First, choose a dishwasher that fits the available space and can be connected to the water supply, electricity and waste outlet. A freestanding model means you don’t need to match a specific cabinet recess or door panel. For an integrated model, check that these elements are compatible. If space is tight, consider a 45 cm model, but don’t overlook its capacity.
If there’s already space for a dishwasher in your kitchen, check the appliance dimensions and access to the water supply, electricity and waste outlet before ordering. Bosch Home Appliances notes that all three connections are needed for installation.
A space that can be used as it is makes installation simpler. For furnished rentals, ANIL states that any changes to the property or its fixtures require the landlord’s written permission.
If space is limited, a 45 cm model may be a good option. Bosch, Beko and Miele all offer models in this size; also compare the place settings and basket layout with the dishes you use regularly.
When choosing your first dishwasher for a fitted kitchen, check that it can be installed before comparing capacity, energy and water use, and noise levels. A 45 cm model can be freestanding: width and installation type are two separate choices.
Consider this if: there’s a suitable space with the necessary connections, and you don’t need to match a cabinet recess or door panel.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible, and its dimensions need to suit both the space and the route into your kitchen.
Consider this if: your kitchen has a suitable cabinet recess and you want the appliance to blend in with your units.
Bear in mind: the recess, door panel and fixings must be compatible with the model you choose. Whirlpool states that the decorative door panel for its WH2ITD14B4N6L model is not supplied.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Appliance dimensions and clearances specified in the manual; access to the water supply, electricity and waste outlet. | If I want to use an existing kitchen without any unwelcome surprises on delivery, making sure the appliance can be connected comes before its features. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Width and capacity | Model width, stated place settings and basket layout. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to make sure the appliance fits without choosing a capacity that’s too small for the dishes I use regularly. Around 29% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Water and energy use | On the label: kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity and Eco programme duration. | If I run the dishwasher regularly, I want to compare consumption on a like-for-like basis while also taking the cycle duration into account. Around 21% of consumers would put these figures first. |
| Noise | Noise emissions in dB(A) and the model’s noise class; conditions for any quiet programme. | With an open-plan kitchen or one close to a bedroom, I want to know the stated noise level before considering running cycles in the evening. Noise would be the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Two appliances with a similar width may differ in height, depth or installation requirements. According to Bosch, its freestanding SMS2HVI02E measures 845 × 600 × 600 mm.
Measure the space and the route into your kitchen, then compare these measurements with the specification and manual for your chosen model, including the clearance needed with the door open.
An integrated model needs a compatible cabinet recess and door panel. Whirlpool states that the decorative door panel for its WH2ITD14B4N6L is not supplied.
Before choosing an integrated model, check the required dimensions and fixings, whether the door panel is included and how installation works.
You may need to arrange the door panel, its fixings or installation separately.
The letter rating doesn’t tell you how much water a dishwasher uses, how long a programme takes, its capacity or how noisy it is. ADEME gives energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle, among other details.
Compare the information on the labels of the models you’re considering, then check that their capacity suits the amount of washing-up you usually have.
For furnished rentals, ANIL states that any changes to the property or its fixtures require the landlord’s written permission.
If installation involves alterations, explain what’s involved to your landlord and get their written permission before arranging the work.
Bosch offers freestanding dishwashers in 45 cm and 60 cm widths to suit different spaces and amounts of washing-up.
Beko’s French range includes 45 cm freestanding models designed for narrower spaces.
Whirlpool offers, among other options, the 60 cm integrated WH2ITD14B4N6L for kitchens with a suitable cabinet recess.
Miele offers, among other models, the G 5740 SC SL, a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher.
The key question is whether installation will alter the property or its fixtures. For furnished rentals, ANIL states that changes of this kind require the landlord’s written permission. Check the existing connections and get permission before making any alterations.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise information. ADEME and the European regulation on energy labelling for household dishwashers base these reference figures on the Eco programme; they won’t exactly reflect every use at home.
Not necessarily. The width helps you work around space constraints, but the capacity also needs to suit the amount of washing-up you build up between cycles. Beko and Miele offer examples of 45 cm models with 10 and 9 place settings respectively; take a look at the basket layout too.
It depends on the connections already in place and the instructions for your chosen model. Bosch Home Appliances says you’ll need access to the water supply, electricity and waste outlet. Check the model’s manual and, if an installation service is available, confirm exactly what it covers.