How to choose the right dishwasher?

Three sizes of dishwashers exist (width x height x depth), depending on the number of people, available space and layout of your units:

1. Standard: width 60cm;

2. Compact: width 45cm;

3. Mini: which can be placed on a work surface, for 4 to 6 place settings.

In terms of capacity, you will usually find the following:

- 4 to 10 place settings – compact

- 12/13 place settings – standard

- 14 place settings and more.

Whether you live alone or in a couple, a compact dishwasher (10 place settings) may be sufficient. For larger households, it is better to invest in a capacity of at least 12 place settings.

The programming functions are very important depending on your dishes and your water and electricity consumption.

Options particularly include:

-delayed machine start during off-peak hours. This reduces your energy consumption;

- selection of a programme depending on how dirty your dishes are. This option optimises washing time and water usage.

- selection of a programme for delicate glasses

- Selection of a Hygiene programme for baby bottles or any sensitive dishes

The traditional cutlery basket is no longer the only option! A drawer now allows you to place your cutlery horizontally. Finally resolving the age-old question: “should the blade of the knife face up or down?”. Above all, a cutlery drawer saves space which you can use for plates or pans – so reduces the number of washes!

Dishwasher manufacturers now offer very quiet models. Their sound level can be as low as 36/38 dB, the equivalent of a whisper, considering that the noise level halves for each 3 dB reduction!

Can be installed wherever you want in your kitchen.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ easy to install

+ easy to relocate

– fits less aesthetically into your fitted kitchen

– less ergonomic installation, impossible to have a mid-height model for easier access

These have a front and merge into your kitchen units. They can also be raised up for even greater user-friendliness and comfort.

Advantages and disadvantages

+ more discreet

+ perfect integration into your fitted kitchen

+ can be placed on the ground or at height

– requires adding a unit front

– less easy to move once installed

Appliances display a standardised noise level expressed in decibels. The noise level of dishwashers available on the market generally ranges from 36 to 50 decibels. If you are looking for a quieter model, opt for an appliance with a noise level of 45 dB or below. A dishwasher under 42 dB is considered extremely quiet.

Some brands offer wifi connection. As well as being able to control your device from your sofa using a smartphone app, you can also measure its consumption. This feature allows you to adjust your usage on a daily basis. If you need to contact the after-sales department, on some models this also aids self-diagnosis, making the repair more effective and less expensive. This will avoid a home call-out, which often turns out to be out of warranty.