Small open-plan kitchen
If your dishwasher runs near the living area, measure the space available and compare its noise level in dB and its noise class. Que Choisir highlights how important noise levels are in an open-plan kitchen.
Who are these formats for?
Unfitted kitchen or rented home
A freestanding appliance lets you choose a spot without needing a cabinet door panel. Before choosing one, though, check there’s enough space, that water can be supplied and drained, and that there’s a suitable electrical connection.
Small household with a narrow housing space
A 45 cm model can offer more room for dishes than a compact 6-place-setting dishwasher. Width isn’t the only thing to consider: check the height, depth and door clearance too.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the available space and the amount of washing-up you have, then compare noise levels and consumption across models that can actually be installed in your home.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, and check the door clearance. Compare the place-setting capacity with the space you need for your dishes and pans. Que Choisir distinguishes between freestanding 45 cm and 60 cm formats, among others. | “I don’t have much space, but I’d rather not run a cycle for just a few items.” A compact or 45 cm model will suit different load sizes, so check the interior layout of the model you’re considering. |
| Noise | Compare the dB level and noise class shown for each appliance. According to ADEME, an increase of 3 dB almost doubles the perceived noise. | “My kitchen opens onto the living area, so I want to run a cycle without compromising on comfort.” A programme called “silent” is no substitute for comparing the stated noise levels. |
| Water and energy | Check the water and energy figures on the label, including their units and the reference programme. ADEME recommends comparing these details alongside capacity and noise class. | “I want to compare appliances on a like-for-like basis, not just by their energy rating letter.” Check the figures for the programmes you plan to use separately. |
| Installation | Check that you have a water supply, a drain and a suitable socket on a dedicated circuit. For an integrated appliance, also check the housing space and whether a door panel is needed for that model. | “My kitchen doesn’t have a space designed for a dishwasher.” A freestanding model can avoid the need for a door panel, but you’ll still need the right connections. If work will alter a rented home or its fittings, ANIL states that you need the landlord’s written consent. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
-
Measuring the width only
Two appliances with a similar width can have different depths. For example, Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm for the freestanding SPS2HKI58E and 815 × 448 × 550 mm for the fully integrated SPV4EMX17E.
Also measure the height under the worktop, available depth, door clearance and access to the connections.
-
Relying solely on the word “quiet”
Noise matters particularly in an open-plan kitchen, as Que Choisir points out. According to ADEME, an increase of 3 dB almost doubles the perceived noise.
Compare the dB level and noise class of the models you’re considering, rather than relying on the name of a feature.
-
Planning to use an extension lead
Promotelec states that a dishwasher must be connected directly to a dedicated circuit. It warns that an extension lead can become overloaded and overheat.
Have the available socket and circuit checked before you buy. If any changes are needed, contact a qualified professional.
-
Altering a rented kitchen without getting permission first
Fitting an appliance into a kitchen may require changes to the cabinets or other fixtures. ANIL states that alterations to rented premises or fittings require the landlord’s written consent.
Work out what the proposed work involves and get permission before making any changes.
A few brands to know
Bosch
In France, Bosch offers 45 cm models in freestanding, fully integrated and semi-integrated formats.
- Bosch’s published dimensions make it easy to compare the space required: the freestanding SPS2HKI58E measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm, compared with 815 × 448 × 550 mm for the fully integrated SPV4EMX17E.
- These dimensions apply to these two models only; they don’t represent the whole range or indicate how well either model washes.
Electrolux
The ESL2500RO listed by Electrolux France shows that compact models can also be fully integrated: it’s listed as 55 cm wide, with a capacity of 6 place settings.
- This format is worth considering if you have a suitable housing space, rather than assuming that every compact model sits on a worktop.
- Check the dimensions of the housing space and what you’ll need to fit the door panel before choosing this model.
Beko
Beko is one of the brands to consider when looking at compact dishwashers.
- Compare the specifications of the exact model — dimensions, capacity, noise and connections — rather than assuming its performance based on the brand alone.
Compact dishwashers on Joybuy
These countertop models are a compact option to consider when there’s no room for a wider appliance. Compare their stated capacity and water-supply options, then check that their dimensions and drainage requirements suit your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HTG 8855, countertop dishwasher, 3 place settings
For a small load on your worktop: the product title lists a capacity of 3 place settings, 7 programmes and a noise level of 56,3 dB. Check the space required, how it takes in water and how it drains before choosing this model.
Image unavailable
Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W), countertop dishwasher with 5 L tank
The integrated 5 L tank is an option worth considering if you don’t have a permanent water connection. The title lists 6+3 programmes and an energy rating of D. Check the available space, drainage and noise level to see if it’s suitable for your open-plan kitchen.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HTG 8840 black, countertop dishwasher, 6 place settings
Its stated capacity of 6 place settings makes it suitable for a different load size from a compact 3-place-setting model. The title lists 47 dB, 7 programmes and an energy rating of D. Measure the space and check the water and electrical connections.
Image unavailable
AIRMSEN A01, two-level countertop dishwasher
The title lists two storage levels and an integrated 5 L tank. Check whether the layout suits your dishes and worktop, and confirm the drainage, electrical supply and noise specifications before installing it in an open-plan kitchen.
Image unavailable
GORGENOX DW5-D40A, countertop dishwasher, 3 place settings
With a stated capacity of 3 place settings, this model is designed for smaller loads. Check its dimensions, how it takes in water, its drainage requirements and its noise level before deciding whether it suits your space.
Frequently asked questions
Is a freestanding dishwasher suitable for an unfitted kitchen?
Yes, provided there’s space for it and the necessary connections are available. A freestanding model doesn’t need a cabinet door panel, but measure all its dimensions and check the water supply, drainage and electrical connection before buying.
Can you plug a dishwasher into an extension lead?
No. Promotelec states that a dishwasher must be connected directly to a dedicated circuit, not an extension lead that could become overloaded. Have the installation checked if there isn’t already a suitable socket available.
Do you need the landlord’s permission to fit an appliance in a rented home?
If the work alters the rented premises or its fittings, ANIL states that you need the landlord’s written consent. Before touching the cabinets or connections, work out what the installation would change.
What should you compare for noise in an open-plan kitchen?
Compare the dB level and noise class of models that will fit your space. Que Choisir highlights how important noise is in an open-plan kitchen; according to ADEME, an increase of 3 dB almost doubles the perceived noise.
Is the energy rating enough to compare consumption?
No. Check the water and energy figures too, along with their units and the programme they refer to. Figures given for the reference programme don’t necessarily reflect a quick or intensive cycle.