Before choosing a dishwasher for a kitchen you’re fitting out, check that the space has a water supply, an electrical connection and a waste-water outlet, then measure the available space. A freestanding model gives you more flexibility when arranging your kitchen; a built-in model needs a suitable housing unit and, depending on the type, a compatible door front. A compact model may be a good option if space is limited, as long as its capacity and installation type suit your needs.
If you’re fitting out your kitchen without a built-in space for a dishwasher, first locate the connections and measure the available space. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a freestanding dishwasher offers more flexibility when arranging your kitchen than a built-in model, although it still needs the right connections.
If a housing unit is already in place, check its dimensions and make sure the door front, plinth and door opening are compatible with the model you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a built-in dishwasher must fit into a housing unit designed for that purpose.
A smaller model may suit a household with a small kitchen, but you’ll still need to check its capacity and installation type. For rented homes, ANIL states that changes to the property or equipment require the landlord’s written consent.
First, check whether the appliance can be installed and which installation type will suit your kitchen. Then compare its capacity and the usage information for the exact model.
| What matters | What to check | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Connections and space | Locate the water supply, electrical socket and waste-water outlet. Check how accessible they are from the intended position and make sure the appliance can be levelled. UFC-Que Choisir identifies all three connections as necessary. | I don’t want to order an appliance until I know it can be installed in my kitchen. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Installation type and renting | For a built-in model, measure the housing unit and check the door front and door opening. If installation involves changing rented fixtures or equipment, ask the landlord for written consent, as advised by ANIL. | In a built-in or rented kitchen, I want an appliance that fits the units without making unauthorised permanent changes; around 29% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the dimensions, the clearance needed to open the door and the number of place settings with the amount of crockery you usually wash. A compact model can also be built-in, as shown by Electrolux’s ESL2500RO model. | When every centimetre counts, I’m looking for an appliance that lets the door open and can hold my household’s crockery. Having enough capacity for the available space is a priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Energy and water use, and noise | On the label for the exact model, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per reference cycle, the duration of the Eco programme and the noise level. ADEME explains the reference basis for the energy and water figures. | If my kitchen is open-plan, noise and running costs matter in everyday use. Around 14% of consumers focus on these aspects first. |
A space that looks big enough doesn’t guarantee access to the water supply, electricity and waste-water outlet, or leave room to level the appliance.
Measure the space and locate the connections before choosing a model. If access to them is uncertain, get confirmation that installation is possible before delivery.
Adapting the connections or kitchen units may require work separate from installing the appliance.
A built-in model must fit its housing unit. A fully integrated model may also need a compatible door front, plinth and door mounting.
Before ordering, ask the installer for a written description of the connections, door-front fitting, any cutting required and removal of your old appliance.
A smaller model may not have enough capacity for the crockery you usually wash. Electrolux’s ESL2500RO fully integrated compact model also shows that a compact appliance may still need a housing unit.
Check the number of place settings, the space needed with the door open and the installation type for the exact model.
An energy rating doesn’t tell you everything about water use, the duration of the reference programme or noise. Check the conditions under which the figures on the label were measured.
Compare the label details for the exact model and check its manual for the programmes you plan to use.
The range featured by Bosch Électroménager France includes freestanding, built-in, integrated and compact dishwashers.
Miele France features freestanding, integrated and fully integrated appliances, including a 45 cm integrated model.
Beko France features freestanding, built-in models with a visible control panel, and fully integrated dishwashers.
Electrolux France features the compact ESL2500RO as a 55 cm fully integrated dishwasher with 6 place settings.
At the intended installation position, check the water supply, electrical connection and waste-water outlet: these are the three connections identified by UFC-Que Choisir. Also make sure they’ll be accessible and that the appliance can be installed level on a flat surface.
You need your landlord’s written consent if installation involves changes to the property or equipment, as ANIL points out. Before making any permanent changes to the kitchen, explain the proposed work to your landlord and ask for their consent.
Don’t assume it’s included: ask for door-front and plinth fitting to be specified in the service description. Darty, for example, lists fitting doors to built-in appliances as a bespoke service; check what applies to your order.
Compare the energy labels for both models, checking kWh per 100 cycles, litres per reference cycle and the noise level in dB. ADEME explains the basis for the consumption figures. Also check the Eco programme duration and the manual if you plan to use other programmes.
Not necessarily: a compact model can still be built-in, as with Electrolux’s ESL2500RO fully integrated model. As well as checking its capacity, check the installation type, whether it needs a housing unit and the connections required for the model you choose.