Start with a freestanding dishwasher: its visible surfaces are finished, so it does not need a cabinet door. Choose a 60 cm model if you have the width and regularly wash a large volume of dishes, a 45 cm model when space is limited, or a compact model only when room is extremely restricted. Always check the connections, dimensions and door clearance.
For a first installation without a niche or cabinet door, start with a freestanding appliance, accurately measured space and the available connections. Que Choisir explains that these appliances have finished panels on the front, top and sides.
An unfixed freestanding appliance can be moved and reinstalled when you move home, as Miele France points out. Before making any changes to the plumbing, electrics or cabinetry, however, check your tenancy agreement, whether permission is required and whether the work is feasible.
If width or floor space is limited, a 45 cm model is a sensible compromise before moving to a compact appliance. Compact models are intended for even tighter spaces and offer less capacity.
Measure the space before comparing appliances: the right format depends just as much on the available width and height as on the connections already in place.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Visible installation space | Choose a freestanding model with finished front, sides and top. If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop, confirm on the product page and in the manual for the exact model that the top is removable. | I want to install the appliance without a cabinet door or a ready-made built-in niche. A removable top may help it fit under a worktop, but it does not turn the appliance into an integrated model. |
| Format and capacity | Measure the width, height, depth and door clearance. Also compare the place-setting capacity: 45 cm models generally hold less than 60 cm models, while compact appliances hold less again. | I want to save space without having to run the appliance too often. A 45 cm model is suitable when a 60 cm model will not fit; a compact model should be reserved for worktops or very restricted spaces. |
| Connections | Confirm the water inlet, waste outlet, socket and hose routing. Bosch recommends connecting directly to a mains socket, without an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor. | I want an installation that works with my existing kitchen, without trying to work around an unsuitable socket or waste outlet. In France, Legrand outlines the requirements for a dedicated dishwasher circuit in installations covered by NF C 15-100. |
Even a freestanding model must be connected to the water supply, waste outlet and electricity. Preparatory work may be needed if these connections are not accessible or suitable.
Photograph and measure the space before ordering, then confirm the water inlet, waste outlet, socket and hose route with the seller or a suitably qualified professional.
Bosch offers 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers, with dimensional information and under-worktop options on selected models.
In France, Whirlpool offers freestanding dishwashers in 45 cm and 60 cm widths.
In France, Beko offers 45 cm freestanding dishwashers, including some references advertised as having a 10-place-setting capacity.
Miele offers 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers, suited to kitchens without an integrated front panel.
Joybuy options covering compact countertop dishwashers and standard-width freestanding models for a kitchen without a built-in space.
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This countertop model is suitable for a very restricted kitchen, with manual filling from its 5 L tank or the option to connect it to a tap.
Stated dimensions: 420 × 435 × 435 mm; six programmes advertised.
Check the worktop’s strength, door clearance and waste connection. The tap adaptor is not stated as included.
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A freestanding option for a kitchen with 60 cm of available width and a high loading requirement.
Stated dimensions: 85 × 60 × 59 cm; 14 place settings; adjustable feet and removable top advertised.
Measure the width, depth, height under the worktop and door clearance. Removing the top does not replace a fully integrated installation with a matching front panel.
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This standard-width freestanding dishwasher may suit you if you want to retain the option of installing it under a compatible worktop.
Stated dimensions: 600 × 590 × 850 mm, adjustable to 820 mm; 14 place settings; removable top panel advertised.
Confirm the water inlet, waste outlet and earthed wall socket. Allow sufficient clearance to open the door.
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This compact model is designed for small worktops and can be supplied from its built-in 5 L tank or connected to a tap.
Five place settings, two storage levels, three spray arms and five cycles are advertised.
Check the external dimensions, space needed with the door open, support stability and waste outlet before buying. A tap adaptor may be required.
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A standard-width model to consider for a kitchen that can accommodate a floor-standing appliance and a large volume of dishes.
Stated dimensions: 59.8 × 60 × 84.5 cm; 14 place settings, third rack and adjustable upper basket.
Do not assume that the top is removable. Check the door clearance, access to the socket and hose routing.
Yes. It has finished panels on the front, top and sides, so it does not require a cabinet door. Que Choisir nevertheless reminds users to check the installation space, water inlet, waste outlet and power supply.
Choose 45 cm when the available width rules out a 60 cm appliance. 45 cm models usually offer less capacity, so compare the place-setting capacity with your actual volume of dishes before opting for a narrower model.
Only if the product sheet and manual for the model confirm that the top is removable. For some of its freestanding models, Bosch states that removing the top reduces the height from 84.5 cm to 81.5 cm; this measurement does not apply to every appliance.
No. A compact model needs a water inlet and waste outlet, or a nearby sink depending on its configuration. Also check the model’s instructions and the support’s load capacity before installation.
Avoid using an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor: Bosch recommends connecting directly to a mains socket. For installations covered by NF C 15-100, Legrand specifies a dedicated dishwasher circuit protected by a maximum 20 A circuit breaker with conductors of at least 2.5 mm². If in doubt, have the installation assessed by a qualified electrician.