When fitting out or updating a kitchen, start by considering the space available. An integrated dishwasher needs a suitable housing unit and matching door panel, while a freestanding model comes with its own finished exterior. A compact model is a good option when space is limited, provided it has enough capacity for your dishes. For all three types, check the dimensions, connections and model instructions against your kitchen before ordering.
If your kitchen has a housing unit and you want the door to match your cabinets, an integrated dishwasher is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir explains that these models are supplied without a door panel, so measure the housing unit and check the door-fitting system before choosing a model.
A freestanding dishwasher comes with its own finished exterior, so you can fit it into your kitchen without adding a door panel. If you want to put it under a worktop, check its dimensions and, if the top needs to be removed, make sure it has a removable top, as recommended by UFC-Que Choisir.
A compact model can be a good choice when space and the amount of washing up are limited. UFC-Que Choisir highlights countertop models with capacity for six place settings. Check that there’s room for the dishes you use regularly, and check the water supply and drainage requirements for your chosen model.
Start with the unit and the space available, then consider how much crockery you need to wash and the specifications of the model itself.
Consider this if: you have a dedicated housing unit and want a door panel to match your cabinets.
Things to bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, the appliance is supplied without a door panel, so the panel and its opening mechanism must be compatible.
Consider this if: you’d prefer an appliance with its own finished exterior and don’t have a fully integrated housing unit.
Things to bear in mind: fitting it under a worktop depends on its dimensions and, if needed, whether it has a removable top.
Consider this if: space is limited and you’re happy with a smaller capacity.
Things to bear in mind: check there’s room for larger dishes, and check the model’s water supply and drainage requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and door panel | Measure the width, height and depth. For an integrated model, compare the housing unit, plinth and door panel with the installation diagram. For a freestanding model under a worktop, check the top and the required height. | I want the appliance to fit in its space and, if it’s integrated, for the door to open properly with my panel. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated place-setting capacity and the layout of the baskets. Check there’s room for pans and dishes, particularly with a compact model. | A smaller capacity is fine if I don’t have much washing up. For larger loads, usable interior space matters just as much as the appliance’s external dimensions. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check the model instructions for water supply, drainage and installation requirements. Don’t assume you know the connections just because the model is described as “compact”. | I need to be able to use the appliance where I plan to install it, with a water supply and drainage that suit this particular model. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the energy rating, the consumption figures given for the Eco programme and the stated noise level in the model specifications. | Noise may be a factor in an open-plan kitchen. I also want to compare energy use on a like-for-like programme basis. |
| Washing and drying | Look at the basket layout and, where comparable test results are available, the washing and drying performance. The number of programmes alone doesn’t tell you how well the appliance performs. | I sometimes wash dishes or tall glasses, so I check whether the baskets can accommodate them and how well the model washes and dries. |
A stated width of 45 or 60 cm doesn’t tell you everything about the height, depth, plinth or how the door panel will open.
Measure the housing unit in all three dimensions and compare it with the installation diagram for the specific model, including the door panel.
Whether it will fit depends on the available height and the model. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking for a removable top if it needs to be taken off.
Check the height with and without the top, as well as the clearances specified in the instructions.
A smaller capacity may mean running the dishwasher more often if your household uses a lot of crockery or large dishes.
Compare the interior space with the dishes you use regularly, and read the model instructions for water supply and drainage requirements.
Bosch offers integrated, freestanding and compact dishwashers, along with sizing information to help you plan the space.
Miele distinguishes between appliances designed to be fitted into kitchen furniture and freestanding or under-counter models.
Beko offers freestanding 60 cm dishwashers, which are worth considering if you don’t have a kitchen door panel planned.
These Joybuy models represent the three types covered here: freestanding, integrated and compact. Compare each model with the space available and the amount of washing up you have.
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Worth considering if you need a freestanding model and don’t want to add a kitchen door panel. The product listing states 41 dB and an energy rating of C. Check the dimensions and instructions if you’re planning to install it under a worktop.
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Worth considering if your kitchen has a housing unit and door panel ready for an integrated model. Check the installation diagram, housing unit measurements and door panel compatibility for this specific model.
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A freestanding option for a household looking for a stated capacity of 14 place settings. The product name indicates an energy rating of E. Measure the space and read the instructions before installing it under a worktop.
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Compare this model with a housing unit designed for an integrated dishwasher with a door panel. The product name indicates an energy rating of C. Check the housing unit dimensions, door and connections in the instructions for this specific model.
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Worth considering when space is limited and the stated capacity of four place settings is enough for you. The product title mentions a built-in 5 L tank. Check there’s room for your dishes, and read the instructions for water supply and drainage.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says the integrated models it describes are supplied without a door panel. Miele also states that its integrated models need a door panel, which isn’t supplied. Check the panel dimensions, hinge and plinth before choosing an appliance.
Yes, if the model and space allow it. Check the available height and whether the top can be removed if necessary. The instructions will specify the dimensions and clearances you need to allow for.
The compact design alone doesn’t tell you how the appliance is supplied with water or drained. Check the product details and instructions for the specific model to plan the water supply, drainage and position.
Compare the energy rating and the consumption figures for the Eco programme, taking the capacity of each model into account. The Eco programme figures don’t necessarily reflect the consumption of other programmes.