A newly set-up home without a fitted kitchen
A freestanding appliance means you don’t need a fitted space or a matching cabinet door. If you’re planning to move, check that the dimensions and connections will also suit your next home.
Who are these types of dishwasher suited to?
A small household with limited space
A compact tabletop model may be an option if your worktop can accommodate it. Bear in mind that capacity will be more limited, and check its water supply and drainage requirements.
A home with limited width available
If your water supply, drainage and electrical connections are suitable, a 45 cm freestanding model could be a good solution when space is tight. Also measure the depth and allow enough clearance to open the door.
What should you check before buying?
Measure the space and check the connections before comparing the capacity of different types. According to Que Choisir, a freestanding model doesn’t need a matching cabinet door, but you’ll still need to prepare for its installation.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Make sure your home has a suitable water supply, drainage and electrical connection. Promotelec states that the socket for a dishwasher must be on a dedicated circuit. | If I want to install a permanent appliance without discovering that work needs doing when it arrives, checking the connections is my first priority. Around 45% of shoppers put this compatibility first. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, and check that the door can open fully. Compare the stated capacity with your dishes and pans, not just your plates. | In a small kitchen, I need to fit the appliance in without choosing a capacity that’s too small for my usual washing-up. This is the top priority for around 33% of shoppers. |
| Installation flexibility | Check that the appliance can be installed without a matching cabinet door. If you want to fit it under a worktop, make sure the instructions allow for this setup. | After moving into a new home, I’d prefer an appliance that isn’t tied to the kitchen units and that I could consider moving. Around 22% of shoppers prioritise this flexibility. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming freestanding means no connections are needed
A standard freestanding dishwasher doesn’t need a matching cabinet door, but it does need a suitable water supply, drainage and electrical connection.
Before ordering, measure the space and, if you’re unsure, ask someone to check the connections in your home.
If the existing connections aren’t suitable, you may need a plumber or electrician to carry out some work.
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Assuming the top can be removed
The term ‘freestanding’ doesn’t guarantee that a model can be installed under a worktop.
Check the instructions to see whether the top is removable, and confirm the final dimensions, ventilation requirements and door clearance.
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Choosing a compact model based only on its external size
With a smaller capacity, you may need to run more cycles if your pans, dishes and plates won’t all fit in the same load.
Think about the washing-up you get through over several days. If you have enough width and the right connections, compare 45 cm models too.
Brands to consider
Bosch
Bosch offers freestanding dishwashers, including 60 cm models, for kitchens without a matching cabinet door.
- Model specifications let you check the dimensions before choosing a spot.
- Check the noise level, energy consumption and safety features of the specific model you’re considering.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s freestanding range includes 60 cm models sold in France.
- Whirlpool lists 14 place settings and a noise level of 42 dB for its WFC 3C42 P X model. Compare these features with your needs.
- These figures and the basket features may not apply to other models in the range.
Miele
Miele offers freestanding dishwashers that can be installed independently of your kitchen units.
- According to Miele, its freestanding appliances aren’t fixed in place, so they can be moved and installed elsewhere.
- You’ll still need enough space and suitable connections to reinstall the appliance. Options vary by model.
Dishwashers for these setups
These Joybuy models include 60 cm freestanding dishwashers and compact tabletop models. For 60 cm models, only plan to install one under a worktop once you’ve confirmed that the instructions allow it. For compact models, check that there’s room on your worktop and review the connection requirements for the specific model.
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Indesit D2F HK26 S freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, 60 cm, grey
Worth considering if you have 60 cm of width available and regularly need to wash a large amount of crockery.
The product name specifies 14 place settings and an energy rating of E. If you want to install it under a worktop, check the instructions for details on removing the top, the final dimensions and the required clearance.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, 60 cm, white
This size is suited to a household with room for a 60 cm appliance and looking for a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
The product name specifies a noise level of 41 dB and an energy rating of C. Before installing it under a worktop, check the model instructions, its height in this setup and the clearance needed for the door.
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Samsung DW60M6050FS freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, grey
This freestanding model may suit you if you don’t have a matching cabinet door to fit and want a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
The product name lists 7 cycles. Measure the space and check the instructions before considering an under-worktop installation or removing the top.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz tabletop dishwasher, 6 place settings
This tabletop model is worth considering if a floor-standing appliance would take up too much room and you have space for it on your worktop.
The product name specifies 6 place settings, 7 programmes, a noise level of 47 dB and an energy rating of D. Check the dimensions, your worktop’s load-bearing capacity, and the water and drainage connections required.
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AIRMSEN tabletop dishwasher with built-in 5 L tank, white
The built-in tank may appeal if you don’t have a permanent water supply near your worktop.
The product name lists 9 programmes and an energy rating of D. Check the exact dimensions and usable capacity before buying. Even in tank mode, the dishwasher still needs an electrical supply and a suitable way to drain wastewater.
Frequently asked questions
What connections do you need for a standard freestanding dishwasher?
You’ll need a suitable water supply, drainage and electrical connection. Bosch lists all three in its installation instructions; Promotelec states that the dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit. Before delivery, check that your home has the right connections.
Can you plug a dishwasher into an extension lead or a multi-socket adaptor?
Don’t use one to get around the lack of a suitable socket. Bosch’s guidance recommends plugging the appliance directly into the socket, without an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor. If the socket you plan to use isn’t suitable, ask someone to check your home’s electrical installation.
Does a compact dishwasher with a tank need no connections at all?
No. Depending on the model, the tank may mean you don’t need a permanent water supply, but the appliance still needs electricity and its wastewater must be drained as described in the instructions. Also check that it will be stable on your worktop and that there’s enough space around it.
Does the installation service include any work that may be needed?
Not necessarily. Electrolux says its installers connect appliances to suitable existing installations, but don’t carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work. Check the terms of the service you choose and make sure the necessary connections are ready before the installer arrives.