In a kitchen without fitted units, start by choosing a dishwasher that suits the measured space and available connections. A 60 cm freestanding model is a good choice if there’s room for it and you need the capacity; a 45 cm model suits a narrower space. A compact model with a water tank can work without a fixed water supply, but it still needs a drain. An integrated model requires a compatible housing and door panel.
Household size isn’t the only place to start: you’ll also need to consider where the appliance will go and how it will be connected to the water supply and drain.
A freestanding dishwasher comes with its own finished exterior, so it doesn’t need a cabinet door. However, check the space available and locate the water supply, drain and socket before choosing its capacity. UFC-Que Choisir treats these installation requirements as separate from the choice of format.
A 45 cm freestanding model can be a good solution when space is tight, as long as the connections are within reach. A countertop appliance takes up a different kind of space and has a smaller capacity, so compare it with the amount of washing-up you produce each day.
Check whether the appliance can use the existing connections. If installation means adding a water supply, altering a drain or drilling into a cabinet, explain the work to your landlord and get written permission before starting.
Start with the space and connections, then compare each format’s capacity with how much washing-up you produce.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | For a standard freestanding model, locate the water supply, drain and socket. For a compact model with a tank, also check where the waste water will go: the tank replaces a fixed water supply, not the drain. | I want to install the appliance in the space available without having to add new connections. If I fill a tank by hand, I also need somewhere for the waste water to drain. |
| Space | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow room for the hoses and door to open. A 45 cm model suits a narrower space; a compact model needs a suitable worktop. | Floor space is limited, or I’d rather set aside part of the worktop for a small appliance. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with your usual loads. UFC-Que Choisir notes that 45 cm models with 9 place settings may suit a small family, though they may need to be run every day; compact models take less washing-up. | I’m looking for a capacity that suits the amount of washing-up I produce each day, not just an appliance that fits in my kitchen. |
| Installation type | A freestanding model has its own finished exterior, according to UFC-Que Choisir. A fully integrated model, such as the Electrolux EES42210L, is designed for a suitable housing and door panel. Check each model individually to see whether its removable top allows it to be installed under a worktop. | Without a designated housing or door panel, I want an appliance I can install without rearranging my kitchen units. |
| Installation in a rented property | Distinguish between connecting the appliance to existing fittings and carrying out work that would alter the property or its fittings. Before making any such changes, explain the plan to your landlord and ask for written permission. | I’d like to be able to take the appliance with me when I move, without leaving behind any unapproved alterations. |
Not having to fit a door panel doesn’t mean you can do without the connections. An appliance may fit in the available space but leave too little room for its door to open or its hoses.
Measure the depth and clearance too, then locate the socket, water supply and drain before ordering.
A water tank can solve the problem of having no fixed water supply, but capacity is still limited. Daan Tech, for example, states that Bob has 3 place settings. If your household produces more washing-up than that, you’ll need to adjust how often you run it.
Compare the amount of washing-up you produce each day with the stated capacity, and check the dimensions of the items you want to load.
A fully integrated appliance is designed to be installed in compatible kitchen units. It isn’t a substitute for a freestanding model in a kitchen without a designated housing and door panel.
Only choose this format once you’ve confirmed the housing dimensions, the door panel and the connections.
Adding or altering a connection is not the same as installing an appliance using existing fittings. If you’re renting, clarify the difference before carrying out any work on the property.
Explain the proposed alterations to your landlord, ask for written permission before starting work and keep a record of your correspondence.
These examples show different configurations; their specifications don’t apply to every appliance made by the same brand.
Bosch Électroménager France offers, among other options, 60 cm and 45 cm freestanding models.
Electrolux France lists two 45 cm appliances: the freestanding ESG42310SW and the fully integrated EES42210L.
Daan Tech describes Bob as a mini dishwasher designed to sit on a suitable surface.
This selection includes 60 cm freestanding models and compact countertop appliances. For each one, compare the stated capacity with your needs, then check the space and connections required for installation.
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Worth considering if you have room for a 60 cm freestanding model and are looking for a stated capacity of 14 place settings. The product name lists a noise level of 41 dB. Measure the depth and door clearance too, and check the connections required.
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The built-in 5 L tank listed in the product name may suit a space without a fixed water supply. You’ll still need a way to drain the waste water, so check the appliance dimensions and make sure its capacity suits your washing-up.
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This 60 cm freestanding model has a stated capacity of 14 place settings. Before choosing it for a kitchen without a built-in space, measure the entire area and make sure you can access a water supply, drain and suitable socket.
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This compact format is worth considering for smaller loads, provided you have a suitable worktop. Daan Tech states that Bob has 3 place settings. For this Deep Black model, check the intended water supply method and how to drain the waste water.
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This tabletop model has a stated capacity of 6 place settings and 7 programmes. Check its dimensions and the clearance needed on your worktop, as well as whether you can connect the water supply and drain where you plan to put it.
Check that you have access to a water supply, a drain and an electricity supply, as well as enough space to position the appliance and open its door. Measure the route for the hoses too: having enough width alone doesn’t confirm that installation is possible.
Yes, if the model you choose specifically supports a tank-fed water supply, but the waste water still needs to drain away. Daan Tech describes both water supply options for Bob. Check which one is available for the exact model and where the drain hose will go.
A fully integrated model is only suitable if you have a compatible housing, door panel and connections. Without these, a freestanding model with its own finished exterior is a more straightforward solution to the installation challenge described by UFC-Que Choisir.
A 45 cm model is primarily for a narrower space; you’ll then need to check that its capacity suits how much washing-up you produce. UFC-Que Choisir says a model with 9 place settings may suit a small family, though it may need to be run every day.
Explain the proposed alterations to your landlord and ask for written permission before adding or altering a connection, opening or cabinet. If you want to avoid this kind of work, first check whether an appliance can use the existing fittings.