People without a built-in space
If your kitchen doesn’t have a ready-made space for a built-in appliance, a freestanding model means you won’t need to fit a cabinet door panel. You’ll still need a suitable space and accessible connections.
Who are these formats for?
Small kitchens with worktop space available
A compact countertop model lets you have a dishwasher without setting aside floor space. UFC-Que Choisir describes countertop models with a capacity of 6 place settings, for example. Check that this will be enough for your everyday dishes.
Kitchens being fitted or renovated
If you’re planning a cabinet space and a door panel, you could consider a built-in model. Measure the cabinet and check the door system required by the model before making your choice.
What should you check before choosing?
Compact countertop model
Consider this if: your worktop can accommodate the appliance and your washing-up needs are within its capacity.
Bear in mind: the 6-place-setting models described by UFC-Que Choisir have limited capacity. Also check the space in front of the appliance and the connections required for your chosen model.
45 or 60 cm freestanding model
Consider this if: you have floor space but no cabinet space or door panel to fit. Choose the width to suit the available space.
Bear in mind: the appliance will remain visible, and a slim model isn’t necessarily shallow. According to Bosch, the 45 cm Bosch SPS2HKW55E is 600 mm deep.
Built-in model
Consider this if: you have a suitable cabinet space and, for a fully integrated model, a compatible door panel.
Bear in mind: the nominal width isn’t enough to confirm a fit. The cabinet dimensions, height adjustment and door system must all match the model’s instructions.
| Factor | What to check | Best for which needs? |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. | If I can only set aside a small area, I want to leave enough room to move around and use the worktop. Around 37% of consumers would prioritise a compact footprint. |
| Installation without a cabinet space | Locate the water inlet, waste outlet and power supply, then check the model’s instructions. | When moving in, I want to install an appliance without altering the kitchen cabinets. Freestanding installation would be the main requirement for around 36% of consumers. |
| Integration and capacity | Check the cabinet dimensions, capacity in place settings and, for a fully integrated model, door-panel compatibility. | When refitting my kitchen, I’m looking for a space built into the cabinetry and enough capacity for more dishes. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise this need for integration and capacity. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on a cabinet space that’s “about 45 cm” or “about 60 cm” wide
The stated width doesn’t guarantee that a built-in model will fit in your cabinet or that its door will work with your door panel. A fully integrated model may also be supplied without a door panel, as Electrolux states for the EEM48300L.
Measure the cabinet space internally in all three dimensions, then check the installation diagram and the instructions for the door panel.
You may need a suitable door panel, cabinet alterations or professional installation.
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Assuming a freestanding model needs no preparation
You won’t need a cabinet to house the appliance, but it still needs to be connected to the water supply, waste outlet and electricity.
Locate these connections before buying and follow the instructions. If the existing installation needs to be altered, use a suitably qualified professional.
Plumbing or electrical alterations may be needed if the connections aren’t accessible.
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Comparing width alone
The Bosch SPS2HKW55E is 450 mm wide but 600 mm deep, according to Bosch. By contrast, a 6-place-setting compact model mentioned by UFC-Que Choisir takes up worktop space, so check whether its capacity is sufficient.
Compare all three dimensions, the door clearance and the capacity in place settings against the space you have and the amount of washing-up you actually need to do.
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Focusing only on the energy rating
The energy label helps you compare energy use and noise levels, as ADEME explains, but it won’t tell you whether the appliance fits your cabinet space or connections.
Compare the labels of models that suit your installation, then check the capacity, dimensions and installation instructions separately.
Brands to consider by format
Bosch
Bosch offers 45 cm freestanding models as well as 45 and 60 cm built-in models.
- Its product pages and installation advice provide dimensions and guidance on cabinet spaces and doors.
- Check these details against the exact model and your cabinetry: the nominal width alone doesn’t confirm compatibility.
Electrolux
The brand offers compact models for smaller spaces and 60 cm fully integrated models.
- Electrolux states that the fully integrated EEM48300L has a capacity of 14 place settings.
- This model is supplied without a door panel, so check which panel you’ll need and whether it’s compatible with your cabinetry before choosing it.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers 45 and 60 cm freestanding and built-in models.
- Its 45 cm freestanding WSFO3T223P is listed as having a capacity of 10 place settings, giving you a useful point of comparison for your washing-up needs.
- You’ll still need to check access to water, drainage and electricity against the instructions for your chosen model.
Beko
Beko lists 6-place-setting compact models as well as 60 cm fully integrated appliances.
- For the fully integrated BDIN29453, Beko specifies an installation height of 82 to 92 cm.
- Before planning the installation, check the other dimensions and the door-fixing requirements for the exact model.
Products to suit your installation
These products suit three different situations: a compact model on the worktop, a freestanding appliance with 60 cm of floor space, or a fully integrated model in a fitted kitchen. First choose an installation type that works for your space, then compare the capacity and model specifications.
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COMFEE CDWMT305WD, white compact dishwasher
Worth considering if you have worktop space rather than room on the floor. The product name indicates 7 programmes, a delay start of up to 24 hours and a D energy rating. Check the product details to see whether the capacity suits your dishes and to find the installation instructions.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Weiss, compact dishwasher with a capacity of 6 place settings
This tabletop model is worth considering if a capacity of 6 place settings suits your washing-up needs. The product name indicates 7 programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Measure the space and check the required connections before buying.
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Samsung DW90H79JAI0U1 Bespoke AI, 60 cm built-in dishwasher
Worth considering if your kitchen has a cabinet space and door panel suitable for a built-in model. The product name indicates a capacity of 14 place settings and an A energy rating. Check the cabinet dimensions and door system in the model’s instructions.
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Indesit D2F HK26 S, 60 cm grey freestanding dishwasher
Worth considering if you don’t have a built-in space but can set aside 60 cm of floor space. The product name indicates a capacity of 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Also measure the depth, door clearance and access to the connections.
Frequently asked questions
Will a 45 or 60 cm built-in model fit in any cabinet space of the same width?
No: the nominal width isn’t enough. Check the height and depth of the cabinet space, adjustment options and door system in the model’s diagram. For a fully integrated model, also confirm which door panel is required.
Is a 45 cm freestanding model always less deep?
No: according to Bosch, its SPS2HKW55E measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm. So allow for this model’s 600 mm depth and the space needed for the door to open, rather than relying on its width alone.
What connections do you need for a dishwasher?
You’ll need a water supply, a waste outlet and an electrical supply that comply with the model’s instructions. Whirlpool’s installation guidance and Bosch manuals mention these connections. Check the instructions for your chosen appliance before making any changes to the installation.
Is the energy label enough to compare a compact model with a full-size one?
No: it helps you compare energy use and noise levels, but it doesn’t tell you whether you have enough space or capacity for your washing-up needs. Use the label information described by ADEME, then compare the capacity in place settings, dimensions and installation requirements separately.