Choose a dishwasher based on the space and connections you actually have, not just its width. A freestanding or integrated model requires you to check the water supply, drainage and electrical supply specified in its instructions. A compact model with a water tank may avoid the need for a fixed water supply, but it still needs a stable surface, electricity and a way to drain the water. If installation involves building work, check which permissions apply to your home before you start.
A compact model with a water tank can avoid the need to install a fixed water supply, provided you have a stable surface, a suitable electrical supply and somewhere to drain the waste water. If your plans involve altering the property or its fittings, ANIL advises that you need the landlord’s written consent.
A freestanding model could be an option if its dimensions, door clearance and connections suit the space. Also compare its capacity with the amount of washing-up your household produces: choosing a compact model to save space is not the same as fitting more place settings into a standard appliance.
Before moving or adding a connection, find out whether the work affects communal areas or the exterior of the building. In such cases, Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965, in the version in force since 18 June 2025 and published on Légifrance, requires co-ownership authorisation for the work concerned.
Start with the available connections and space, then choose a capacity that suits the amount of washing-up you produce. Features for everyday use can then help you choose between models that fit your kitchen.
Consider this if: you can’t use a fixed water supply and have only a small amount of washing-up to do per cycle.
The trade-off: a water tank doesn’t remove the need to plan for drainage. A smaller capacity may also mean running more cycles or washing some items by hand.
Consider this if: you have floor space and accessible connections for an appliance of your chosen size.
The trade-off: a freestanding model doesn’t need to be fitted into a unit, but it still needs a water supply.
Consider this if: your kitchen redesign includes a compatible unit, a suitable door panel if needed, and the required connections.
The trade-off: your choice will also depend on the unit’s dimensions and installation requirements, not just the space occupied by the appliance.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Check the instructions for the exact model to find out what it needs for the water supply, drainage and electrical supply. For an appliance with a water tank, check the route for waste water separately. | I want to be able to install the appliance in my kitchen without assuming that “freestanding” means “no connections needed”. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the height, width and depth, then allow room for the door to open. Compare the stated capacity in place settings with the amount of washing-up you need to do. | The appliance needs to fit in its space and hold enough washing-up for my household. |
| Energy use and noise | ADEME says the energy label includes information such as kWh per 100 reference cycles, litres of water per reference cycle and the noise class. Compare figures measured on the same basis, as well as the duration of the Eco cycle. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, noise matters to me as much as the stated energy and water use. |
| Planned work | Find out whether installation would alter a rented home or affect communal areas in a co-owned building. Get any required permissions before changing the connections. | I’d rather know what the work involves before choosing a model that depends on it. |
The installation type doesn’t tell you how the appliance gets its water. The Beko DVN05C30W instructions deal with the water supply, drainage and electrical connection separately.
Before ordering, check the instructions for your chosen model against the space, the connections available and the clearance needed to open the door.
Daan Tech says Bob’s water tank means it doesn’t need a fixed water supply, but its hose must carry waste water to a sink or another drainage system.
Check where the hose will go during a cycle and make sure the loaded appliance can sit on a stable surface.
ANIL advises that tenants must not alter the rented property or its fittings without the landlord’s written consent. Whether consent is needed therefore depends on the type of work you’re planning.
Explain your plans to the landlord and get written consent before making any changes to the property or its fittings.
The energy class on its own doesn’t tell you how much water the appliance uses per reference cycle, how long the Eco cycle takes or how noisy it is. ADEME lists these as separate details on the label.
Compare kWh per 100 reference cycles, litres per reference cycle, the duration of the Eco cycle and the noise information on a like-for-like basis.
The brand offers Bob, a mini dishwasher designed to sit on a worktop in a kitchen where a fixed water supply isn’t available.
The SMS2HVI02E is an example of a standard freestanding dishwasher for a kitchen with room for this size of appliance and its connections.
The DVN05C30W is an example of a 60 cm freestanding model for a kitchen with room for a standard-size appliance.
This selection includes compact countertop models with water tanks and larger-capacity freestanding models. The right choice depends on the space available, how much washing-up you have and whether you can supply and drain water to and from the appliance.
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The 5 L tank makes this model worth considering if you can’t use a fixed water supply. The product name lists 5+1 wash cycles. You’ll also need a stable surface and somewhere to direct the drain hose during each cycle.
Before buying, check the model’s instructions to make sure it’s compatible with your available electrical supply.
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This freestanding model is suited to a kitchen where the water supply and drainage can be connected. It has a stated capacity of 14 place settings, and the product name lists 7 cycles. Measure the space and door clearance before choosing this size.
Check the DW60M6050FS instructions for connection requirements and the electrical specifications.
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With a stated width of 60 cm and a capacity of 14 place settings, this model needs enough floor space for a standard-size appliance. The product name lists a noise level of 41 dB; check the measurement conditions before comparing this figure with another model.
Make sure the H4FD641A has a water supply, drainage and electrical connection that meet the requirements in its instructions. If setting these up involves building work, check which permissions apply first.
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The stated manual-fill option may suit you if you want to avoid a permanent water supply for a small countertop appliance. It has a stated capacity of 3 place settings, and the product name lists 7 programmes.
Before setting aside space for it, check the CDWMT305WD instructions to find out how to drain waste water and what electrical supply it needs.
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This countertop model is listed as having capacity for 3 place settings and can be used with or without a direct connection to the water supply. Its name lists 7 programmes and a noise level of 56.3 dB.
Check its dimensions in the instructions before choosing a spot for it. Also check where the waste water will drain and what the electrical requirements are.
Freestanding doesn’t mean that an appliance works without connections. The Beko DVN05C30W instructions specify a water supply, drainage and an electrical connection. Check all three in the instructions for the model you’re interested in.
Not for the Bob model described by Daan Tech: its built-in 3.9 L tank can replace a fixed water supply, but its hose must carry waste water to a sink or another drainage system. Also check the available space and electrical supply.
If the work would alter the rented property or its fittings, get the landlord’s written consent first. ANIL advises that this is required for alterations; explain exactly what work you’re planning before you begin.
If the planned work affects communal areas or the exterior of the building, Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965, in the version in force since 18 June 2025 and published on Légifrance, requires co-ownership authorisation for the work concerned. Before starting, check with the building manager exactly what your plans would affect.
Compare the energy class, kWh per 100 reference cycles, litres of water per reference cycle, the duration of the Eco cycle and the noise information. ADEME lists these details on the label; make sure the measurements are based on the same criteria when comparing two appliances.