In a kitchen without a dedicated space or matching cabinet door, a freestanding dishwasher is generally the most straightforward choice, provided you have a suitable spot and the right connections. A compact model is worth considering if floor space and the amount of washing up are limited; an under-worktop integrated model, however, requires a compatible space and cabinet door. Before ordering, check the dimensions, water supply, waste outlet, electrical socket and figures on the energy label.
If you’re moving into a kitchen without fitted units, a freestanding model has its own finished exterior and doesn’t need a cabinet door. Que Choisir points out that this flexibility over where you place it doesn’t mean you can do without the necessary connections.
If floor space is tight and you don’t have much washing up, a compact worktop dishwasher could be a good fit. Its capacity is more limited, so check how it connects to the water supply and drains, as described in the model’s instructions.
If you already have a suitable space and a compatible cabinet door, you could consider an integrated model. Que Choisir explains that this type of appliance is designed to be fitted into a dedicated space, rather than simply placed like a freestanding model.
Choose this if: you have floor space, but no dedicated space or kitchen cabinet door.
Bear in mind: the appliance takes up floor space; whether it fits under a worktop depends on its dimensions and whether the top panel can be removed.
Consider this if: you’re short on floor space and don’t wash many dishes at once.
Bear in mind: it has a smaller capacity, and the way it connects to the water supply and drains depends on the model.
Consider this if: your kitchen has a dedicated space for the appliance and you’re planning to fit a compatible cabinet door.
Bear in mind: installation may require a cabinet door and some adjustments to the kitchen units.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the space and check the door clearance; confirm there’s a water supply, waste outlet and suitable socket. If fitting it under a worktop, check whether the top panel can be removed from the freestanding model. | In a kitchen without a dedicated space, I want to install a freestanding appliance without needing a cabinet door, while still having the necessary connections; around 42% of consumers would make this compatibility their priority. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the exact dimensions and place settings with the space available and the amount of washing up you have. | When space is limited, I’m looking for a model that fits my dishes without taking up too much room; around 33% of consumers would put this balance first. |
| Use and noise | Compare the kWh per 100 Eco cycles, litres per Eco cycle, capacity and noise level on the energy label. Also consider the consumables you’ll need. | If the kitchen is open-plan or the appliance runs frequently, I want to consider its noise and day-to-day energy and water use; around 25% of consumers would put these factors first. |
The European Commission says that dishwasher energy labels include information such as energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per cycle, capacity and noise emissions. Compare these figures on a like-for-like basis, rather than treating the Eco programme as equivalent to a quick or intensive cycle.
Its finished exterior means you don’t need a cabinet door, but you’ll still need a water supply, waste outlet, suitable socket and a stable, level floor.
Measure the space and check where the connections are before ordering. Read the model’s instructions before considering any changes to the pipes or installation.
If the connections are missing or too far away, plumbing or electrical work may be required.
According to Que Choisir, an integrated model is designed for a dedicated space: it won’t directly replace a freestanding appliance in a kitchen without suitable units.
Check the dimensions of the space, how the door is fitted and the cabinet finish before buying. If you don’t have the right setup, consider a freestanding model instead.
Adding a cabinet door, adapting the units and fitting the appliance can all add steps to the installation.
The rating letter alone doesn’t tell you how much water the appliance uses per Eco cycle, how long the programme takes, its capacity or how noisy it is. Quick and intensive cycles aren’t directly comparable with the Eco figures on the energy label.
Compare models using the equivalent Eco figures, and take into account how often you’ll use the appliance as well as the detergent and maintenance products you’ll need.
Bosch’s French catalogue includes freestanding, integrated and compact dishwashers, making it a good place to compare different types from the same brand.
Beko offers freestanding models, integrated models with a visible control panel and fully integrated models, so you can compare a standalone appliance with one designed for a fitted kitchen.
Miele’s French catalogue includes freestanding and integrated appliances to suit different kitchen layouts.
These freestanding models are suited to a kitchen without a dedicated space or cabinet door, provided there’s room on the floor and suitable connections. This selection doesn’t include the compact or integrated types covered in our guide to choosing an installation type.
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Worth considering if you have floor space for a 60 cm freestanding model and want a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
Stainless steel finish and C energy rating stated in the product name. Check the full dimensions, connections and energy label for this model.
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Worth a look if you want a standalone appliance with a stated capacity of 14 place settings.
Seven cycles and a grey finish are stated in the product name. Measure the space and check the connections and figures on the energy label.
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Worth considering for a kitchen with enough room for a 60 cm freestanding appliance and its stated capacity of 14 place settings.
The product name states 41 dB, a C energy rating and a white finish. Check the energy label and connections. If the door opens automatically after a hot cycle, keep children away from the steam.
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Worth a look if your kitchen can fit a 60 cm freestanding model and its stated capacity of 14 place settings suits your usual washing up.
An E energy rating and grey finish are stated in the product name. Check the dimensions, connections and energy use on the model’s label.
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Worth a look for a kitchen without a dedicated space if the capacity of 14 place settings stated in the product name suits the amount of washing up you have.
A grey finish and D energy rating are stated in the product name. Check the exact dimensions, connections and energy use on the product information and model label.
An integrated model isn’t designed to replace a freestanding one directly: according to Que Choisir, it needs to be fitted into a dedicated space. If your kitchen doesn’t have one, choose a freestanding appliance or first create a compatible space and fit the right cabinet door.
For a dishwasher connected to your home’s plumbing, you’ll need a water supply, a waste outlet and a suitable socket nearby, as well as a stable, level floor. Whirlpool France outlines these installation requirements; check the exact connections, hose lengths and electrical requirements in the model’s instructions.
Compare the two energy labels on a like-for-like Eco basis. The European Commission says they include information such as energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, capacity and noise; these figures don’t directly describe a quick or intensive programme.
No, you can’t tell from size alone. When choosing between a compact model and one with a larger capacity, compare the Eco figures on their energy labels, the number of place settings and how often you expect to run a cycle.