For an open-plan kitchen, start by choosing a width, capacity and installation type that suit your space and the amount of washing-up you do each day. A 60 cm model gives you more room to load dishes than a 45 cm or compact model, but its size alone won’t tell you how noisy it is. To compare appliances, check the decibel level, noise class, water use per cycle and energy use per 100 cycles on the energy label.
If your dishwasher runs during meals or conversations, check its decibel level and noise class rather than relying on its size alone. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how important noise levels are in an open-plan kitchen; the energy label helps you compare models.
The space available and the amount of washing-up you have will help guide your choice. Gifam’s general guide is 9 to 10 place settings for a 45 cm appliance and around 6 for a compact model that sits on a worktop. Also check that there’s enough room for dishes and pans.
If you regularly load plates, utensils and large dishes, compare the basket layout as well as the number of place settings. Gifam gives a typical capacity of 12 to 15 place settings for 60 cm models, though the exact capacity varies by model.
First, check what will fit and can be connected in your kitchen. Then compare the capacity and energy-label information with your day-to-day needs.
| Feature | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Compare the decibel level and noise class for each model on its energy label. According to ADEME, noise classes A and B indicate particularly quiet appliances; check the model’s product details to see whether it has a quiet programme. | I want to be able to run a cycle without interrupting conversations in the adjoining living area. |
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the basket layout and the space available for large dishes. Gifam’s general guide is 12 to 15 place settings for 60 cm models, 9 to 10 for 45 cm models and around 6 for compact models. | From everyday meals to entertaining guests, I want to load my dishes without having to run extra cycles because there isn’t enough room. |
| Water and energy | Check the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco programme duration on the energy label. The European Commission explains that these figures are based on reference cycles. | I want to compare water, electricity and washing time on a like-for-like basis, without confusing the three. |
| Installation and connections | Measure the space; for a built-in model, check the housing and door panel too. Check the water inlet, waste outlet and electrical supply in the installation plan for the specific model. | The model needs to fit into my kitchen and connect to the services available in the planned location. |
| Repairability | Check the model’s repairability index and information about spare parts. Don’t treat the score as a promise of how long the appliance will last. | I want to be able to take repairability into account when choosing between two models. |
Two appliances in the same class can have different noise levels, water use, cycle durations and capacities. These differences also matter in everyday use, especially in an open-plan kitchen.
Look at the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per Eco cycle, programme duration, place settings, decibels and noise class together.
Gifam’s general guide is 9–10 place settings for a 45 cm model, compared with around 6 for a compact model. If you try to load more than the appliance can handle, you may need to run extra cycles or wash large items separately.
Think about a day’s worth of washing-up, including dishes and pans, then check the basket layout.
The stated width alone won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit the housing, door panel or connections. Bosch notes that installation requires a water supply, a waste outlet and an electrical supply.
Measure the available space and check it against the installation plan for the exact model before ordering.
If the cabinetry or access points aren’t suitable, you may need to make adjustments before installation.
Noise levels and capacity vary by model, so products in the same range won’t necessarily have the same specifications.
Compare the energy label and technical details of the specific models you’re considering, along with their repairability index.
Bosch offers, among other options, freestanding dishwashers in 45 and 60 cm widths.
Miele’s French range includes freestanding, integrated and fully integrated appliances.
Beko offers, among other options, a selection of 60 cm dishwashers.
These models illustrate two different space requirements: a 60 cm freestanding appliance for a larger load, and compact models for smaller loads. Compare their noise levels and installation requirements separately.
Image unavailable
A good option for a larger everyday load if you have space for a 60 cm appliance. The product details state 14 place settings, 41 dB and energy class C. Also compare the noise class and other energy-label information, then check the dimensions and connections.
Image unavailable
Its tabletop design and stated capacity of 6 place settings make it suitable for smaller loads. The product name lists 47 dB, energy class D and 7 programmes; check the worktop space, connections and energy label before comparing it with another model.
Image unavailable
This white version is also designed for smaller loads, with a stated capacity of 6 place settings. Its name lists 47 dB, energy class D and 7 programmes; check the dimensions, connections and energy-label figures for the exact model.
Image unavailable
With a stated capacity of 3 place settings, this compact model is designed for a small amount of washing-up. Check the instructions for filling or connection requirements, and consult its current energy label before comparing water use or noise levels.
Pay particular attention to the decibel level and noise class, then check the capacity, litres per Eco cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration. The European Commission presents these figures as reference information, so use the same basis when comparing two appliances.
It may be, but the number of people in your household isn’t the only thing to consider. Gifam’s general guide is 9–10 place settings for this size; also think about how often you eat at home, the size of your dishes and whether you entertain before choosing between 45 and 60 cm.
Don’t assume so: Bosch explains that whether you can use a hot water supply depends on the model and its instructions. Check the instructions for the exact model before planning this connection.
Measure the housing and the clearance beneath the worktop, then check the door-panel system required for the model. Also check access to the water inlet, waste outlet and electrical supply in its installation plan.