A small kitchen or utility room
You need to fit the appliances in, make sure their doors can open and have the necessary connections in place. A compact model is worth considering if the measurements of your rental make it a good fit.
Who is this guide for?
Setting up a home from scratch
You want to cover refrigeration, cooking, laundry and floor care before adding appliances that are mainly about convenience.
Tenants thinking about long-term use
Once you’ve found appliances with the right dimensions and capacity, you want to compare their water and electricity consumption, as well as how easy they are to repair. France’s ADEME recommends considering energy efficiency and ease of repair when choosing household appliances.
What should you prioritise?
In an unfurnished rental, first work out which tasks aren’t covered by any appliance, then rule out models that won’t fit the available space or connections. You can use the other criteria to choose between the remaining options.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance, access routes and required clearances. Check the sockets, water supply and drainage against the installation instructions. | In a narrow kitchen, I want to be able to install and use the appliance without blocking the way or finding out that a connection is missing. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Essential tasks | Identify the functions you still need to cover: refrigeration, cooking, laundry and floor care. Match the capacity to the size and habits of your household. | If I’m starting without any appliances, I first need to cover everyday tasks, without immediately buying an appliance for every possible convenience. This would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Energy use and how often you’ll use it | Compare the energy label figures for appliances with similar capacities, and check the index that applies to the category. | For an appliance I use often or leave running continuously, I want to check its energy use and repair options before choosing between models. Around 21% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Making household chores easier | For a dishwasher, match its capacity, how often you’ll use it and its noise level to the space available. | If the washing-up regularly piles up, I might want to automate the task, provided I have a suitable place for the appliance. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this convenience. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Ordering before measuring and checking the connections
The right capacity won’t help if the appliance won’t fit through the access routes, blocks a door from opening or can’t be connected. For gas cooking, Cegibat, a service provided by GRDF, highlights the positioning and ventilation requirements you need to consider.
Measure the space, access routes and clearances, then check the instructions for the exact model. If you’re considering a gas appliance, check the existing installation before choosing it.
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Comparing an old A+++ rating with today’s energy label
The old rating system isn’t directly comparable with the current A to G scale shown by France’s ADEME.
For appliances with similar functions and capacities, compare the energy use on their current labels, along with water use per cycle and noise levels where those figures are provided.
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Overlooking noise near your living space
In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, you may be able to hear a dishwasher running from the living room or sleeping area.
Check the noise level in dB and the noise class shown on the labels of the models you’re considering, taking their location into account.
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Looking for the same rating on every appliance
In France, the government departments responsible for ecological transition distinguish between the durability index, which has applied to washing machines since April 2025, and the repairability index, which applies to dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, among other products.
Check the index that applies to each category, then consider the model’s dimensions, capacity and installation requirements separately.
Brands to consider based on your criteria
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Appliances for your home
These appliances cover food storage, cooking, floor care and washing-up. Start by choosing according to what your home is missing: a dishwasher is a convenience, while countertop models and portable hobs call for particular checks on space and installation.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5 L tank
Consider this if you’d like to automate the washing-up without giving up floor space for the appliance, provided you can make room for it and arrange drainage.
The model name specifies a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Check the dimensions, water supply requirements and energy label for the exact model before comparing this format with another dishwasher.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer, silver
It provides storage for fresh and frozen food if your rental doesn’t already have a fridge-freezer.
The model offers 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space, measures 54 cm wide, has a reversible door and an E energy rating. Also measure the height, delivery access and ventilation clearances. To compare running costs, check the annual energy consumption listed for this model.
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MONSGA X UNINELLHOME UV5 cordless stick vacuum cleaner
This format may suit you if you want to clean your floors without being tethered to a cable while you use it. Check that you have space to store it.
The product information states a runtime of up to 65 minutes, but doesn’t specify how long it lasts in each mode. Match the runtime you need to the area you’ll be cleaning, and check the storage dimensions and access to the filters and parts.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, tabletop dishwasher, 6 place settings
Worth considering if you wash dishes regularly and have space on your worktop, as well as suitable water supply and drainage connections.
The model name specifies 7 programmes, a D energy rating and a stated noise level of 47 dB. Check its full dimensions and energy label details before comparing it with another appliance of similar capacity.
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IAGREEA DF200-14V10, 2000 W portable induction hob
This single-ring hob may suit occasional cooking or provide an extra cooking zone, but don’t assume it can replace a multi-ring hob.
The model name specifies 8 power settings and compatibility with pans measuring 12 to 26 cm. Check that your pans have induction-compatible bases, and confirm the hob’s dimensions and the electrical requirements of the space where you plan to use it.
Frequently asked questions
Which appliances should I buy first for an unfurnished rental?
Start by covering the everyday tasks you need to do but can’t yet: storing food, cooking, doing the laundry and cleaning the floors. Check what the property can accommodate before choosing models. A dishwasher can wait if you don’t yet have the space or need to justify buying one.
Is a 7 kg washing machine enough?
Yes. France’s ADEME says that a 7 kg capacity is enough in most cases. However, check that it suits the amount of laundry you do and how often you wash, then measure the space and check the connections.
What should I compare on a dishwasher’s energy label?
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level, as recommended by France’s ADEME. Make sure you’re comparing models with capacities suited to similar needs.
Do repairability and durability refer to the same index?
No. France’s government departments responsible for ecological transition state that the durability index replaced the repairability index for washing machines in April 2025 and also includes reliability criteria. The repairability index still applies to dishwashers and vacuum cleaners, among other products. Check the index that applies to the appliance you’re comparing.
Can I choose a gas hob or oven before checking the property?
No. First check that the installation and location are suitable for the appliance you’re considering. Cegibat, a service provided by GRDF, highlights the importance of positioning and ventilation for gas cooking. Check the property’s setup against the installation requirements and the model’s instructions.