In a small kitchen with no alcove, start by checking the space available and access to a water supply, drainage and a suitable socket. A 45 cm freestanding dishwasher offers more capacity than a countertop compact model, while a 60 cm model needs more width. A compact dishwasher with a water tank may not need a fixed water supply, but it will still need somewhere to drain. Only consider an integrated model if your kitchen has a compatible alcove and door panel.
If you don't have an alcove or a door panel designed for an appliance, a freestanding dishwasher can go in an accessible spot near the connections. Compare 45 cm and 60 cm models with the width you have available and the amount of washing up you generate. A compact model may be a better fit if space is especially tight.
If floor space is limited, consider countertop compact models. Their capacity and water supply options vary, so also check that there's room to open the door, that your dishes will fit and that the drain hose can reach.
An integrated dishwasher may be an option if the alcove dimensions, door panel, fixings and connections are compatible with the specific model. The appliance's width alone isn't enough to confirm that it will fit.
Measure the space and locate the connections before comparing capacity. You can then use the energy label information and model-specific requirements to narrow down appliances that can actually be installed in your kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and size | Measure the width, height and depth, allowing for the open door and the hoses. According to UFC-Que Choisir, freestanding dishwashers are available in widths including 45 and 60 cm; a compact model can sit on a worktop. | I want to fit the appliance without blocking cupboard doors or getting in the way of people moving around the kitchen. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the amount of washing up you need to do per cycle. UFC-Que Choisir says 45 cm freestanding models generally hold 9 to 10 place settings, while 60 cm models hold 12 to 17. Check separately whether there's room for large plates and pans. | Will a compact model hold everything I use every day, or will I end up having to run it too often? |
| Connections | Locate the water supply, drain and a suitable socket. If you're considering a compact model with a tank, check the manual for filling and draining instructions: a tank alone doesn't take care of wastewater disposal. | I may not have a water supply next to the intended spot, and I also need a way to drain the water without improvising an installation. |
| Everyday use | The ADEME says the energy label includes information such as kWh per 100 cycles, litres per reference cycle and noise in dB. Compare these figures across models with similar capacities. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters to me as much as water and electricity use. |
| Fitting and repairability | For an integrated model, check the alcove, plinth, door panel and fixing system. Also check the model's repairability rating: according to information published by the ministry responsible for ecological transition, this is scored out of 10 for applicable dishwashers. | If I choose an integrated model, I want to know whether my kitchen can accommodate its door panel. Whatever the size, I also want to compare repairability. |
It doesn't need the alcove and door panel required by an integrated model, but it does need a stable spot and accessible connections.
Before ordering, measure the full space and check the cold water supply, drain, hose route and socket. If the installation needs to be changed, get the work required confirmed before choosing an appliance.
A compact dishwasher with a water tank may not need a fixed water supply, but it will still need a way to drain wastewater.
Read the manual for the exact model. Check how to fill it, where the drain hose goes and whether there's enough space above the worktop.
Two appliances of the same size can differ in capacity, energy label figures and noise levels. A compact model also needs to fit the dishes you actually use.
Match the number of place settings to how often you wash up, then compare water and electricity use and noise levels across the models you're considering.
Fitting an integrated dishwasher depends on the alcove and plinth, as well as a door panel that is compatible with the appliance's fixing system and permitted weight.
Check the fitting dimensions and door requirements before choosing an integrated model.
You may also need a door panel, its fittings and a professional installation.
The SPS2HKW55E is an example of a slim freestanding model for kitchens without an alcove.
The W2FHD624 is an example of a 60 cm freestanding model for a suitably wide space.
The KBDIN165E2 shows the extra checks needed when choosing an integrated dishwasher.
This selection includes countertop compact models for smaller loads and a 60 cm freestanding model for kitchens that can accommodate this size. Compare their installation requirements before choosing based on capacity.
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Worth considering if floor space is limited and you're happy to fill the tank by hand. The product listing states 7 programmes and a D energy rating. Check the usable capacity, as it's described in two different ways, as well as the drainage method before deciding where to put it.
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The stated 5 L tank offers a water supply option to consider if the water connection is some distance away. The title lists dimensions of 37 × 50 cm and a D energy rating. Check the overall dimensions, particularly the depth, and how it drains before deciding where to put it.
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This size is worth considering for smaller loads if fixed connections are difficult to arrange. The title lists a 5 L tank and 5+1 cycles. Check that your worktop is stable, that your plates will fit and how wastewater is drained.
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The stated capacity of 6 place settings may suit a small household with a worktop and accessible connections. The title lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Measure the space and check the water supply and drainage rather than assuming it runs from a tank.
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Consider this model if your kitchen has room for a 60 cm dishwasher and your household needs space for 14 place settings. The title lists 41 dB and a C energy rating. Check the connections and energy label figures. The description also notes that some solder joints contain more than 0,1 % lead: check the model's regulatory information before buying.
Choose a stable spot with access to a water supply, drain and suitable electricity supply. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of access to the connections, while BUT's installation guide recommends a dedicated earthed socket, without an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor.
No. The water supply method depends on the model. One appliance featured by BUT can run with or without a water connection, but you should check the manual for your chosen model to find out how to fill any tank, drain the water and connect the electricity supply.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per reference cycle and noise in dB. The ADEME presents these figures as useful points of comparison. Also consider how much capacity your household needs before choosing between two sizes.