If there’s no suitable floor space, start by choosing a model that fits your available worktop space and the connections you can access. A model with a water tank may avoid the need for a fixed water supply, but its wastewater still needs somewhere to go; a connected worktop model needs an accessible water supply. If you can free up floor space after all, a 45 cm model typically holds 9 to 10 place settings, according to Gifam, provided you also check its depth, height and connections.
An ultra-compact model with a water tank may save you from needing a permanent connection to the water supply. You’ll still need a stable surface for it and somewhere to direct the wastewater: Daan Tech says Bob’s hose should be placed in the sink.
A 6-place-setting worktop model could be a good fit if it won’t take up too much of your worktop and you have access to a water supply, drainage and a suitable socket. Candy’s Rapido CP 6E51LS, for example, is a worktop model that connects directly to the water supply.
If you can make room on the floor, a slimline model offers more stated capacity than smaller worktop models: Gifam puts 45 cm appliances at 9 or 10 place settings. Check the whole space, not just its width.
Start by measuring the usable space and checking the available connections. Then compare the stated capacity with the dishes you actually use.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height, then allow for the door to open and the hoses to run through. A worktop appliance takes up worktop space; a 45 cm model needs a floor-standing or under-counter space. | I want to keep enough worktop space for cooking. If floor space might be an option, I’ll need to check that a slimline appliance will fit both in depth and height. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check the water supply and wastewater route separately. Daan Tech says Bob can be filled from its tank or connected to a water supply, but requires a hose leading to the sink; Candy says the Rapido CP 6E51LS connects directly to the water supply. | Without an accessible water supply, I can look at a model with a water tank, as long as I can set up its drainage. If the connections are there, I can also consider a connected worktop model. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings, then check the sizes of plates, dishes and pans the appliance can take. Gifam puts 45 cm models at typically 9 or 10 place settings, and 60 cm models at 12 to 15; these figures don’t tell you how each basket is laid out. | I often cook with bulky utensils, so the place-setting figure alone won’t tell me whether everything will fit inside. A larger capacity is only useful if I can actually install the appliance. |
| Electrical supply | Check there’s a suitable socket where you plan to put the appliance, and read the installation requirements in the manual. Make sure the cable and hoses won’t be trapped or crushed. | I want to use the appliance without blocking a walkway or having to improvise the connection after it’s installed. |
| Possible kitchen changes | If you’re considering a floor-standing appliance, measure the whole space before choosing a different size. A 60 cm model is only an option if rearranging the kitchen creates a suitable space with the necessary connections. | I’d rather reconsider the kitchen layout before permanently giving up worktop space, but only if a floor-standing installation is realistic. |
The tank supplies the water; it doesn’t deal with wastewater. For Bob, Daan Tech specifies a hose that should be placed in the sink.
Before buying, work out where the drainage hose will go and how you’ll keep it in place during a cycle.
A stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your large plates, frying pans or lunch boxes will all fit in the basket together.
Measure the items you wash most often, then check the dimensions the appliance can take and the basket layout for the exact model.
An appliance may fit across the width but stick out from the worktop, get in the way of a door or leave too little room for the hoses.
Measure all three dimensions of the available space, the clearance in front of the door and the position of the connections.
In France, Service-Public.fr distinguishes between making changes to your home and carrying out work that may need permission. So, any changes to the installation should be considered separately from simply fitting the appliance.
If your plans involve changing the plumbing, electrics or a unit, set out what work is involved and check what permissions you need before starting.
These examples show different installation requirements; a feature of one model won’t necessarily apply to every product from the same brand.
With Bob, Daan Tech offers a compact freestanding dishwasher designed, among other things, to sit on a worktop.
Candy offers the Rapido CP 6E51LS worktop model, as well as slimline floor-standing dishwashers.
Bosch has examples of slimline and standard models to help you compare the space needed for a floor-standing installation.
These models are worth considering if you’re looking for a worktop appliance and your kitchen doesn’t have a suitable space for a standard floor-standing dishwasher. Before choosing, compare their stated capacity, water supply method and the space needed for drainage.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have room on the worktop but no fixed water supply. The title states that it has a built-in 5 L tank; check the dimensions of the dishes it can take and plan a suitable route for drainage.
Image unavailable
The 37 cm width given in the title is worth comparing with the space available on your worktop. The title also states that it has nine programmes; check the exact depth and drainage requirements for this model before installation.
Image unavailable
This mini model is worth considering for a small amount of washing up when worktop space is limited. The title states that it has seven programmes; check the space it needs, what it can hold and where the drainage hose will go before choosing it.
Image unavailable
Its stated capacity of 3 place settings is suited to a small load, so check whether your utensils will fit before choosing. For this model, check the water connection instructions and make sure you can direct the wastewater to a sink or drain.
Image unavailable
The stated capacity of 6 place settings may suit a household looking to avoid a floor-standing appliance. Check the external dimensions and ensure the surface can support it, then confirm that the water supply and drainage needed for installation are accessible.
It can work without a fixed water supply if the manual says you can fill it using a tank, but you’ll still need to drain the wastewater. Daan Tech says Bob’s hose should be placed in the sink, so check how to keep it in position during a cycle.
It depends on the model. Candy says its 6-place-setting Rapido CP 6E51LS connects directly to the water supply. Check the supply method in the manual for the model you’re considering rather than assuming it has a tank.
Yes, if the model’s instructions allow this: Daan Tech says you can do this with Bob. Check the hose’s position and how to secure it in the manual so it stays in place while the water drains.
Check that there’s a suitable socket and follow the appliance’s installation instructions. Make sure the cable won’t be crushed once the dishwasher is in place. If you’re unsure about the electrical installation, consult a qualified professional.
Simply installing the appliance and carrying out any additional work are two different things. Service-Public.fr says tenants can make changes to and use their home, but some work may require permission. If installation involves changes to the plumbing, electrics or a unit, check what steps you need to take before work begins.