Homes without a fitted kitchen
If you’d rather not modify your kitchen units, a freestanding dishwasher is worth considering. Measure the space and check access to water, drainage and electricity before comparing capacity and noise levels.
Which size is right for you?
Smaller households and compact kitchens
A 45 cm or tabletop model can free up space, provided it fits the dishes you use regularly. Think about your pans and serving dishes too, then check how the model takes in and drains water.
Homes with a fitted or open-plan kitchen
In a fitted kitchen, an integrated model needs to match the housing unit and door panel provided. If your kitchen opens onto a living area, compare the noise level declared for each specific model too: the installation type alone won’t tell you how noisy it is.
What should you check before choosing?
60 cm freestanding
Worth considering: if you have space for a standalone appliance and no dedicated housing unit.
Bear in mind: its overall dimensions and the need for suitable water, drainage and electrical connections.
Integrated
Worth considering: if your kitchen has a housing unit and you want the appliance to blend in with your units.
Bear in mind: the housing unit, door panel and plinth must all be compatible, as well as the connections.
45 cm or tabletop
Worth considering: if you don’t have the space or need for a 60 cm appliance.
Bear in mind: a smaller capacity may mean more frequent washes. With a tabletop model, you’ll also need to arrange the water supply and drainage, depending on the model.
Once you’ve chosen a size, compare models with a similar capacity and consider how you load and use your dishwasher.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Water and energy | On the EU energy label described by the European Commission, compare the class, energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle and Eco programme duration. These figures don’t automatically reflect the performance of a quick or intensive programme. | I want to cut down on the daily washing-up without choosing on the energy class letter alone; the Eco programme duration also needs to suit my routine. |
| Capacity and racks | Compare the number of place settings with the amount you usually wash, and check there’s room for larger dishes and pans. UFC-Que Choisir says that 45 cm models with 9 place settings can suit a small family, although they may need to run every day. | I’m interested in a smaller model if I can fit my larger items in without having to run it more often. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the access route and door clearance. Check the manual for connection requirements; UFC-Que Choisir notes that an integrated model must be fitted into a purpose-built housing unit. | I want to be sure the appliance will actually fit in my kitchen and that the water supply and drain are accessible. |
| Noise | Compare the noise emissions in dB and the noise class shown on the label for the exact model, rather than judging noise by its width or installation type. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to know the declared noise level before placing the appliance near my living area. |
| Repairability | In France, dishwashers have a repairability index out of 10, according to the government departments responsible for the ecological transition. Also check the service and parts available for the exact model. | If two appliances meet my space and capacity requirements, I’d like to compare how easy they are to repair. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Relying on the energy class alone
The European Commission says that the dishwasher energy label also shows water per cycle, energy use per 100 cycles, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise. So a single letter doesn’t tell you everything about day-to-day use.
Compare the full labels of appliances with a similar capacity and check that the Eco programme duration suits you.
-
Assuming a tabletop model needs no preparation
Depending on the model, you may need to connect it to a water supply or fill a tank; you’ll also need somewhere for the waste water to drain. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a tested tabletop model needs a water supply and drain, or a nearby sink.
Check how the version you’re considering is supplied with water and where its drain hose goes, then measure your worktop and access to the sink.
-
Choosing capacity by place settings alone
The stated number of place settings doesn’t tell you whether your pans and larger dishes will fit in the racks. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a 45 cm model with 9 place settings may need to run every day for a small family.
Compare the rack layout with your bulkiest items and how often you want to run a wash.
-
Leaving repairability out of the comparison
Two appliances suited to the same kitchen may offer different repair options. According to the government departments responsible for the ecological transition, dishwashers in France have a repairability index out of 10.
Note the index and look up the service and parts available for the exact model before making your choice.
Brands to compare
These examples can help you identify different sizes and details to check. The specifications mentioned apply to specific models, not every appliance from that brand.
Bosch
Worth a look if you’re after a 60 cm freestanding model with stated dimensions, water consumption and noise levels.
- According to Bosch’s product details for the SMS6ECW15F, this model measures 845 × 600 × 600 mm; the brand lists water consumption of 9,0 L and a noise level of 42 dB.
- These figures apply to the SMS6ECW15F. Check the details and dimensions of any other model you’re considering.
Beko
A brand to explore if you’re looking for slimline 45 cm dishwashers.
- Beko lists up to 10 place settings for some models in its 45 cm range.
- Check the capacity, dimensions and noise level for the specific model you’re considering rather than assuming they apply across the whole range.
Miele
Explore the range if you’re choosing between freestanding, integrated and fully integrated models.
- Miele’s range includes all three installation types, with stated noise levels of 41 to 45 dB for the models shown.
- Check the exact model’s installation type, dimensions and noise level before making your choice.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s French spare-parts shop can help you look into maintenance for a specific model.
- Whirlpool lets you search for original spare parts using your appliance’s model number.
- A shop listing doesn’t guarantee that every part is available for every model; search for the specific model you’re interested in.
Dishwashers for different spaces
These Joybuy options include 60 cm freestanding models, an integrated model and a tabletop appliance. Start with the installation type that suits your kitchen, then compare the stated specifications for each model.
Image unavailable
Samsung DW60M6050FS freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings, 7 cycles
Worth considering as an alternative to hand-washing if you have room for a freestanding appliance and regularly wash 14 place settings. The product details list 7 cycles; check the dimensions, connections and Eco energy label before comparing consumption.
Image unavailable
Hotpoint H4FD641A freestanding dishwasher, 60 cm, 14 place settings
For larger everyday loads, compare its 14 place settings with the dishes you actually use. This white version is listed at 41 dB and energy class C; check the full energy label and measure the space, especially if your kitchen is open-plan.
Image unavailable
Indesit D2F HK26 S freestanding dishwasher, 60 cm, 14 place settings
This grey model is another freestanding option with 14 place settings for everyday washing. Its product name lists energy class E; compare the full energy label, rack layout and dimensions with your needs before choosing.
Image unavailable
Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1 integrated dishwasher, 60 cm, 13 place settings
This energy class B integrated model is designed for a kitchen with a compatible housing unit. Before buying, check the manual against the unit dimensions, door panel and connections; also compare the figures on its Eco energy label.
Image unavailable
AIRMSEN tabletop dishwasher, 5 L tank, 5+1 cycles
Worth a look if a tabletop appliance better suits the space you have. The name of this version lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 cycles; check how much room you’ll need for dishes, filling and drainage. Even with a tank, you’ll still need to arrange somewhere for the waste water to go.
Frequently asked questions
Which figures on the energy label should I compare?
Compare the energy class, energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise. The European Commission explains that the consumption figures shown for dishwashers relate to the Eco programme, so they don’t tell you what to expect from another programme.
Does a freestanding model need to be connected?
Yes, for a standard installation: Bosch describes connections to water, electricity and drainage. Check the manual for the model you choose; a tabletop appliance with a tank may take in water another way, but you’ll still need to arrange drainage.
Is a 45 cm dishwasher big enough for a small household?
It can be, if its capacity and racks suit the dishes you use regularly. UFC-Que Choisir says a model with 9 place settings can work for a small family, although it may need to run every day. So check there’s room for pans and larger dishes too.
Does a tabletop dishwasher avoid all installation requirements?
No: the water supply and drainage requirements depend on the model. UFC-Que Choisir mentions a tabletop appliance that needs a water supply and drain, or a nearby sink. If you choose a version with a tank, check where to fill it and where to direct the waste water.
How can I factor repairability into my decision in France?
Check the dishwasher’s repairability index out of 10, as published by the government departments responsible for the ecological transition, then look up servicing options and parts using the exact model number. The index can help you compare models, but doesn’t guarantee that a particular part will be available.