Homes without a fitted kitchen
A freestanding model saves you from having to fit a matching furniture door. It’s worth considering if you’d like the flexibility to change your kitchen layout.
Which size is right for you?
Small kitchens with accessible connections
If you’re short on width but can fit a floor-standing appliance, compare 45 cm models with your usual washing-up load. Que Choisir mentions models with room for 9 place settings as an option for a small family, perhaps with a daily cycle.
Studios and smaller households
A compact worktop dishwasher can save floor space when you only have a small amount of washing-up. Check its capacity, how much worktop space it takes up and where the waste water will drain.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the space available and the amount of washing-up you need to do, then check the connections and the energy label information for the model you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation type | Check that it’s described as “freestanding”, then measure its overall height, width and depth. If it needs to fit under a worktop, check the requirements for the top panel. | I don’t have a built-in space or a furniture door to fit. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the actual dimensions and place settings for the specific model. Que Choisir describes 45 cm models with room for 9 place settings; Beko France also lists a 45 cm model rated for up to 10 place settings. For a compact model, check the worktop space available. | If I regularly have a large load to wash and have the space, I’ll consider a 60 cm freestanding model. If width is limited, I’ll look at 45 cm models; for a small load and no floor space, I’ll consider a compact model. |
| Installation | Locate the water supply and waste outlet, and check that the hoses won’t be kinked. Promotelec says that in France, a dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit. A water tank can avoid the need for a mains water connection, but the appliance will still need to drain. | Before setting aside a space for the appliance, I want to know where it will get its water and power, and where the waste water will go. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare appliances with similar capacities using their energy labels: check the class, energy consumption, water use per cycle and noise level. The European Commission says this information is shown on dishwasher energy labels. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters as much to me as the space the appliance takes up. I also want to compare water and energy use on a like-for-like basis. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming “freestanding” means “no installation required”
Not needing to fit a furniture door doesn’t mean a standard dishwasher can go without a water supply, waste outlet and electrical connection. If these aren’t available, you may not be able to install it where you planned.
Measure the space, locate the connections and check that the hoses and cable can run through without being kinked.
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Forgetting to drain a compact model with a water tank
The tank on the Daan Tech Bob means it doesn’t need to be connected to the mains water supply, but the waste water still needs to drain away. Its stated capacity is 3 place settings under the European standard.
Before choosing a compact model with a tank, check the space on your worktop, the load you need to wash and where the drain hose will run.
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Judging energy efficiency by the letter alone
The letter on its own doesn’t tell you the capacity, water consumption or noise level. The European Commission lists these separately on dishwasher energy labels.
Compare the label information for models of a similar size and capacity, especially if your kitchen is open to your living space.
Which brands should you consider?
Bosch
Bosch France offers a range that includes 60 cm freestanding dishwashers, worth considering if you have room for a floor-standing appliance in your kitchen.
- For the SMS4EVW36F, Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 600 × 600 mm and water use of 9,0 L per Eco cycle.
- These figures apply to the SMS4EVW36F. Check the specifications separately for any other model.
Beko
Beko’s French range includes 45 cm dishwashers for kitchens where width is limited.
- Beko France lists a 45 cm model rated for up to 10 place settings.
- Check the capacity and other specifications for the specific model you’re considering.
Daan Tech
The Daan Tech Bob is a mini freestanding dishwasher to consider for a small load and a spot on your worktop.
- According to Daan Tech’s product information, it has room for 3 place settings under the European standard and can be filled from a tank or connected to a water supply.
- The tank doesn’t eliminate the need for drainage, and a capacity of 3 place settings may mean running frequent cycles if your load increases.
Models for these setups
These Joybuy models illustrate two options for a kitchen without a space for a built-in dishwasher: freestanding models for larger loads and compact worktop models for smaller loads. Check the dimensions and installation requirements for each model before choosing.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, white
Worth considering if you have space for a freestanding appliance and regularly wash a large load. The title lists a width of 60 cm and a capacity of 14 place settings; check the full dimensions and connections in your kitchen.
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Whirlpool WFP5O41PLGX freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, stainless steel
Its stated capacity of 14 place settings can handle a large load, provided you have room to install it. The title lists a width of 60 cm, but another dimension provided for this model is 67,5 cm. Confirm the actual width before setting aside a space for it, along with the connections required.
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AIRMSEN worktop dishwasher, 5 L tank
A worktop model may suit you if floor space is limited and you only have a small load to wash. Its stated capacity is 4 place settings; the 5 L tank doesn’t remove the need for drainage, which uses a hose running to a sink or container. Check that you have enough space and that the surface is stable.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 table-top dishwasher, 6 place settings, black
This table-top model is worth considering for a small household without space for a floor-standing appliance; its stated capacity is 6 place settings. Check its dimensions, water supply requirements and drainage before deciding where to put it.
Frequently asked questions
Does a freestanding dishwasher need to be connected to a water supply and drain?
Yes, a standard model does. The Bosch SMS4EVW36F manual specifies a water supply, drainage and an electrical connection. A compact model with a water tank may not need to be connected to the mains water supply, but its waste water still needs to drain away.
What electrical supply do you need for a dishwasher in France?
Promotelec says that a dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit. If you’re unsure how the socket you plan to use is supplied, have the installation checked before positioning the appliance.
How can you compare the energy use and noise levels of two models?
Check their energy labels and, where possible, compare models with similar capacities. The European Commission says dishwasher labels include information such as energy class, energy and water consumption, capacity and noise emissions.