If your kitchen has no built-in housing for a dishwasher, start by measuring the available space and considering how much washing up you usually have. A 60 cm freestanding model offers more room for larger loads, a 45 cm model needs less width, while a compact tabletop dishwasher is best suited to smaller loads. Whichever size you choose, check the connections in the manual. If your kitchen opens onto your living space, compare the noise emissions shown on the energy label too, as recommended by the criteria outlined by UFC-Que Choisir and the European Commission.
A freestanding model doesn’t need a door panel to match your kitchen units. UFC-Que Choisir presents it as a more flexible option for placing an appliance in a kitchen without fitted units, provided the necessary connections are available.
If a 60 cm appliance won’t fit, a 45 cm model still gives you a full-size, floor-standing option; a compact tabletop model is suited to smaller loads. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between these sizes by their footprint and capacity. Remember to allow space for the door to open as well.
When a dishwasher runs near your living space, noise matters just as much as capacity. Compare the noise emissions and noise class for the exact model on its energy label, rather than relying on a claim that it’s quiet.
Consider this if: you have enough width and your usual load warrants a floor-standing appliance of this size.
The trade-off: it takes up more width than a 45 cm or compact model, and still needs suitable connections.
Consider this if: a floor-standing appliance will fit, but there isn’t enough width for a 60 cm model.
The trade-off: its smaller capacity may mean running it more often; UFC-Que Choisir highlights this as a possible consideration for a small family.
Consider this if: you have smaller loads and no suitable space for a floor-standing appliance.
The trade-off: it takes up space on your worktop or other surface, and its limited capacity may mean running it more often.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the appliance’s width, height and depth, then allow for the door to open. If it’s going under a worktop, check that the model is suitable for this setup. | I want to install the appliance without adding a housing unit or door panel to my existing kitchen units. |
| Connections | Check the water supply, waste outlet and electricity supply at the planned installation point. Follow the requirements in the manual for the specific model. | Before ordering, I need to know whether the appliance can be connected in my kitchen. |
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings with a typical load, then check the space available for plates and pans. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes 60 cm and 45 cm freestanding models and compact models by capacity. | If I often cook with large utensils, the place-setting count alone won’t tell me whether the racks will suit my needs. |
| Noise | Check the noise emissions and noise class on the energy label for the exact model; the European Commission describes these as two of the label’s indicators. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to compare how noisy appliances are during a cycle, without assuming that every model from one brand is the same. |
| Use and maintenance | Compare the A to G energy rating, energy use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle on the label. Also check the programmes and maintenance instructions for the model. | I plan to use the appliance regularly: Eco programme figures and maintenance tasks will help me choose between sizes that all fit in my kitchen. |
| Integrated | Choose this setup only if you have a suitable housing unit, compatible door panel and installation plan. Bosch recommends professional installation for its integrated models. | Without kitchen units designed for an integrated appliance, I’d rather check freestanding options first than choose an integrated model for its appearance. |
An integrated model can’t be installed like a freestanding appliance with its own finished exterior: it needs compatible kitchen units. Bosch recommends using a professional for installation.
Check the housing unit, door panel, fixings and installation plan before choosing this option. Otherwise, look at freestanding models.
A matching door panel and professional installation may add to the cost of your kitchen project.
A narrower model has less capacity for your usual washing up. UFC-Que Choisir notes that a small family may need to run a 45 cm model every day.
Measure the space, then check the capacity and rack layout against the plates and pans you use.
Noise levels vary between models and are particularly worth checking if your kitchen opens onto your living space.
Compare the noise emissions and noise class on the energy label for each model you’re considering.
UFC-Que Choisir includes use and maintenance among the factors to consider when choosing a dishwasher.
Compare water use per cycle and energy use per 100 cycles on the label, using the same Eco programme as a basis, then check the model’s maintenance instructions.
Regular use also means buying consumables and carrying out routine maintenance.
These brand examples illustrate different sizes. The features mentioned apply to the specific models named, not every model in each range.
Its 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding models let you compare two widths for a kitchen without built-in housing.
Its French range includes freestanding models with different capacities, as well as a compact tabletop option.
The freestanding WH2FD14BN70 gives you a point of comparison if your household has a large amount of washing up.
The LVV1347S is an example of a 60 cm freestanding model to consider if your load sizes vary.
These models offer two ways to equip a kitchen without built-in housing: floor-standing freestanding appliances for larger loads, and compact tabletop models for smaller loads. Before choosing where to put your dishwasher, check the measurements and manual for the model you’ve selected.
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Worth considering if you have space for a floor-standing appliance and regularly wash a large amount of crockery.
The product description lists 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Measure the space and door clearance, then compare the energy, water and noise figures on the label for this model.
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This size is suited to a floor-standing space around 60 cm wide and larger loads of washing up.
The product description lists 14 place settings and 41 dB. Check the available height, door clearance and noise figures on the label for the exact model.
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Worth considering for larger loads if your kitchen can accommodate a 60 cm-wide floor-standing appliance.
The product description lists 14 place settings and an E energy rating. Check the full dimensions, door clearance and connections in the documentation for this model.
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This compact tabletop model is better suited to smaller loads when there isn’t enough room for a floor-standing appliance.
The product description lists 6 place settings, 7 programmes and 47 dB. Measure the surface it will sit on, and check the dimensions and connections specified in the manual.
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With a stated capacity of 3 place settings, this model is designed for very small loads rather than a large family’s washing up.
The product description lists 7 programmes and 56.3 dB. Check the dimensions, water supply method, waste outlet requirements and electrical requirements in the manual.
Yes, as long as the space and connections are suitable. As UFC-Que Choisir explains, a freestanding model doesn’t need a door panel to match your kitchen units. Check the water supply, waste outlet and electricity supply according to the model’s manual.
Only if the model’s dimensions and design allow it. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking, in particular, whether the appliance has a removable top. Don’t assume it does just because it’s described as freestanding.
A compact tabletop model is suited to smaller loads when you don’t have space on the floor. UFC-Que Choisir classifies compact models as having fewer than 9 place settings, while 45 cm models generally offer more capacity but need floor space.
Check the noise emissions and noise class on the energy label for each exact model. The European Commission says the label displays both figures, and UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of noise levels in an open-plan kitchen.
Check the water supply, waste outlet and electricity supply at the planned installation point: these are the connections listed in Bosch’s installation documentation. The manual for your chosen model sets out the requirements, including for a compact tabletop dishwasher.