People who work near their appliances
In an open-plan kitchen or near a utility room, an appliance cycle could coincide with a call. Compare the noise levels of similar models, and consider when the spin cycle takes place.
Who will find these criteria useful?
Households that plan their cycles in advance
If you can load the appliance before you start work, a delay-start function can move the cycle so it doesn’t clash with a meeting. Check the model’s manual to see whether you can change or cancel the selected start time.
Households replacing a washing machine
Programming options aren’t the only thing to consider when choosing a new washing machine. Capacity, the energy label and the durability index applicable in France can also help you compare models.
What should you check before choosing?
First, try scheduling cycles at different times with your current appliances. If their timings or noise levels still don’t suit your working day, look into the programming function and the label for each model you’re considering.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Compare the dB(A) level and noise class on the labels of similar models. For a washing machine, also consider when the spin cycle takes place. | I work near the kitchen or utility room and want to avoid a cycle clashing with my calls. |
| Timing | Check the delay-start range in the product details and manual for the exact model, as well as whether the setting can be changed or cancelled. Factor in the programme duration to work out when it will finish. | Starting a cycle later would help me protect my working hours, as long as I can load the appliance in advance. |
| Consumption and capacity | Compare label figures for appliances of the same type: energy per 100 cycles, water per cycle and Eco programme duration. Choose a capacity that suits the amount of laundry or washing-up you usually have. | I want to understand the consumption of the reference programme without assuming that a delayed start will lower my bill. |
| Washing machine durability | If you’re replacing a washing machine in France, check its durability index alongside its washing features. According to ADEME, the index has also applied to washing machines since April 2025. | If I replace my washing machine, programming and noise aren’t my only criteria: I also want to be able to compare its durability. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Expecting a guaranteed saving from the delay-start function
Delay start changes when a programme begins, not how much energy it uses. ADEME recommends shifting certain activities to other times when possible to reduce pressure on the electricity grid; this doesn’t mean you can assume it will lower a household’s bill.
Choose this function to organise your schedule. Check the appliance label and the terms of your electricity tariff separately.
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Relying on the word ‘quiet’ alone
This description doesn’t tell you the noise level shown on the label or when the appliance will make noise in your home.
Compare the dB(A) levels and noise classes of similar models, then schedule any disruptive stages for times when you’re not in meetings.
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Setting the start time without allowing for the cycle to finish
An Eco programme can take a long time. For example, Electrolux lists a 4-hour Eco programme for its ESM48400SX dishwasher; this duration applies to that model only.
Before setting the start time, check how long your chosen programme takes and when you’ll be able to unload the appliance.
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Choosing a large washing machine to solve a scheduling problem
Capacity tells you how much laundry an appliance can hold, but it doesn’t tell you whether it has a delay-start function.
Consider how much laundry you usually have, then compare the capacity, noise level and programming functions of the models you’re considering separately.
Which branded models can you use as a guide?
These examples show why a feature or noise figure should be checked against a specific model, rather than assumed to apply to an entire brand.
Electrolux
The freestanding ESM48400SX dishwasher is an example of a model with programming features and cycle information.
- According to Electrolux France, this 60 cm model has a 24-hour delay-start function; its product details list 44 dB(A), energy class C and a 4-hour Eco programme.
- These specifications apply to the ESM48400SX and don’t describe other Electrolux dishwashers.
Siemens
The fully integrated SN65EX12CF dishwasher illustrates a connected scheduling option, which is different from a simple delay-start function.
- Siemens Électroménager France lists energy class A, noise class B and 9,0 L of water per Eco cycle for this model.
- If you’re considering smartStart, check the app’s connection and setup requirements before buying. You don’t need this feature simply to choose a start time.
Bosch
The WAJ28057FF washing machine gives you a specific capacity to start with, so you can then check its noise level and programming separately.
- Bosch Électroménager France lists a 7 kg capacity for the WAJ28057FF and highlights its SilentPowerDrive motor and AntiVibration design.
- The manufacturer’s descriptions of its acoustic features don’t replace the noise level shown on the label. Also check the manual for the model you choose to confirm that it has a delay-start function.
Which countertop dishwashers should you consider on Joybuy?
These countertop dishwashers have a delay-start function, so you can set them up before a block of working time. Compare their capacity and installation requirements, then check the noise level and label figures for the model you’re interested in.
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Heinrich's HTG 8855, countertop dishwasher for 3 place settings
Its advertised 24-hour delay-start function lets you schedule a cycle for another time of day. The product details specify a 5 L tank or direct connection, and list a noise level of 56,3 dB. Check the noise level on the label and make sure the capacity of 3 place settings suits your needs.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, countertop dishwasher for 6 place settings
The title advertises a 24-hour delay-start function and a capacity of 6 place settings, which may suit you if you have more washing-up than a small countertop model can handle. The product details list a noise level of 47 dB. Check the label to compare noise levels and the manual to confirm how the delay-start function works.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher with 8 programmes
The description lists a delay-start function of 1 to 18 hours and a built-in tank, which may be worth considering if you want to run a cycle without a permanent water connection. Before making room for it in your kitchen, check its dimensions, installation instructions and the model’s noise and consumption figures.
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COMFEE CDWMT305WD, countertop dishwasher for 3 place settings
This model advertises a delay-start function of up to 24 hours and a tank that needs to be filled by hand, so bear this step in mind if you’re setting up a cycle before work. It has an advertised capacity of 3 place settings. Check the label to compare its noise and consumption figures with those of other models.
Frequently asked questions
Does the energy label show whether a dishwasher has a delay-start function?
No. It helps you compare factors such as energy use, Eco programme duration and noise levels for dishwashers. To find out whether a specific model has a delay-start function and what its limits are, check the product details and manual.
Can you change the time after setting a delay start?
Not always. Miele says that the options for changing or cancelling a delay start vary by model, and that on some appliances you can’t change a delay start once it’s been set. If your schedule often changes, check the instructions in the manual.
Do you need to replace an appliance to schedule cycles around working from home?
No. If your current appliance can run at a different time and you can load it in advance, changing your schedule may be all you need to do. ADEME’s Wattris tool lets you see how appliances draw power at different times, based on when and for how long they’re used. It includes a profile for two adults with no children who work from home.
What should you check when replacing a washing machine in France?
Compare the energy label, noise level, capacity and durability index, then check the manual for the delay-start function. According to ADEME, the durability index has applied to washing machines since April 2025. None of these measures replaces checking that the appliance will fit and can be installed in your home.