If you don’t have a built-in space or a matching cabinet door, first compare freestanding dishwashers if you have floor space and the necessary connections. A countertop compact model is a better fit if you can spare some worktop space. A model with a water tank may avoid the need for a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to plan for drainage and an electrical connection. An integrated model requires a compatible housing and kitchen setup, as UFC-Que Choisir and Daan Tech point out for the configurations in question.
You’re looking for an appliance that suits the existing layout, without assuming there’s a built-in space or cabinet door available. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between freestanding installation and fitting a dishwasher behind a cabinet door.
You’re weighing up floor space, worktop space and the number of place settings that suit the dishes you use every day. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering capacity and installation when choosing.
You need to distinguish between using existing connections and carrying out work that alters the rented property or its fittings. ANIL points out that such alterations require the landlord’s written permission.
Consider this if: you have floor space and compatible connections, but no built-in space or cabinet door.
Bear in mind: measure the appliance, the door opening and the route to the connections.
Consider this if: you can spare some worktop space and its stated capacity suits the dishes you use.
Bear in mind: it takes up worktop space; don’t assume a standard compact model will work without a fixed water supply.
Consider this if: your kitchen has a compatible housing and allows for the installation specified in the instructions.
Bear in mind: without a suitable housing and cabinet door, an integrated model won’t suit your existing setup. If you rent, check what alterations are needed before starting any work.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Relevant consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check the instructions for the water supply, drainage and electrical connection. Even with a water tank, you’ll still need to plan for safe drainage. | If I don’t have a fixed water supply, I want to know how to fill the appliance and drain the waste water. Around 28% of consumers put the feasibility of the connections first. |
| Space and door opening | Compare the height, width and depth with the available space; also measure the door opening and the route for the hoses. | When every centimetre counts, I want to keep a clear walkway or leave the worktop free. Available space is the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the dishes you normally use, and check the interior layout for larger utensils. | If dishes pile up between cycles, I’m looking for a capacity that suits the load I actually have, rather than relying only on the number displayed. Around 22% of consumers say usable capacity is a priority. |
| Installation in a rented property | Distinguish between connecting to existing fittings and work that alters them. ANIL says alterations to rented property or fittings require the landlord’s written permission. | As a renter, I want to avoid building work and check whether the appliance can use the available connections. Flexible installation is a priority for around 17% of consumers. |
| Integration and energy use | For an integrated model, check the housing and the required cabinet door. The EU energy label shows, among other things, kWh per 100 Eco cycles and litres of water per cycle. | If my kitchen can accommodate an integrated model, I want to check the required cabinet door and then compare energy and water use on a like-for-like basis. Around 11% of consumers prioritise integration and comparing consumption. |
A water tank may remove the need for a fixed water supply on some models, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for drainage or an electrical connection.
Check the instructions for the exact model and identify the water supply, drain and plug separately. If the appliance uses a tank, check where and how its drain hose will be fitted.
A freestanding appliance comes with its own finished exterior, while a fully integrated model requires a compatible kitchen setup.
Compare the installation type and fitting diagram with your kitchen before choosing a model.
Depth, door clearance, hose access and space for larger utensils also affect everyday use.
Measure the whole space and compare the stated capacity with the dishes you normally use.
The rules on alterations to rented property or fittings don’t mean that every connection to existing plumbing needs the landlord’s permission.
Decide what work you’re considering before buying. According to ANIL, alterations require the landlord’s written permission.
ANIL says that unauthorised alterations may mean the tenant has to pay to put things back as they were.
Bosch’s freestanding floor-standing models give you a way to compare the requirements of a standard-size appliance.
The models featured cover both countertop compact and fully integrated formats, which suit different setups.
The BDFS26040X is an example of a slimline freestanding dishwasher designed for a floor-standing space.
The ESS68600SX is an example of a 60 cm freestanding option for a kitchen with room for a floor-standing appliance.
Bob is a compact, tank-fed option to consider if a fixed water supply isn’t available.
This selection includes countertop compact dishwashers and freestanding models, so you can compare their footprint, stated capacity and connection requirements.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact model with a tank option; you’ll also need to plan for suitable drainage.
The title specifies a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. The drain hose must be directed into a sink or container and secured properly.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you have room on your worktop and can use the connections specified for this model.
The title lists 6 place settings and 7 programmes. The product description specifies a water inlet hose and a drain hose.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have floor space and are looking for a freestanding appliance with a generous stated capacity.
The title lists 60 cm, 14 place settings, a stainless steel finish and a C rating.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have floor space and are looking for a freestanding appliance with a generous stated capacity.
The title lists 60 cm, 14 place settings, a stainless steel finish and a C rating.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you can fit an appliance on your worktop and want to compare its stated capacity with the dishes you use.
The title lists a capacity of 4 to 6 place settings, stated energy consumption of 0,58 kWh per cycle and water consumption of 3,5 to 5 L.
No. ‘Freestanding’ describes the appliance’s finish and installation type; it doesn’t mean connections are never needed. Check the model’s instructions for the water supply, drainage and electrical requirements.
No. A compact format alone doesn’t tell you how the appliance gets its water. Daan Tech describes Bob as having a water tank, while the Candy CP 6E51LS is a countertop compact model. Even with a tank, you’ll need to arrange drainage for the waste water.
The EU energy label shows, among other things, the kWh per 100 cycles for the Eco programme and the litres of water used per cycle. Compare these figures separately, and take the stated capacity into account too.
The rule applies to alterations to rented property and fittings: these require the landlord’s written permission. According to ANIL, simply connecting to existing fittings is a different situation; what matters is the nature of the work involved.
For a purchase by an individual from a professional seller, the Ministry of the Economy states in its guidance dated 9 September 2026 that the legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory and can be claimed from the seller for two years. It may also cover installation that the seller was contractually responsible for or carried out under their responsibility.