People with very limited space
If your kitchen has a narrow alcove or worktop, remember to allow for doors to open and for ventilation. The appliance’s stated dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it will fit.
Who are these options for?
Households looking to install a dishwasher
In a small kitchen, check the space, water supply and drainage before choosing a model. Electrolux France’s pre-installation guide also recommends checking the connections and what’s included in the installation service.
People looking to combine several cooking functions
A combination appliance can bring several functions together on your worktop. Still, check its external dimensions, capacity and whether it has the cooking modes you actually need.
What should you check before buying?
After moving in, first work out what can be installed, then consider your washing and cooking needs separately.
| Priority | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance installation | Measure the space and door opening; check the specified clearances and required connections. | If the space is narrow or the connections are difficult to access, I need to know whether the appliances can be installed without altering the kitchen. Around 42% of consumers would make this compatibility their priority. |
| Everyday washing up | Compare the capacity with the amount of washing up you usually have, then check the water use per Eco cycle and energy consumption per 100 cycles shown on the label. | If washing up piles up every day, I want a dishwasher with enough capacity for the job, without overlooking its water and energy consumption. This would be a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Versatile cooking | Check which functions are included, how much space the appliance takes up and the size of dishes it can accommodate. | With limited worktop space, I’d rather combine the cooking modes I use than have several appliances. Around 25% of consumers would make this versatility their main consideration. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring the space without allowing for clearance
A freestanding fridge needs room for ventilation. Whirlpool France recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges. For an integrated model, requirements depend on its specifications.
Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the door opening, then compare these measurements with the installation diagram for your chosen model. Also check that it will fit through the route into your kitchen.
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Choosing a slimline dishwasher based on width alone
Height, depth, door opening and connections are just as important. The Bosch SPV4EMX10F, for example, measures 815 × 448 × 550 mm according to Bosch Home Appliances France: its width alone doesn’t tell you how much space is required.
Before choosing an appliance, check the water supply, drainage, power supply and exactly what’s included in the installation service.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
For dishwashers, the European Commission says the label also shows details such as water use per cycle, consumption per 100 cycles, capacity and noise. The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about how an appliance performs in everyday use.
Compare the figures for models with the capacity you’re looking for, using the same Eco programme as a basis.
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Assuming a combination microwave replaces every oven
Functions and capacity vary between models. For example, Panasonic France lists the NN-CD58RS as having microwave, grill and convection functions, but that doesn’t guarantee it will suit every dish you want to cook.
Check which modes it actually has, its internal dimensions, accessories and installation instructions against the way you usually cook.
Brands to consider by appliance type
Whirlpool
Its information for France helps you understand the difference between installing a freestanding fridge and an integrated model.
- Whirlpool France specifies ventilation clearances for its freestanding fridges and advises checking the model’s specifications for integrated models.
- This guidance doesn’t replace the instructions for the fridge you’re thinking of buying.
Bosch
The SPV4EMX10F is a documented example of a 45 cm fully integrated dishwasher.
- Bosch Home Appliances France lists this model’s dimensions as 815 × 448 × 550 mm and its water use as 8,9 L per Eco cycle.
- These specifications apply to the SPV4EMX10F only and don’t confirm that it will fit a particular space.
Panasonic
Its combination models let you explore multifunction cooking on your worktop.
- Panasonic France describes the NN-CD58RS as having microwave, grill and convection functions, with stated external dimensions of 520 × 391 × 310 mm.
- Combination functions don’t remove the need to check you have enough space and that the appliance can accommodate the dishes you use.
Cooling and cooking appliances on Joybuy
These products are designed for food storage and cooking in a small kitchen. For each one, check that the model suits the space you have and the way you’ll use it every day.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you’d like several cooking modes in one appliance. The product title lists a capacity of 39 L; measure the available space and check the instructions for the clearance required for installation.
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LG MH 6535 gih, 25 L microwave with grill
If you want to heat and grill food without installing a built-in oven, check that these functions suit the way you usually cook. The product title lists a 25 L capacity and 1000 W; don’t assume it has a convection function, and check the installation instructions for this model.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L integrated fridge freezer
Consider this if your kitchen already has a suitable space for an integrated appliance. The product title lists a capacity of 188 L and an E energy rating. Check the model’s installation diagram and ventilation requirements; installation requires a furniture door, which isn’t included.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave
If you want several cooking modes in one appliance, first make sure it will fit on your worktop. The product title lists a capacity of 42 L and a 3-in-1 format; before buying, check the instructions for the appliance’s dimensions, required clearances and electrical requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Should you choose all your appliances simply because they’re compact?
No. Choose your refrigeration, washing and cooking appliances separately. A fridge needs room for ventilation, a dishwasher needs suitable connections, and a cooking appliance needs to fit your dishes while meeting its installation requirements.
How much space should you leave around a fridge?
For its freestanding fridges, Whirlpool France recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind. For an integrated appliance, follow the installation diagram and specified clearances for the exact model, rather than applying these measurements to other installations.
Does dishwasher installation include any work needed to connect it?
Not necessarily. Electrolux France’s pre-installation guide says its installers don’t carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work. Check the existing connections and what’s included in the service before placing your order.
How do you compare the energy use of two dishwashers?
Compare their labels using the same Eco programme as a basis. The European Commission’s label includes figures such as consumption per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, capacity, programme duration and noise. These details can help you compare models that fit the amount of washing up you usually have.