In a kitchen without a built-in dishwasher space, start by considering the room available and the connections you can access. A 45 or 60 cm freestanding dishwasher needs suitable water, drainage and electrical connections. A compact model may suit a smaller amount of washing-up, but its water supply and drainage requirements depend on the model. If you want to fit a freestanding dishwasher under a worktop, check that its top panel can be removed and measure the space left.
A freestanding appliance can be installed without a matching cupboard door. It still needs suitable space and water, drainage and electrical connections, as Bosch explains in its installation guide.
If a 60 cm appliance is too wide, compare 45 cm freestanding models with compact dishwashers that sit on a worktop. UFC-Que Choisir associates the latter with smaller loads, so check that your dishes and washing-up routine suit the capacity of the model you choose.
A compact model with a reservoir can save you from needing a fixed water supply. Daan Tech describes this option for its Bob model, which still requires wastewater drainage. Check both requirements separately for any other model.
Start with the space and connections, then check that the capacity and features suit the amount of washing-up in your household.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Locate the water supply, drain, socket and route for the hoses. For a compact model with a reservoir, also check how to fill it and drain the wastewater. | I want to place the appliance in my kitchen without assuming that “freestanding” means “no connections needed”. |
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the clearance needed. Bosch lists freestanding models that are 45 and 60 cm wide; for installation under a worktop, UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking that the model’s top panel can be removed. | I need an appliance that fits the space, without obstructing its door or the route through the kitchen. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the size of your dishes and how often you wash up. UFC-Que Choisir lists, among other options, 45 cm models with 9 place settings and worktop models with 6. | For a small amount of washing-up, I could consider a compact model. For larger loads, I need to check it won’t mean running too many cycles. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare energy use on a like-for-like basis: ADEME says the energy label shows kWh per 100 cycles and litres of water per cycle. Also check the noise level listed for each model. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters as much to me as the space the appliance takes up. I also want to compare energy use rather than relying on the energy rating alone. |
A freestanding appliance does not need a cupboard door, but Bosch says it still needs water, drainage and electrical connections.
Locate these connections and plan the route for the hoses, then check the manual for the model you’re considering.
If suitable connections aren’t available, plumbing or electrical work may be needed.
Whether a freestanding dishwasher can fit under a worktop depends on the model. If its top panel cannot be removed, there may not be enough clearance.
Check this in the manual before removing anything, then measure the available height and depth, and allow space for the connections. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking that the top panel is removable before buying.
The reservoir in Daan Tech’s Bob removes the need for a fixed water supply, but the manufacturer still requires wastewater drainage.
For the model you choose, check separately how it gets its water, whether you need to fill it manually, and where the drain hose needs to go.
Appliances in different formats may suit different amounts of washing-up. ADEME also lists energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use per cycle as useful points of comparison.
Compare these figures on the same basis, then check the exact model’s capacity, dimensions and noise level.
A brand to consider for 45 and 60 cm freestanding models, including options with a removable top panel.
Freestanding 60 cm models to consider if you have enough floor space for an appliance of this size.
Its Bob mini dishwasher is an example of a worktop appliance with a water reservoir.
Its range of freestanding dishwashers includes a 45 cm model worth considering.
This selection includes freestanding models for floor installation and a compact model for a worktop. Compare their features with the space and connections in your kitchen. For under-worktop installation, check the specific model first.
Image unavailable
Consider this model if you have room for a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher and want a stated capacity of 14 place settings. The model name indicates a noise level of 41 dB and energy rating C. If you plan to install it under a worktop, check the manual to see whether the top panel can be removed, and measure the available height.
Image unavailable
The 5 L reservoir is worth considering if there’s no fixed water supply near your worktop. The product name lists 5+1 wash programmes. Check that its capacity suits your dishes, and make sure you can drain the wastewater.
Image unavailable
This 60 cm freestanding model has a stated capacity of 14 place settings and an energy rating of E. If you plan to install it under a worktop, check that the installation is suitable, that there’s enough clearance and that the hoses will fit. Check the electrical requirements in the manual too.
Image unavailable
The model name indicates 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Check that there’s enough floor space to open the door and route the water and drain hoses. Consult the manual for the electrical connection requirements.
Image unavailable
This model has a stated capacity of 14 place settings and an energy rating of C. The listed width of 60 cm doesn’t match other dimensions given for this model, so check its exact measurements before setting aside a space for it. Also check the connection requirements in the manual.
Yes. A freestanding model doesn’t need an additional cupboard door. You’ll still need a suitable space and the water, drainage and electrical connections described in Bosch’s installation guide.
Yes, if the model is suitable for this type of installation and there’s enough space. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking before you buy that its top panel can be removed. Measure the available width, depth and height too, and allow room for the hoses.
Some models can, thanks to a water reservoir: Daan Tech says Bob has a 4 L reservoir. You’ll still need to arrange wastewater drainage and check how the specific model gets its water.
Compare the energy use shown in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per cycle, as ADEME explains. Then consider these figures alongside each appliance’s capacity and dimensions: the energy rating alone won’t tell you whether it suits your needs.