In a kitchen without a built-in alcove, a freestanding dishwasher means you don’t need to plan for a cabinet door. Choose a 60 cm model if the space and your washing-up needs justify it, or a 45 cm model for a narrow kitchen. A compact model suits smaller needs, while an integrated dishwasher requires a compatible alcove and door panel. Whatever you choose, check your measurements and connections against the model’s instructions.
A freestanding appliance doesn’t need a cabinet door. If installing it means making lasting changes to a rented property or its fittings, ANIL advises getting the landlord’s written permission.
According to the Que Choisir guide, 45 cm freestanding models generally hold 9 to 10 place settings, compared with fewer than 9 for compact models. Make sure the dishes and utensils you use regularly will fit in the model you’re considering.
If your dishwasher runs in your living space, compare the decibel rating and noise class shown on the energy label. ADEME identifies both as useful points of comparison between models.
The Que Choisir guide distinguishes between 60 cm and 45 cm freestanding models and compact models. First choose an installation type that suits your kitchen, then check the capacity and features of the model.
Consider this if: you have enough space and regularly deal with a lot of washing-up.
Bear in mind: leave enough room to open the door, and don’t assume the model will fit under your worktop.
Consider this if: you have limited width, but can connect a floor-standing appliance.
Bear in mind: the smaller capacity may mean running more cycles, as Que Choisir notes for a small family.
Consider this if: there’s no suitable space for a larger appliance and you don’t have much washing-up.
Bear in mind: check how much room there is for large dishes and what connections the model needs.
Consider this if: you already have a suitable alcove and plans for the matching cabinet door.
Bear in mind: confirm the door panel will fit and check whether any work is needed before planning to install it in your existing kitchen.
| Criteria | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the clearance needed for the door. According to Que Choisir, freestanding models come in 60 cm, 45 cm and compact formats; an alcove and a suitable door panel are needed for an integrated model. | I want to keep my kitchen flexible, without choosing an appliance that blocks the way or won’t fit under the worktop. |
| Connections | Locate the water supply, waste outlet and electrical supply. Check their position and accessibility against the exact model’s instructions; Electrolux France requires clear space and compliant connections for installation. | Before delivery, I want to know whether the appliance can be installed where I plan to put it without altering the kitchen. |
| Capacity | According to Que Choisir, 60 cm freestanding models hold 12 to 17 place settings, 45 cm models hold 9 to 10, and compact models hold fewer than 9. Also check that the racks can accommodate your larger dishes. | We get through a lot of washing-up, or a smaller capacity will do as long as it fits the utensils we use regularly. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, decibel rating and noise class on the energy label. ADEME notes that the capacity is also shown on the label. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters while we’re spending time in the living room. I also want to compare the stated energy and water use. |
| Repairability | For dishwashers covered by the scheme in France, check the repairability index out of 10 provided by the ministry responsible for the ecological transition. Look it up for the model you’re considering, but don’t mistake it for a guarantee of how long the appliance will last. | If I keep the appliance through future changes to my kitchen, I’d like to take its repairability into account when choosing. |
Unlike a freestanding appliance with its own finished exterior, an integrated model depends on the kitchen fittings around it. You may need a cabinet door and installation work.
Check the alcove, compatible door panel and connections before choosing this type of installation.
A 45 cm model may fit the available width but still need more height, depth or clearance for the door and hoses.
Measure all three dimensions and the clearances, then compare them with the technical specifications and instructions for the exact model.
This description doesn’t let you compare the stated noise levels of two models, particularly in an open-plan kitchen.
Check the decibel rating and noise class on each energy label, and take your usual running times into account.
Moving a connection or making lasting changes to a rented property’s furniture or fittings is more than simply installing an appliance. ANIL advises that any alterations to rented premises or fittings require the landlord’s written permission.
Check your tenancy agreement and get permission in writing before making any lasting changes.
These ranges give you a starting point for comparing formats. Features and installation options vary from one model to another.
In France, Bosch offers 45 cm freestanding and integrated dishwashers.
Beko’s range in France includes 45 cm freestanding dishwashers.
Miele France’s range includes freestanding and integrated dishwashers.
In France, Whirlpool offers 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding, built-in and integrated dishwashers.
These options include freestanding dishwashers for floor-standing installation and compact models for smaller spaces. Your choice will depend first on the space available, the capacity you need and the connections you can use.
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Worth considering if a 60 cm freestanding appliance with space for 14 place settings suits your space and your washing-up needs. Energy class E is stated in the product name; check the clearances and connections in the instructions.
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This freestanding model caters for 14 place settings, if you have enough floor space. The product name states 41 dB and energy class C. If you’re considering putting it under a worktop, check the dimensions and installation instructions for this model.
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Worth considering for a kitchen without an integrated cabinet door if 14 place settings suits your needs. The product name lists seven cycles. If you’re thinking of installing it under a worktop, check the required height and installation instructions in the manual.
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The tabletop format and capacity for 6 place settings may suit lighter washing-up needs, as long as larger dishes fit. The product name lists seven programmes, 47 dB and energy class D. Measure the space you have in mind and check the connections.
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This countertop model has a built-in 5 L tank and is worth considering when space is limited. The product name lists 6+3 programmes and energy class D. Check its place-setting capacity and dimensions, and make sure its water supply method suits your kitchen.
Measure the available width, height and depth, as well as the clearance needed to open the door and route the hoses. Check the access route to the installation space too. Use the dimensions in the specifications and instructions for your chosen model when planning the installation.
Locate the water supply, waste outlet and electrical supply, then compare their positions with the requirements in the instructions. Electrolux France explains that its pre-installation service does not include plumbing, electrical or carpentry work. Check what work is needed before arranging installation.
The key question is whether the installation would permanently alter the rented property or its fittings. ANIL advises that this kind of alteration requires the landlord’s written permission. Check your tenancy agreement and get permission before changing any furniture or connections.
Compare the decibel rating and noise class shown on the energy labels of the models you’re considering. ADEME says these details are displayed on the label, and your usual running times are also worth bearing in mind.
For appliances covered by the scheme, it helps you compare how repairable they are using a score out of 10, according to the ministry responsible for the ecological transition. Check the score for the model you’re considering, but don’t take it as a guarantee of the appliance’s lifespan.