Who is this option for?

Existing kitchen with a low space

You want to add a dishwasher without changing your kitchen units straight away. The dimensions of the space and the model’s installation diagram matter more than its advertised capacity.

No kitchen door to keep

You’re happy for the appliance to remain visible under the worktop. Bosch provides details of freestanding models with removable tops, but you’ll need to check that this applies to your chosen model and confirm the resulting height.

Small household without a suitable space

You’re considering a smaller washing capacity rather than changing your kitchen straight away. A compact freestanding model could work elsewhere, provided you check its dimensions and connections.

What should you check before buying?

Integrated or fully integrated

Consider this if: the installation diagram matches your measured space and you want to keep a kitchen door on the appliance.

Bear in mind: the kitchen door, plinth and hinge system must also be compatible. A narrow appliance isn’t necessarily low enough.

Freestanding with a removable top

Consider this if: you don’t need a kitchen door and the manufacturer confirms that the top can be removed from your chosen model.

Bear in mind: the height without the top depends on the model. Bosch states that some of its appliances go from 84,5 to 81,5 cm when the top is removed, but this doesn’t apply to all freestanding models.

Compact freestanding

Consider this if: you can’t confirm that a dishwasher will fit in the space and have another suitable location for a smaller-capacity model.

Bear in mind: a compact model isn’t automatically suitable for fitting under a worktop. Check its capacity, space requirements and connections separately.

Factor What to check What matters to shoppers
Space dimensions Measure the height, width and depth, then compare them with the model’s installation diagram, including any obstructions at the back. I need the appliance to fit under my worktop without altering the unit, so its actual dimensions are my first check. Around 39% of shoppers prioritise a good fit.
Kitchen door and installation type If you’re keeping a kitchen door, check its dimensions, the plinth and the hinge system specified by the manufacturer. Keeping the kitchen door matters as much as fitting the appliance: I want to be able to open it without obstruction. Around 31% of shoppers put installation compatibility first.
Capacity Once you know installation is possible, compare the place settings and basket layout with the dishes you use regularly. If I choose a smaller model, it still needs to fit the dishes I use at mealtimes. Around 15% of shoppers say sufficient capacity is their main priority.
Energy use and repairability For models that fit, compare energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per cycle. Also check the repairability index displayed. Once I’ve sorted out the installation, I want to compare the appliance’s consumption and the information available about its repairability. Around 15% of shoppers make these factors a priority.

What mistakes should you avoid?

  • Confusing a narrow appliance with a low one

    A width of 45 cm addresses a lack of space from side to side, not necessarily a low height. For example, Candy lists an integrated model that is 45 cm wide and 816 mm high.

    Measure all three dimensions of the space and check the installation diagram for the exact model before choosing a size.

  • Planning to remove the top without checking the instructions

    The height reduction stated by Bosch applies to its freestanding models with removable tops; it doesn’t automatically apply to other appliances.

    Check the model’s documentation to make sure the top is designed to be removed, then compare its height without the top with your available space.

  • Forgetting about the kitchen door, hinges and plinth

    An appliance may fit in the space but still be incompatible with your kitchen door. Bosch distinguishes between fixed and sliding hinge systems, while Electrolux states that its fully integrated EES47400L model is supplied without a kitchen door.

    Check that your existing door and plinth meet the door and fixing requirements in the installation documentation.

  • Choosing based on the energy label before checking the fit

    Energy use and noise levels can help you choose between appliances, but they won’t tell you whether a model will fit in a low space.

    Check that installation is possible and confirm the capacity you need first, then compare the energy label information. ADEME notes, for example, that energy use is shown in kWh per 100 standard cycles and water use in litres per standard cycle.

Brands to consider

Bosch

Worth comparing for a range of under-worktop options, including some freestanding models with removable tops and integrated appliances.

  • Bosch provides guidance on dimensions and refers you to the installation diagram for each model.
  • This information alone doesn’t confirm that a model will fit your space or work with your kitchen door and plinth.

Candy

Worth considering if width is limited as well as height: the range includes 45 cm integrated models.

  • Candy lists an integrated model in this range that is 448 mm wide, 816 mm high and has 10 place settings.
  • The stated width and height aren’t enough to confirm that the depth, kitchen door or plinth will suit your kitchen.

Electrolux

Worth considering for a fully integrated installation, provided your space and kitchen door are suitable for the model.

  • Electrolux describes the EES47400L as a 60 cm fully integrated model with 13 place settings and installation documentation.
  • This model is supplied without a kitchen door. Check its installation dimensions and whether it will work with your existing door.

Beko

A brand to explore if you want to compare freestanding, integrated and fully integrated models.

  • Beko offers these different installation types in its dishwasher range.
  • The installation type doesn’t tell you the required space height or kitchen door specifications. Check the product details and instructions for the model you’re considering.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will a 45 cm-wide dishwasher always fit under a low worktop?

No. 45 cm refers to the width, not the height. For example, Candy lists an integrated model that is 45 cm wide and 816 mm high. Always compare the full dimensions and the model’s installation diagram with your available space.

Can you remove the top of any freestanding dishwasher?

No, the manufacturer must confirm that this is possible for the specific model. Bosch states that some of its freestanding models go from 84,5 to 81,5 cm when the top is removed. Check the instructions and resulting height before planning to install one under a worktop.

What should you compare once you’ve confirmed the dishwasher will fit?

First, compare the capacity with the amount of washing up you usually have, then check the energy label information. According to ADEME, this shows energy use in kWh per 100 standard cycles and water use in litres per standard cycle. The Eco programme duration and noise level can also help you choose between models.

What should you check for after buying in France?

For goods bought by an individual from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Dishwashers are also among the products covered by the repairability index, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Check the index for the model you’re considering and keep its installation documentation.