Start by thinking about what the kitchen is missing: a portable hob for cooking on one ring, a freestanding microwave for reheating, or a freestanding fridge for storing food. A compact dishwasher also needs a suitable water supply and drainage solution. In every case, measure the space and check the model’s instructions before you buy.
If you want to prepare meals without altering the kitchen, a portable hob lets you cook on one ring. A freestanding microwave is more suited to reheating or defrosting; check the model’s functions if you’d also like to cook with it.
Even a so-called compact appliance needs to fit in the available space, including room for the door to open and for ventilation. Also measure the route you’ll need to get it into position.
A freestanding fridge needs a well-ventilated spot. A compact dishwasher also needs the water supply and drainage required for the model you choose.
Start with your main need, then check whether the appliance can work in your chosen spot without making permanent changes to the kitchen. ‘Freestanding’ doesn’t mean you can skip checking the plug socket, ventilation or, for a dishwasher, drainage.
| Need | What to check | What consumers say |
|---|---|---|
| Cook without a fixed installation | Check the socket and the power rating given in the instructions. For an induction hob, also make sure your pans are compatible. | If I prepare meals without a fixed hob, I want to be able to cook on one ring without having to arrange building work. Around 36% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Save space | Measure the overall dimensions, door clearance and the gaps required by the manufacturer. | In a small kitchen, I need to keep a clear walkway while making sure the appliance can work properly. This would be the top concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Store food | Compare the usable capacity and your need for freezer space, then allow for a well-ventilated position. | To keep my shopping and meals fresh, I need to choose between a smaller capacity and an appliance that takes up more floor space. Food storage would be the main need for around 21% of consumers. |
| Wash up without building work | Check the water supply and drainage arrangements specified in the instructions, as well as the stability of the surface. | If I want to avoid washing up by hand, I need a solution that can drain away wastewater without making permanent changes to the kitchen. Around 14% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
The Bosch SKS2ITW00E, for example, measures 450 × 551 × 500 mm according to Bosch Électroménager France. A compact size won’t solve a lack of space or the need for a water supply and drainage.
Measure the surface and the route into position, then check the installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
A space that’s too tight can block ventilation. Whirlpool specifies clearance around its freestanding fridges, for example, and says the ventilation openings on its microwaves must be kept clear.
Choose a model designed for the position you have in mind and follow the clearances set out in its instructions.
Tefal’s Everyday Slim portable hob is a single-ring model rated at 2,100 W. Induction hobs need compatible cookware, and you should also take the rated power into account alongside other appliances in use.
Check your pans, the hob’s electrical instructions and your available setup before buying.
You may need to replace any incompatible pans.
For a furnished rental that serves as the tenant’s main home, Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015 specifies, among other things, cooking hobs, an oven or microwave, and refrigeration equipment that meets its requirements.
Compare the tenancy agreement, inventory and appliances already provided. If anything doesn’t match, ask for written clarification.
A brand to look at for freestanding fridges and compact dishwashers.
A brand to consider for microwaves and freestanding fridges.
A brand to look at if a portable induction hob suits the way you cook.
These models cover a range of needs in a rental kitchen with limited equipment: cooking on a portable hob, washing up on the worktop, storing food in a freestanding fridge and reheating in a microwave. Choose according to the space available and the installation requirements for each appliance.
Image unavailable
Cook on one ring without a built-in hob. This model offers eight power settings and a three-hour timer; it requires induction-compatible cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Check its overall dimensions and connection requirements before deciding where to put it.
Image unavailable
Wash dishes on the worktop when a permanent water connection isn’t an option. The built-in tank means you don’t need to connect a water supply, but the hose still needs to drain wastewater. Also check the space available, the stability of the surface and the electrical instructions.
Image unavailable
Store fresh and frozen food without fitting the appliance into your kitchen units. At 150 cm tall, this model needs floor space. Measure the route into position and check the instructions for ventilation clearances and connection requirements.
Image unavailable
Reheat or defrost without a built-in appliance, with a grill function if it suits the way you cook. The microwave power is rated at 800 W. Check the voltage on the appliance and allow for the ventilation clearances specified for this model.
Image unavailable
Reheat and defrost in a kitchen without a built-in microwave; the grill function may also suit some other cooking needs. Check that it offers the functions you want, and review the ventilation clearances and connection requirements in the instructions. Don’t assume this model can replace an oven.
Yes, if the property is a furnished rental serving as the tenant’s main home. Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015 specifies, among other things, cooking hobs, an oven or microwave, and a fridge and freezer, or a fridge with a compartment capable of reaching −6 °C. Check the tenancy agreement and inventory before buying. This list doesn’t automatically apply to an unfurnished or holiday rental.
Only if the alcove allows for the clearances required by your chosen model. Whirlpool specifies 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges. Check the clearances for your appliance in its instructions before measuring the space.
Only put a freestanding microwave in an alcove if its instructions allow it and you can leave all the required clearances. For the relevant models, Whirlpool requires a flat surface and unobstructed ventilation openings. A freestanding appliance shouldn’t be treated like a built-in model.
First check how the model takes in water and drains wastewater, then compare its capacity, dimensions and noise level. To compare dishwasher energy use, ADEME recommends checking the litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles shown on the energy label.