Which type of dishwasher is right for you?

Kitchen without fitted units

If you’re fitting out a kitchen without a housing space for a built-in appliance, a freestanding model could be suitable, provided you have the space and the necessary connections. UFC-Que Choisir describes freestanding appliances as having their own finished exterior, while Bosch sets out the connections you’ll need.

Kitchen with a housing space

If your kitchen has a housing space, decide whether you want the controls fully hidden behind a door panel or prefer to keep the control panel visible. UFC-Que Choisir explains the need for a housing space, and Electrolux shows an example of a semi-integrated model with a visible control panel.

Small kitchen

If a standard-size appliance won’t fit, consider a compact model, provided its capacity is enough for your usual load of dishes. Candy France lists a table-top model with capacity for 6 place settings, while UFC-Que Choisir stresses the importance of matching capacity to your needs.

What should you check before choosing?

UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between freestanding models, designed to remain visible, and appliances intended for a housing space. Measure the available space and check the water supply, drainage and electrical supply before comparing models.

What matters to you What to check before buying Who it matters most to
Installing without a housing space Measure the height, width and depth, and check the door clearance. Locate the water supply, drainage and electrical supply. If my kitchen doesn’t have a housing space, I’m looking for a freestanding appliance that can remain visible. Around 36% of consumers prioritise installation without a housing space.
Fitting the appliance in with the kitchen units Compare the dimensions of the housing space with the model’s installation diagram, then check the door panel, its fixings and its clearance. If I have a housing space, I want to know whether the controls will be hidden or visible, and whether the door panel will fit. Around 29% of consumers prioritise fitting the appliance into a housing space.
Saving space Measure the available space and compare the stated capacity with the amount of washing-up you need to do; check the dimensions of the exact model. If a standard-size appliance won’t fit in my kitchen, I’ll consider a compact model, but only if it has enough capacity for my needs. Around 21% of consumers prioritise a compact footprint.
Comparing running costs For models that suit your kitchen, compare kWh per 100 Eco cycles and litres per Eco cycle on the same basis. If more than one size works for me, I want to compare the stated energy use without confusing it with my actual household bill. Around 14% of consumers prioritise running costs.

The European Commission presents the energy-label consumption figures for Eco cycles. They let you compare appliances on a like-for-like basis, but they cannot by themselves predict a household’s energy bill.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Ordering a built-in model as if it were freestanding

    A built-in appliance is designed for a housing space and a suitable door panel. The type of panel and how it is fitted determine whether the appliance is compatible with your kitchen units.

    Check the installation diagram, compatible door panel and fixing method before choosing a model, as UFC-Que Choisir recommends for built-in appliances.

  • Assuming a table-top compact model will fit anywhere

    You’ll need to allow space for the appliance, its door to open and its connections. For the CP 6E51LS, check the height in the documentation for the exact model before confirming where it will go.

    Measure the space available and consult the installation instructions for your chosen model before ordering.

  • Treating Eco consumption figures as a bill estimate

    Energy-label figures help you compare appliances under standardised conditions; they are not enough to predict a household’s energy use.

    Compare Eco figures and capacities for models that suit your kitchen, but don’t treat the label as a guarantee of savings. The European Commission defines the consumption data associated with the Eco programme.

Brands to consider for different installations

Bosch

An example of a freestanding dishwasher for a space without a built-in housing unit.

  • Bosch Électroménager France lists dimensions of 845 × 600 × 600 mm and water consumption of 9,5 l per Eco cycle for the SMS4HTI48E.
  • These specifications apply to this model. Check the dimensions and figures for your chosen programme before buying.

Electrolux

An example of a semi-integrated model for a kitchen with a housing space and a visible control panel.

  • Electrolux France lists capacity for 13 place settings and a visible control panel for the KEGB7400IK.
  • The product information states that the model is supplied without a door panel. Check the dimensions of the housing space and the required panel.

Candy

An example of a compact table-top dishwasher for smaller loads.

  • Candy France lists capacity for 6 place settings for the CP 6E51LS.
  • Check the model’s height in its documentation before deciding where to put it.

Miele

An example of a fully integrated model for a housing space where the appliance needs to be hidden behind a door panel.

  • Miele France lists a fully integrated control panel and consumption of 54 kWh per 100 Eco cycles for the G 7260 SCVi.
  • Check that the housing space and door panel are compatible with this model. These details don’t describe the brand’s entire range.

Beko

An example of a freestanding dishwasher to consider when capacity matters and the appliance can remain visible.

  • Beko France lists capacity for 14 place settings for the BDFN26440X.
  • Check the dimensions of the space and the model information. The manufacturer’s washing and drying claims are not an independent comparison.

Dishwashers available on Joybuy

This selection includes a table-top compact model, a built-in model and freestanding models. Choose based on your measured space, whether you have a housing unit and how much washing-up you need to do.

Heinrich's HTG 8840, compact table-top dishwasher

Heinrich's HTG 8840, compact table-top dishwasher

Worth considering if you’re looking for a table-top model for smaller loads. Check that its capacity suits your everyday dishes.

6 place settings; 7 programmes, including ECO, glass and quick.

View on Joybuy
Hotpoint H3BFD536W, 60 cm built-in dishwasher

Hotpoint H3BFD536W, 60 cm built-in dishwasher

Consider this if your kitchen has a suitable housing space and you’re looking for a built-in appliance.

60 cm; 14 place settings; D rated.

View on Joybuy
Hotpoint H3FFD636X, 60 cm stainless steel freestanding dishwasher

Hotpoint H3FFD636X, 60 cm stainless steel freestanding dishwasher

Worth considering if you have space without a built-in housing unit and want a freestanding model. Make sure you have enough width.

14 place settings; D rated.

View on Joybuy
Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX, 60 cm freestanding dishwasher

Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX, 60 cm freestanding dishwasher

Consider this if you’re looking for a 60 cm freestanding model for a space without a built-in housing unit.

14 place settings; C rated; 41 dB(A); 9,5 l per Eco cycle; third cutlery drawer.

View on Joybuy
Whirlpool WH6FC14BN70X, 60 cm freestanding dishwasher

Whirlpool WH6FC14BN70X, 60 cm freestanding dishwasher

Worth considering if you have space for a 60 cm freestanding model and need capacity for 14 place settings.

C rated; third cutlery drawer.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which connections should you check before choosing a location?

Locate the water supply, drainage and electrical supply, then compare their positions with the model’s instructions. If your project requires a new electrical circuit for the dishwasher, have the relevant installation checked; Legrand says a dedicated circuit is required in this case.

Can you use a built-in dishwasher without a unit or door panel?

Don’t choose it as if it were a freestanding model: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a built-in appliance is designed for a housing space and a suitable door panel. A semi-integrated model keeps the control panel visible, but still needs a door panel beneath it.

How can you compare stated energy use?

The European energy label shows, among other things, kWh per 100 Eco cycles and litres per Eco cycle. The European Commission presents these figures on a standardised basis. Compare appliances with a capacity that suits your needs, but don’t treat these figures as a bill estimate.

What maintenance will you need to do after installation?

Check your model’s instructions for recommended maintenance. Bosch, for example, advises cleaning the filter in its dishwashers to maintain good washing results. This is the manufacturer’s recommendation and does not set a universal interval for all brands.

What statutory guarantee applies when buying from a trader in France?

For eligible goods sold by a trader to a private individual in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory. In its guidance dated 9 September 2026, the Ministry of the Economy states that a claim must be brought within two years of the goods being delivered. Any additional commercial guarantee offered is optional and separate from this statutory right.