If you have floor space and access to water, electricity and a drain, start by comparing freestanding dishwashers: they don’t need a cabinet front. If space is limited, a 45 cm model may be a better fit. For smaller loads and where there’s no fixed water supply, a compact dishwasher with a water tank is another option, provided you can drain the waste water. If you want to fit a freestanding model under a worktop, check the exact model to confirm that its top can be removed and that its dimensions will fit once it’s off.
The space available and the connections you have will determine which type of appliance is suitable.
If you have floor space but no dedicated alcove or cabinet door, a freestanding dishwasher is designed to be left on show. According to UFC-Que Choisir, standard installation still requires a water supply, an electricity supply and a drain.
If a 60 cm model won’t fit, a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher offers a full-size, floor-standing option. UFC-Que Choisir gives a capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for this width, compared with 12 to 17 place settings for the 60 cm models featured in its guide.
For smaller loads, a compact dishwasher with a water tank can avoid the need for a permanent connection to the water supply. You’ll still need to find space for it and arrange for the waste water to drain. Its capacity won’t match that of a full-size model.
Worth considering: if you regularly have a lot of washing up, and have enough floor space and all three required connections.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be on show. UFC-Que Choisir gives a capacity of 12 to 17 place settings for the 60 cm models in its guide.
Worth considering: if a 60 cm appliance won’t fit, but you can connect a floor-standing dishwasher.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir gives a capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for the 45 cm models in its guide, compared with 12 to 17 for the 60 cm models.
Worth considering: for smaller loads, when space is limited or a fixed water supply is difficult to use.
Bear in mind: the capacity is small and you’ll need to manage the drainage. UFC-Que Choisir describes mini models with water tanks that hold 2 or 3 place settings.
Once you’ve chosen a type, check the space you actually have and compare the specifications of the exact model, rather than relying on the ‘freestanding’ label alone.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the space and door clearance; check that the floor is level and that water, electricity and a drain are accessible for a floor-standing appliance. UFC-Que Choisir reminds readers that all three connections are required. | I want to install the appliance where I’ll use it, without needing a dedicated space or cabinet front. |
| Width and capacity | Compare the dimensions and stated capacity of each model. In the UFC-Que Choisir guide, 45 cm models hold 9 to 10 place settings, while 60 cm models hold 12 to 17. | Space is limited, but I also need to be able to fit in the washing up that builds up between cycles. |
| Fitting under a worktop | Check the instructions for the exact model to confirm that the top can be removed. Check the height after removal, the depth and access to the hoses. UFC-Que Choisir points out that not all freestanding models have a removable top. | I already have a worktop, so I need an appliance that will fit underneath in line with the instructions for that model. |
| Noise | Compare the decibel rating and noise class on the energy label. ADEME says that an increase of 3 dB almost doubles the noise level. | In an open-plan kitchen or studio flat, I’d rather consider the noise level at the times I’ll be running a cycle. |
| Energy use and repairability | Check the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle on the energy label, as explained by ADEME. For repairability, check the score out of 10 provided by the ministry responsible for ecological transition. | I want to compare expected running costs and whether the appliance can be repaired, not just its dimensions. |
A freestanding dishwasher doesn’t need a cabinet front, but that doesn’t mean you can remove its top. Even if you can, an appliance that’s still too tall won’t fit in the space you have.
Check the instructions for the exact model, then measure the available height, width and depth, as well as access to the hoses, before planning to fit it under a worktop.
UFC-Que Choisir describes mini models with water tanks that hold 2 or 3 place settings. Their capacity is very different from that of the 45 or 60 cm floor-standing models featured in its guide.
Think about how much washing up you’ll need to do between cycles. Choose a compact model for smaller loads or as a back-up if its capacity meets your needs.
Noise matters particularly when the appliance is used in a living area. According to ADEME, an increase of 3 dB almost doubles the noise level.
Compare the dB ratings and noise classes of the models you’re considering, then factor in where the appliance will go and when you’ll use it.
Two appliances of the same size can have different energy consumption and noise levels. The repairability index gives you another useful way to compare specific models.
Check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise class on the energy label, as well as the repairability score out of 10.
These examples cover different types of dishwasher. The specifications mentioned apply to the named models, not to every appliance from that brand.
Bosch offers 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers in France.
Beko’s French range includes freestanding dishwashers, including 45 cm and 60 cm models.
Daan Tech sells the Bob mini dishwasher in France, designed for smaller loads.
This selection mainly features freestanding dishwashers for homes with floor space, as well as a countertop model with a water tank for smaller loads. Check the dimensions and connections of each model to make sure it suits your kitchen.
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Worth considering for a kitchen without a cabinet front if you have floor space and the required connections.
The product name states that it measures 60 cm, holds 14 place settings and has an E energy rating. If you’re planning to fit it under a worktop, check the instructions for the height and guidance on removing the top.
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This floor-standing model could suit a kitchen without a dedicated space, provided it fits and the connections are accessible.
The product name states that it operates at 41 dB and has a C energy rating. If you’re fitting it under a worktop, check the final height and instructions for removing the top.
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This freestanding model could suit a space on the floor without a cabinet door, once you’ve checked the dimensions and connections.
The product name states that it holds 14 place settings and has 7 cycles. If it needs to fit under a worktop, check the instructions to confirm that the top can be removed and see what the resulting height will be.
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Worth considering for an open installation if you have floor space and the required connections.
The product name states that it holds 14 place settings, measures 60 cm wide and has a D energy rating. The top is listed as non-removable, so don’t choose this model if your under-worktop installation requires you to remove it.
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The water tank could be a handy option for a small kitchen without a fixed water supply at the intended location, provided a compact model has enough capacity for your washing up.
The product name states that it has a built-in 5 L water tank and 5+1 cycles. Make sure you can drain it properly where you plan to put it, and check the noise level if it’ll be used in a living area.
Yes. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a freestanding model has its own finished exterior and doesn’t need a cabinet door. Make sure it has a level surface and access to water, electricity and a drain.
UFC-Que Choisir lists three connections: a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste water drain. Check that they’re accessible where you plan to install the appliance.
No. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking that the model has a removable top before planning to fit it under a worktop. Also check the instructions for its dimensions after removal and installation requirements.
Check their energy labels. ADEME says these include details such as the noise class, decibels, kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle. Compare the same information for models that fit your space.
This score out of 10 tells you how easy or difficult the appliance is to repair, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. Check the score for the exact model when comparing options that suit your kitchen.