In a rented or shared kitchen, first choose a dishwasher whose location and connections meet the requirements in the model’s manual. Don’t assume that alterations will be allowed. A freestanding model may work if there’s space on the floor and the connections are already in place. For a compact model, check its capacity and exact installation requirements. An integrated model needs a compatible recess, and if the kitchen has to be altered, you’ll need to clarify what permissions are required.
If there’s space near the sink, you can compare the capacity of freestanding models. Just be sure to measure their height and depth, and check the requirements in their manuals. Noise and energy and water use also matter when choosing a specific model.
Choosing a capacity that suits everyone’s dishes isn’t enough: also consider how much space the model takes up and how noisy it is. These factors may carry more weight in an open-plan kitchen or one used at different times of day.
A compact model is worth considering if space is limited, but check its water supply and drainage requirements in the manual. For an integrated model, first check the recess, door panel and installation or removal requirements. Service-Public.fr notes that some alterations made by tenants require the landlord’s permission.
Start by checking the connections and space actually available, then compare the model’s capacity and usage requirements. The three types need different amounts of space in an existing kitchen.
Consider this if: there’s space on the floor and the connections required by the manual are already in place.
Bear in mind: even a slim appliance can be quite deep and may obstruct a doorway or walkway.
Consider this if: floor space is limited but there’s a stable surface available.
Bear in mind: a compact size doesn’t guarantee enough capacity for everyone, or an installation that needs no connections.
Consider this if: there’s already a suitable recess and the installation requirements in the property have been clarified.
Bear in mind: the door panel, fixings and potential removal all add compatibility requirements.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Connections without alterations | Compare the manual for the exact model with the existing water supply, drainage and electrical supply. Also check that the cable and hoses won’t be crushed. | If I can’t alter the kitchen, I need to know whether the appliance can be installed as it is; around 31% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Size and capacity | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the clearance in front of the door. Then compare the model’s place settings capacity. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to open and load the appliance while still having enough room for the household’s dishes. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Moving and alterations | Check the tenancy agreement and inventory. For an integrated model, check the recess, fixings and door panel. Discuss any planned alterations with the landlord. | If I’m planning to take the appliance with me when I move, I’d rather avoid an installation that requires changes to the units. Around 25% of consumers put the option to remove it first. |
| Noise and shared use | Check the noise level in dB(A) and the energy label information for the exact model, including water per cycle and energy per 100 cycles. | When the kitchen is shared or open-plan, I want to minimise disruption during cycles and know how much energy and water it uses; around 19% of consumers prioritise these day-to-day considerations. |
ADEME explains that dishwasher energy labels show information including noise, water use per reference cycle and energy use per 100 cycles. Compare figures based on the same criteria, and bear in mind how long the eco programme takes if several people use the appliance.
A slim freestanding model can still be deep: Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm for its SPS2HMI02E. So a suitable width doesn’t guarantee the door will open without hitting a unit or blocking the walkway.
Measure the space, the clearance in front of the appliance and the route into the kitchen, then compare these measurements with the model’s full dimensions.
The format alone doesn’t tell you how an appliance gets its water, drains it or connects to the power supply. These requirements depend on the model you choose.
Check the installation manual before buying and compare each requirement with the facilities already in the property.
The recess and door panel must suit the model. Whirlpool, for example, states that the decorative door panel isn’t supplied with its WH6IB10BS7LA0. Service-Public.fr also notes that some alterations made by tenants require the landlord’s permission.
Check the dimensions, fixing method and required door panel. If installation involves altering the kitchen, clarify the requirements with the landlord and get written confirmation before any work begins.
These examples highlight features to compare on specific models; they don’t represent every range from each brand.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a slim freestanding model and your kitchen already has a suitable space and connections.
A freestanding model worth comparing if a width of 45 cm suits the space you have in mind.
Consider an integrated model only if your rented kitchen has a suitable recess and the installation requirements have been clarified.
Check this before choosing an appliance. A model that connects to the mains needs a water supply, drainage and electrical supply that meet the requirements in its manual. If your plans involve altering the kitchen, Service-Public.fr notes that some work by tenants requires the landlord’s permission. Clarify this and get written confirmation before making any changes.
Check the dimensions of the recess, the connections, the fixings and the door panel required by the model. Also check your tenancy agreement and inventory: a suitable width alone doesn’t guarantee that the appliance can be installed and later removed without altering the kitchen.
Compare their energy labels using the same measures. ADEME says these labels provide information including noise, water use per reference cycle and energy use per 100 cycles. Also check the eco programme duration if it matters for shared use.
Yes, but first check that the appliance can be installed in your current kitchen and removed as required. To compare models that are suitable, check the repairability index and the available information about parts and repairs. Don’t assume these features make up for an incompatible installation.