Start by considering the space available. An integrated dishwasher needs a suitable housing unit and kitchen door, while a freestanding model doesn’t need a decorative door. If space is tight, compare a 45 cm model with a compact one, taking into account the capacity you need. For a fitted kitchen, choose between concealed controls and a visible control panel, then check the installation diagram for your chosen model.
If the housing unit and door are already in place, measure the space and compare the existing kitchen door with the installation diagram for the new model. Que Choisir and Bosch both point out that the general dimensions for a particular category aren’t enough to confirm compatibility.
A fully integrated model conceals the controls behind the kitchen door, while a semi-integrated model has a visible control panel. In either case, check that your kitchen door is suitable for the model you choose, as Que Choisir and Bosch explain.
Compare the space required with the capacity you need. Que Choisir features 45 cm models with a capacity of 9 place settings and compact worktop models with 6 place settings. These capacities are examples of different configurations, so check the capacity of the model you’re considering.
Start by measuring the space and deciding whether your kitchen needs to accommodate a decorative door. Then consider the finish, installation requirements and capacity.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Housing unit and kitchen door | Measure the width, height and depth; compare the door and its fixings with the installation diagram for the model. | If I’m replacing an integrated model, I want to keep my kitchen units and avoid ending up with a door that can’t be fitted. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this fit. |
| Finish and controls | Choose between a visible control panel and concealed controls, then check how much of the appliance the kitchen door needs to cover. | If I want to preserve the seamless look of my kitchen, whether the control panel is visible matters more than the wash functions. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Replacement and installation | If you’re fitting a freestanding model under a worktop, check whether its top can be removed and measure the available height. For an integrated model, confirm what the installation service includes. | I’d rather keep alterations to my kitchen units to a minimum when replacing an appliance, and know what work I’ll need to arrange. Around 21% of consumers would put this convenience first. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the available space, the stated number of place settings and the installation type of the compact or 45 cm model. | If space is tight, I can accept a lower capacity, but I don’t want an appliance that won’t suit the dishes I use regularly. Around 14% of consumers would put size ahead of other considerations. |
You’ll need a suitable decorative door to match the appliance to your kitchen units. Que Choisir notes that integrated dishwashers are supplied without this door.
Check which kitchen door you can use, what fixings are needed and whether fitting it is included.
Finding a suitable door or having an existing one fitted can add another step to the replacement process.
A stated width of 45 cm or 60 cm doesn’t tell you the appliance’s full height or depth, or whether its door will open properly in your kitchen.
Measure the housing unit and check the installation diagram for the exact model, as Bosch recommends.
The installation services described by Darty and Electrolux have limits, particularly when it comes to joinery, plumbing and electrical work.
Ask the retailer what’s included in removal, fitting the kitchen door, connecting the appliance and taking away the old one, as well as which jobs are excluded.
A smaller appliance may have a capacity that doesn’t suit your household’s needs. The compact worktop models featured by Que Choisir include options for 6 place settings.
Compare the stated capacity, how often you expect to run a wash and the space required before ruling out a 45 cm model.
Bosch offers integrated, freestanding and compact configurations, with installation diagrams available for individual models.
The fully integrated range featured by Siemens France includes several sizes, with models both with and without varioHinge.
Electrolux France features fully integrated dishwashers in both 45 cm and 60 cm sizes.
These Joybuy models illustrate three ways to fit a dishwasher into your kitchen: freestanding, fully integrated behind a kitchen door, and compact on a worktop. Compare each model with your kitchen measurements and layout.
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Worth considering if you want to replace an appliance without fitting a kitchen door and have a suitable space available.
Stated capacity: 14 place settings. The top is listed as non-removable, so pay particular attention to the available height if the appliance needs to fit under a worktop.
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One to consider for a kitchen with a compatible housing unit and kitchen door.
Stated capacity: 13 place settings. Before ordering, compare the housing unit, kitchen door and door system with the installation diagram for this model.
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Worth considering if you have space on your worktop and the stated capacity suits the dishes you use regularly.
The product description mentions a manually filled water tank. Check the space available and how you’ll arrange water drainage.
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Worth considering if you want to conceal the appliance behind a kitchen door and have a suitable housing unit.
Stated capacity: 14 place settings. The appliance dimensions alone can’t confirm that it will fit: compare the housing unit, kitchen door and hinges with the installation diagram.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a housing unit and door that can be adapted for a fully integrated model.
Stated capacity: 14 place settings. The width given in the title doesn’t clearly match the dimensions in the product information. Check the model documentation to confirm the measurements before checking the housing unit and hinges.
Not the Electrolux fully integrated models mentioned here: they’re listed as being supplied without a decorative door. Que Choisir also points out that an integrated dishwasher needs a suitable door, so check the one you have and the fitting instructions for your chosen model.
Yes, if the model is designed for this type of installation and its dimensions fit the space available. Que Choisir recommends checking whether the top can be removed. Then check the model’s height in the position you plan to use it.
Not necessarily; what’s included depends on the retailer. Darty describes a service that includes fitting the decorative door to existing, compliant connections, but excludes some changes to doors and connections. Electrolux says its installers don’t carry out joinery, plumbing or electrical work. Check the terms of the service you choose.
No; its capacity also needs to suit the dishes you use. Que Choisir features compact worktop models with a capacity of 6 place settings and 45 cm models with 9 place settings. Compare these sizes with the space you actually have and the capacity of the model you’re considering.