Start by finalising your kitchen plan and recording the constraints of each space before choosing your appliances: recess, fascia, opening, ventilation, water supply, drainage and electrical connection. Built-in appliances are the right choice when the units and appliances are coordinated from the outset, while freestanding models generally make replacement easier. Buying everything together simplifies management through a single quotation, but may limit the range available from your kitchen supplier.
You are planning units, worktops and appliances as part of the same project. Before the final survey, compare a coordinated package with individually selected products and request a detailed quotation. France’s National Consumer Institute highlights the importance of accurate dimensions and precise quotation details.
You need to arrange your refrigeration, cooking and water zones without obstructing walkways or door opening. Que Choisir specifically recommends positioning the dishwasher close to the sink to simplify connections.
You want to retain flexibility for future replacements. Check the actual dimensions, ventilation, door-opening direction and connections for each product rather than relying solely on the stated width.
First record the constraints of your kitchen plan, then compare them with the manuals for the exact products you are considering. The choice between built-in, freestanding, buying as a package or purchasing separately comes afterwards, once each appliance can be installed without conflicts.
| Priority | What to check | Needs to take into account |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility with the unit and room | Record the recess or overall dimensions, depth, height, ventilation, door-opening direction and available circulation space. For an integrated appliance, also check the fascia and hinge system in the manual for the exact product. | I want to avoid a door hitting a wall, island or another appliance, while keeping the kitchen walkway comfortable. |
| Water, drainage and ventilation | For the dishwasher, check the available water inlets, drainage and power supply. For the cooker hood, choose extraction or recirculation according to the property’s layout and the model’s instructions; Electrolux France points out that these modes involve different requirements. | My kitchen must be able to accommodate the connections without changing the plan at the last minute. If it is open-plan, I will also compare extraction performance and noise in the same operating mode. |
| Running costs, noise and durability | Compare labels for appliances of the same type: energy per 100 cycles, water per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise class for a dishwasher. ADEME states that a 3 dB increase corresponds to an almost doubling of noise. | I am looking for an appliance suited to everyday use, not just the lowest purchase price. In an open-plan kitchen, noise levels deserve particular attention. |
| Quotation, responsibilities and timescales | For a package deal, ask for the exact brands and product references, included services, planned work and dates or lead times. France’s National Consumer Institute recommends a detailed quotation distinguishing units, appliances and installation work. | I want to know clearly who supplies, delivers, installs and connects each item before I sign. |
| Repair and future replacement | Check durability or repairability information where it applies to the category, along with maintenance and servicing documentation. France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition lists spare parts and maintenance among the useful factors to examine. | I would rather be able to maintain or replace an appliance without having to redesign the entire kitchen layout. |
A stated width is not enough: the recess, ventilation, fascia, door opening and connections vary between products. France’s National Consumer Institute states that dimensional errors can lead to changes being required in the project.
Have the plan and measurements approved, then keep the installation manuals for the exact products before signing or placing an order.
Extraction mode depends on the property, the ducting and the provision of replacement air. Recirculation also requires filters and maintenance suited to the model.
Decide which mode is actually possible before comparing extraction rate, noise and the necessary accessories.
In recirculation mode, allow for the periodic replacement of carbon filters.
A quotation combining units, appliances, installation and dates makes offers harder to compare and responsibilities more difficult to identify if there is a delay or a service is missing.
Ask for the exact product references and brands, included services, total price and expected lead times before signing.
For a dishwasher, the energy label also provides information about water consumption, energy per 100 cycles, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise. Spare-parts availability and maintenance criteria are also useful when considering the appliance’s service life.
Compare labels for appliances of the same type and check the durability or repairability indicators available for the relevant category.
Bosch’s French manuals are used here as a reference for checking how an oven is built in and how an integrated dishwasher is connected.
Electrolux illustrates the key points to check for a cooker hood: available space, extraction rate, noise level and the choice between extraction and recirculation.
Beko’s French resources are useful for checking ventilation around a freestanding fridge freezer and whether the door-opening direction can be changed.
This selection brings together built-in appliances and a freestanding fridge freezer for a kitchen whose layout, recesses and connections are still being checked.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen once the recess and fascia panel have been confirmed.
13 place settings, B energy rating and a stated noise level of 44 dB; the product information specifies a 820–900 × 600 × 555 mm recess.
Check the fascia type, fixings, water inlet, drainage and electrical circuit against the plan and manual.
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This oven is suited to a project with an oven housing unit or tall cabinet whose dimensions have already been measured.
72 L built-in oven with food probe and pyrolytic cleaning; the specified recess measures 578–600 × 560 × 550 mm.
The product information states a power rating of 3490 W: confirm the unit’s ventilation and connection configuration with the installer.
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Consider this after deciding whether the kitchen can accommodate extraction or must operate in recirculation mode.
600 mm wall-mounted hood with four speeds, booster function and a stated maximum extraction rate of 650 m³/h; extraction and recirculation modes are specified.
Check the installation height, duct route and the property’s safety requirements; in recirculation mode, the carbon filters need to be replaced periodically.
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This built-in hob is suitable for a worktop whose cut-out and clearance beneath the hob have been checked.
Three zones, 7200 W power rating and installation dimensions of 560 × 490 mm; it requires ferromagnetic cookware.
Have a qualified professional confirm the dedicated connection, electrical protection and ventilation clearances.
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A freestanding option for replacing an appliance without a built-in housing unit, provided the door opening and ventilation are compatible with the layout.
174 L capacity, stated dimensions of 50 × 55 × 150 cm, reversible door and a stated noise level of 39 dB.
Check the clearances specified in the manual, the space required with the door open and the final opening direction before positioning it next to a unit or wall.
Record the recess width, height and depth, fascia type, ventilation clearances, opening requirements and accessible connections. Then check each point in the installation manual for the exact product reference; Bosch, for example, specifies that a built-in oven must be installed in accordance with its special fitting instructions.
A dishwasher is best positioned close to the sink to simplify the water and drainage connections. Que Choisir recommends placing them near each other, while dishwasher manuals distinguish between wastewater, drinking water and electrical connections.
No. Extraction requires ducting and an installation suited to the property’s layout, whereas recirculation relies on filters suitable for the model. Compare extraction rate, noise and maintenance requirements in the same operating mode before choosing.
Ask for a detailed quotation stating the total price, unit specifications, appliance brands and references, installation details and expected timescales. France’s National Consumer Institute highlights that a detailed document makes it easier to compare services and distinguish supply, delivery and installation.
Gas appliances and installations in France are subject to specific technical and safety requirements, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Have the project checked by a suitably qualified professional and follow the rules applicable to the property and the model concerned.