In a small kitchen without a dedicated space, start by considering where the appliance can actually go. A compact model can work on a suitable worktop, while a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher offers more capacity if you have floor space available. Only consider a 60 cm model under the worktop if the width, depth and height all fit, and the manufacturer allows you to remove its top. In every case, check that the door can open fully, that there’s room for the hoses and that the connections comply with the instructions.
If the only place for a dishwasher is on the worktop, check that the surface is large and sturdy enough, then plan the route for the waste water. On models with a water tank, this can replace a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need somewhere for the waste water to drain.
A slimline freestanding model is worth considering if you regularly have more dishes than a mini dishwasher can hold. Measure the depth too, and allow for the connections: for example, the Bosch SPS4EMW61E measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm, according to Bosch Électroménager France.
If you have space for the standard width, a freestanding model could suit your needs if you need more capacity but don’t have a fitted kitchen. To install one under the worktop, check the exact model’s measurements and confirm that its top can be removed. This isn’t possible with every appliance.
Worth considering: when you can’t spare floor space, provided the worktop and waste-water arrangements are suitable.
The trade-off: its limited capacity may mean running more frequent cycles; any water tank will need filling.
Worth considering: if you have a space of this width on the floor and want more room for everyday dishes.
The trade-off: the Bosch and Whirlpool examples mentioned here are around 59 to 60 cm deep and need suitable connections.
Worth considering: if you have space for the standard width and the specific model can be installed under the worktop.
The trade-off: removing a compatible top won’t reduce the width or depth. Bosch says it lowers the height by around 2 to 3 cm on the relevant models.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Set-up without a dedicated space | Measure the worktop and check its load capacity. Locate the plug socket and plan the waste-water route, even if the appliance has a tank. | If I don’t have any floor space, I need to be able to place the appliance without overloading an unsuitable surface. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this type of set-up. |
| Capacity in a 45 cm space | Compare the stated place settings with your usual load, then check the depth and the space needed to open the door. | When a mini dishwasher fills up quickly, I want more room for dishes without having to find 60 cm of width. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise this capacity. |
| Capacity under the worktop | Check the width, depth and height, and confirm whether the top can be removed from the specific model. | If I can free up the standard width under my worktop, I want to prioritise capacity while making sure the installation is suitable. This would be the main consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
A dishwasher may fit between two units but still leave too little room for the hoses or to open the door. For example, Bosch Électroménager France lists the depth of its 45 cm SPS4EMW61E freestanding model as 600 mm.
Measure all three dimensions of the space and check the installation diagram for the model, including the door when open and the connections.
Daan Tech says Bob’s 4 L tank lets you use the appliance without a fixed water supply, but the waste water still needs to drain away. The worktop must also be strong enough to support the loaded appliance.
Before buying, check the exact model’s weight and instructions against the strength of your worktop, then decide where its drain hose will go.
The top can’t be removed from every freestanding dishwasher. Bosch also notes that it serves a protective purpose; removing it from compatible models only gains around 2 to 3 cm in height.
Confirm that the manufacturer allows you to remove it from your chosen model, and follow the instructions for protecting the appliance under the worktop.
In a tight space, pulling out a dishwasher for servicing can be difficult. For models covered by the scheme in France, the repairability index is one of the details to check, along with the after-sales service terms.
Check the displayed index, the stated availability of spare parts and whether you’ll be able to move the appliance without blocking the connections.
The Bob range may suit households looking for a mini dishwasher that can sit on the worktop without a fixed water supply.
Its compact worktop models are worth considering when you have room for this type of installation but a floor-standing appliance won’t work.
The 45 and 60 cm freestanding models listed by Bosch Électroménager France offer two sizes to compare with the floor space you have available.
The WSFO3T223P freestanding model is worth considering if you have space for a 45 cm width and capacity matters more than a worktop installation.
These models are designed for worktop installation or, if you have enough room, as 60 cm freestanding dishwashers. Compare their capacity with your usual load and check the chosen model’s installation requirements before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering if you can’t spare floor space and want a model with a tank.
The product name lists 5+1 cycles and an integrated 5 L tank. Check that your worktop can support it and plan the waste-water route: the tank doesn’t remove the need to drain the waste water.
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Worth considering for a worktop installation if its dimensions, usable capacity and support surface suit your household.
Check the instructions for the version on offer to confirm how it takes in water and how to arrange the waste-water outlet.
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Its tabletop design is worth considering if a floor-standing installation isn’t possible.
The product name lists 7 programmes and a delay start of up to 24 hours. Check that its capacity suits your usual load and read the waste-water instructions before choosing a location.
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This size could suit you if you have a standard-width space on the floor and need capacity for 14 place settings.
The product name lists a width of 60 cm and a noise level of 41 dB. If you plan to install it under the worktop, check all the measurements and confirm the conditions for removing the top and connecting the appliance in the instructions.
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Compare it with other worktop models if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 6 place settings.
The product name lists 7 programmes and a noise level of 47 dB. Measure the space and check the instructions to make sure the water supply and drain hoses can be connected without being kinked.
Yes, if the model is designed to take water from a tank. Daan Tech says Bob can use a 4 L tank instead of a hose connection to the water supply. Check the version you choose, and make sure you have a way to drain the waste water in every case.
For a model that connects to the mains, locate the water supply, waste-water outlet and a suitable socket, then check their positions against the instructions. Haier recommends leaving space behind the appliance for the hoses; follow the clearance requirements for the model you choose.
Only if the manufacturer allows you to remove it from that specific model and the under-worktop installation follows the instructions. Bosch says this gains around 2 to 3 cm on the relevant models, while also noting the top’s protective function.
Ask a qualified electrician to assess any planned electrical work before installing the dishwasher. Also check the electrical requirements in the instructions for your chosen model. Having a socket nearby doesn’t automatically mean its position or circuit is suitable.
Check how much room you need to open the door and access the appliance, as well as the model’s repairability and after-sales service information. In France, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition includes dishwashers among the product categories covered by the repairability index.