Without a dedicated space or matching cabinet door, start by comparing freestanding models. They come with their own finished exterior, so there’s no need to add a decorative door. A compact model may suit you if floor space is limited, while a freestanding model with a removable top may fit under a worktop—but only if the manual permits it and the dimensions are right. Check the connections, available space and door clearance before choosing. An integrated model requires a suitable housing unit and a cabinet door.
You don’t have a fitted housing unit and want an appliance with its own finished exterior that can go in the space available, as long as the connections are suitable. UFC-Que Choisir and Bosch Home Appliances France distinguish freestanding models from integrated ones.
You’re considering a compact model on a stable, suitable surface and are happy to trade capacity for more floor space. UFC-Que Choisir describes 6-place-setting compact models as suitable for placing on a worktop.
You have space under a worktop but no matching cabinet door, so you’ll need to check that the top can be removed and installation is permitted for the model you choose. Bosch Home Appliances France recommends measuring the space. Installation under a worktop is specified for certain models, such as the Electrolux ESS47410SX.
Choose this if: you have floor space and want to avoid buying a decorative cabinet door.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible and needs floor space, as well as suitable connections.
Choose this if: you’re short on floor space but have a suitable surface and accessible connections.
Bear in mind: it takes up worktop space and has less capacity than a standard model.
Choose this if: you have space under a worktop and the model’s manual explicitly allows the top to be removed and the appliance to be installed there.
Bear in mind: available height isn’t the only consideration. You’ll also need to check the depth, hoses and door clearance.
Choose this if: your kitchen has a suitable housing unit and can accommodate the cabinet door and specified fixings.
Bear in mind: an integrated model is designed to be fitted in a housing unit, not simply placed on the floor without a cabinet door.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping your layout flexible | Check that the appliance is listed as freestanding, then measure the space you actually have available. | If I want to position the appliance without adding a cabinet door and keep my options open as to where it goes, this setup meets my needs. Around 26% of consumers prioritise a flexible layout. |
| Saving floor space | Check the compact model’s dimensions, the stability of the surface, door clearance and the exact model’s water supply requirements. | If the floor is already taken up, I could consider a worktop appliance, provided I have a suitable surface and am happy with a smaller capacity. Around 21% of consumers prioritise floor space. |
| Making use of space under a worktop | Check the manual to see if the top is removable, and measure the height, width and depth, along with hose clearance and door opening space. | If I have space under a worktop but no matching cabinet door, I want to know whether the specific model can be installed there. Around 16% of consumers prioritise this setup. |
| Washing your usual load | Compare the stated number of place settings, the basket layout and the space available for your dishes. | If I often wash pans or a large load, capacity matters more than having the smallest possible appliance. Around 16% of consumers prioritise load capacity. |
| Checking the connections | Check the water inlet, drainage, electrical supply and hose routing against the manufacturer’s instructions. | If I’m not sure about the water and drainage connections in my home, I’ll check whether installation is possible first. Around 21% of consumers put connections first. |
An integrated model is designed for a housing unit and needs a suitable cabinet door; a freestanding appliance retains its own finished exterior.
Check the installation type on the product page, and make sure you have a housing unit and cabinet door before choosing an integrated model.
Choosing an integrated model without planning for the cabinet door or installation components could mean extra purchases or alterations to your kitchen furniture.
A worktop format alone doesn’t tell you how the appliance gets its water. The Candy CP 6E51LS, for example, is listed as connecting directly to the water supply.
Check the model’s manual for the water supply, drainage and electrical requirements separately.
Height, depth, hose clearance and door clearance can also determine whether installation is possible. Not all tops are removable.
Measure the space and check the installation diagram for the exact model before buying or removing the top.
The CP 6E51LS is an example of a compact freestanding worktop model.
The DVS05030W is an example of a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher.
The ESS47410SX is an example of a 60 cm freestanding model whose product page specifies under-worktop installation with a removable top.
Bosch distinguishes between freestanding, under-worktop and integrated appliances. The SMV2HTX06E is an example of a fully integrated model.
The WSFO3T223P is another example of a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher.
This selection includes compact worktop dishwashers and freestanding models, some of which are listed as suitable for under-worktop installation.
Image unavailable
The worktop format could suit you if you’re short on floor space and have a suitable surface.
Stated capacity: 4 place settings. The product page lists a built-in 5 L tank and two water supply modes.
Image unavailable
This freestanding model could be a good option if you have floor space and are looking for a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
Width: 60 cm. Stainless steel finish. Class D is specified in the product name. The top is listed as non-removable.
Image unavailable
Its freestanding design suits a kitchen without a matching cabinet door. Check the available dimensions before positioning it.
Stated capacity: 14 place settings. Width: 60 cm. Grey finish and class E are specified in the product name. The top is listed as removable; check the manual to confirm whether it can be installed as planned.
Image unavailable
This freestanding model is listed as suitable for under-worktop installation. Check that its dimensions are right for your space.
Stated capacity: 14 place settings. Width: 60 cm. The product page lists a removable top and under-worktop installation up to 82 cm. It also specifies 41 dB and class C.
Image unavailable
This compact model could suit you if you have worktop space available and want an appliance with a built-in tank.
5 L tank and stated dimensions of 420 × 435 × 435 mm. The product page lists six programmes and three additional functions, a maximum dish diameter of 250 mm and class D.
No. Its finished exterior means you don’t need to add a decorative cabinet door, but the location still needs to be suitable for the connections. Check the water inlet, drainage, electrical supply and manufacturer’s instructions.
No. Check that the top of the specific model is removable and that its manual allows the installation you have in mind. Then measure the space and door clearance. Bosch says that removing the top saves 2 to 3 cm on the models concerned—not on every appliance.
Check the connections and, for an integrated model, the cabinet door and installation requirements. To compare energy use, check the energy label and model information on a like-for-like basis. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition notes that the new dishwasher energy label scale has applied since 1 March 2021.
It depends on the work involved. ANIL says tenants must get their landlord’s written permission to alter the property or its fixtures. Distinguish between installing an appliance without making alterations and carrying out plumbing or kitchen-furniture work, and discuss your plans before starting.
The integrated models described by UFC-Que Choisir are designed for a housing unit and need a suitable cabinet door. They therefore aren’t a substitute for a freestanding appliance that can simply be placed on the floor. Check the exact installation type specified by the manufacturer, as under-worktop installation and an integrated setup aren’t necessarily the same thing.