For a rented kitchen without a built-in space, start by checking the room and connections already available. A 60 cm freestanding dishwasher suits larger loads, a 45 cm model needs less width, while a compact countertop model is better for smaller loads. Whichever size you choose, you’ll still need to check the water supply, drainage, electricity supply and the model’s installation instructions. If these requirements aren’t met and you can’t make alterations, it’s best to put off buying a dishwasher.
If you regularly wash up after several people, compare 60 cm and 45 cm freestanding models based on the space available and the size of your usual load. UFC-Que Choisir gives their typical capacities as 12 to 17 place settings and 9 to 10 place settings respectively.
A compact countertop model can handle smaller loads if your worktop and connections are suitable. The Candy CP 6E51LS, for example, is listed as holding 6 place settings and connecting directly to the water supply. This type of dishwasher needs checking before you buy, too.
If you want to avoid plumbing, electrical and cabinetry work, check the installation requirements before choosing a dishwasher. Bosch Home Appliances explains that a dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity connection and a drain. Without suitable space and connections, washing up by hand is the practical option for now.
Check the space and connections before deciding on a size. The capacity figures from UFC-Que Choisir can then help you compare freestanding and compact countertop models.
Worth considering : if you have suitable floor space and regularly wash larger loads; UFC-Que Choisir gives this size a typical capacity of 12 to 17 place settings.
Bear in mind : you’ll need more width than for a 45 cm model, as well as enough depth and room to open the door.
Worth considering : if floor space is limited but you need more capacity than a small countertop model; UFC-Que Choisir gives this size a typical capacity of 9 to 10 place settings.
Bear in mind : check that your larger plates, dishes and utensils will fit in the baskets of the model you choose.
Worth considering : if you wash smaller loads and have a suitable worktop; the Candy CP 6E51LS is an example of this size, with space for 6 place settings.
Bear in mind : it takes up worktop space, and its lower capacity may mean you need to run it more often.
Worth considering : if there’s nowhere that meets the model’s connection and installation requirements and you want to avoid alterations.
Bear in mind : you’ll still need to wash up by hand, but you’ll avoid buying an appliance you can’t use in your current kitchen.
| Consideration | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without alterations | Locate the water supply, drain and accessible socket; check their positions and the available clearance against the model’s instructions. | I want to avoid changing the rented kitchen, so the dishwasher needs to work with the connections already there. Around 42% of shoppers would make this their top priority. |
| Capacity and size | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow room to open the door; compare the stated capacity with the plates, dishes and pans you usually use. | My kitchen is small, but I don’t want to run lots of cycles to wash my dishes. Around 33% of shoppers would prioritise this trade-off. |
| Everyday convenience | Compare the noise level and energy consumption on the model’s label, then check the programmes and service terms that matter to you. | Once I’ve sorted out the space and connections, I’m mainly concerned about noise in my open-plan kitchen and how it performs across different cycles. Around 25% of shoppers would put this first. |
A freestanding dishwasher doesn’t need a matching cabinet door, but it still needs a water supply, a drain and an electricity connection. Bosch Home Appliances lists these three connections as part of the installation process.
Locate the existing connections, measure the distance to the intended position and read the instructions before ordering.
Compact doesn’t mean it takes up very little space: the Candy CP 6E51LS measures 550 × 501 × 443 mm and holds 6 place settings. If you regularly have more dishes than it can hold, you may find yourself running extra cycles.
Check the dimensions, how much weight your worktop can support and how much clearance the model needs.
Some models may be suitable for under-counter installation, but this depends on factors such as the top panel and the required clearances. Width alone won’t tell you if it will fit.
Check the product details and instructions to see whether the top panel can be removed, then confirm the dimensions for your planned set-up.
If you buy from a professional retailer in France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies independently of any optional commercial guarantee. The DGCCRF distinguishes between these protections; the cover and exclusions of an extended guarantee depend on its terms.
Read the terms before taking out cover, paying particular attention to its duration, parts, labour and any services included.
A brand to consider for freestanding models. Compare the features and, above all, the installation instructions for each product.
A brand to compare if you’re deciding between a compact countertop dishwasher and a freestanding model with more place settings.
A brand to consider if limited floor width has you looking for a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher.
A brand to compare if you’re looking for a 45 cm freestanding model with a mid-range capacity.
These Joybuy models include freestanding dishwashers for floor space and a compact option for smaller loads on a worktop. Check how each size fits your kitchen before comparing the other features.
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Worth considering for regular loads if you have enough floor space. The product name lists a noise level of 41 dB and energy rating C; check the dimensions, clearance and connections specified in the instructions.
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Consider this model if you want a freestanding dishwasher for regular loads. The product name lists energy rating E; measure the space and check the instructions for the required connections and clearance.
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Worth considering for regular loads if a freestanding appliance suits your kitchen. The product name lists 7 cycles; check the dimensions and whether under-counter installation is possible in the instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering for regular loads if you have suitable floor space. The product name lists energy rating D. As the top panel is listed as non-removable, don’t plan to install it under a worktop unless the model’s instructions confirm this is possible.
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Compare this model if you wash smaller loads and have a suitable worktop. The product name lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy rating D; check the dimensions, the weight your worktop can support and whether the connections are compatible with your set-up.
Yes. A freestanding model doesn’t need the cabinet door used on an integrated dishwasher. However, you’ll still need enough space, plus the water supply, electricity connection and drain specified in its instructions.
First, check that the existing water supply, drain and electricity supply are suitable for the intended location. Then compare their positions, the available space and clearance with the model’s instructions. If it requires alterations you can’t make, choosing a freestanding model alone won’t solve the problem.
It may be enough for smaller loads, as long as your usual plates and utensils fit inside. For comparison, Candy France lists the CP 6E51LS as holding 6 place settings, while UFC-Que Choisir gives 45 cm freestanding models a typical capacity of 9 to 10 place settings.
No, it depends on the model. Before buying, check whether its top panel can be removed and whether the manufacturer’s required dimensions and clearances will still be met once it’s in place.
No. For a dishwasher bought from a professional retailer in France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity is separate from any optional commercial guarantee; the DGCCRF states that you have two years to make a claim under it. Check the cover, duration and exclusions of any extended guarantee separately.