Start by choosing the format based on the space actually available, the amount of crockery you need to wash and whether suitable water inlet, waste and electrical connections are available. A 60 cm model is ideal when capacity is the priority, while a 45 cm model takes up less width than a standard dishwasher. A tank-fed compact model is designed for very small spaces. If you plan to install a dishwasher under a worktop, always confirm that the top is removable for the exact model reference.
You have an unfitted kitchen with enough floor space for an appliance with finished visible sides. The main choice is between a 60 cm model for greater capacity and a 45 cm model to reduce the width required.
You want to reduce the amount of washing-up without being able to set aside 60 cm of width. According to Que Choisir, 45 cm models usually offer 9 to 10 place settings and may require more frequent cycles.
A compact countertop model can be suitable when there is not enough room for a full-size dishwasher on the floor. Que Choisir tested tank-fed models for 2 or 3 place settings. Check the drainage, electrical supply and stability of the support for the model you choose.
Start by measuring the available space and assessing how much crockery you wash. Then compare models of the same format using the energy label and installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and capacity | Measure the width, depth, height and door clearance. According to Que Choisir, 60 cm models usually accommodate 12 to 17 place settings, while 45 cm models accommodate 9 to 10. The compact models tested are designed for 2 or 3 place settings. | I want to avoid an appliance that is too wide for my kitchen or too small for my everyday washing-up. |
| Location and connections | Check the water inlet, waste connection, electrical socket, support and the conditions in the manual. Bosch states that a connected dishwasher requires a suitable water supply, electricity and waste outlet. | I need a freestanding appliance that is compatible with the space and connections already available. |
| Water, energy and noise | For comparable formats, check the energy efficiency class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration, decibels and noise class. ADEME states that this information appears on the energy label. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, I want to compare running costs and noise levels as well as the appliance’s width. |
A freestanding appliance does not require a kitchen door panel, but it still needs water, electricity and waste connections, and must meet the conditions set out in its manual.
Measure the space, confirm the existing connections and consult the manual for the exact reference before ordering.
A smaller capacity may mean more frequent cycles, depending on the household. The format alone does not tell you how much water or energy the appliance uses, or how noisy it is.
Compare the energy label, water consumption per cycle and your actual loading frequency rather than looking only at the width.
The countertop compact models documented by Que Choisir are designed for small loads of 2 or 3 place settings. Their limited capacity may not be sufficient for a larger household.
Before choosing, check the number of place settings, the diameter of plates it can accommodate, the water filling method, the waste hose and the official manual.
Installation under a worktop is only possible if a removable top, suitable dimensions and the required installation conditions are explicitly specified for the model in question.
Request confirmation in the technical specification or manual for the exact model before planning an under-worktop installation.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding dishwashers in 45 and 60 cm widths. The brand presents the 45 cm format as an option for smaller households or limited spaces.
Beko markets a French range of freestanding dishwashers, including 45 cm models, as well as a selection of appliances with removable tops.
Whirlpool’s French range includes 45 and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers, including high-capacity models.
Daan Tech is associated with Bob, a compact countertop dishwasher designed for very small loads.
These Joybuy options include a compact countertop model and several 60 cm freestanding dishwashers for kitchens without a dedicated space.
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An option for a very small kitchen without floor space and with a small volume of crockery to wash.
Advertised dimensions: 45.8 × 42.8 × 42.5 cm; advertised capacity of 4 place settings and integrated 5 L tank.
Check the worktop’s permitted load, the route for the waste hose and socket compatibility against the manual.
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Worth considering if your kitchen without a dedicated space has room on the floor for a standard high-capacity dishwasher.
Advertised net dimensions: 85 × 60 × 59 cm; 14 place settings, E energy class and stated noise level of 46 dB.
A removable top and adjustable height are advertised, but check the clearances and final height in the manual before any under-worktop installation.
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This format is intended for households with suitable floor space and a large volume of crockery to wash.
Advertised dimensions: 600 × 590 × 850 mm; 14 place settings, C energy class, 9.5 L per Eco cycle and 41 dB.
A removable top and adjustable height of up to 820 mm are advertised. Confirm the ventilation, available height and door clearance in the manual.
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A 60 cm dishwasher for a kitchen without a dedicated space when capacity is the priority.
Advertised dimensions: 60 × 85 × 59 cm; 14 place settings, D energy class, 85 kWh per 100 cycles, 11.5 L per cycle and 46 dB.
The top is stated to be non-removable, so this model is not suitable for an under-worktop installation that requires this feature.
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Consider this model if you have around 60 cm of available width and want to handle a variety of washing-up loads.
Advertised dimensions: 59.8 × 60.0 × 84.5 cm; 14 place settings, seven cycles, E energy class, 95 kWh per 100 cycles, 10.5 L per Eco cycle and 44 dB.
The specification mentions an adjustable basket, folding tines and a third rack. Do not assume that it is suitable for installation under a worktop without confirmation of a removable top and the required clearances.
Yes, as far as the exterior finish is concerned: a freestanding dishwasher has a finished front, top and sides, so it does not need a kitchen door panel. However, according to Que Choisir and Bosch’s installation guidance, it still requires a suitable water supply, electrical supply and waste connection, in accordance with its manual.
No. Tank-fed compact models for 2 or 3 place settings can be placed on a worktop, but the drainage, electrical socket, permitted load of the support and clearances must be confirmed in the manual for the model you choose.
For comparable formats, compare the energy efficiency class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco cycle duration, capacity in place settings and noise level in dB together with its noise class. ADEME states that this information appears on the energy label and that the Eco programme is often used as the reference cycle.
It comes under the waste electrical and electronic equipment system. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition recommends considering repair, reuse or recycling through the appropriate collection schemes. Also check the collection service offered by the seller before finalising your order.