If your kitchen has no designated space for a dishwasher, first choose a spot where the appliance will fit and where the water supply, drainage and electricity are accessible. A freestanding model can work in a floor space without a recess; an integrated model needs a suitable recess and compatible door panel. A compact model with a water tank may suit a small kitchen, but check its capacity and how water is supplied and drained before you buy.
A freestanding dishwasher is worth considering if the floor is level and stable, the door can open fully, and the water supply, drain and socket are accessible from that spot. Measure the available depth as well as the width.
An integrated model needs a suitable recess. Check the unit dimensions, door panel, plinth and hinges against the installation instructions for your chosen model.
A compact, tank-fed dishwasher on a worktop may suit a small amount of washing up. Que Choisir describes models for 2 or 3 place settings: check the capacity of the model you’re considering, along with its power supply and how it handles wastewater.
First, make sure the appliance can be installed and used where you want it. Then compare the capacity and usage information of models that will fit.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Check the water supply, wastewater drain and electricity supply at your chosen location. Que Choisir says all three connections are needed to install a conventional dishwasher; check the requirements in your model’s instructions. | I want to be able to use the appliance without finding out after buying it that a connection needs to be installed. If any alterations are needed, I’ll get a clear idea of the work involved before choosing. |
| Space and kitchen units | Compare the available height, width and depth with the appliance dimensions, allowing for the hoses and the door opening. For an integrated model, also check the recess, door panel, plinth and hinges. Que Choisir points out that it needs to be fitted in a purpose-built recess. | Having a free space under the worktop isn’t enough: the appliance must fit, stand securely and open properly. If I want a matching door panel, it must be compatible too. |
| Amount of washing up | Make sure the stated capacity suits the amount of washing up you usually have. For a compact model with a tank, check the worktop space required, how it is filled and how water is drained. The mini models described by Que Choisir hold 2 or 3 place settings. | If there’s no room for a full-size appliance on the floor, I could consider a compact model if its capacity and manual water handling suit me. |
| Everyday use | Once you’ve confirmed it can be installed, compare the label information for the exact model. ADEME explains that energy use is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. Also check noise levels and capacity. | In an open-plan kitchen or if I use the appliance frequently, I want to compare noise levels and consumption on a like-for-like basis, without overlooking maintenance and repair options. |
An appliance may fit in your kitchen but still be impossible to use in the chosen spot. According to Que Choisir, a conventional dishwasher needs a water supply, a wastewater drain and an electricity supply.
Check that they’re accessible before you order. If any connection needs to be installed or adapted, get a clear description of the work and what it includes.
Adapting the connections may require a separate visit from the appliance delivery.
Que Choisir explains that an integrated model needs to fit into a purpose-built recess. Bosch says the door panel installation varies depending on the space and model, so an empty space under the worktop alone doesn’t confirm that the door will be compatible.
Compare the recess plan and installation instructions for the exact model with your kitchen unit, door panel, hinges and plinth. Ask which parts are included in the proposed installation.
The door panel and fitting may require extra parts or an additional service.
The 2- or 3-place-setting mini models with tanks described by Que Choisir are intended for small amounts of washing up. A tank doesn’t remove the need for an electricity supply or somewhere for the wastewater to go.
Check that the capacity suits the amount of washing up you usually have, then read the instructions to find out how to fill the appliance and drain the water after use.
Two appliances that fit the same space may have different energy, water and noise figures. ADEME presents energy and water use against reference cycles, making it easier to compare labels.
Once you’ve checked the installation requirements, compare the labels of the models you’re considering and look for information on maintenance and repairability.
These examples will help you identify what to check for the format you’re considering. A brand reference doesn’t guarantee that a model will suit your kitchen.
Worth looking at if you’re considering an integrated or fully integrated dishwasher.
A brand to consider for a freestanding dishwasher if you have floor space and the necessary connections.
An option to explore if you’re short on floor space and looking for a mini dishwasher with a tank.
Another mini dishwasher to consider for a small amount of washing up.
This selection includes freestanding models for floor space, a compact tank-fed model for a worktop and an integrated model to consider if you can provide a suitable recess. For each one, confirm the dimensions and installation requirements for your chosen location.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have floor space but no recess. The product title lists 14 place settings, a width of 60 cm, a noise level of 41 dB and energy rating C. Check the depth, door clearance and access to all three connections at the planned location.
Image unavailable
A freestanding option if your kitchen has a suitable space on the floor. The product title lists 14 place settings, a width of 60 cm and energy rating E. Also measure the available height and depth, then check the water supply, drain and socket.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a floor space without a recess; the product title lists 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Check the dimensions in the specifications for the exact model before deciding whether it will fit in your kitchen, and make sure all three connections are accessible.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re short on floor space and have a suitable worktop. The product title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Check the instructions for the capacity, how to fill it, how to drain wastewater and the electricity requirements.
Image unavailable
Only consider this if your kitchen can accommodate a suitable recess. The product title lists a width of 60 cm, 14 place settings and energy rating E. Compare the installation instructions for the exact model with your recess, door panel and planned door, then check all three connections.
Measure the available height, width and depth, then check the route for the connections and the clearance needed to open the door. Make sure the floor is stable. For an integrated model, also compare the recess, door panel and hinges with the plan for the exact model.
Not without checking first: Que Choisir says an integrated dishwasher needs to fit into a purpose-built recess. The dimensions, door panel, door fitting and connections all need to match the model you choose.
No. Que Choisir describes mini models with tanks for 2 or 3 place settings that sit on a worktop, but requirements vary by model. Before choosing a spot, check the electricity supply, how it is filled and how wastewater is drained.
Ask for one before buying if the water supply, drain, electricity supply or recess needs to be installed or adapted. Check exactly what the service covers, including the door panel and plinth for an integrated model, then choose an appliance that suits the planned layout.
Compare the information for models that already suit your kitchen, including energy and water use, capacity and noise levels. According to ADEME, energy use is given in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. Bear these figures in mind when comparing models.