If you have access to a water supply, a waste outlet and a suitable socket, you could consider a freestanding dishwasher on a stable surface, without needing a housing unit or cabinet door. An integrated model needs a compatible unit; a compact model takes up less space, but you still need to check its connections. If the existing installation needs to be altered, find out exactly what work is required before choosing an appliance.
You’ve found a spot near the sink, but still need to check the water supply, waste outlet, socket and whether the appliance can sit level. Making sure installation is possible comes before choosing the capacity.
You want to keep the appliance’s footprint to a minimum. A compact countertop model or a slimline freestanding dishwasher could be an option, provided its dimensions and connections suit the space you have.
You’d like to fit the appliance into a unit, perhaps behind a matching cabinet door. The housing dimensions, installation diagram and door fixing then become essential considerations.
In a kitchen without a prepared space, first check whether the connections and installation are feasible. Then compare the formats and features that matter for everyday use.
| Priority | What to check | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Locate the water supply, waste outlet and a suitable, accessible socket. Check their positions and the route for the hoses against the model’s instructions. | If there’s space near the sink but no ready-made installation, I need to know whether the appliance can be connected before choosing it. Around 36% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the clearance needed to open the door. Check the capacity of each model rather than relying on its width alone. | In a small kitchen, I’m looking for a size that leaves the space usable without choosing a capacity that doesn’t suit my dishes. Space would be the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Fitting it into a unit | For an integrated model, compare the housing, plinth and cabinet door with the installation diagram for the exact model. | If I want to keep a cabinet door that matches the rest of my kitchen, I need to check that the appliance can actually be fitted behind it. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Everyday use | Once installation is feasible, compare capacity, noise, Eco programme duration, energy per 100 cycles and water per cycle on the energy label. | Once the space is sorted, I can focus on finding an appliance suited to the amount of washing-up and the noise level I can live with in my kitchen. These criteria would be a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
ADEME and the European Commission list the energy, capacity and noise information to look for on the energy label. These figures can help you compare appliances that are already suitable for your installation.
The stated width won’t tell you whether the depth, height or door clearance will work. For an integrated model, it also doesn’t confirm that the housing and cabinet door are compatible.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and check the installation diagram for the exact model before ordering.
Darty’s dishwasher installation service is described as covering existing, compliant electrical and plumbing connections; it doesn’t include modifying them.
If there’s no water supply, waste outlet or suitable socket, ask a qualified professional to confirm what work is needed. Separately check what the retailer’s service covers.
A smaller size solves a space problem, not the lack of a water supply, waste outlet or electricity. It also needs a suitable surface and access to the connections specified in its instructions.
Check these requirements for the model you’re considering, even if it’s going on a worktop.
The rating alone doesn’t tell you how much water the appliance uses per cycle, how noisy it is, how long the Eco programme takes or how much it holds.
Once you’ve checked that installation is possible, compare this information on the labels of models suited to your space and the amount of washing-up you have.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding, integrated and compact dishwashers, so you can explore several formats across its range.
Beko describes the Beko BDFS26040X as a 45 cm freestanding model that can hold up to 10 place settings.
Miele describes the G 5740 SC SL as a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher.
Whirlpool offers a range of integrated dishwashers to consider if fitting the appliance into your kitchen units is a priority.
This compact dishwasher is suited to anyone looking for a smaller model for a kitchen short on space. Its inclusion here doesn’t confirm that it’s compatible with the connections or socket in your home.
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This compact model could be an option if a standard dishwasher takes up too much space. Before buying, check that your worktop is stable, the water supply and waste outlet are accessible, and the voltage and plug are suitable for your socket.
A freestanding model means you don’t need to provide a housing unit or cabinet door, as long as you have a stable surface and accessible connections. For an integrated model, also check the unit dimensions, cabinet door and installation diagram for that specific model.
Darty recommends using an earthed socket and advises against using either an extension lead or a multi-socket adaptor for this connection. Check the electrical instructions and the position of the socket before choosing your appliance.
Darty’s dishwasher service covers existing, compliant connections; it doesn’t include modifying the water supply, waste outlet or electrical wiring. If this work is needed, arrange for it to be specified separately.
Once you’ve checked the dimensions and connections, compare the energy rating, energy per 100 cycles, water per cycle, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise level. ADEME and the European Commission list these as information included on dishwasher energy labels.