Start by choosing according to what your kitchen can accommodate: an integrated model requires a compatible housing unit and door panel, while a freestanding dishwasher is suitable when no such space exists. A compact model can work well for a small amount of washing-up in a very limited space, but its capacity is reduced. Then check the exact model’s dimensions, connections, noise level and energy label.
You are moving into an existing kitchen without a space designed for a built-in appliance and want to automate the washing-up with minimal changes to the layout. Que Choisir’s guides distinguish freestanding installation as a configuration that does not require a dedicated housing unit.
You have a kitchenette, studio flat or small kitchen and produce a limited amount of washing-up. A compact model should match your actual washing frequency and the space available on the supporting surface.
You are replacing an integrated appliance or already have a compatible housing unit and door panel. An integrated model can preserve the kitchen’s streamlined appearance once the measurements and installation system have been checked.
Best for: kitchens without a dedicated housing unit, or if you want flexibility when redesigning the space in future.
Bear in mind: the appliance remains visible and needs floor space. Whether the top can be removed must be confirmed for the model selected.
Best for: very small kitchens and a modest, regular amount of washing-up.
Bear in mind: the reduced capacity may mean running more cycles, depending on your meals and the pans that need washing.
Best for: situations where a compatible housing unit and the required furniture door are already in place.
Plan for: the housing-unit measurements, door panel, fixings and any installation work required as part of the project.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Whether it will fit in the kitchen | Measure the width, height, depth, door clearance and supporting surface. Also check whether the top can be removed on the model you are considering. An integrated appliance requires a purpose-built housing unit. | I want to install the appliance without unnecessarily altering the existing furniture. 45 cm, 60 cm and compact formats are useful guidelines, but the model’s exact measurements are what matter. |
| Suitable capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the amount of crockery you have between washes. Check the basket layout if you regularly use large dishes or pans. | I want to avoid a compact model that is too small for my daily routine. As a guide, compact models are often presented as suitable for 4 to 6 place settings, compared with 9 to 11 for some 45 cm models. |
| Connections and the complete project | Consult the instructions for the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply. For an integrated model, also confirm the door panel and fixing system. | I want to know whether the project involves simply installing the appliance or adapting the kitchen as well. A fully integrated model may be supplied without a furniture door, as Electrolux indicates for certain models. |
| Usage and noise comfort | Compare the energy label: kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level. For two similar models, look for measurements taken under comparable conditions. | In an open-plan kitchen or when running frequent cycles, I look beyond the purchase price at noise and consumption. ADEME states that this information appears on the energy label. |
A built-in dishwasher must be installed in a housing unit designed for it. A fully integrated model may also require a furniture door, so the project involves more than simply choosing the appliance.
Measure the housing unit and identify the door panel and fixing type before comparing integrated models. If there is no compatible housing unit, look first at a freestanding or compact solution.
The cost of use also includes installation, water, energy, maintenance and consumables. The energy label makes it possible to compare some of these figures on a common basis.
Include installation or connection requirements in your decision, then compare energy consumption, water per cycle and noise rather than focusing on just one class or one price.
Detergent, rinse aid, dishwasher salt and maintenance are all part of everyday use.
In France, Bosch offers 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers. The brand presents the 45 cm format as an option when space is limited.
Beko’s French range includes freestanding, built-in models with visible controls and fully integrated appliances, making it possible to compare the main kitchen configurations.
Miele offers freestanding, integrated and fully integrated models, as well as some 45 cm variants for kitchens requiring a particular installation type.
This selection brings together freestanding, compact and integrated dishwashers so you can compare solutions according to the available space, amount of washing-up and whether a fitted housing unit is already in place.
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A freestanding option for a household with floor space available and a large amount of washing-up.
Advertised dimensions: 600 × 590 × 850 mm; capacity of 14 place settings, noise level of 41 dB, energy class C and approximately 9.5 L per Eco cycle.
Check the water inlet, drainage, suitable socket, door opening and measurements beneath the worktop if you are considering removing the top.
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Worth considering for a kitchen already prepared for built-in installation, with a compatible housing unit and door panel.
This model is advertised as fully integrated, with 13 place settings, energy class B, 44 dB and a minimum housing-unit size of 820–900 × 600 × 555 mm.
Check the hinges, door panel, housing-unit measurements and installation requirements before buying.
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This freestanding model is suitable for a kitchen without a prepared built-in space and for substantial loads of washing-up.
Advertised net dimensions: 85 × 60 × 59 cm; capacity of 14 place settings, six programmes, adjustable basket and noise level of 46 dB.
Check the height available beneath the worktop, door clearances and whether the connections are compatible with your kitchen.
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A compact solution for a kitchenette or a very small amount of washing-up, where permanent alterations need to be kept to a minimum.
Advertised dimensions: 420 × 436 × 465 mm; capacity of 3 place settings, seven programmes, manually refillable tank and energy class D.
Check the supporting surface’s load capacity, the space available and the water-management requirements in the exact model’s instructions.
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This fully integrated dishwasher is intended for a household that already has a compatible housing unit, door panel and fixing system.
The specifications list 14 place settings, five programmes, 44 dB, energy class C, a cutlery drawer and sliding hinges.
Before buying, confirm the installation diagram, built-in dimensions, hinges, ventilation, door and connections in relation to the existing furniture.
Generally, no: a built-in model must be fitted into a purpose-built housing unit. A fully integrated model may also be supplied without a furniture door, so check the housing unit, door panel and installation documentation before choosing this solution.
45 cm models are commonly associated with 9 to 11 place settings, 60 cm models with around 12 place settings, while compact models are often rated for 4 to 6 place settings. These are only guidelines and do not replace the dimensions and capacity stated on the product page for your chosen model.
Check the dimensions, the supporting surface’s load capacity and the connection requirements listed in the instructions. The Candy CP 6E51LS, for example, is advertised with a direct connection to the water inlet, but this feature cannot be assumed for all compact models.
Using the model’s instructions, and consulting a professional if necessary, confirm that the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply are compatible. This check should be completed before buying; do not undertake plumbing or electrical work yourself.
Use the energy label to compare the class, kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise in dB alongside its noise class. ADEME recommends these indicators for comparing appliances on a common basis. For similar models, a test carried out under comparable conditions can also help inform your decision.