Choose a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher if your kitchen has enough room and usable connections: it does not require a cabinet door and is suitable for a regular volume of washing-up. A 45 cm model is better suited to narrower spaces, while a compact dishwasher with a water tank is mainly suitable for very small loads; a built-in model only makes sense if a housing unit, door front and associated work are already planned.
You have a sink, but no space designed to accommodate a dishwasher door front. A freestanding model may be suitable if you confirm the water inlet, drainage, electricity supply and any conditions set out in the tenancy agreement. Que Choisir explains that a freestanding model already has a finished front, top and sides.
When 60 cm of width is not available, a 45 cm freestanding model can be a useful compromise. Models of this width can hold around 9 to 10 place settings, depending on the reference, although more cycles may be needed if the daily load is substantial.
A compact dishwasher with a water tank can reduce reliance on a fixed water supply. Its limited capacity and the need to manage the drain hose make it most suitable for small amounts of washing-up and a suitable worktop.
Start by measuring the space and access routes, then choose a capacity suited to your household. Connections and the energy label can then help you distinguish between models of the same size.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility with the space | Measure the height, width and depth, including delivery access routes and door clearance. Check whether the model is freestanding and whether it is explicitly designed to fit beneath a worktop. | I want an appliance that can be installed without a cabinet door front or unexpected kitchen alterations. |
| Capacity and width | Compare the place-setting capacity with the actual amount of washing-up. A 60 cm model may suit regular use by several people, a 45 cm model takes up less width, and a compact model is suitable for small loads. | I want to avoid an appliance that is too large for the room without having to run cycles too often. |
| Connections and renting | Check the water inlet, drainage and suitable socket before delivery. For a compact model with a water tank, also check the route of the drain hose and the stability of the worktop. | I want to know whether the appliance can be used with the existing installation, without plumbing, joinery or electrical work. |
| Water, energy, noise and drying | Compare the energy labels on the same basis: kWh per 100 cycles, litres per reference cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level. Also examine the model’s drying system. | In an open-plan kitchen, I prioritise a suitable noise level and want to compare the stated consumption figures between like-for-like models. ADEME provides this information on the energy label. |
A freestanding model mainly removes the need for a built-in housing unit and cabinet door. It will normally still require a suitable water inlet, drainage connection and electricity supply.
Check the connections in person before choosing the width or finish. If there is no water inlet, only consider compact models explicitly designed to work with a water tank, and plan how they will drain.
Que Choisir states that 45 cm dishwashers with 9 place settings are not necessarily cheaper than appliances with a larger capacity. A narrower format may also mean more frequent cycles, depending on the volume of washing-up.
First match the available width and capacity to your household. Then compare the energy label, noise and drying performance between appliances with a similar capacity.
A built-in model requires a compatible housing unit and a door front, which is not always supplied. Installation services do not necessarily include joinery, plumbing or electrical work.
In a kitchen not designed for this format, choose a freestanding model instead. Only choose a built-in model after confirming the housing dimensions, fixings, door front and who would carry out any required work.
Any joinery, plumbing or electrical work may extend the installation time.
Everyday use involves consumables and maintenance suited to the water in your home. The energy label also helps you compare the stated water and electricity consumption.
Allow for detergent, rinse aid, dishwasher salt if required, and regular maintenance. Compare the water and energy figures using the same reference programme.
French range of 60 cm freestanding dishwashers to consider if you are looking for a standard, high-capacity format in a non-integrated kitchen with enough space and available connections.
Worth considering for a narrow kitchen that still has the connections needed for a conventional dishwasher, with 45 cm freestanding models available in the French range.
A range of 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding models for shoppers who want an appliance that is not fixed in place, with differences in capacity, noise and basket layout depending on the series.
A compact solution to consider for a worktop when the lack of a permanent water connection and a very small amount of washing-up matter more than capacity.
Joybuy options for a kitchen without a built-in housing unit: 60 cm freestanding dishwashers for households with the necessary connections, and compact models with a water tank for small spaces or homes without a fixed water supply.
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Worth considering for a kitchen without a built-in housing unit that has the necessary connections, and for a regular volume of washing-up from several people.
60 × 59 × 85 cm, 14 place settings, stated noise level of 41 dB, C energy rating and approximately 9,5 L on the Eco cycle. The appliance requires a water inlet, drainage connection and an earthed 220–240 V wall socket; check access routes, door clearance and the height beneath the worktop.
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A compact option for a small kitchen, a single person or a couple with little washing-up and no fixed water supply.
Stated capacity of 4 place settings, integrated 5 L water tank or tap connection, and dimensions of 45,8 × 42,8 × 42,5 cm. The drain hose must lead to a sink or suitable container; also check ventilation, the stability of the support and the earthed socket.
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Suitable for a non-integrated kitchen that can accommodate a 60 cm appliance and for a household producing a substantial amount of washing-up.
85 × 60 × 59 cm, 14 place settings, six programmes, stated water consumption of 9,5 L and stated noise level of 46 dB. A suitable water inlet, drainage connection and electricity supply are still required; also check the route into the kitchen and door clearance.
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Worth considering for a single person or couple with very little washing-up, in a small home or mobile space.
Stated capacity of 3 place settings, 5 L water tank, direct tap connection possible, seven programmes and stated noise level of 56,3 dB. Before buying, check the dimensions, ventilation space and positioning required for drainage.
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A 60 cm option for a household with a stable space, available connections and a regular volume of washing-up.
59,8 × 60,0 × 84,5 cm, 14 place settings, seven programmes, third basket, half-load option, 44 dB and 10,5 L per cycle as stated. Check the installation clearances in the manual before planning an under-worktop position.
No, a rented kitchen does not have to include a dishwasher. ADIL de la Moselle / ANIL reminds us that a home must include, among other things, a kitchen or kitchenette with a sink connected to hot and cold water and to the wastewater drainage system. Check the tenancy agreement and inventory for the equipment listed.
Check the dimensions, delivery access routes, opening space, water inlet, drainage and a safe electricity supply. Electrolux France states that its installers connect appliances to an existing compliant installation, without carrying out joinery, plumbing or electrical work.
Yes, if the model explicitly includes a water tank. Daan Tech, for example, states that its Bob model can operate with an integrated 3,9 L water tank or an optional water inlet; wastewater drainage is still required through a hose to a sink or another drainage system.
Generally not if the volume of washing-up is high. Depending on the reference, 45 cm models are listed for 9 to 10 place settings, whereas the countertop mini appliances mentioned by Que Choisir are designed for 2 or 3 place settings. A compact model is a better fit when the daily amount of washing-up remains small.
Compare the energy labels on the same basis: A to G rating, kWh per 100 reference cycles, litres per reference cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level or class. ADEME states that an increase of 3 dB corresponds to an almost doubling of noise, which is particularly useful in an open-plan kitchen.