If your kitchen has no appliance recess or cupboard door, start by looking for a freestanding dishwasher. If there’s no room for a full-sized appliance on the floor, consider a countertop model and bear its capacity in mind. Measure the space and check the existing connections before choosing: fitting an appliance beneath a worktop depends on its dimensions and whether its top panel can be removed, while an integrated model needs a suitable recess and cupboard door.
You’re looking for an appliance that doesn’t need a cupboard door. UFC-Que Choisir describes freestanding dishwashers as having their own finished exterior, so you just need to find a suitable space and connections.
A narrow space on the floor or a worktop may point you towards a 45 cm or countertop model. Capacity matters just as much as the space it takes up: UFC-Que Choisir features countertop models with a capacity of 6 place settings and 45 cm models with 9 place settings.
You’d like to use the space beneath the worktop, but don’t want to assume a freestanding model will fit. Measure the available height and check the model’s instructions. If installation involves altering the rented property or its fixtures, you’ll also need to consider whether to get the landlord’s written permission.
Start with the kitchen furniture you actually have, then compare the dimensions, capacity and installation requirements. A compact model won’t necessarily solve the problem of connections or suit the amount of washing-up you need to do.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without fitted kitchen units | Find a space on the floor and check the existing connections. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a freestanding model doesn’t need a cupboard door. | When my kitchen has no appliance recess or matching door, I want to be able to choose an appliance with its own finished exterior. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this type of installation. |
| Size and capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, then compare the capacity with the amount of washing-up you usually have. UFC-Que Choisir features countertop models with a capacity of 6 place settings and 45 cm models with 9 place settings. | If space is limited, I’m looking for a model that fits in my kitchen without making me run extra cycles for my needs. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Fitting beneath a worktop | Compare the height beneath the worktop with the dimensions for the exact model, and check whether its top panel can be removed if necessary. | With a worktop already in place, I don’t want to buy an appliance that’s too tall for the available space. Around 21% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Fitting with kitchen units | Check the recess and cupboard door required for the model. If you’re renting in France, get the landlord’s written permission before altering the property or its fixtures, as ANIL advises. | If there’s already a fitted kitchen, I want to use its appliance recess without making any unauthorised alterations. This is a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
An integrated dishwasher needs a suitable recess and cupboard door. A freestanding model has its own finished exterior, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
Check which kitchen units you actually have before comparing models and choosing an installation type.
Having a worktop doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit underneath it. Whether the top panel can be removed, and the height once it’s off, depends on the model.
Measure the space beneath the worktop and check the product details and installation diagram for the appliance you’re considering.
A countertop model and a slimline appliance won’t necessarily hold the same amount of washing-up. The categories featured by UFC-Que Choisir include countertop models with a capacity of 6 place settings and 45 cm models with 9 place settings.
Compare the stated capacity with the amount of washing-up you usually have and how often you want to run a cycle.
Fitting an appliance may involve more than a reversible connection if the rented property or its fixtures need to be altered. In France, ANIL advises that such alterations require the landlord’s written permission.
Check whether your plans involve altering the property. If they do, get the landlord’s permission before going ahead.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding, compact and integrated dishwashers, along with measuring advice for different kitchen layouts.
Beko offers freestanding and integrated models, including options designed for narrow spaces.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in dishwashers, including 45 cm and 60 cm models.
This selection includes countertop dishwashers for a worktop and freestanding models for floor space. If you’re planning to fit an appliance beneath a worktop, check your kitchen measurements and the instructions for the model separately.
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Worth considering if you have space on a worktop rather than on the floor. The product name indicates a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles.
Measure the available space and check how the water will drain in your kitchen.
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A freestanding model to consider if you have a suitable space on the floor. The product name indicates a capacity of 14 place settings, a width of 60 cm and an energy rating of E.
If you’re planning to fit it beneath a worktop, check the available height and the model’s installation instructions before buying.
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Compare this freestanding model with the dimensions of your available floor space. The product name indicates a capacity of 14 place settings, a width of 60 cm, a noise level of 41 dB and an energy rating of C.
If you’re planning to fit it beneath a worktop, check the usable height and the connection requirements in the instructions.
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Worth considering if you have space on your worktop. The product name indicates a two-tier basket, a 5 L tank and three spray arms.
Check its external dimensions, the clearance required and the drainage solution before deciding where to put it.
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A countertop model to consider if a capacity of 6 place settings suits your needs. The product name indicates seven programmes, a noise level of 47 dB and an energy rating of D.
Measure the space on your worktop and check that the hoses can reach the connections.
Start by looking at freestanding models: UFC-Que Choisir says they have their own finished exterior and don’t need an additional cupboard door. You’ll still need to measure the space and check the existing connections.
No. Check that the top panel of the model you choose can be removed, and that its height once removed will suit the available space. For some of its relevant models, Bosch gives indicative heights of 84.5 cm with the top panel and 81.5 cm without it. Check the instructions for the specific model you’re considering to confirm its dimensions.
Not necessarily. UFC-Que Choisir features countertop models with a capacity of 6 place settings and 45 cm models with 9 place settings. If your worktop is the only possible location, compare the capacity of the specific model with the amount of washing-up you usually have.
In France, the landlord’s written permission is required if the project involves altering the rented property or its fixtures, as ANIL advises. This is different from a simple, reversible connection. If installation requires alterations, get permission before going ahead.
Compare capacity and the energy label information for models in the same category. ADEME explains that energy use is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. These units make it easy to read the two figures without confusing them.