In a rented home without a fitted kitchen, first choose a dishwasher that suits the available space, water supply, drainage and socket. A freestanding model gives you more flexibility when arranging your kitchen, provided these connections are available. A compact tabletop model suits smaller loads, as long as you have a suitable surface and drainage option. Only consider an integrated model if there’s already a compatible housing unit and door panel in place.
If there’s an accessible water supply, drain and socket, a freestanding model lets you choose a width and capacity to suit your needs without relying on a fitted kitchen door panel. You’ll need to measure the space again if you move to a new home.
In a compact space, compare a 45 cm freestanding model with a tabletop compact, taking into account the room available and the amount of washing up. Que Choisir features tabletop compact models that hold six place settings; you’ll still need to check the surface they’ll sit on and how they drain.
An integrated model can fit into a kitchen with an existing housing unit that can take a compatible door panel. According to Que Choisir, this type of appliance cannot simply be placed on the floor like a freestanding model.
If you’re renting and don’t want to make changes to the kitchen, first check whether installation is possible. Then compare the different types for capacity and ease of use.
Choose this if: there’s an accessible water supply, drain and socket, and enough floor space for the model you’ve measured.
Bear in mind: the 45 or 60 cm width needs to suit both the space available and the amount of washing up.
Choose this if: you have a smaller amount of washing up and a worktop that can take the appliance.
Bear in mind: it has a smaller capacity. Check the filling and drainage requirements for the exact model.
Choose this if: there’s already a compatible housing unit and a suitable door panel can be fitted.
Bear in mind: the appliance depends on the dimensions and finish of that kitchen, which makes it less flexible if you move.
| What to consider | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without building work | Locate the water supply, socket and drain. If you’re considering a model with a water tank, check its instructions for filling and draining. | I want to use the existing connections without altering the plumbing in the property. For around 36% of consumers, this would be the top priority. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the exact dimensions, including width, height and depth, with the amount of washing up you need to do. | In a small space, I need enough capacity without choosing an appliance that won’t fit. Around 29% of consumers would put this match first. |
| Taking it with you when you move | Check whether the model depends on a housing unit or kitchen door panel, and whether its dimensions will make it easy to install elsewhere. | I want to keep my appliance when I leave this rental, without relying on the existing kitchen fittings. Around 21% of consumers would make this flexibility their priority. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the Eco programme information and the noise level for the exact model. Also check what’s needed to install it. | If the kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to consider noise as well as energy use. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise this day-to-day comfort. |
A conventional freestanding dishwasher still needs to be connected to a water supply, electricity and a suitable drain, as Bosch explains in its installation advice.
Locate the available connections and work out where the hoses could go, then check these against the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Que Choisir explains that an integrated model cannot simply be placed on the floor like a freestanding appliance: it needs a suitable space and matching kitchen fittings.
Before choosing this type, check the installation diagram, the dimensions of the housing unit and whether the door panel is compatible.
Finding a suitable door panel and arranging installation are extra steps to factor in.
A narrower model has less room for dishes than a standard-size one, so the number of cycles you need will depend on the size of your household.
Think about how much washing up builds up over several days, then compare the stated capacity and Eco programme energy use of the models you’re considering.
Energy use and stated noise levels vary by model, even among appliances of the same width.
Compare the energy label and product details for the exact model, including its capacity, Eco programme energy use and noise level.
These ranges give you a starting point for comparing the types mentioned here. Check each individual model to make sure it suits your kitchen.
Bosch’s range includes freestanding, compact and integrated models.
Beko’s French range includes 45 cm freestanding dishwashers for narrower spaces.
Whirlpool’s French catalogue lets you compare 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers.
Miele’s French catalogue features freestanding dishwashers, including a 45 cm model.
No. A conventional freestanding model needs a suitable water supply, socket and drain. Before choosing an appliance, also check the dimensions of the space and the route the hoses will take.
No. A 45 cm freestanding dishwasher sits on the floor, while a tabletop compact sits on a suitable surface. Que Choisir says 45 cm models generally hold 9 to 10 place settings, and features tabletop compacts with six place settings. Compare the capacity of the exact model with the amount of washing up you usually have.
Compare the energy information for the exact model, especially for the Eco programme, then check what’s needed to install it. For an integrated model, also check the housing unit, compatible door panel and installation requirements.