In a kitchen without fitted units, first choose a dishwasher whose dimensions and capacity suit your available space and how much washing-up you produce. A compact model saves floor space, a 45 cm model typically holds 9 to 10 place settings, and a freestanding 60 cm model holds 12 to 17, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Before ordering, check the water supply, drainage, power supply and required clearances. If you’re renting, ask your landlord for written permission if installation involves altering the property or its fixtures, as advised by ANIL.
In a home without a fitted kitchen, check the available space, water supply, drainage and power supply. ANIL advises that written permission from the landlord is needed if you’re altering the rented property or its fixtures.
If it’s difficult to find 60 cm of width, a 45 cm freestanding appliance may be a good fit. UFC-Que Choisir puts the capacity of this size at around 9 to 10 place settings; you’ll also need to consider its depth and how often you’ll run a cycle.
If your space can accommodate a 60 cm appliance, its typical capacity of 12 to 17 place settings, according to UFC-Que Choisir, lets you choose based on how much washing-up builds up between cycles.
Consider it: when floor space is limited but you have a suitable spot on a worktop.
Bear in mind: the compact models described by UFC-Que Choisir hold fewer than 9 place settings. You’ll still need to check the connections required in the appliance instructions.
Consider it: when you have around 45 cm of floor width available and a compact model wouldn’t offer enough capacity.
Bear in mind: with a typical capacity of 9 to 10 place settings, you may need to run cycles more often if your small household produces a lot of washing-up, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Consider it: if your kitchen can accommodate this width and your household needs a typical capacity of 12 to 17 place settings, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space. Compare noise levels and energy and water use model by model rather than assuming they’re determined by the size.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and renting | Locate the water supply, drainage and power socket, then check the appliance instructions. If installation involves altering the rented property or its fixtures, ask your landlord for written permission, as advised by ANIL. | As a renter, I want to know whether the appliance can be fitted using the existing connections before I order it. Of the consumers who put one need first, around 33% would prioritise this option for installation. |
| Capacity | Consider how much washing-up builds up between cycles, then compare it with the place-setting capacity and basket layout. | When meals at home quickly fill the sink, I’d prefer a capacity that avoids having to run cycles too often. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise the amount of washing-up the appliance can handle. |
| Space | Measure the height, width and depth, the delivery route and the door clearance. If fitting it under a worktop, confirm that the specific model is suitable. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to keep the walkway clear and find a spot where the door can open. Available space would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy and water use | Compare the energy label figures for kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise emissions, choosing a capacity that suits your needs. The European Commission explains that these figures appear on dishwasher energy labels. | With an open-plan kitchen, I want to keep noise to a minimum while understanding how much water and electricity each cycle needs. Around 13% of consumers would put this comfort of use first. |
The appliance also needs to fit through your home’s entrances and have enough room for its depth, hoses and door to open. For example, the Bosch product details for two different models give dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm and 845 × 600 × 600 mm. Width alone doesn’t tell you how much space you’ll need.
Measure the space and delivery route, then compare your measurements with the full dimensions of the model you’ve chosen.
A freestanding appliance gives you more flexibility when arranging your kitchen, but it still needs suitable water, drainage and electrical connections, as Bosch’s instructions explain.
Check the existing connections and the appliance instructions. If any work will alter the rented property or its fixtures, ask your landlord for written permission first, as advised by ANIL.
Adapting the plumbing or electrical installation may require a professional.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between compact models with fewer than 9 place settings, 45 cm models typically holding 9 to 10, and 60 cm models holding 12 to 17. If your household produces a lot of washing-up, a smaller capacity may mean running cycles more often.
Think about the washing-up you usually produce, including bulky utensils, before choosing the smallest size.
The European Commission explains that the label includes figures such as energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, the Eco programme duration and noise. These figures don’t all refer to the same period of use.
Compare each figure with the equivalent on the labels of the models you’re considering. If you have an open-plan kitchen, check the stated noise emissions too.
Bosch product details let you compare 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding models.
Beko’s range of 45 cm freestanding models is worth considering when a narrower width is essential.
Whirlpool’s French range includes 45 cm and 60 cm models, giving you different widths to compare.
Brandt’s listed models show the difference in capacity between a freestanding appliance and a compact model.
This selection includes freestanding appliances designed for a space around 60 cm wide, as well as countertop models for kitchens with limited floor space. Before choosing, check the usable capacity, dimensions and installation requirements of each model.
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Consider this model if you have a 60 cm space and need a capacity of 14 place settings. The product name gives its energy rating as E; check the full dimensions, connections and energy label for this model before buying.
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This model is suited to a household with room for a 60 cm appliance and a stated capacity of 14 place settings. The product name gives its noise level as 41 dB and its energy rating as C. Check the height and clearances if you’re planning to install it under a worktop. If the door opens automatically after a hot cycle, keep children away from the steam.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a high-capacity freestanding appliance: the product name lists 14 place settings and 7 cycles. Check the model’s dimensions and door clearance, and make sure your space has access to water, drainage and a power socket.
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A countertop model could be a good option if floor space is limited and you have a suitable worktop. The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank. Even when using the tank, allow for the drainage hose, a power supply and enough room for the appliance.
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Worth considering for smaller loads if you have a suitable space on your worktop. The product name lists 7 programmes, a noise level of 47 dB and an energy rating of D. Measure the available space and check the full dimensions and reach of the connections before ordering.
Check the available space, the route through to the kitchen, door clearance and the arrangements for the water supply, drainage and electricity. Then read the instructions for the model you’ve chosen: dimensions and installation requirements vary between models.
If installation involves altering the rented property or its fixtures, ask your landlord for written permission before carrying out any work, as advised by ANIL. If you plan to use the existing connections without making changes, check your tenancy agreement, the condition of the fixtures and the appliance instructions rather than assuming every installation is treated the same way.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise emissions. The European Commission states that these details appear on dishwasher energy labels. Compare models with a capacity that suits how you’ll use the appliance.