Start by measuring the space and checking the connections. A 45 cm freestanding model may work if you have enough floor space, while an integrated dishwasher needs a compatible housing unit and door panel. If you only have room on the worktop, a compact model is worth considering, provided you’re happy with its capacity and can arrange the water supply and drainage. If you don’t have a suitable space or installation, it’s better to wash up by hand than choose an appliance you can’t fit.
If floor space is limited, compare a 45 cm appliance with a compact worktop model. In either case, measure the depth and door clearance too, and check how much room will be left to move around and prepare meals.
A cycle running near the living room, a home office or a bedroom may disrupt some activities. UFC-Que Choisir particularly highlights the importance of noise levels in open-plan kitchens. Compare the stated decibel ratings, and don’t assume that a compact model will be quiet.
An existing housing unit or a nearby socket doesn’t automatically mean a model will fit. Check the water supply, drainage, electrical supply and the instructions in the manual before choosing a plumbed-in or integrated appliance.
First rule out any size that would obstruct movement or can’t be installed. Then compare the models that will fit, based on your everyday dishes, noise levels and the figures on their energy labels.
| Factor | What to check | To suit my needs |
|---|---|---|
| 45 cm freestanding model | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the space needed in front of the door. Make sure water, drainage and electricity are accessible. The Bosch SPS4EMI17E measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm, for example, showing that a slim width doesn’t necessarily mean a smaller overall footprint. | I can make room for the appliance on the floor, but a 60 cm model would get in the way. |
| 45 cm integrated model | Check the housing unit, door panel, door clearance and connections against the model’s manual. For this particular model, Beko specifies an installation height of 82 to 87 cm for the KDIS28122. | My kitchen units include a housing space, and I want to check it will fit the appliance and its door panel. |
| Compact worktop model | Measure the worktop space and check that it’s stable, along with the capacity, water supply method and drainage route. If the model has a reservoir, you’ll still need to arrange drainage. | I don’t have floor space, but I can give up part of the worktop for smaller loads of washing-up. |
| Capacity and loading | Compare the stated place settings with the room you actually need for your plates, dishes and utensils. Capacity varies between models, even within the same size category. | My larger dishes need to fit without making every load difficult to arrange. If I only wash a few items at a time, a smaller capacity may be enough. |
| Noise | Compare the decibel ratings and noise classes of the models you’re considering. ADEME states that a 3 dB difference represents an almost twofold increase in noise; UFC-Que Choisir considers this particularly relevant for open-plan kitchens. | If my kitchen opens onto the living room or a quiet area, I want to take the noise during a cycle into account. |
| Water and energy | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco programme duration shown on the label. EU dishwasher energy-labelling regulations use the Eco programme as the basis for these measurements, so don’t treat them as figures for a quick programme. | I want to compare figures measured on the same basis, then look separately at the duration and the programmes I’ll use. |
| No appliance | If you can’t confirm a stable space or suitable connections, stick with washing up by hand and organise the available space for your dishes. Reconsider other sizes if your kitchen layout changes. | I’d rather keep my kitchen practical than buy an appliance when I can’t confirm it will fit. |
A slim appliance can still be deep and block the way when its door is open. The Bosch SPS4EMI17E, for example, measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Measure all three dimensions of the space, the clearance in front of the door and access to the pipes. For an integrated model, also check the housing dimensions and whether the door panel is compatible.
Some compact models can be filled without a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to arrange the electrical supply, a suitable space and drainage in line with the manual.
Check how the specific model is filled and where its drain hose needs to go before making room for it on the worktop.
Energy-label consumption figures are based on the Eco programme, in accordance with EU dishwasher energy-labelling regulations. They don’t automatically apply to other programmes.
Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco programme duration across models, then look separately at the programmes you’re interested in.
Noise levels may matter more when the kitchen opens onto the living room. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this factor in particular for open-plan kitchens.
If you use nearby rooms while the dishwasher is running, compare the decibel ratings and noise classes of the models that fit your kitchen.
These examples give you an idea of the sizes available. They don’t guarantee that a particular model is available or that every appliance from a brand has the same features.
Bosch offers 45 cm freestanding and integrated dishwashers in France, as well as 60 cm models.
Beko’s French range includes 45 cm freestanding and integrated models.
Miele offers fully integrated 45 cm dishwashers designed for a suitable housing unit and door panel.
The models below are worktop dishwasher options for kitchens without enough floor space. Their capacities and water supply methods differ, so check the space needed, drainage and manual for each model before choosing.
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Worth considering if you have worktop space rather than room on the floor. The product name specifies a built-in 5 L reservoir and 5+1 wash cycles. Check how much space it needs and where the water will drain.
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Compare its stated capacity of 6 place settings with the worktop space you have available. The title lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy class D. Check the dimensions and connections required before buying.
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Compare its stated capacity of 3 place settings with the amount of washing-up you do each day. The title lists 7 programmes, 56,3 dB and energy class C. Check its dimensions, water supply and drainage before deciding where to put it.
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The stated built-in reservoir may be useful if there’s no fixed water supply at your chosen location. The product lists 6+3 programmes and energy class D. Check that its capacity suits you, and confirm the installation and drainage requirements in the manual.
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This worktop model is listed with a capacity of 3 place settings, so check that it’s suitable for your usual loads. Its title mentions drying and storage functions. Check the dimensions and water supply and drainage requirements in the manual.
Check the water supply, drainage and electrical supply at the intended location. Bosch lists all three connections in its installation instructions. Then consult the manual for the exact model, and have the installation assessed if you’re unsure it’s compatible.
No. The Comfee’ CDWMTO201D(W), for example, is listed with a 5 L reservoir, but you’ll still need a stable surface, an electrical supply and drainage, as set out in the manual. Check how each model is filled too.
Check their labels for kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, decibel ratings and noise class. EU energy-labelling regulations base consumption and noise figures on the Eco programme. Compare these like-for-like figures, then look separately at the duration and other programmes.
No, don’t assume that this location is suitable. Bosch advises against installing its dishwashers beneath a freestanding hob because of the risk of overheating or condensation. Check the manuals for the appliances involved and consider your kitchen layout.