If your kitchen has no built-in space for a dishwasher, choose a size that suits the space available and the amount of washing up you generate: a 60 cm freestanding model for regular loads, a 45 cm model if space is tight, or a compact model for smaller loads. Before choosing an appliance, check the space and its connections. If you already wash and dry a small amount of washing up in under 15 minutes after each meal, hand-washing may still make sense, as Que Choisir points out.
You want to add an appliance without refitting the kitchen. Check the connections before choosing a location. If the project involves altering the property or its fittings, get your landlord’s written permission, in line with ANIL’s guidance.
You’re choosing between a 45 cm model, a compact dishwasher and hand-washing. The amount of washing up between cycles matters just as much as the space available.
You’re looking to cut down on a daily chore. Compare the capacity that suits your loads, then check each model’s energy use and noise level rather than choosing based on width alone.
First check whether installation is possible, then choose a capacity that suits your washing up and the space available. ADEME recommends comparing the information on the energy label, including water and electricity consumption and noise levels.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Which shoppers is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Check that the space is stable and that water, electricity and drainage are accessible. If you rent, ask your landlord for written permission if the property or its fittings need to be altered. | I want to install an appliance without finding out afterwards that the connections require changes to the property. Around 36% of shoppers who put feasibility first may share this concern. |
| Capacity | Consider how much washing up builds up between cycles, including large utensils, then check the model’s capacity and interior layout. | When washing up builds up regularly, I want to avoid running multiple cycles just to fit everything in. Around 29% of shoppers may prioritise this capacity. |
| Size | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the door clearance. If you plan to put the appliance under a worktop, check that it will fit there. | In my small kitchen, finding a practical place for the appliance matters more than having a large capacity. This lack of space may be the main concern for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Time and usage | Compare the time you spend hand-washing with the demands of running an appliance, then check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise level on the labels. | If I don’t have much washing up, I want to know whether the time saved is worth the extra cycles and maintenance. Around 14% of shoppers may put this question first. |
A freestanding appliance doesn’t need a fitted space, but Que Choisir points out that a connected dishwasher still needs a water supply, electricity and drainage.
Check these connections, the available space and the stability of the floor before choosing a model. If any alterations are needed, make sure you know exactly what work is involved.
According to ANIL, altering the property or its fittings requires your landlord’s written permission. Simply installing an appliance and carrying out work on the property’s connections are not the same thing.
Tell your landlord what changes you’re planning and get their written permission before any work begins.
A narrower model isn’t necessarily big enough for your usual washing up. According to Que Choisir, 45 cm freestanding models generally hold 9 to 10 place settings, compared with 12 to 17 place settings for 60 cm models.
Check how much washing up you have between cycles and allow for the space needed to open the door, as well as the width.
A model that fits in your kitchen won’t necessarily suit your washing-up routine. The Eco cycle time, energy and water use, and noise level can all affect everyday use.
Compare the energy label details for a capacity that suits your needs, and think about how often you’ll use the appliance.
Remember to budget for dishwasher detergent and appliance maintenance, too.
Bosch’s freestanding range in France includes 60 cm and 45 cm models to consider if your kitchen has no built-in space for a dishwasher.
Beko France lists 45 cm freestanding dishwashers to consider if limited width narrows your choice.
Candy France’s range includes freestanding models and a compact tabletop dishwasher, making it useful for comparing different sizes.
These appliances offer two ways to equip a kitchen with no built-in space for a dishwasher: freestanding models for regular loads and compact tabletop models for smaller loads. Check the dimensions and connections for each model before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering for regular washing up if your chosen space can accommodate this model. The title lists 14 place settings, a stated width of 60 cm, 41 dB and a C energy rating. Check the exact dimensions before buying, as the measurements listed for this model don’t clearly match the stated width.
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Worth considering for regular loads if you have room for a 60 cm appliance in your kitchen. The title lists 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Also check the depth, door clearance and the model’s energy label.
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Another freestanding option to consider for regular loads. The title lists 14 place settings and seven programmes. If you’re thinking of installing it under a worktop, check its dimensions and whether the top can be removed.
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Worth considering for smaller loads if you have a suitable surface for a tabletop appliance. The title lists 6 place settings, seven programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Check its exact dimensions and drainage requirements before setting aside a space for it.
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Worth considering if you have very small loads and a tabletop appliance suits the space available. The title lists 3 place settings, seven programmes and a D energy rating. Check how it connects to the water supply and, especially, what drainage is needed at your chosen location.
For a connected dishwasher, check that you have access to a water supply, electricity and waste-water drainage, as Que Choisir points out. Also make sure the space is stable. For a compact model, check the requirements for that specific appliance rather than assuming its small size means you won’t need to deal with waste water.
If adding a dishwasher means altering the property or its fittings, ANIL says you’ll need your landlord’s written permission. Explain the work you’re planning before it starts. If you’re unsure about your project, ask your ADIL for advice.
Some freestanding models can be installed under a worktop if the dimensions allow. Before buying, check the available height, whether the top of your chosen model can be removed, door clearance and access to the connections.
Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle and noise level, taking into account a capacity that suits your washing up. ADEME recommends using these details to compare dishwashers. Also check the Eco cycle time if it matters to your routine.
Hand-washing may still make sense if you have a small amount of washing up and do it after each meal. Que Choisir considers a dishwasher unnecessary if washing and drying take you less than 15 minutes. Compare this guideline with the amount of washing up you actually have and how much time you want to spend on it.