In a kitchen without a dedicated space or matching cabinet door, start by considering the room you have and how much washing up you need to do. A freestanding dishwasher doesn’t need a cabinet door, while a countertop model is a better fit if you need less capacity. According to guides from Que Choisir, an integrated model requires a suitable space; only consider one once you’ve checked the cabinet door, dimensions and installation requirements.
You want to install a standalone appliance without refitting your kitchen, and need more capacity than a compact model offers. Que Choisir distinguishes freestanding models by their finished exterior, which means they don’t need a cabinet door.
You’re short on floor space and can set aside some worktop space for a small appliance. Que Choisir includes countertop models for up to 6 place settings; check whether this capacity will suit the washing up you usually have.
You’re considering a cabinet door to match your kitchen. Before choosing an integrated model, check that there’s a suitable space, that the door is compatible and that the installation requirements can be met. Que Choisir explains that this type of appliance needs to be fitted into a purpose-built space.
First, identify the space you can use, then compare the stated capacity with how much washing up you need to do. If you want a matching cabinet door, check separately that your kitchen units really do allow for this type of installation.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone installation | Measure the full space, including clearance. If you plan to install it under a worktop, check the manual to see whether the model’s top can be removed. | I want to add an appliance without creating a dedicated space or buying a cabinet door, and I’m happy for its finished exterior to remain visible. Around 46% of consumers would prioritise this standalone installation. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the overall dimensions, the worktop or floor space available, and the place-setting capacity with the washing up you accumulate between cycles. | In a small kitchen, I want an appliance that fits the space available without having to run more cycles because it doesn’t have enough capacity. Around 36% of consumers would put this balance between space and capacity first. |
| Fitting with your kitchen units | Check the space, cabinet door and fixings, then confirm the installation requirements. If you’re renting, get written permission if the work would alter the rented property or its fittings. | I want to keep a cabinet door that matches my kitchen and can consider the required installation if my units are compatible. Around 18% of consumers would prioritise this type of installation, subject to these conditions. |
When comparing models that suit your installation and capacity needs, ADEME says the energy label includes figures such as energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. Compare these figures on the same basis, and don’t assume your household’s consumption based on the appliance’s width alone.
According to Que Choisir, an integrated dishwasher is designed for a purpose-built space; it can’t simply be placed on the floor like a freestanding appliance. A matching cabinet door won’t be enough if the space and fixings aren’t suitable.
Before choosing this format, check the dimensions of the space, the door and the fixing system. If your kitchen isn’t compatible, consider a freestanding or countertop model instead.
A countertop model with space for 6 place settings, such as the type described by Que Choisir, has less room for washing up than a larger floor-standing appliance. If you usually have more to wash than it can hold, the space saving may mean running cycles more often.
Think about how much washing up you accumulate between cycles, then choose a suitable capacity before comparing dimensions.
Whether you can remove the top depends on the model. Width alone won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit under your worktop.
Check the manual to see if the top is removable, and measure the usable height and depth for your planned installation.
ANIL reminds tenants that they must not alter a rented property or its fittings without the landlord’s written permission. What’s required depends on the work you plan to do, not simply on buying a dishwasher.
Before carrying out work on rented installations, check your tenancy agreement and ask your landlord for written permission if the work would amount to an alteration.
ANIL says that unauthorised alterations may lead to a request for the tenant to restore the property at their own expense.
These ranges can help you identify possible configurations. Choose based on the specifications of the particular model, rather than the brand alone.
Bosch Electroménager France offers freestanding dishwashers in 45 and 60 cm widths, as well as compact options.
Beko France offers 45 cm freestanding dishwashers for kitchens where floor space is limited.
Whirlpool France offers freestanding and integrated ranges, including 45 and 60 cm formats.
Electrolux France offers freestanding models as well as the compact integrated ESL2500RO, listed as 55 cm wide with capacity for 6 place settings.
These appliances offer two options for a kitchen without a dedicated space: countertop models if floor space is limited, and 60 cm freestanding models if you have enough room and need the capacity. Before buying, check the installation dimensions and the connections required for each model.
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Worth considering if you have worktop space but no room for a floor-standing appliance.
The product name specifies a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Check the space required and how wastewater is handled before deciding where to put it.
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Consider this when you have worktop space rather than room on the floor.
The product name lists 7 programmes and an energy rating of D. Its capacity is described as “3 cutlery”: check the usable capacity before comparing it with a place-setting figure.
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Consider this if your kitchen can accommodate a standalone 60 cm appliance and you need space for 14 place settings.
The product name specifies an energy rating of E. Measure the full space and check that the existing connections are suitable.
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Consider this if a freestanding 60 cm appliance with capacity for 14 place settings suits your space and how much washing up you have.
The product name specifies 41 dB and an energy rating of C. Check the installation dimensions and connections required.
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Worth considering if a capacity of 6 place settings is enough and you can set aside a suitable spot on your worktop.
The product name specifies 7 programmes, 47 dB and an energy rating of D. Check the dimensions and connection compatibility before buying.
No. According to Que Choisir, an integrated dishwasher is designed to fit into a purpose-built space. If you don’t have a compatible space and cabinet door, consider a freestanding or countertop model rather than installing the integrated model as a standalone appliance.
Choose a capacity that can handle the washing up you accumulate between cycles, then check which format will fit in your kitchen. Que Choisir includes countertop models for 6 place settings; if that isn’t enough for you, compare the capacities and dimensions of floor-standing appliances.
Compare the energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and the water use in litres per reference cycle, as shown by ADEME. Also consider the model’s capacity: appliances in different formats won’t necessarily handle the same amount of washing up.
Yes, if the work would alter the rented property or its fittings: ANIL reminds tenants that they need their landlord’s written permission. Before carrying out work on an existing installation, check what the work involves and review your tenancy agreement. Buying an appliance alone doesn’t necessarily mean you need permission.