In an existing small kitchen, start by checking the available space with the door open, along with the accessible connections. Gifam’s approximate capacity guidelines are 6 place settings for a compact model, 9 to 10 for a 45 cm model and 12 to 15 for a freestanding 60 cm model. Compare these capacities with the amount of washing-up you build up between cycles. Only consider an integrated model if its housing, door panel and installation requirements are compatible with that specific model.
A compact tabletop model is worth considering if you have room for it on your worktop and don’t generate too much washing-up. Also check the clearance needed in front of the door and the available connections.
If a compact model would be too small, a freestanding or integrated 45 cm model may offer more capacity. Gifam generally puts this size at 9 to 10 place settings; check the depth and door clearance of the model you choose.
Before replacing a cupboard or making lasting changes to the fittings, discuss your plans with your landlord if you rent. In a leasehold property, check with the managing agent whether the work affects communal areas or the structure, as outlined by ANIL.
First work out which sizes will actually fit in your kitchen, then compare capacity and installation requirements before weighing up the models’ energy labels.
| Consideration | What to check | To suit my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and capacity | Compare the available floor or worktop space, then check the place settings for the exact model. Gifam’s approximate guidelines are 6 place settings for a compact model, 9 to 10 for a 45 cm model and 12 to 15 for a freestanding 60 cm model; some models fall outside these guidelines. | I want to wash the dishes that build up between cycles without choosing an appliance that’s too large for the space available. |
| Dimensions and door clearance | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the clearance needed with the door open using the dimensioned drawing. For example, BUT gives an open-door depth of 1 155 mm at 90° for the Bosch SPS4HKW49E. | The door needs to open without blocking the walkway or access to nearby cupboards, even if the appliance fits in its space. |
| Connections | Check the manual for water, drainage and electrical requirements, and make sure the connections are accessible. A model with a manual-fill water tank, if applicable, still needs to be checked for drainage requirements. | I want to install the appliance without having to improvise electrical or plumbing changes. |
| Under-worktop or integrated installation | For a freestanding model under a worktop, check that the manufacturer allows this installation and, if applicable, removal of the appliance’s top panel. For an integrated model, compare the installation diagram with the housing, door panel and intended fixings. | If I’m replacing a cupboard, I want to know whether the model will genuinely fit into my kitchen, not just whether its width seems suitable. |
| Energy label and noise | Once you’ve found a suitable capacity, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and dB(A). ADEME says the energy label displays these indicators; the energy and water measurements are based on the Eco programme. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise levels matter to me just as much as consumption and the duration of the cycle used for comparison. |
| Changes to the kitchen | Decide what work you’re planning before choosing an integrated model. ANIL notes that altering rented premises or fittings requires the landlord’s written consent. In a leasehold property, check which rules apply if communal areas or the structure are affected. | I want to understand the difference between simply installing an appliance and making lasting changes that require prior arrangements. |
A dishwasher may fit into its space but still obstruct the walkway when the door is open. The open-door measurement of 1 155 mm published by BUT applies specifically to the Bosch SPS4HKW49E, not to every 45 cm model.
Measure the space in front of the appliance and check the dimensioned drawing for the model you’re considering.
The water supply may vary depending on the model, but drainage and electrical requirements still need checking. A small size alone doesn’t mean installation will be possible.
Check the manual and make sure the connections are accessible before setting aside worktop space.
Replacing a cupboard, adapting a door panel or altering fittings raises different questions from installing an appliance without changing the kitchen. ANIL distinguishes between alterations to rented accommodation and leasehold work that affects communal areas or the structure.
If you rent, get your landlord’s written consent before making alterations. In a leasehold property, explain the work to the managing agent to find out what steps are needed.
The letter doesn’t tell you about the capacity you need, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration or noise levels. ADEME recommends checking all the indicators on the label.
Compare these figures across appliances that are the right size and capacity for your kitchen.
These manufacturers’ models are useful for comparing sizes and specifications; each feature applies only to the model mentioned.
Bosch publishes dimensions and installation guidance for a range of sizes, making it easier to check whether an appliance will fit an existing space.
Beko’s French range includes 45 cm freestanding dishwashers to consider when floor space is limited.
Electrolux offers 45 and 60 cm integrated models, with specifications that let you compare capacity and installation requirements.
This selection includes a compact tabletop model, several standard-size freestanding models and a 60 cm integrated model. Compare each one with your measurements: being featured here doesn’t confirm that it will fit your housing or connections.
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Consider this model if your kitchen has housing for a 60 cm integrated dishwasher and its capacity suits your everyday washing-up. The product listing gives it a B energy rating; check the installation diagram, including the compatible door panel and door clearance, before choosing this model.
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This size is worth considering if you have around 60 cm of floor space and need to wash larger loads than a compact model can handle. The product name lists a noise level of 41 dB and a C energy rating. Also check the clearance beneath the worktop if you plan to install it there, as well as the space needed for the door to open.
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Compare its tabletop size and stated capacity of 3 place settings with the space available and the amount of washing-up you build up between cycles. The product is listed with 7 programmes and a manual-fill water tank; check the manual for drainage and electrical requirements, and the space needed to open the door.
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Compare this freestanding model with other standard-size options if your space can accommodate the appliance and its open door. The product name lists 7 cycles; before installing it under a worktop, check the dimensions and installation requirements for this model.
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This model is suited to a space that can accommodate a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher and a household that will make use of its 14-place-setting capacity. Its E energy rating is included in the product name. To check whether it can fit under a worktop, consult the installation dimensions and make sure there’s enough room in front of the door.
Not necessarily: think about how much washing-up you produce between washes, rather than just the number of people in your household. Gifam gives around 6 place settings as a guideline for compact models, but check the capacity of the specific model; a 45 cm appliance generally offers 9 to 10 place settings.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check the clearance in front of the open door. For an integrated model, also compare the housing and door panel with the installation diagram for the exact model; the stated width alone isn’t enough.
Check the manual for water, drainage and electrical requirements, and make sure the intended connections are accessible. If installation requires electrical or plumbing work, ask a suitably qualified professional to assess the job.
Compare appliances with a suitable capacity by checking the full energy label: kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level in dB(A). ADEME says these figures are among the label’s criteria; the energy rating letter alone doesn’t sum up day-to-day use.
It depends on what changes are needed: installing an appliance in a reversible way is different from altering the property or its fittings. ANIL notes that alterations to rented accommodation require the landlord’s written consent; ask before making lasting changes to a cupboard, door panel or connection.