Renters without a dedicated dishwasher space
If your kitchen has a sink but no space or cabinet front designed for a dishwasher, consider freestanding models. You’ll still need somewhere suitable for the necessary connections.
Who are these options for?
People living alone or couples short on space
A worktop model may suit a small amount of washing up, provided you check its capacity, how much worktop space it needs, and how it’s supplied with water and drained.
Renters with an existing suitable appliance space
An integrated model may be an option if your kitchen already has a suitable space, a compatible cabinet front and the necessary connections.
What should you check before choosing?
Freestanding floor-standing model
Worth considering: if you have floor space but no dedicated dishwasher space or cabinet door.
Limitation: this flexible placement doesn’t remove the need for water, drainage and electrical connections.
Compact worktop model
Worth considering: if floor space is limited and you have only a small amount of washing up between cycles.
Limitation: its smaller capacity may mean running more cycles; a water tank doesn’t remove the need to deal with wastewater.
Integrated model
Worth considering: only if a purpose-built space and a compatible cabinet front are available.
Limitation: according to UFC-Que Choisir, an integrated model needs a dedicated space and isn’t a substitute for a freestanding appliance.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Locate the water supply, drainage point and electrical supply. Compare their positions with the model’s instructions and measure the available space. | I want to avoid choosing an appliance that I can’t fit or connect in this kitchen. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the width and depth, and allow room to open the door. Gifam generally gives a capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for a 45 cm model and 12 to 15 for a 60 cm model; check the capacity of the specific model. | A small appliance appeals to me if it can fit the washing up I have between washes, including the larger items I use. |
| Kitchen units | Check whether there’s a dedicated space and a compatible cabinet front. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a freestanding model has its own casing, while an integrated one needs to fit into a dedicated space. | If I move, I’d rather not rely on a kitchen door designed for a specific layout. |
| Everyday use | Compare water and energy use, and noise levels, using the same basis shown on the appliance labels. Also check the programmes you plan to use and any available repairability or durability information. | I want to consider noise and how I’ll use the appliance, not just its dimensions. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming “freestanding” means “no connections needed”
A freestanding model doesn’t need a dedicated space or cabinet front, but Bosch points out that a dishwasher still needs to be connected to the water supply, drainage and electricity.
Locate all three connections, measure the space and check them against the instructions before ordering.
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Planning to put an integrated model next to a cabinet
According to UFC-Que Choisir, an integrated model is designed for a dedicated space. It isn’t a temporary solution for a kitchen without the right fittings.
Check the space, cabinet front and installation requirements before choosing this type.
A compatible cabinet front and, if needed, the cost of installation will add to the work involved in setting it up.
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Choosing the width without considering capacity
Capacity varies by size: Gifam gives 9 to 10 place settings for a 45 cm model, compared with 12 to 15 for a 60 cm model. If the capacity is too small for your washing up, you may need to run more cycles.
Think about how much washing up builds up between washes, and check that large plates and pans will fit in the model you’re considering.
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Comparing consumption figures from different cycles
A figure for the Eco cycle and one for a different programme don’t reflect the same conditions of use.
Compare label figures on the same basis, then check the figures for the programmes you’ll actually use.
Which brands and ranges should you consider?
Beko
The BDFS26040X is an example of a slim freestanding model to consider when space is limited.
- Beko lists a width of 45 cm and a capacity of 10 place settings for this specific model.
- These specifications don’t apply to the entire range, so check the full dimensions and connections for the model you choose.
Bosch
Bosch product information can help you check the installation requirements for a specific integrated model.
- Bosch lists dimensions of 815 × 598 × 550 mm and water consumption of 10,5 L per Eco cycle at 50 °C for the SMV2ITX18E.
- Bosch states that its AquaStop system doesn’t prevent every leak, so check the features and instructions for the model you choose.
Daan Tech
The Bob mini dishwasher is another option for a small worktop.
- In its 2021 hands-on review, UFC-Que Choisir featured Bob among mini appliances for 2 or 3 place settings, designed to sit on a worktop and run using a water tank.
- For a version currently on sale, check its capacity, drainage, accessories and space requirements in its own instructions.
Joybuy models for these setups
This selection includes freestanding floor-standing dishwashers and compact worktop models. First, choose the format that suits your kitchen, then check the instructions and dimensions for the specific model you’re considering.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, 60 cm
Worth considering if you have floor space and regularly have a large load of washing up. This model is listed as having a capacity of 14 place settings, a noise level of 41 dB and energy rating C. Check the available space and the connections specified in its instructions.
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Indesit D2F HK26 S freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, 60 cm
This freestanding model may suit a space that can accommodate a 60 cm appliance. The grey model is listed as having a capacity of 14 place settings and energy rating E. Check its full dimensions and the three connections in the instructions.
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AIRMSEN worktop dishwasher, 5 L water tank
Worth considering if there’s no room for a floor-standing appliance and you have a small amount of washing up. The product title lists a built-in 5 L water tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Check its capacity, the space it needs on your worktop and how wastewater is drained.
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Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings
This freestanding model is listed as having a capacity of 14 place settings and energy rating C. Its product information gives a width of 60 cm, but also lists dimensions of 91 × 67,5 × 62,5 cm. Confirm the dimensions of this version before deciding where to install it, and check its connections too.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, 6 place settings
Consider a tabletop model if your worktop can accommodate it and a capacity of 6 place settings suits the washing up you have between cycles. The product title lists seven programmes and energy rating D. Check the instructions for the water supply and drainage requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put an integrated dishwasher in a kitchen with no dedicated space?
No, not like a freestanding model. According to UFC-Que Choisir, an integrated dishwasher must be fitted into a purpose-built space. If your kitchen has neither this setup nor a compatible cabinet front, consider freestanding models that fit the space available instead.
Which connections should you check for a freestanding dishwasher?
Check the water supply, wastewater drainage and electrical supply. Bosch lists these three connections as necessary for dishwasher installation; the instructions for your chosen model will explain the requirements.
How can you compare water and energy use, and noise levels, between two models?
Compare figures measured on the same basis, including those shown for the Eco cycle on the appliance labels. If you mainly use other programmes, check their figures too: an Eco figure alone doesn’t describe every cycle.
Does an anti-leak system mean you can skip checking the installation?
No. Bosch states that its AquaStop system doesn’t prevent every leak. Even with a model that has this feature, check the connections and follow the installation and use instructions for the appliance.