Start by measuring the width, height and depth of the space, then check the door clearance, cabinet front and connections. A stated width of 45 cm alone doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit. Next, choose a capacity that suits your everyday dishes and compare water use, energy consumption and noise levels using the same programme as a basis. A freestanding or tabletop appliance is only suitable under a worktop if the instructions and available space allow for this type of installation.
You need to protect your cabinets and worktop, while ensuring the door can open fully. Manufacturers’ installation guides recommend checking the appliance’s full dimensions against the space available before choosing its features.
You’re looking for a capacity that suits your usual loads without running unnecessary cycles. UFC-Que Choisir points out that place settings and the interior layout are among the things to compare.
You have an open-plan kitchen or want to keep an eye on running costs. ADEME recommends comparing the water and energy consumption figures and noise level shown on the energy label.
If you’re installing an appliance under a worktop, first establish which type of installation will fit the available space, then compare capacity and consumption with your needs. Manufacturers’ installation guides and ADEME highlight the importance of dimensions and energy, water and noise information.
Consider this if : the space and cabinet front are compatible, and you want to keep the control panel visible.
Check : the cabinet front is compatible, along with the depth and door clearance.
Consider this if : you have a suitable space and cabinet front to conceal the controls.
Check : the door panel, fixings and door clearance required for the specific model.
Consider this if : the available space allows for an approved installation without adding a cabinet front.
Check : the instructions and required clearance; for a tabletop appliance, also check whether the capacity of some models may be too limited.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space, cabinet front and connections | Full dimensions and installation clearances ; door and cabinet-front type ; water inlet, drainage and electricity supply. | If I want to keep my existing cabinets and avoid a door or connection getting in the way of installation, checking that the space is suitable is my priority. Around 33 % of consumers prioritise this fit. |
| Capacity and cycle frequency | Stated number of place settings and basket layout ; whether there is enough room for the dishes and pans you use. | If I need to wash my household’s everyday dishes without running the appliance too often, I look at usable capacity first. Around 27 % of consumers put everyday capacity first. |
| Water and electricity | Figures for the exact model and the programme they relate to ; compare them using the same frequency of use. | If I’m keeping an eye on running costs, I want to compare water and electricity use without confusing these figures with the purchase price. This is a priority for around 20 % of consumers. |
| Noise | Noise level and class stated for the exact model, particularly if you have an open-plan kitchen. | In an open-plan kitchen or one close to a living area, noise during a cycle matters when I’m choosing an appliance. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise a quieter model. |
Models with a similar width may have different heights and depths. A door that won’t open or inaccessible connections can prevent installation.
Before ordering, compare the appliance’s dimensions and installation diagram with the actual measurements of the space.
An incorrect measurement could mean an unsuitable delivery or unnecessary cabinet alterations.
Freestanding doesn’t mean an appliance can be enclosed in a cabinet space. A removable top or compatible cabinet front isn’t automatically available on every model.
Before buying, check the installation method allowed in the instructions for the specific model and whether the cabinet front is compatible.
An unsuitable cabinet front or changes to the cabinetry could make installation more complicated.
UFC-Que Choisir points out that 45 cm appliances aren’t necessarily cheaper than those with a larger capacity. A capacity that doesn’t suit your dishes could also affect how often you run a cycle.
Compare the purchase price, capacity and consumption figures separately, using the same programme as a basis.
In France, ANIL advises that written permission from the landlord is required to alter rented premises or equipment. This doesn’t mean that every removable installation automatically counts as an alteration.
Work out what changes are needed and get written permission from the landlord before making any alterations.
You may have to restore the property if you carry out unauthorised work.
The French range includes 45 cm models that are semi-integrated, fully integrated and freestanding, so you can compare different installation types.
The BDIS38040A is presented as a 45 cm fully integrated model.
The CP 6E51LS is a freestanding tabletop appliance to consider if you have room for this format.
The WSIO3T223PEX is a narrower built-in model to consider if your kitchen can accommodate this type of installation.
The French range includes 45 cm fully integrated dishwashers, worth considering if a fully concealed cabinet front suits your kitchen.
These freestanding tabletop dishwashers are designed for compact spaces ; check each model’s capacity, dimensions and installation requirements before placing it under a worktop.
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A tabletop format to consider if you’re looking for a compact option rather than a built-in appliance.
Stated width : 37 cm ; built-in 5 L water tank ; 9 programmes ; energy class D.
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Its stated capacity of 3 place settings suits a small load, but may be limited for the everyday dishes of a larger household.
3 place settings ; 7 programmes ; stated noise level of 56,3 dB ; energy class C.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a tabletop appliance with a stated capacity of 6 place settings.
6 place settings ; 7 programmes ; stated noise level of 47 dB ; energy class D.
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A compact appliance to consider if its stated place-setting capacity matches your usual load.
Stated capacity : 4 to 6 place settings ; stated consumption : 0,58 kWh and 3,5 to 5 L of water per cycle.
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Worth considering for a small load if you have room for a tabletop appliance.
6 L tank ; 5 programmes ; drying function stated.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check the model’s installation diagram for the door, cabinet front, plinth and connection access. The appliance’s dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it will fit.
No. Check the instructions to see whether the model can be installed under a worktop, whether its top can be removed if necessary, and whether the resulting height will fit. A tabletop appliance described as freestanding isn’t necessarily suitable for built-in installation.
Check the water inlet, drainage and electricity supply at the intended installation point, then follow the model’s installation instructions. If a connection needs to be added or altered, have the work assessed before buying.
Compare the water and energy figures for specific models, taking into account the stated programme and a similar frequency of use. ADEME recommends checking the energy label ; these figures alone don’t show the total cost for every household.
In France, written permission from the landlord is required if the project alters the rented property or its equipment, as ANIL points out. This doesn’t mean every removable installation automatically counts as an alteration : distinguish between the planned installation and any work that may be needed.