You’re finalising your kitchen plan
The spaces, doors and clearances may still be adjusted. Before fixing the dimensions or door-opening direction, compare the unit plan with the installation diagram for the model you’re considering.
Who these choices are for
The right time to settle on a model depends largely on what can still change in your kitchen: the units, the connections or the installation date.
You’re keeping the existing connections
You want to choose appliances to suit the existing sockets, water supply, drainage or gas supply. Their location alone doesn’t confirm compatibility: check the model’s requirements, and ask a suitably qualified professional to assess any changes to the services.
You’re coordinating delivery with the end of the work
The room needs to be accessible and ready for the appliances on the agreed date. Treat delivery, fitting and commissioning as separate tasks: they may not all be included in the same service.
What to check before you buy
Choose an integrated appliance to suit the unit and the exact model. A freestanding appliance doesn’t need a dedicated cabinet door, but you still need to check the available space and connections. Keeping the existing services may help guide either choice, but it doesn’t replace checking the installation instructions.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Units and openings | Compare the finished space and clearances with the installation diagram for the exact model. For an integrated appliance, also confirm the cabinet door and how it will be attached. | If I’m having units made to fit around my appliances, I want to be able to open the doors and fit the cabinet fronts without altering the units. Around 33% of consumers make this integration a priority. |
| Existing connections | Locate the sockets, water supply, drainage and any gas supply, then check them against the installation instructions. For gas cooking, have the appliance location and the property’s ventilation checked. | If I’m keeping my kitchen’s existing services, I first look for appliances that will work in the available locations. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Delivery and fitting | Get a delivery date or timeframe in writing, and confirm what’s included in the fitting service if you’re booking one. | If the work isn’t finished, I need to be able to take delivery without confusing it with installation. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this coordination. |
| Use and maintenance | Compare energy, water and noise information for appliances in the same category, as well as the repairability information available for the models you’re considering. | Once my kitchen is fitted, I want to choose appliances based on how I’ll use and maintain them, not just how they’ll fit into the units. Around 17% of consumers put these criteria first. |
For dishwashers, ADEME and the European Commission list information such as electricity consumption in kWh per 100 cycles and water consumption in litres per cycle. Check the units and conditions shown rather than comparing energy labels by letter alone.
Mistakes to avoid
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Ordering an integrated appliance based on width alone
The stated width doesn’t tell you about every clearance or how a door or cabinet front will open once the unit is in place. Electrolux’s pre-installation guide advises checking the dimensions before delivery.
Keep the installation diagram for your chosen model, measure the finished space and decide who will make any necessary changes to the unit.
Altering a unit or cabinet front may require a separate visit, in addition to delivery.
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Assuming commissioning includes renovation work
The scope of a fitting service varies. The terms set out by Electrolux and BUT don’t mean you can assume that joinery, plumbing or electrical work will be carried out at delivery.
Before booking, ask what the service requires and excludes. Arrange any necessary work separately if the connections or units need to be changed.
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Treating a gas hob as a simple connection
For natural gas cooking appliances, Cegibat and GRDF outline requirements that include the appliance location and ventilation. Having a gas supply doesn’t, on its own, confirm that the new location is suitable.
Ask a suitably qualified professional to assess the planned set-up before settling on a model or changing the services.
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Choosing on energy rating alone
The energy rating doesn’t tell you whether an appliance will fit into your kitchen. For dishwashers, ADEME and the European Commission also publish energy and water consumption figures, shown in their respective units.
Compare these figures across models in the same category, then check the space, openings and connections required for each model.
Brands to check for installation instructions
A brand’s documentation can help you plan your project, but you should always check the instructions for your chosen model against your kitchen plan.
Electrolux
Worth checking if preparing for delivery and installation is an important part of your schedule.
- Electrolux’s French pre-installation guide advises checking the dimensions and clearing the space before delivery.
- The installation service described by the brand shouldn’t be confused with joinery, plumbing or electrical work. Check which service is included with your order.
Bosch
Worth checking if you want to find the documentation using the appliance’s exact model number.
- Bosch Home Appliances France lets you search for instructions by E-Nr., which is useful for checking the model you’re considering.
- A general range dimension isn’t a substitute for the installation diagram for the model you order.
Siemens
Worth checking if you’re coordinating instructions for several categories of kitchen appliances.
- Siemens Home Appliances France provides instructions and installation guides for its appliances.
- Check the document for each model before confirming a space, cabinet front or connection.
Appliances for different kitchen projects
These Joybuy models show the choice between a freestanding dishwasher and integrated appliances for a kitchen renovation. Before ordering, check each model against your project’s final dimensions, connections and schedule.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A, 14-place freestanding dishwasher
Consider this if you’re planning a freestanding dishwasher rather than one concealed behind a cabinet front. The model is listed as 60 cm wide, with a noise level of 41 dB and energy rating C. Check the available space, water supply and drainage before fitting.
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Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1, 13-place integrated dishwasher
Consider this if you’re planning a dedicated space and cabinet front for your dishwasher. The model is listed as 60 cm wide with energy rating B. Before finalising the unit, confirm the installation dimensions using the exact diagram. If noise matters to you, check the figure for this specific model too.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L integrated fridge freezer
Consider this if you want your fridge freezer to be integrated into your units. This model, with a top-mounted freezer, is listed with energy rating E. Before finalising the space and cabinet front, check the installation instructions, clearances and compatibility with the planned door panel.
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AEG IBS64200CB, 59 cm semi-flush induction hob
Consider this while planning your worktop and electrical supply. Before arranging the cut-out or connection, check the installation instructions for this model and ask a qualified professional to confirm the electrical set-up.
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Candy CA6 NP5B3HTX, 78 L built-in oven
Consider this if your units include a space for a built-in oven. This black model is listed with a power rating of 2100 W. Check the dimensions and clearances in its instructions, then have the electrical connection requirements confirmed before completing the unit.
Frequently asked questions
Is the width enough to choose a gas hob?
No. For natural gas cooking appliances, Cegibat and GRDF also highlight the importance of the appliance location and ventilation. Have your property’s set-up checked before choosing a hob, range cooker or gas oven. A single-flow mechanical ventilation system only meets air-renewal requirements under certain conditions.
Does commissioning include alterations to the kitchen?
Not necessarily. The services described by Electrolux and BUT have a defined scope, so you shouldn’t assume that joinery or plumbing and electrical alterations will be carried out. Read the terms of the service offered with your order and arrange any excluded work separately.
How can I time delivery to coincide with the end of the work?
Before ordering, compare when the room will be accessible with the delivery date or timeframe confirmed in writing. For purchases in France, the Ministry of the Economy reminds sellers that they must clearly state in writing when a product will be delivered. Confirm the fitting date separately if installation is planned.
What should I compare on the labels of two dishwashers?
ADEME and the European Commission list information such as the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle. The label also shows capacity and noise level. Compare appliances in the same category, then check separately that they’ll fit the space and connections in your kitchen.