In a kitchen without a dedicated space, a freestanding dishwasher gives you more flexibility when arranging your kitchen, provided you have suitable water, waste and electrical connections. If space is tight, consider a 45 cm model. If you have little washing up and no room on the floor, a compact model may work, once you’ve checked how it fills and drains. An integrated model, on the other hand, requires a compatible cabinet space and door front.
A freestanding appliance can be left on show, without a matching kitchen door front. Before deciding where to put it, check that you have access to a water supply, a waste outlet and a suitable electrical supply. UFC-Que Choisir notes that all three connections are needed for a standard dishwasher.
A 45 cm model can save floor space without having to opt for a countertop appliance. UFC-Que Choisir describes 45 cm models with around 9 place settings; compare this capacity with the amount of washing up you produce before choosing a compact model.
Installing an appliance using existing connections is not the same as altering the fittings in your home. For work that could change the rented property or its fittings, ANIL notes that you need the landlord’s written permission.
Start by checking the space and connections, then choose a capacity that suits the amount of washing up you produce. The format alone won’t tell you whether an appliance can be installed.
| What to consider | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | For a standard appliance, locate the water supply, waste outlet and electrical supply specified by UFC-Que Choisir. For a compact model, check the instructions to see how it fills and where the waste water goes. | I want to know where the hoses will go and how the water will drain before choosing a spot for the appliance. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the width and depth, and allow enough clearance to open the door. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between 60 cm freestanding models, generally with 12 to 17 place settings, 45 cm models with around 9 to 10 place settings, and compact formats. | If my kitchen is narrow, I could consider a 45 cm model. If I have little washing up but am particularly short of floor space, I’ll compare the capacities of countertop models. |
| Kitchen units | Check whether an integrated model has a compatible cabinet space and door front. If you want to fit a freestanding model under a worktop, check the dimensions and whether the top can be removed on the specific model. | My kitchen may change: a freestanding model with its own finished exterior means I won’t need a matching unit door, unlike the integrated type described by UFC-Que Choisir. |
| Installation | Check that the space is stable and that the hoses are accessible. Promotelec recommends connecting the appliance directly to a dedicated circuit, not to a multi-socket extension lead. | I want to be able to open the door and reach the connections without moving the whole kitchen. If I’m unsure about the electrical supply, I’ll have it checked before installation. |
Freestanding describes how the appliance fits into your kitchen, not how it’s powered. UFC-Que Choisir says that a standard dishwasher needs water, electricity and a waste outlet.
Measure the space and locate all three connections before ordering. If any need to be installed or altered, find out what work is required before arranging installation.
Promotelec recommends connecting a dishwasher directly to a dedicated circuit to avoid overloading it.
Check the available socket and circuit. If you’re unsure or don’t have a suitable electrical supply, have the installation checked instead of planning to use a multi-socket extension lead or an extension cable.
The tank is for the water supply; waste water still needs to be drained as specified for the model.
Compare the capacity and dimensions, and check the filling and drainage arrangements in the instructions for the compact model you’re considering. For example, the Joybuy France listing for an Airmsen model distinguishes between tap and tank water supplies.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, an integrated model must fit into a cabinet space and have a compatible door front; it can’t simply be installed like a freestanding appliance with its own finished exterior.
If your kitchen units may still change, first check whether the plans will include a cabinet space and matching door front. If not, consider the dimensions of a freestanding model that will fit the space.
These examples show a range of formats. The features mentioned apply to the specific models listed, not to every appliance from each brand.
The Bosch SMS25GI09F is an example of a standard freestanding model: its Joybuy France listing gives a width of 60 cm and a capacity of 12 place settings.
The Joybuy France listing for the Mini Lite CDWMTO201D (W) describes a compact model with 3 place settings and a D energy rating.
The Joybuy France listing for an Airmsen countertop dishwasher describes a built-in 5 L tank and the option to fill it from a tap or the tank.
These models show two options for a kitchen without a dedicated space: freestanding dishwashers and compact countertop appliances. Compare their capacity with the space available, then check the installation requirements for each one.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your kitchen can accommodate a 60 cm freestanding appliance and 14 place settings suit your needs. The product name lists a noise level of 41 dB and a C energy rating. Check the full dimensions, connections and requirements for fitting it under a worktop, if applicable, in the instructions.
Image unavailable
This 60 cm freestanding model has a listed capacity of 14 place settings, making it an option for a space without a dedicated cabinet. The product name gives an E energy rating; check how much room you’ll need to open the door, and consult the instructions for the required connections.
Image unavailable
Another 14-place-setting freestanding option for a kitchen without a dedicated cabinet space. The product name mentions 7 cycles; measure the space, including the clearance needed for the door, and check the instructions before considering installation under a worktop.
Image unavailable
A countertop model is worth considering if you’re short of floor space. The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles; check the model’s capacity and dimensions, as well as how it drains, before choosing a spot for it.
Image unavailable
This countertop dishwasher has a listed capacity of 6 place settings and 7 programmes, which you can compare with the amount of washing up you produce. The product name also gives a noise level of 47 dB and a D energy rating; measure the available space and check the instructions for filling and drainage.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a standard dishwasher needs a water supply, an electrical supply and a waste outlet. Before buying, check that these connections are accessible from the intended spot and that the appliance can be levelled.
Promotelec recommends connecting it directly to a dedicated circuit rather than using a multi-socket extension lead, to avoid overloading the circuit. If your kitchen doesn’t have a suitable electrical supply, have the installation checked before planning where to put the appliance.
No, it depends on the model. For example, the Joybuy France listing for an Airmsen model gives two options: filling it from a tap or using its tank. Check the drainage requirements in the instructions too; a clean-water tank on its own won’t deal with waste water.
Using existing connections is different from carrying out work that alters the property. In France, ANIL notes that tenants must not alter the rented property or its fittings without the landlord’s written permission. Ask for permission before having any connections installed or changed.
Choose an integrated model if you have a dedicated cabinet space and can fit a compatible door front. UFC-Que Choisir explains that this type of appliance is designed to fit into kitchen units. If your kitchen has no dedicated space, or you may change it later, consider the room needed for a freestanding model instead.