Before choosing a dishwasher for a house share, check the available space, plumbing connections and whether any changes would be needed in your rented kitchen. A freestanding or integrated model may work if it can be installed with the existing set-up. If space is limited, compare slimline and countertop models, taking account of the capacity per load, noise and the consumption figures on the energy label.
If your kitchen has a space you can measure near a water supply and waste outlet, compare models that will actually fit there. Place settings, basket layout and noise levels are also important when you’re sharing the washing-up.
Choosing a dishwasher that works with the existing fittings can help you avoid altering the kitchen. If installation means modifying a unit or rented fixture, ask your landlord for written permission first. This is the condition highlighted by ANIL for alterations to rented premises or equipment.
If a standard freestanding dishwasher won’t fit, measure the width, height and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. A slimline model, countertop dishwasher and compact integrated model all need different spaces and are loaded differently.
First rule out any types that won’t fit your kitchen, then compare the capacity and usage figures for the models that remain.
| Factor | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the door clearance, connections and the model’s instructions. For an integrated dishwasher, check the cabinet opening and door system too. Bosch recommends measuring the space before buying. | “I want a dishwasher that fits in the kitchen without blocking the way or requiring unplanned changes to the property.” |
| Capacity and loading | Compare the stated capacity in place settings and check the basket layout for the specific model. For a countertop dishwasher, also check how much worktop space it will take up. | “Our plates, pans and cutlery need to fit into loads that suit our everyday meals.” |
| Noise | Check the model’s stated noise level in dB and the information on its energy label. Consider how close the kitchen is to living areas and bedrooms. | “If the kitchen is open-plan or near bedrooms, I want to be able to choose when cycles run without overlooking the noise.” |
| Water and electricity | ADEME says the energy label shows electricity use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. Compare these figures between models, along with the duration of the relevant programme. | “We’ll share the dishwasher, so I want to compare its stated consumption with the number of cycles we’re likely to run.” |
| Care and repairs | Look for the manual, full model number and information about parts and repairs for the specific model. Whirlpool France, for example, lets you search for manuals and parts by model number. | “If the dishwasher breaks down, we want to be able to find its documentation and check what repair options are available for that model.” |
A cabinet opening may be wide enough but still be unsuitable because of its height, depth or the dishwasher’s door system. In a rented kitchen, modifying a unit may also count as an alteration that requires your landlord’s written permission, as ANIL points out.
Take all the measurements and compare them with the model’s installation diagram, including the door and any front panel. Get written permission before making any alterations.
Adding a front panel or modifying a unit could mean extra work as part of the planned installation.
The energy rating doesn’t tell you how much water a cycle uses or how much electricity the dishwasher uses per 100 cycles. ADEME says these figures are shown on the energy label.
Compare figures for models with a size and capacity that suit your needs, then consider how often you’re likely to run them in your house share.
A cycle running near living areas or bedrooms could disturb other housemates, even if the dishwasher fits and has enough capacity.
Check the stated noise level for each model and agree when the dishwasher would usually be run.
A countertop model takes up worktop space, while a compact integrated dishwasher needs a suitable unit. Bosch distinguishes between these two types of installation, so don’t choose one based on the word “compact” alone.
Check the space, stated capacity, water connection and waste outlet requirements in the instructions for the model you’re considering.
If your everyday loads don’t fit, you’ll need to run more cycles.
These ranges offer a starting point for exploring different installation types. Always check the specifications and repair options for the specific model.
Bosch’s French range includes 60 cm and 45 cm freestanding dishwashers, as well as integrated models, compact integrated models and countertop dishwashers.
Beko France offers 45 cm freestanding dishwashers, which may be worth considering if a floor-standing model will fit but space is limited.
Whirlpool France offers 45 cm and 60 cm dishwashers, including integrated models, and provides a service for finding manuals and parts.
These models show three installation types to compare for a house share: a 60 cm integrated dishwasher, a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher and a countertop model. First check which type your kitchen can accommodate.
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Worth considering if your shared kitchen has a cabinet opening for a 60 cm integrated dishwasher. It has a stated capacity of 13 place settings. Check the installation dimensions, door and consumption figures for this model before choosing.
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This integrated model has a stated capacity of 14 place settings, making it suitable for shared loads. Check that the cabinet opening and door are compatible, then look at the consumption figures: the class E rating alone doesn’t tell you how much it uses.
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Compare its stated capacity of 13 place settings with the usual loads in your house share. For this 60 cm integrated model, check the cabinet-opening diagram, door and water and electricity figures for the exact model.
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This freestanding model may be worth considering if you have space for a floor-standing dishwasher and the necessary connections. Its specifications list 14 place settings and 41 dB. Measure the available space and check the energy label to compare its consumption.
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This type may be worth considering if your kitchen has limited floor space but a suitable worktop. The product name states that it has a 5 L water tank. Check the instructions for loading capacity, water supply and waste outlet requirements to make sure it will work with your set-up.
If installation involves altering the rented property or its fixtures, get written permission before any work begins. ANIL highlights this requirement for alterations made by tenants. Even if the dishwasher can be installed without making changes, check that the connections and instructions allow it to be fitted in your kitchen.
Measure the width, height and depth of the cabinet opening, then check the door clearance and door system against the diagram for the exact model. Bosch recommends measuring the space before buying an integrated dishwasher. A stated width of 45 cm or 60 cm alone doesn’t guarantee it will fit.
According to ADEME, the energy label shows electricity use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. Compare both figures between dishwashers that meet your space and capacity requirements, rather than relying on the energy rating alone.
It could be an option if floor space is limited, provided the worktop, capacity and installation suit the household’s meals. Bosch distinguishes countertop dishwashers from compact integrated models. For every model, check the instructions for water supply and waste outlet requirements too.
Note down the full model number and look for its manual, along with information about parts and repairs. Whirlpool France, for example, lets you search for manuals and parts by model number. Check the options available for the specific model you’re considering.