When planning your kitchen, first decide between the flexibility of a freestanding dishwasher and an integrated model designed to fit a dedicated space behind a matching door. If space is limited, consider a 45 cm or compact model, depending on how much washing-up you produce. In an open-plan kitchen, compare the noise levels shown on the energy label too.
If you haven’t finalised your kitchen units yet, plan the dishwasher’s position and installation type together. According to Que Choisir, a freestanding model gives you more flexibility when arranging your kitchen, while an integrated appliance needs to be factored into the cabinetry.
Limited width may make a 45 cm model a good option, provided its capacity suits your everyday washing-up. Que Choisir points out that a slimline model with around nine place settings may need to be run daily in a small household.
If the dishwasher runs near your living area, it’s worth comparing noise levels across models. Que Choisir highlights noise as a factor to consider carefully in an open-plan kitchen, and the energy label shows each appliance’s noise emissions.
Start with the space available and how much washing-up you need to fit in, then compare noise levels and energy use on a like-for-like basis.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the space and check the connections. For an appliance installed under a worktop, check the model’s dimensions and installation instructions. For an integrated model, check the housing and door panel too. Que Choisir highlights the flexibility of freestanding models compared with the requirements of an integrated installation. | I’d like the flexibility to change my layout, or I already have a dedicated space and door panel planned for the appliance. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the available width, stated place settings and basket layout. According to Que Choisir, a 45 cm model with around nine place settings may suit a small household, although it may need to be run every day. | Space is limited, but I need enough room for the washing-up I produce each day. If I have less to wash, I’ll also consider a compact model. |
| Noise | Compare the noise emissions shown on each model’s energy label. ADEME notes that noise classes A and B indicate particularly quiet appliances. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to consider the noise from cycles running while people are talking or spending time in the living area. |
| Energy and water use | Check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per reference cycle and Eco programme duration. The European Commission says these figures are shown on dishwasher energy labels. | I want to compare electricity use, water use and cycle duration rather than relying on the energy class alone. |
Having enough width isn’t enough if the height, depth, door panel or clearances prevent installation. Bosch, for example, offers built-in appliances measuring 81 cm and 86 cm in height.
Measure the housing and the height beneath the worktop, then compare them with the instructions for the model you’re considering and its door-fixing system.
You may need to buy a matching door panel separately.
A 45 cm appliance may need to run more often if its capacity isn’t large enough for your household. So width alone won’t tell you how much energy it uses.
First choose a capacity that suits your needs, then compare the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per reference cycle shown on the energy labels.
This description won’t help you compare two models in an open-plan kitchen. Que Choisir considers noise an important factor in this type of layout.
Check each appliance’s noise emissions on its energy label and think about when you plan to run the cycles.
In France, ANIL advises that you need the landlord’s written permission to make changes to rented premises or equipment. Choosing an integrated model may involve altering the units or connections.
Work out exactly what needs to be changed and get written permission before carrying out any alterations. A straightforward connection that doesn’t involve changes is a different matter.
These ranges give you examples of the configurations to consider. Always check the dimensions and specifications of the specific model you choose.
Bosch Home Appliances France offers 45 cm freestanding and integrated dishwashers, as well as built-in models in different heights.
Siemens Home Appliances France offers several fully integrated 45 cm dishwashers.
Beko France offers 45 cm freestanding dishwashers for narrower spaces.
Miele France offers freestanding and built-in dishwashers, including a fully integrated 45 cm model.
These Joybuy options include freestanding appliances for a kitchen you’re fitting out, as well as a built-in model for a space planned within your units. Check their exact dimensions against your plans before choosing.
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A freestanding model is a good fit if your kitchen doesn’t have a space designed for an integrated appliance. This model is listed with 14 place settings and energy class C. Check its external dimensions before deciding where to put it, as the detailed measurements don’t clearly match the stated width of 60 cm.
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This freestanding model is listed with 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Before deciding where to put it, check its external dimensions: the detailed measurements don’t clearly match the stated width of 60 cm in the description.
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This model is worth considering for a fitted kitchen that doesn’t need an integrated door panel. Its name indicates 41 dB and energy class C. If you plan to install it beneath a worktop, check the available height, clearances and installation instructions for this model.
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This energy class C built-in model is listed with 13 place settings. Before planning your kitchen units, check the housing dimensions, whether the door panel is compatible and whether it’s included. In a rented home in France, any alterations to the premises or equipment require the landlord’s written permission, as ANIL reminds tenants.
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This freestanding model is listed with 14 place settings and energy class E. If you’re thinking of installing it beneath a worktop, compare the available height with the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model.
In France, you need the landlord’s written permission to make changes to rented premises or equipment, as ANIL explains in relation to Article 7 f of the law of 6 July 1989. Before ordering, check whether the planned installation involves altering the units or equipment. This rule doesn’t mean that a straightforward connection with no alterations always requires the same permission.
Compare the noise emissions and noise class shown on the energy labels of the models you’re considering. ADEME describes appliances in noise classes A and B as particularly quiet. Also think about when the dishwasher will be running near your living area.
The European Commission says the label includes the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise emissions. Compare energy and water use on the same basis, and check separately that the capacity suits your needs.
It may be suitable, depending on how much washing-up you produce, but that isn’t guaranteed. Que Choisir says a 45 cm model with around nine place settings may meet the needs of a small household, although it may need to run every day. Check the stated capacity and how much you can actually fit in the baskets.