open-plan kitchen, compare their noise information with the energy label and check the dimensions of your space.
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Its capacity of 13 place settings may suit you if you save up dishes from several meals.
Before choosing this fully integrated model, check the dimensions required for the housing unit, the noise class and the Eco programme consumption figures.
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This 13-place-setting model is designed for households looking to keep their dishes together in an integrated appliance.
The title states an energy rating of B. Also check the noise class, the Eco programme figures and the space needed in front of the door.
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The stated capacity of 14 place settings may suit households that accumulate dishes from several meals.
The title states an energy rating of C. Confirm the dimensions of the appliance and housing unit before buying, as the dimensions shown in the model information aren’t clearly consistent.
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This freestanding model has capacity for 14 place settings, so you can run regular loads without needing a furniture door.
The title states an energy rating of D. Check the label to compare the noise level, consumption and Eco programme duration, then measure the space available.
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With a stated capacity of 14 place settings, this freestanding model may suit you if you want to save up dishes from meals.
The title states a noise level of 41 dB and an energy rating of C. Check the noise class and Eco programme figures on the label. If you’re considering installing it under a worktop, confirm the dimensions after removing the top panel, if applicable.
Check the dB(A) rating and noise class, followed by the capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco programme duration. ADEME states that these figures are shown on the energy label, so you can compare noise without considering it in isolation from your household’s other needs.
It provides a common basis for the figures shown on the label, but doesn’t cover every programme. If you sometimes need to wash dishes quickly, check the available cycles and their duration separately for each model.
Measure the housing unit and check the appliance dimensions, the type of furniture door and the connections required. Bosch recommends checking the housing unit before buying. Also confirm which accessories are needed and what’s included in the installation service offered.
No. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years on a new product bought from a professional seller in France. A commercial warranty is optional and comes in addition to statutory guarantees; read its terms to find out what extra cover it provides.