Measure the available width, height and depth, then check the model’s instructions: its dimensions alone don’t guarantee that it will fit or that the door will open, as Bosch Home Appliances France points out. If a slimline dishwasher fits the space and its connections, it could give you more capacity. If not, consider a compact model in a suitable location, or a solution that doesn’t involve buying another appliance.
You want an appliance with useful capacity in a fitted kitchen. Check the dimensions of the space and the installation type rather than relying on the “45 cm” label alone. Bosch Home Appliances France recommends measuring the space; UFC-Que Choisir describes 9-place-setting models as suitable for a small family.
A compact freestanding model could be an option if you have a location that meets the requirements in its instructions and are happy with a smaller capacity. UFC-Que Choisir describes 6-place-setting dishwashers as models designed to sit on a worktop.
Compare possible locations and installation requirements before choosing a capacity or brand. Check the model’s instructions alongside the connections actually available in your home.
Consider this if: the dimensions, space, connections and door clearance all meet the requirements in the instructions for the exact model.
Bear in mind: the stated width alone doesn’t confirm that it will fit; built-in installation may also require a suitable furniture door.
Consider this if: the floor-level space isn’t suitable, but you have a worktop or another location that meets the installation requirements.
Bear in mind: it will take up another surface in your kitchen and may have a smaller capacity.
Consider this if: there’s a location away from the existing space with the right dimensions, connections and clearance.
Bear in mind: even a slimline appliance may be too tall or too deep to fit under a worktop.
Consider this if: no available location meets the dimensions and installation requirements for an appliance that suits your needs.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to wash up by hand.
First, check that you have enough space and that installation is possible. Then compare capacity, stated energy and water use, noise and maintenance.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and door clearance | Measure the space at several points and check the overall dimensions and installation plan for the exact model, including the door and clearance. | I want to know whether the appliance and its door will actually fit, not just read “45 cm”; consumers who prioritise this fit are estimated to account for around 34%. |
| Connections and installation | Compare the instructions with the available water supply, waste outlet and location. Don’t assume that changes to your home will be possible. | I want to install the appliance as specified, without relying on building work; consumers who prioritise this feasibility are estimated to account for around 27%. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings and check whether the racks can hold the dishes and utensils you use. | I want to wash my usual load without choosing a format that won’t suit it; consumers who prioritise this capacity are estimated to account for around 20%. |
| Energy use and noise | Once you’ve confirmed that installation is possible, compare the models’ labels on a like-for-like basis: energy use per 100 eco cycles, water per cycle and noise emissions. The European label includes these details. | I want to compare installable models based on their stated energy and water use or noise levels, especially if the appliance is near a living area; consumers who prioritise these factors are estimated to account for around 13%. |
| Maintenance and repairability | Check the maintenance instructions in the manual and look up the repairability index for the model in question. The French Ministry of the Economy states that this index applies to dishwashers. | I want to take maintenance and repair options into account after installation; consumers who prioritise these factors are estimated to account for around 6%. |
This width alone doesn’t tell you the model’s height, depth, door clearance or installation requirements.
Measure the available space in your kitchen and compare it with the product details and installation plan for the exact model.
The terms “compact” and “table top” don’t confirm that an appliance can be installed in an enclosed space.
Before choosing where to put it, check the manual for approved locations, clearance, and water supply and waste requirements.
An energy rating doesn’t replace checking that installation is possible or comparing label data on a like-for-like basis. The eco programme is part of the stated measurement conditions for energy and water use.
Once you’ve identified models that can be installed, compare their label data and check the maintenance instructions.
The BDFS26040X can be used as a point of comparison for a slimline freestanding dishwasher.
The CP 6E51LS is a compact worktop model to consider if you have another suitable location.
The WSFO 3O34 PF X is a slimline freestanding model to consider for a suitable location.
Bosch guides and manuals can help you check the installation requirements for a specific model.
Consider these worktop models if the existing space isn’t suitable and you have a separate location that meets their installation requirements.
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Consider this if a worktop location is more suitable than the existing space and the stated capacity of 4 place settings meets your needs.
The product name gives dimensions of 37 × 50 cm; the description lists a built-in 5 L water tank and two water supply options.
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Consider this if you’re looking for an appliance to sit outside the existing space and want to compare its stated capacity with your usual dishes.
The description lists a built-in 5 L water tank, a two-tier rack and a stated capacity of more than 40 items.
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Consider this if you have a location away from the existing space and are looking for a compact capacity.
The description states a capacity of 4 place settings, dimensions of 45,8 × 42,8 × 42,5 cm and two water supply options, including a built-in 5 L water tank.
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Consider this if you need a compact appliance for a worktop location and want to avoid a permanent connection.
The description lists a manually filled water tank, 7 programmes and dimensions of 420 × 436 × 465 mm.
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Consider this if a compact appliance can be installed in a location away from the existing space.
The description lists a built-in 5 L water tank that must be filled manually, an option to connect to a tap and dimensions of 420 × 435 × 435 mm. The product name states 6+3 programmes.
No. Check all three dimensions for the exact model, then consult its manual for installation requirements and door clearance. Bosch Home Appliances France recommends measuring the space before buying.
The word “compact” doesn’t confirm that an appliance can be built in. Check the manual to make sure the intended location meets the requirements for installation, clearance, water supply and waste.
Compare the available connections with the manual for the exact model. Bosch Home Appliances France recommends checking the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions before installation; this doesn’t mean you’re authorised to make changes to your home.
Compare the label data on a like-for-like basis: the European label includes electricity use per 100 cycles of the eco programme and water use per cycle. You can also compare the stated noise level, consumables and maintenance separately.
The statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that consumers have two years to claim under this guarantee for a new product; a commercial extended warranty is separate.
The French Ministry of the Economy states that dishwashers are covered by the repairability index. The durability index has replaced it for some other product categories, but not for dishwashers.