First, choose a size that fits the space you’ve measured and suits your usual washing-up loads. According to Que Choisir, compact models offer fewer than 9 place settings, 45 cm freestanding models generally hold 9 to 10, and 60 cm models hold 12 to 17. A compact model frees up floor space but holds less crockery. Before placing your order, also check the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply required by the model. If you’re renting, ask your landlord for written permission if installation involves altering the property or its fittings.
Available space isn’t the only thing to consider: the size of your washing-up loads and your home’s connections matter too.
A freestanding appliance lets you equip a kitchen without needing an integrated door front. Compare the connections required by the model with those available in your home. If any alterations to the property or its fittings are needed, ask your landlord for written permission first.
A 45 cm freestanding model may suit you if a compact appliance can’t handle your usual loads. Que Choisir generally puts this size at 9 to 10 place settings, and says a 9-place-setting model can work for a small family, potentially with daily use.
A table-top compact model means you don’t have to give up floor space for a dishwasher, provided you have a suitable surface for it. Check its capacity, dimensions and water supply method. For example, Candy lists its CP 6E51LW as holding 6 place settings and measuring 550 × 501 × 443 mm; it connects directly to a water inlet.
Measure the space, compare the capacity with how often you wash up, then check the installation requirements for the specific model.
| Criteria | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compare the overall width, depth and height with the available space and delivery route. Allow room for the door to open too. If fitting it under a worktop, check the height and top panel of the exact model. | I need to be able to install the appliance and open its door without obstructing the kitchen. |
| Connections | Check the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply requirements in the manual. Even if the appliance has a water tank, you’ll still need to plan how wastewater will drain away. | I want an installation that works with the connections already in place, particularly in a rented home. |
| Capacity | According to Que Choisir, compact models hold fewer than 9 place settings, 45 cm models generally hold 9 to 10, and 60 cm models hold 12 to 17. Compare these capacities with your usual loads and the bulky items you wash. | My smaller loads might fit in a compact model. If washing-up regularly piles up, I’d compare 45 and 60 cm models instead. |
| Installation | A freestanding model doesn’t need an integrated door front. If you want to fit it under a worktop, check the product documentation to confirm that the model — and, where necessary, its removable top panel — is suitable for this type of installation. | I want to equip a kitchen without a built-in space, while keeping the option to change the layout. |
| Everyday use | If you have an open-plan kitchen or wash up frequently, compare the noise level and Eco programme consumption shown on the product specifications, using the same measurement basis. | If my kitchen opens onto my living space, noise during a cycle is an important factor in my choice. |
Appliances with different capacities don’t necessarily take up different amounts of space. Width alone won’t tell you the depth, available height or clearance needed for the door.
Measure the space and delivery route, then compare them with the overall dimensions of the model you’ve chosen.
Water supply methods vary between models. For example, Candy describes its CP 6E51LW compact model as connecting directly to a water inlet. You’ll also need to plan for drainage.
Check the manual for the water supply, drainage and electrical connection requirements separately. If the model has a water tank, find out how wastewater is drained away.
A removable top panel isn’t something you should take for granted. Bosch says it can reduce the height from 84,5 to 81,5 cm on certain models, but these measurements don’t apply to every appliance.
Check the documentation for the exact model and measure the available height before considering removing the top panel.
Installing a new water inlet, moving a drain or drilling holes could alter the rented property or its fittings. Article 7 of the Act of 6 July 1989, published on Légifrance, covers such alterations.
If changes like these are needed, ask your landlord for written permission before having any work done. Don’t assume a straightforward connection will involve the same work — check the existing installation first.
These ranges give you examples of the sizes and configurations to compare; installation requirements vary by model.
Bosch offers 45 and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers in France.
Candy’s French range includes freestanding appliances and table-top compact models.
Electrolux offers 60 cm freestanding models, including the ESS47410SW, which is listed as suitable for under-worktop installation with its removable top panel.
These models cover two options for a kitchen without fitted units: table-top compact models for smaller loads and 60 cm freestanding models for greater capacity.
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Worth considering if you have space for a 60 cm appliance and your usual loads need 14 place settings. The model name indicates a noise level of 41 dB, energy rating C and a white finish. Measure the space and check the required connections before ordering.
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A table-top model is worth considering for smaller loads if you have a suitable surface for it. The product name indicates a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Check the manual for the capacity, drainage route and electrical connection requirements.
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This size suits a space that can accommodate a 60 cm appliance and loads where 14 place settings are useful. The model name indicates a grey finish and energy rating E. If you’re considering fitting it under a worktop, check this model’s dimensions and top-panel configuration.
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This 14-place-setting option needs a space wide enough for a 60 cm appliance. The product name indicates a stainless steel finish and energy rating D. If it needs to fit under a worktop, check whether the top panel can be removed before choosing this appliance.
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A 6-place-setting table-top appliance can handle smaller loads without taking up floor space. The model name lists seven programmes, 47 dB and energy rating D. Measure the surface where you plan to put it and check that the hoses can reach the connections.
Measure the space and access routes, then check the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply required by the model. Electrolux says its installers work with compliant installations and don’t carry out any plumbing, electrical or carpentry work that may be required.
Ask your landlord for written permission before altering the rented property or its fittings. Article 7 of the Act of 6 July 1989, published on Légifrance, covers such alterations. If you’re connecting the appliance to existing connections, check the specific layout of the property and the appliance manual instead.
Yes, if you usually have smaller loads and a table-top appliance makes better use of the space available. According to Que Choisir, compact models offer fewer than 9 place settings, compared with generally 9 to 10 for a 45 cm freestanding model. Compare this difference with the amount of washing-up you need to do regularly.
Only if the model’s configuration and the available height allow it. Bosch says that a removable top panel can reduce the height from 84,5 to 81,5 cm on certain appliances. The French product specifications for the Electrolux ESS47410SW also mention under-worktop installation with a removable top panel. Always check the measurements for the model you’ve chosen.