Households with room for a 60 cm floor-standing model
If the water supply, waste outlet and plug socket are accessible, this size can handle larger loads. UFC-Que Choisir gives its usual capacity as 12 to 17 place settings.
Which size is right for you?
The right size depends as much on the space available as on how much washing up you usually have.
Small kitchens with room for a floor-standing appliance
A 45 cm freestanding model is worth considering if there isn’t enough width for a 60 cm model, but the connections are still within reach. UFC-Que Choisir gives this size a typical capacity of 9 to 10 place settings; depending on how much washing up you produce, you may need to run it more often.
Studio flats and very small households
A compact model could be a good fit if there’s no room on the floor for a 45 or 60 cm appliance. UFC-Que Choisir puts its capacity at under 9 place settings. Check that the basket can hold the crockery you usually use, and plan for drainage even if the model has a water tank.
What should you check before choosing?
Measure the space first, then check that the capacity and connections suit the way you’ll use it. The energy label for the exact model will help you compare its stated consumption.
60 cm freestanding
Consider it: for larger loads, if you have floor space and accessible connections.
Bear in mind: this size takes up more width. If you want to install it under a worktop, check its dimensions and whether the top can be removed, if needed.
45 cm freestanding
Consider it: if a 60 cm model won’t fit, but there’s room on the floor for a connected appliance.
Bear in mind: its smaller capacity may mean running more cycles, depending on the size of your household.
Compact
Consider it: if floor space is limited and you have room for the appliance on a worktop.
Bear in mind: the basket holds less crockery, and even a model with a water tank still needs a suitable way to drain.
| Consideration | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the clearance needed for the door and the hoses. If you’re considering installing it under a worktop, check whether the top can be removed on the model you’re looking at. | I want to position the appliance without a built-in space or cabinet front, while keeping access to the cupboards and connections. |
| Capacity | UFC-Que Choisir gives capacities of 12 to 17 place settings for 60 cm freestanding models, 9 to 10 for 45 cm models, and fewer than 9 for compact models. Also check whether there’s room for your plates and pans. | I tend to build up a lot of washing up, so I’d rather check how much I can wash in one cycle than choose based on width alone. |
| Connections | Check where the water supply, waste outlet and plug socket are. If a compact model has a water tank, still check the drainage route given in its instructions. | If there’s no fixed water supply near the space I have in mind, I could consider a compact model with a tank, as long as there’s a suitable way to drain it. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare specific models on a like-for-like basis: according to ADEME, energy use is shown in kWh per 100 standard cycles and water use in litres per cycle. Also check the stated noise level and the duration of the Eco programme. | My kitchen opens onto the living area, so the stated noise level matters, as does the consumption in relation to the capacity I need. |
What should you avoid?
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Assuming freestanding means no connections are needed
A freestanding appliance doesn’t need a cabinet front, but it does need a suitable space and the connections specified in its instructions. Daan Tech says the tank on its compact Bob model removes the need for a fixed water supply, but not for drainage.
Before choosing, measure the space and check the hose route, waste outlet and plug socket for the specific model.
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Choosing a narrow model without checking the load
UFC-Que Choisir gives a typical capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for a 45 cm model, compared with 12 to 17 for a 60 cm model. If your household produces a lot of washing up, the narrower size may mean running more cycles.
Before settling on a width, compare the stated number of place settings with the crockery you usually use, including large dishes.
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Assuming a compact model can fit all your crockery
According to UFC-Que Choisir, compact models hold fewer than 9 place settings. Their smaller size doesn’t guarantee that pans or large plates will fit in the basket.
Check the basket dimensions and the model’s capacity against the items you actually want to wash.
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Making changes to a rented home without clarifying what’s allowed
For a furnished rental, ANIL says that changes to the property or its equipment require the landlord’s written consent. This doesn’t, by itself, determine whether simply installing an appliance without making any changes needs consent.
Check your tenancy agreement and get written consent before altering the plumbing, electrics, furniture or equipment in the property.
Which brands should you consider?
These examples show different sizes and installation requirements. The details given apply to the specific models mentioned, not to every product from each brand.
Bosch
The freestanding range includes 45 and 60 cm models.
- Bosch Électroménager France says a freestanding model can be placed wherever there’s enough space and access to water and electricity connections.
- If you’re planning to install it under a worktop, check the dimensions and whether the top can be removed on the product page for your chosen model.
Beko
Beko France offers 45 cm dishwashers for kitchens where space is limited.
- The brand states that some models of this width hold 10 place settings.
- Check the depth, capacity and energy use of the exact model. Width alone doesn’t tell you how much space it takes up or how it will suit your needs.
Miele
The range includes the 45 cm freestanding G 5740 SC SL.
- Miele France states that this model holds 9 place settings and uses 7,9 L of water per cycle on the Eco programme.
- These figures apply to the G 5740 SC SL and don’t represent all Miele appliances.
Daan Tech
The Bob mini dishwasher is designed for spaces where room is very limited.
- Daan Tech says Bob can use either a water supply connection or its built-in 4 L tank.
- You’ll still need a waste outlet. These connection options apply to Bob, not all compact models.
Which Joybuy models should you look at?
This selection includes freestanding dishwashers for floor space and a compact model for a worktop. Before choosing, check that each appliance will fit your kitchen and can be connected as needed.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A freestanding dishwasher, 60 cm, 14 place settings
Worth considering if you have room on the floor for a 60 cm appliance and want to wash up to 14 place settings. The product name states 41 dB and energy rating C. Also measure the height and depth, and check the route for the hoses.
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Samsung DW60M6050FS freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings
Its stated capacity of 14 place settings could suit a household with larger loads. The product name lists 7 cycles; check the dimensions, door clearance and connections needed for your chosen space.
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Indesit D2F HK26 S freestanding dishwasher, 60 cm, 14 place settings
Consider this size if you have enough width and regularly have a full load of washing up. The product name states energy rating E; also check the depth and access to water, drainage and electricity.
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AIRMSEN compact worktop dishwasher, 5 L tank
Worth considering if you’re short on floor space. The product name states that it has a 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Before installing it, check that it fits on your worktop, that the basket is large enough and that you have a way to drain it.
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Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX freestanding dishwasher, 60 cm, 14 place settings
Its stated capacity of 14 place settings suits larger loads, and the product name gives it an energy rating of C. However, the published dimensions don’t match the stated width of 60 cm. Ask the retailer to confirm the model’s measurements and check its connection instructions before deciding where to put it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a freestanding dishwasher work without connections?
A standard freestanding model needs the connections specified for its installation. Some compact models have a tank, so they don’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to arrange drainage. Daan Tech, for example, provides for a suitable waste outlet for its Bob model.
Can you install a freestanding dishwasher in a rented home?
Check your tenancy agreement and whether the installation would involve making any changes. For a furnished rental, ANIL says you need the landlord’s written consent to alter the property or its equipment. Get consent before making any changes to the plumbing, electrics or equipment. This guidance doesn’t mean that every installation without alterations requires permission.
How can you tell if a freestanding model will fit under a worktop?
Measure the available width, depth and height, remembering to allow space for the hoses and for the door to open. If it will only fit with the top removed, check the product details for the model to confirm that this is possible.
Can a compact model handle the same loads as a 45 cm appliance?
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir gives compact models a capacity of under 9 place settings, compared with a typical 9 to 10 for 45 cm freestanding models. If you wash large dishes or tend to build up a lot of washing up, check the basket dimensions and capacity before choosing a smaller appliance.
What should you consider in an open-plan kitchen?
Check the stated noise level for each model, then consider it alongside the capacity and the duration of the programme you’ll use. UFC-Que Choisir includes noise among the factors to consider, particularly in open-plan kitchens. An appliance’s width alone won’t tell you how noisy it is.