Choose an integrated dishwasher if your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and a door panel that fits your chosen model. A fully integrated model conceals the controls, while a semi-integrated one leaves the control panel visible. A freestanding model needs no kitchen door panel and gives you more flexibility over the layout. If space is limited, consider compact models too, taking into account your household’s washing-up needs and the room available. Whatever you choose, check the dimensions and connections before ordering.
If you want to hide the dishwasher behind a door panel that matches your units, plan for a housing unit and check the panel and its fixings. If you’d rather keep the controls visible, consider a semi-integrated model before finalising your kitchen design.
Measure the existing space and check that the door panel and fixings are compatible before choosing another built-in model. A freestanding model avoids these panel requirements, provided there’s enough room and the connections are suitable.
Compare the space needed for a 45 cm model, a countertop dishwasher or a standard 60 cm model. The stated capacity of each model should also suit the amount of washing-up in your household.
First decide whether the dishwasher needs a kitchen door panel, then check each model against the available space and planned connections.
Consider this if: you want to hide both the appliance and its controls behind a matching door panel.
You’ll need: a housing unit, a door panel and a compatible door-fixing system for your chosen model.
Consider this if: you want a door panel that matches your units while keeping the control panel visible.
You’ll need: a built-in space and a suitable door panel beneath the control panel, just as with other integrated models.
Consider this if: you want a finished appliance that doesn’t need a kitchen door panel fitted.
You’ll need: accessible connections and, if fitting it under a worktop, enough clearance and a removable top on your chosen model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Housing unit and door | Compare the usable dimensions of the housing unit with the model’s installation diagram. For an integrated model, check the door panel dimensions and whether it uses fixed or sliding hinges. | I want to keep my existing units and make sure the door opens fully once the panel is fitted. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the dimensions and stated place-setting capacity of the models you’re considering. A countertop compact model and a compact integrated model need different spaces. | In a small kitchen, I’d rather choose based on the space I actually have and the washing-up I need to do regularly. |
| Fitting under a worktop | For a freestanding model, check the clearance beneath the worktop and whether the appliance’s top can be removed. Don’t assume a built-in model can simply be placed on the floor: UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes it from an appliance with its own finished exterior. | I want to use the space beneath my worktop without ordering an appliance that can’t be fitted there. |
| Connections and installation | Allow for a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste-water outlet – the three connections listed by UFC-Que Choisir. Also confirm what’s included for the door panel, plinth and installation. | I want to know what parts and work to arrange before the appliance arrives. |
| Repairability | If you’re buying in France, compare the repairability index for the dishwashers you’re considering. According to the DGCCRF, this score indicates how repairable they are; it doesn’t replace checking the dimensions. | If the appliance is going to stay in my kitchen for several years, I also want to compare the information available about getting it repaired. |
The housing unit, door clearance and hinges may prevent you from using an existing door panel, even if the stated width looks suitable.
Measure the usable space in the unit and the door panel, then compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model and its door system.
A freestanding model has its own finished exterior, but whether it can be fitted under a worktop depends on factors such as its height and whether its top can be removed. A built-in model, on the other hand, is designed for a housing unit with a suitable panel.
If you’re choosing a freestanding model for under a worktop, check that its top can be removed. For a built-in model, check the housing unit, door panel and fixings.
The door panel, plinth, their fixings and installation work may not all be included in the same service.
Check exactly what’s supplied and fitted, including the connections, removal of your old appliance if needed, and setup.
A countertop appliance takes up worktop space, while a compact integrated model still needs a compatible housing unit and door panel.
Compare each model’s dimensions and capacity with your available space and washing-up needs, then check its connections.
Bosch France’s range includes integrated, freestanding and compact dishwashers.
Electrolux France lists built-in models with information specific to each one.
Beko France offers 45 cm models and integrated dishwashers that are worth considering when space is limited.
These options illustrate three possible kitchen setups: one freestanding appliance, two built-in models and one countertop dishwasher. Their inclusion here doesn’t confirm that they’ll be compatible with your units or connections.
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Worth considering if you’re not planning to fit a kitchen door panel. The top is listed as non-removable, so don’t plan to install this model under a worktop unless you’ve confirmed that it will fit the space.
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For a kitchen with a housing unit and door panel designed for an integrated appliance. Before ordering, compare the installation diagram with your unit’s measurements and check that the panel and its fixings are compatible.
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Worth considering for a kitchen with a suitable housing unit and door panel. Check the instructions to confirm the installation dimensions, door-panel fixings, ventilation requirements and connections.
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This countertop model may be worth considering if your kitchen has no space for a built-in dishwasher and you have a smaller amount of washing-up. Check that you have room on the worktop, as well as a water supply, waste-water outlet and electricity supply.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a built-in dishwasher is designed for a housing unit and doesn’t have the finished exterior of a freestanding model. Plan for a suitable unit and door panel rather than simply placing it on the floor.
On a semi-integrated model, the control panel remains visible above the kitchen door panel. A fully integrated model conceals the controls when the door is closed. Both setups need a suitable housing unit and door panel.
Yes, if there’s enough clearance and the top of the model can be removed. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking this before you buy; don’t assume that every freestanding appliance has a removable top.
A dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste-water outlet, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. Check that these are accessible where you plan to put it, whatever type of exterior it has.
Plan to supply the kitchen door panel separately: UFC-Que Choisir describes built-in models as supplied without a panel, and Electrolux states this for its EES48200L. Before ordering, check the panel dimensions and that it’s compatible with the fixings on your chosen model.