If you don’t have a dedicated space or a compatible door panel, a freestanding dishwasher is usually the most versatile option. Choose a 60 cm, 45 cm or compact model to suit the space you’ve measured and the amount of washing up you produce. An integrated model needs a suitable housing and door panel. Whatever the size, check the water supply, drainage, power supply and stability of the space before you buy.
If your kitchen wasn’t designed with a dishwasher in mind, a freestanding appliance with its own finished exterior gives you more flexibility over where to put it. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this type of installation from fitting an appliance into a dedicated housing.
A 45 cm or countertop appliance may suit a tighter space, as long as its capacity matches the amount of washing up you generate. UFC-Que Choisir highlights countertop models with a capacity of 6 place settings, for example.
Using existing connections and altering the property’s fixtures are two different things. If installation means adding or changing connections, ask your landlord for written permission before work begins, as recommended by ANIL.
First, work out where the appliance can be installed and connected. Then make sure its dimensions and capacity suit the way you’ll use it. The table shows the factor consumers might prioritise, although several may matter to the same household.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation type | If there’s no dedicated housing or door panel, consider a freestanding model. For an appliance under a worktop, check that the top can be removed on the model you’re considering and that it will fit the available height. | I don’t have a unit designed for an appliance and want to position it in my existing kitchen. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this flexibility in their kitchen layout. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the clearance needed for the door to open. Then compare the stated capacity in place settings. | In a small kitchen, I need to keep the walkway clear without running extra cycles for my usual washing up. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Connections | Check the water supply, drainage and power supply at the chosen location. Ask a professional to inspect any electrical installation you’re unsure about. | Before choosing a size, I want to know whether the appliance can be connected and installed properly, especially if building work is being considered. Around 31% of consumers would put this first. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the Eco programme duration and noise level in dB on the labels for the specific models, using the indicators explained by ADEME. | My kitchen opens onto the living area, and I pay attention to noise as well as energy and water use when an appliance is used regularly. Around 19% of consumers would prioritise these factors. |
An integrated model is designed for a suitable housing and door panel. It isn’t simply a finished appliance that can be placed on the floor. A freestanding appliance fitted under a worktop must also be designed for that type of installation.
Start with your kitchen’s actual layout, then check the instructions, available height and any parts needed for installation.
An integrated installation may require a door panel and changes to the kitchen.
A suitable width doesn’t guarantee that the door will open freely, the hoses will fit or the appliance will fit under the worktop.
Measure all three dimensions of the space and compare them with those of the exact model, allowing for the door to open and access to the connections.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a dishwasher needs a water supply, a power supply and drainage. Installing or altering these connections may involve work on the property.
Check all three before ordering. If work is needed, consult a professional. If you’re renting, get your landlord’s written permission before altering the property’s fixtures.
The work may require a plumber or electrician. Unauthorised alterations may also mean you have to put the property back as it was.
A smaller footprint means less capacity. UFC-Que Choisir highlights countertop appliances with a capacity of 6 place settings, for example. If you have a lot to wash, you may need to run extra cycles.
Compare the stated capacity with the amount of washing up you produce between washes. If your kitchen is open-plan, check the noise level of the model you’re considering too.
These ranges give you examples of sizes and installation types. Always check the specifications for the exact model rather than assuming they apply to an entire brand.
Bosch Electroménager France lists 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers, giving you two widths to compare with the space available.
The range includes 60 cm freestanding models to consider if you don’t have a kitchen door panel for the appliance.
Electrolux France lists a freestanding model designed to fit under a worktop, with a removable top.
Miele France lists 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers, so you can compare two different footprints.
These models are designed for freestanding installation, either on the floor or on a worktop, depending on the model. Check that the size suits your space and confirm the connection requirements. If you’re planning to fit an appliance under a worktop, check whether its top can be removed on the specific model.
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Consider this model if you have floor space for a 60 cm appliance and want a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
The product name lists 41 dB and an energy rating of C. If you want to fit it under a worktop, check the instructions to see whether the top can be removed, then measure the available height and clearance.
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This model could suit you if you’re looking for a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher without a dedicated kitchen door panel.
It has a stated capacity of 14 place settings, and the product name lists an energy rating of E. If you want to fit it under a worktop, check the instructions for details on removing the top and the height required.
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Worth considering for a kitchen without a dedicated dishwasher space if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
The product name lists seven programmes. Check the dimensions before choosing a location. If fitting it under a worktop means removing the top, make sure the instructions specifically confirm this is possible.
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This countertop format may be worth considering if you’re short on floor space. Make sure the surface is stable and suitable for the drainage set-up.
The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank and three spray arms. Check the external dimensions, usable capacity and water supply instructions before choosing this model.
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Its stated capacity of 6 place settings suits a smaller amount of washing up, provided you have a suitable worktop.
The product name lists seven programmes, 47 dB and an energy rating of D. Check the dimensions and the required water supply method; don’t assume it has a tank.
It needs a water supply, a power supply and a waste-water outlet, as UFC-Que Choisir points out. Before you buy, make sure the appliance can be installed level and that these connections will remain accessible.
No. An integrated model is designed for a suitable housing and door panel, not to be installed freestanding as an improvised solution. Check the housing, compatible door panel and installation instructions before choosing this type of appliance.
Ask your landlord for written permission before altering the fixtures or structure of the rented property, as recommended by ANIL. Then ask a professional to assess any work needed rather than assuming that an empty space is ready for an appliance.
Compare specific models by their energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level in dB. ADEME explains how to read the energy and water consumption figures shown.
Yes, especially if the electrical installation is old or you’re unsure about the available socket. Promotelec lists dishwashers among appliances that use a dedicated circuit. Ask a qualified electrician to inspect the installation before considering any changes.