If your kitchen is open-plan or you use your dishwasher late in the evening, start by comparing the stated noise level and noise class of dishwashers with a similar capacity. Then choose a format to suit the amount of washing-up you actually generate and the space available: a smaller appliance may need to run more often. Check the energy and water consumption figures and Eco programme duration too, but bear in mind that they do not describe every programme.
If you work, watch television or sleep near the kitchen, noise could influence your choice, especially if the dishwasher runs in the evening. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how important this is when the kitchen shares your living space.
A narrow gap or a spare worktop could make a 45 cm or tabletop model a good fit. However, its capacity should match the plates, containers and utensils you need to wash between cycles.
ADEME recommends checking the energy label for consumption and noise information. The Eco cycle duration, repairability information and service terms should also factor into your decision.
Start with noise if the dishwasher will run near your living space, then make sure its capacity suits your usual loads. The energy label lets you compare noise, consumption and Eco programme duration together.
| Factor | What to check | Who should consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Noise levels | Compare the stated dB levels and noise classes of appliances with a similar format and capacity. The acoustics of the room can affect how loud the dishwasher seems. | If the cycle runs near the living room or a bedroom, I want to be able to put the dishwasher on without disrupting nearby activities. Around 33% of consumers put peace and quiet first. |
| Format and capacity | Work out how much washing-up builds up between loads, then check the stated place settings and the dimensions of the space available. | In a small kitchen, I need to fit the appliance in without having to run more cycles because there isn’t enough room for my washing-up. Format and capacity are the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Water and electricity | Check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco programme duration for the stated capacity. According to the European Commission, these figures appear on dishwasher energy labels. | For everyday washing-up, I want to understand what each cycle involves and how often I’ll need to run the appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise water and electricity consumption. |
| Maintenance and support | Check the repairability information for the model, along with the parts and service available, then keep a copy of its description and your proof of purchase. | If I plan to keep the appliance for a long time, I want to know how to arrange a repair or report a fault. For around 17% of consumers, maintenance and support come before other considerations. |
A marketing name is no substitute for measurements you can compare between models. Even when the stated dB levels are similar, the room can affect how noticeable the noise is.
Check the dB level and noise class on the energy label for each model you’re considering.
A slimline or tabletop model frees up space, but its capacity may mean running more cycles. A larger capacity is only useful if your usual loads make the most of it.
For a few days, note how many plates, pans and containers you need to wash. Then compare this with the stated place settings and the appliance’s dimensions.
The energy rating letter alone doesn’t tell you how much water is used per cycle, how long the Eco programme takes or how noisy the appliance is. The European Commission lists these details separately on the energy label.
Compare appliances with a similar capacity and factor in how many cycles you’ll need for your washing-up.
A built-in appliance needs to fit the space and type of integration planned for your kitchen.
Measure the space and check the dimensions, required door panel and installation requirements before choosing.
Preparing the door panel and arranging installation may also require extra planning.
Worth considering among built-in and freestanding dishwashers when noise is an important factor.
Worth considering if a 45 cm width suits the space available.
Worth considering if you want to compare different formats and, depending on the model, scheduling features.
These Joybuy models include freestanding appliances for larger loads and tabletop appliances for kitchens short on floor space. For each one, match the capacity to your washing-up and check the noise information for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you have room for a freestanding appliance and regularly produce a large load of washing-up.
The model name indicates a width of 60 cm, 14 place settings and a C energy rating. For an open-plan kitchen, also check its noise class and the dimensions of the space available.
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Worth considering for larger loads if a freestanding appliance suits your kitchen.
The model name lists 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Before choosing it for a living space, compare its dB level and noise class with those of appliances with a similar capacity.
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This capacity could suit you if your everyday washing-up regularly fills a 60 cm freestanding appliance.
The model name indicates 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Check the noise information and kWh per 100 cycles on the label for the model on offer.
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A tabletop model is worth considering if you’re short on floor space, provided your worktop can accommodate it.
The model name lists 6 place settings, 7 programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Its capacity may mean more frequent cycles for larger loads, so check its dimensions and noise class.
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Worth considering if you have a small amount of washing-up and space for it on your worktop.
The product name indicates 3 place settings and a width of 34 cm. This capacity may mean running several cycles if you have more washing-up, so also check the noise level and consumption figures for the relevant programme.
Check both figures on the energy labels of models with a similar format and capacity. The dB figure gives the stated noise level, while the noise class makes it easier to compare at a glance. ADEME says that appliances rated A or B are particularly quiet, although how noticeable the noise is also depends on the room.
It helps if width is an issue, but its capacity still needs to suit your loads. UFC-Que Choisir describes built-in 45 cm models with capacities of 9 to 10 place settings. If your washing-up builds up quickly, check how often you’ll need to run a cycle and how noisy the model you’re considering is.
A mini model could be a good option if you don’t have room for a standard appliance and its capacity suits your usual washing-up. UFC-Que Choisir describes models with 2 or 3 place settings that sit on a worktop. Check the available space, water supply and specifications of the exact model.
No. According to the European Commission, it shows information such as energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and the duration of the Eco programme. These figures give you a shared basis for comparison, but don’t automatically describe the consumption of every other programme.
Yes. The DGCCRF says it applies to new, used and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. Keep your proof of purchase and the dishwasher’s description so you can explain the fault to the seller.