Choose a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher if you have a suitable floor space with access to the necessary connections, but no cabinet space to fit it into. Choose an integrated model if your cabinet space and door are compatible. A capacity of 9 to 10 place settings may suit a small household that runs cycles regularly, but larger dishes and several days’ worth of washing-up can make this size less practical. Before choosing, check the full dimensions, connections and door clearance.
If you have a narrow kitchen and a suitable floor space with access to the necessary connections, a 45 cm freestanding model could be installed without a kitchen door panel. Also check its height and depth, and make sure there’s enough room to open the door.
If you’re replacing an under-counter appliance or have a narrow cabinet space, an integrated model can blend in with your kitchen units. The stated width alone isn’t enough: the cabinet space, door panel and door mechanism must all be suitable for the model you choose.
A 9 to 10 place-setting appliance may suit a small household that runs cycles regularly. If you often use large utensils or cook for a crowd, check the basket layout before relying on the stated number of place settings.
In a narrow kitchen, choosing between a freestanding and an integrated model starts with the space available. Usable capacity and how often you run a cycle will then help you decide whether a 45 cm model is right for your household.
Choose this if: you have a suitable floor space with access to the necessary connections, and no cabinet space or door panel to fit.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible, and its depth, hoses and door clearance must all fit in the available space.
Choose this if: your kitchen has a suitable cabinet space and you want the appliance to blend in with your units.
Bear in mind: the door panel, hinges and installation requirements must be compatible with the model. Some appliances are supplied without a furniture door panel.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and connections | Measure the height, width and depth of the specific model, then check the route for the hoses, the waste outlet, water supply and plug socket. | In a narrow kitchen, I want to be able to install and connect the appliance without blocking the way. Around 40% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Capacity and washing routine | Compare the stated 9 to 10 place settings with your bulkiest dishes, the basket layout and how often you expect to run a cycle. | If washing-up quickly piles up at home, I need to know whether a slimline model can keep up with my household. This usable capacity would be the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Fit with your kitchen units | For an integrated model, check the dimensions of the cabinet space, the type of integration, the door panel and the hinge system. | I want my fitted kitchen to look cohesive, without finding out after buying that the furniture door doesn’t fit. Integration would come first for around 20% of consumers. |
| Noise, energy and repairability | Check the dB(A), litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles for the Eco programme. Also check the repairability rating for the model. | In a small kitchen, I pay attention to noise and how the appliance performs over time. Around 10% of consumers would make this their main concern. |
Two appliances with the same width can differ in height and depth. Bosch Home Appliances France lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm for the freestanding SPS2HKW55E, compared with 815 × 448 × 550 mm for the integrated SPV4EMX17E.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and check the installation diagram for your model to allow for the hoses and door clearance.
A 45 cm cabinet space doesn’t guarantee that the furniture door and fittings will be compatible. The Electrolux EES42210L is supplied without a furniture door panel, and its product information rules out raised installation.
Check the instructions, cabinet dimensions, hinges and installation restrictions before choosing this model.
Depending on your kitchen and the model, you may need a door panel, fittings or professional installation.
Large dishes, saucepans and tall containers take up space that the figure of 9 or 10 place settings doesn’t tell you about on its own.
Look at the basket layout and adjustment options with your usual dishes in mind. If you often have guests, consider how frequently you’d need to run a cycle.
A dishwasher’s width doesn’t tell you how noisy it is or how much energy and water it uses. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition also lists dishwashers among the product categories covered by the repairability rating scheme in France.
For each model you’re considering, compare the dB(A), litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and repairability rating. ADEME says that the Eco programme reduces water and electricity use; check that its duration works with your routine.
Bosch Home Appliances France offers slimline freestanding and fully integrated models, making it easy to compare the two types of installation.
Whirlpool France offers the 45 cm freestanding WSFO 3T223 P, among other models, for kitchens without a door panel to fit.
The Electrolux EES42210L is a 45 cm fully integrated model listed for 9 place settings, making it worth considering for a fitted kitchen.
Siemens Home Appliances France offers 45 cm integrated models, including versions with a visible control panel.
Miele France lists the G 5990 SCVi SL as a 45 cm fully integrated dishwasher.
It may be enough if you run cycles regularly and don’t often use bulky dishes. To judge the usable capacity of a model such as the Electrolux EES42210L, listed for 9 place settings, consider how your saucepans and larger dishes would fit in the baskets.
You’ll need a water supply, a waste outlet and a suitable plug socket, as well as space for the hoses. Bosch Home Appliances France requires a direct connection to a mains socket, without an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor. Follow the instructions for the model you choose.
Not necessarily: the Electrolux EES42210L is supplied without a furniture door panel. Before choosing an integrated model, check what’s included and whether your door panel, its dimensions and its fittings are compatible.
The repairability rating gives you another way to compare dishwashers sold in France, a product category covered by the scheme according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Check the rating for each model you’re considering, alongside the dimensions and capacity.
It may be suitable if the cycle time works with your household’s routine. ADEME says that a dishwasher’s Eco mode reduces water and electricity use. Check the programme’s duration and specifications on the product details for your chosen model.