If your kitchen has no space for a built-in appliance, start by considering the room available, how much washing-up builds up between cycles and where your connections are. A standard freestanding dishwasher is a good fit if you have enough width and plenty of dishes; a 45 cm model takes up less floor space, while a compact countertop model is better suited to smaller loads, provided you check its water supply and drainage requirements.
If you’re not planning to fit a cabinet front, a freestanding dishwasher can slot into your existing layout. UFC-Que Choisir describes this type as having finished visible sides; you’ll still need to find a suitable spot near the connections.
A countertop compact is worth considering if you have room for it on a worktop and your loads are fairly small. The 6-place-setting countertop models featured by UFC-Que Choisir still need to be checked for space to fit saucepans and large dishes.
A slimline model can hold more dishes than a countertop appliance without needing the width of a standard-size model. The 45 cm examples featured by UFC-Que Choisir and Beko are listed with capacities of 9 or 10 place settings, depending on the model.
Consider it if: there’s enough width for a standard-size appliance and you have a large load of washing-up.
Bear in mind: it takes up more floor space than a 45 cm or countertop compact model.
Consider it if: there isn’t enough width for a standard-size model, but a countertop appliance would be too small for your usual load.
Bear in mind: a more limited capacity may mean running cycles more often.
Consider it if: you want to save floor space and have a suitable surface for a small load.
Bear in mind: it will take up space on your worktop, and you’ll need to check whether it can fit larger utensils.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Connections and installation | Locate the water inlet, waste outlet and socket; check the manual for the space required behind the appliance. | If I want to use an existing space, I need to know whether installation is possible there before choosing a size. This could be a priority for around 38% of consumers. |
| Size | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow for the door to open; if it’s going under a worktop, check whether the top can be removed if necessary. | In a small kitchen, I want to leave enough room to move around or use the worktop. This could be a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated place settings with the pans and large dishes you wash between cycles; check the basket layout. | If washing-up builds up between washes, I’d rather avoid running extra cycles or leaving large dishes out. Around 31% of consumers may prioritise this capacity. |
A freestanding model doesn’t need a kitchen cabinet front, but a model connected to the mains still needs a suitable water inlet, waste outlet and electrical supply. So an empty spot on the floor isn’t enough.
Measure the space and locate the connections, then check the model’s manual before deciding where to put it.
Depending on the location, plumbing alterations or help from a professional may be needed.
A countertop appliance listed for 6 place settings may mean running extra cycles if you often use frying pans, saucepans or large dishes.
Look at the washing-up you produce over several meals and compare it with the compact model’s interior layout. If you have room, consider a 45 cm model too.
A 45 cm appliance isn’t necessarily more energy-efficient than another size. ADEME notes that the energy label shows, among other things, the electricity used per 100 cycles and water consumption per reference cycle.
Compare these figures, capacity and noise levels on the labels of the specific models you’re interested in.
A freestanding model can only be fitted under a worktop if its design and dimensions allow it; don’t assume the top can be removed.
Check whether the top can be removed, and follow the model’s clearance and installation instructions.
Worth considering for a standard freestanding model if adjustable baskets and the stated noise level are important to you.
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a slimline freestanding model and have around 45 cm of width available.
Worth a look if you’re after a compact model to sit on a worktop.
Worth considering among slimline models if you’re comparing stated capacity and noise levels.
These models offer two ways to equip a kitchen without built-in space: a freestanding model for greater capacity, or a countertop appliance that leaves the floor free for other uses. Check the dimensions and connections of your chosen model against the space where you plan to put it.
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Worth considering if you have space for a 60 cm appliance and a large load to wash between cycles.
Stated capacity of 14 place settings; energy rating E. Check access to the connections and the space needed for the hoses.
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Worth considering if you have enough width and want to wash a large load.
Stated capacity of 14 place settings, stated noise level of 41 dB and energy rating C. Check the installation dimensions and access to the connections.
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Worth considering if your load between washes calls for a 14-place-setting freestanding model and its dimensions suit your space.
Seven programmes are listed. If you plan to fit it under an existing worktop, check the model’s installation requirements in the manual.
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Worth considering for a small surface if a tank-fed water supply better suits your kitchen layout.
The title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Wastewater still needs to be drained, so check where the hose can go and whether your usual dishes will fit inside.
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Worth considering for small loads if your worktop can accommodate the appliance and the connections are accessible.
Stated capacity of 6 place settings, seven programmes, stated noise level of 47 dB and energy rating D. Check its external dimensions and see whether the basket can hold your saucepans and large dishes.
No, not if it’s a model connected to the mains water supply. ‘Freestanding’ means it doesn’t need a built-in space or cabinet front, but you’ll still need a suitable water inlet, waste outlet and socket. If you’re considering a tank-fed appliance, check its manual to see how wastewater is drained.
It may be enough if your load between cycles is small, but the number of people in your household isn’t the only thing to consider. Compare the space your frying pans and large dishes take up with the basket layout. If they won’t fit, consider a slimline model.
Yes, but only if the model is designed for this type of installation and the space available meets the requirements in its manual. Check in particular whether the top can be removed, as well as the dimensions, clearances and connections required.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle, capacity in place settings and noise level for models that fit your space. According to ADEME, the Eco programme is often used as the reference cycle, so these figures don’t show the consumption of every programme.