For a small kitchen with no fitted space, start by considering the room available and how much washing up you have: a 45 cm freestanding model takes up less width, while a 60 cm model usually offers greater capacity. If there’s no room for an appliance on the floor, a compact model could suit smaller loads, provided you can make space for it on the worktop and plan how to drain the water. A semi-integrated model only makes sense if you already have a suitable recess.
If you have floor space and accessible water and drainage connections, compare 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding models. The width available and the amount of washing up you have will help you choose between these two formats.
If there’s no room on the floor for a 45 cm appliance, a compact countertop model is worth considering. Its smaller capacity means you’ll need to run it more often; a model with a water tank also means planning for filling and draining it.
If there’s a space under the worktop designed for an appliance, you could consider a semi-integrated model. According to UFC-Que Choisir, this format fits into a suitable space while keeping its control panel visible on the front.
Start by measuring the space and estimating your usual loads, then check the connections required for the format you’ve chosen.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, and don’t forget the space needed to open the door. UFC-Que Choisir puts 45 cm freestanding models at 9–10 place settings, 60 cm models at 12–17 place settings and compact models at fewer than 9 place settings. Check the capacity of the specific model. | I want to leave enough room to move around without choosing a compartment that’s too small for my usual washing up. |
| Water and electricity | Check the water inlet, drainage route and socket before delivery. For a compact model with a water tank, also check how to fill and empty it; Daan Tech, for example, says Bob drains through a hose. Promotelec recommends a dedicated circuit for the dishwasher socket. | I need to be able to install the appliance without improvising a connection or leaving a hose in the way in my kitchen. |
| Installation type | A freestanding model doesn’t need a furniture door. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a semi-integrated model needs a space designed to accommodate it; check the dimensions of the recess before choosing this format. | My kitchen doesn’t have a recess, or I want to be able to change its layout without relying on a specific unit. |
| Everyday use | Compare the programmes, energy and water consumption, and noise levels on the specifications for the exact models, using the same measurement conditions. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of noise levels, particularly in open-plan kitchens. | If my kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to check the noise level. I also want to compare cycles suited to my usual loads. |
A 45 cm appliance may still be too deep or too tall for the space. Bosch, for example, gives dimensions of 84.5 × 45 × 60 cm for its SPS4EMI17E, before you even account for the hoses and the space needed to open the door.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and compare it with the specifications for the exact model, checking the required clearances too.
A water tank can save you from needing a permanent water supply, but you’ll have to fill it and drain the waste water. Daan Tech says Bob holds two place settings and drains through a hose.
Check that the capacity suits your loads and that the worktop space and drainage route will be practical for everyday use.
A freestanding model doesn’t need a recess, but it still needs the right connections. Promotelec says the dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit, close to the necessary water and drainage connections.
Check the circuit and connections before installation. If you’re unsure about their condition, have them inspected by a qualified professional.
An unsuitable electrical installation may need to be corrected before the appliance can be used.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, this type of appliance is designed to fit into a space made for it. Its visible control panel doesn’t make it a freestanding model.
Check that the recess exists and is the right size. If there’s no suitable space, compare freestanding and compact formats instead.
The SPS4EMI17E gives you an idea of the dimensions to check for a slim freestanding model.
The W8FHS61BS gives you an idea of the space needed for a 60 cm freestanding model.
Bob is a compact option to consider if floor space is limited or a permanent water supply is an issue.
This selection includes countertop models for smaller loads and 60 cm freestanding models for kitchens with more floor space. Compare their dimensions and installation requirements before choosing.
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If there’s no room for a floor-standing appliance in your small kitchen, this countertop model is worth measuring up for. The title lists 7 programmes and a D energy rating. Check its usable capacity, how to fill the tank and the drainage route before choosing.
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The integrated tank listed in the title is worth considering if you don’t have a permanent water supply. The title lists 5+1 wash cycles. Check the space available on your worktop, whether the capacity suits your loads and how you’ll drain the water.
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This tabletop model lists 6 place settings, so compare that with the loads you want to wash. Its title lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Check its exact dimensions and the water supply and drainage requirements for your chosen space.
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Worth considering if you can spare 60 cm of floor space for its listed capacity of 14 place settings. The title lists 41 dB and a C energy rating. Also check the depth, height, door clearance and connections.
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This freestanding model lists 14 place settings and is designed for a kitchen with enough room for its 60 cm width. The title lists an E energy rating. Check all the dimensions, door clearance and connections before choosing this format.
Yes. A freestanding model doesn’t need a furniture door or a dedicated recess. It does, however, need a suitable space, a water supply, drainage and an appropriate electrical supply.
Yes, provided the model can genuinely be filled using a tank. Daan Tech says Bob can use its 3.9 L tank or be connected to a water supply; either way, you’ll need to arrange for waste water to drain through a hose.
Promotelec says the dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit and close to the necessary water and drainage connections. If you’re unsure about the existing installation, have a qualified professional inspect the circuit before fitting the appliance.
No. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a semi-integrated model is designed for a space made for it, even though its control panel remains visible. If you don’t have a suitable recess, compare a 45 cm or 60 cm freestanding model with a compact one, depending on the space available.