Anyone moving into a home with an existing small kitchen
The space, sockets and connections are already in place. Take measurements and check access before deciding which appliances will fit.
Who is this guide for?
Households keen to keep a dishwasher
A 45 cm width is worth considering if the capacity suits your everyday washing-up. You’ll also need enough room for the connections and to level the appliance.
Anyone looking to combine cooking functions
A compact combination oven and microwave can save you having to make space for two appliances, as long as the housing, power supply and installation requirements are suitable.
What should you check before choosing?
First, note the constraints of the room. Then compare them with the installation diagrams for the models you’re considering and think about how you’ll use them day to day.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and clearance | Measure the width, height and depth of each space. Check the delivery route, door clearance and the clearances specified for the model. | I want to open the appliances without blocking the walkway or losing access to the worktop. |
| Water and drainage | For a dishwasher, check access to a water supply, drainage and electricity, and make sure it can be levelled. Que Choisir also highlights these installation requirements. | I’m interested in a slimline dishwasher, but only if I can connect it where I plan to put it. |
| Electrical supply | Identify the existing circuits and check the manual. Legrand distinguishes between the dedicated dishwasher circuit and the specific 32 A connection required for a built-in induction hob. | Before choosing a built-in hob or dishwasher, I want to know whether the existing electrical installation is suitable or needs to be changed. |
| Capacity and functions | Compare the fridge capacity, washing capacity and cooking functions you’ll use. According to Whirlpool, a 45 cm dishwasher can hold up to 10 place settings, compared with at least 12 for a 60 cm model. Check the capacity of the specific model. | I don’t want to save a few centimetres at the expense of capacity my household needs. |
| Type of installation | Tell the difference between under-counter, built-in and freestanding appliances. Check the housing dimensions, ventilation, door opening direction and any furniture parts required by the manual. | If I’m keeping my worktop, the appliance needs to fit underneath it in practice, not just be labelled “compact”. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Going by the advertised width alone
A 45 cm dishwasher may still be too tall or deep for the space available under your worktop.
Measure all three dimensions and compare them with the model diagram. Bosch recommends measuring the space before choosing a dishwasher.
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Assuming a small dishwasher will connect anywhere
A slimline model still needs water, drainage and electricity. Que Choisir also recommends installing it on a flat surface and ensuring it is level.
Locate the connections, check that the valves are accessible and make sure you can adjust the feet before settling on a position.
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Confusing a portable hob with a built-in hob
A built-in induction hob shouldn’t be treated as an appliance you can plug into a standard socket: Legrand specifies a dedicated 32 A connection.
Check which type of hob you have, and have the electrical installation checked if you’re unsure about the available connection or wiring.
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Assuming installation just means plugging it in
Adapting a housing or adding connections changes the scope of the work. Electrolux states that its installers do not carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
Ask exactly what the installation service includes, and get separate confirmation of any adaptations needed before you order.
A guide to the brands
Bosch
Bosch offers, among other options, 45 cm freestanding dishwashers and models designed to fit into a housing.
- According to Bosch, its freestanding models are 45 cm wide and 84.5 cm high.
- For a built-in model, compare the housing with the installation diagram for the model you’ve chosen.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s 45 cm and 60 cm dishwashers differ in size and capacity.
- According to Whirlpool, a 45 cm model can hold up to 10 place settings, compared with at least 12 for a 60 cm model.
- The exact capacity varies by model, so compare it with the amount of washing-up you usually have.
Beko
Beko offers a range of under-counter built-in fridges.
- Beko lists adjustable feet and reversible doors on models in this range. Both features are worth checking for your space.
- Check the housing dimensions, ventilation requirements and available door-opening direction for the model you choose.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers, among other options, compact built-in ovens that combine an oven and microwave.
- For the KVLAE2XH model, Electrolux specifies a housing measuring 450 × 560 × 550 mm and a total electrical power of 3 000 W.
- These figures apply only to the KVLAE2XH. Check the diagram and manual for any other model.
Appliances to consider on Joybuy
These options cover built-in refrigeration and induction cooking, with both portable and built-in hobs. Check that each appliance suits the space and power supply available in your kitchen.
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SMEG S4C122E, built-in fridge freezer, 188 L
A way to combine fridge and freezer storage in a built-in space. The product title lists a capacity of 188 L, one door and an energy rating of E. Check the housing dimensions and ventilation requirements for this model.
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IAGREEA DF200-14V10, 2 000 W portable induction hob
Worth considering if you’d prefer a portable hob to cutting into your worktop. The title lists one cooking zone, eight power settings, a 3-hour timer and compatible cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Check the electrical specifications and clearance requirements before deciding where to put it.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, built-in fridge freezer, 252 L
A built-in refrigeration option to compare with the space you actually have. The title lists a capacity of 252 L, No Frost technology and an energy rating of C. Check the housing dimensions and ventilation requirements in the installation diagram.
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CIARRA CABBIH4-A, 4-zone built-in induction hob
For a worktop designed to accommodate a built-in hob. The title specifies four zones and nine power settings. Check the cut-out dimensions, ventilation and electrical connection against the model’s manual.
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AEG IKS64453IB, 60 cm 4-zone built-in induction hob
Worth considering if your worktop can accommodate a four-zone built-in hob. The title lists a nominal width of 60 cm and a Bridge function. Check the cut-out dimensions and connection requirements rather than relying on the nominal width alone.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before ordering?
Measure the width, height and depth of each space, then check the delivery route, door clearance and position of the connections. For a built-in appliance, compare your measurements with the diagram for the model you’ve chosen. Bosch emphasises the importance of checking the dimensions for the specific dishwasher.
Will a 45 cm dishwasher definitely suit a small kitchen?
No. Its capacity needs to suit your household, and there must be enough space to install it. Whirlpool says a 45 cm model can hold up to 10 place settings, while a 60 cm model can hold at least 12. Check the exact capacity of the model you’re considering.
What does a dishwasher need for installation?
It needs accessible water, drainage and electricity connections. Que Choisir also says it should stand on a flat surface and be level once adjusted.
When should I have the electrical installation checked?
Have it checked if you’re unsure about the wiring, a new circuit needs to be installed or the existing connection isn’t suitable for the appliance. Legrand says a dishwasher needs a dedicated circuit, while a built-in induction hob requires a specific 32 A connection, not a standard socket.
Does installation include adapting the kitchen?
Not necessarily. Check exactly what the service includes before ordering. Electrolux says its installers connect appliances to installations that already meet the requirements, but don’t carry out plumbing, electrical or carpentry work.