Homes without a dedicated dishwasher space
If you have a clear space and suitable connections, but no cabinet to fit a door to, a freestanding appliance already has its own front and outer panels, as explained by Que Choisir.
Who is this option for?
Renters and kitchens that may be rearranged
A freestanding appliance gives you the option of changing your kitchen layout without needing to choose a matching cabinet door. If installation involves altering the rented property or its fittings, ANIL advises that you’ll need the landlord’s written permission.
Small spaces with less washing-up
A 45 cm-wide model or a mini dishwasher on the worktop may be a better fit when space is tight. However, its capacity should suit the amount of washing-up you usually have: Beko lists a 45 cm model with space for 10 place settings, while Que Choisir describes mini models with 2 or 3 place settings.
Which factors should you prioritise?
Start by measuring the space and working out how much washing-up you have. Then compare the figures on the energy label and check separately for any requirements for fitting the appliance under a worktop or installing it in a rented property.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning without a housing unit | Measure the space, access route and clearance needed to open the door; check that the existing connections are suitable. | Without a cabinet to fit a door to, I want to be able to position an appliance with its own finished front. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this freedom of placement. |
| Size and capacity | Compare the dimensions and place settings with the amount of washing-up you usually have; a smaller model may need to run more often. | In a narrow kitchen, I want enough capacity without taking up too much space. The right size would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy and water use | Check the model’s energy label for kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise emissions. | If the kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to consider noise as well as water and electricity use. Around 21% of consumers would put running costs and quiet operation first. |
| Fitting under a worktop or installing in a rented property | Check the height and the manufacturer’s instructions on removing the top; find out whether the planned work needs the landlord’s written permission. | I want the appliance to fit under an existing worktop or to avoid altering the rented property. This would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming every freestanding model will fit under a worktop
A freestanding appliance’s finished exterior doesn’t guarantee that it will be the right height or have a removable top.
Measure the available height and check the product listing and manual for your chosen model to see whether the top can be removed and the appliance fitted under a worktop.
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Choosing a mini model just to save space
Que Choisir describes mini dishwashers with 2 or 3 place settings. Their capacity won’t handle the same amount of washing-up as a larger appliance.
Think about how much washing-up you have each day before opting for a smaller capacity and potentially having to run more frequent cycles.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
According to the European Commission, a dishwasher’s energy label also shows energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise emissions.
Compare these figures across specific models with a capacity that suits your needs.
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Ordering before checking the installation requirements
A freestanding appliance still needs suitable connections. For rented properties, ANIL distinguishes between changes to the property or its fittings, which require the landlord’s written permission.
Before delivery, check the water supply, waste outlet, electricity supply and access to the connections. If changes are needed, check the terms of your tenancy and get any required permission before work begins.
Dishwasher brands to consider
Bosch
Bosch’s freestanding range is worth exploring if you’re considering a 60 cm model or looking for one that can be fitted under a worktop.
- Bosch says a removable top can save 2 to 3 cm on the models that have one.
- Check whether the exact model has a removable top, its final height and its noise level. The 44 dB quoted for the SMS4HAW48E doesn’t apply to the whole range.
Beko
Beko’s 45 cm freestanding range is worth considering if you have limited width available.
- Beko lists a 45 cm model with space for 10 place settings.
- Check the capacity and features of the specific model you choose rather than assuming they apply to every 45 cm model.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s 60 cm freestanding models are worth comparing if you regularly have larger loads of washing-up.
- Whirlpool’s product listing for the WH2FD14BN70 gives this model a capacity of 14 place settings and a noise level of 44 dB.
- Check the dimensions, noise level and installation requirements for the specific model you choose.
Electrolux
Electrolux describes some of its freestanding models as suitable for fitting under a worktop.
- The product listings for the ESS68600SX and ESM48400SX mention under-worktop installation with a removable top.
- This feature isn’t available across all Electrolux freestanding models. Check the manual and the clearance required for the model you choose.
Daan Tech
Daan Tech’s Bob mini dishwasher is for anyone who needs to prioritise space over capacity.
- Daan Tech describes Bob as an ultra-compact freestanding appliance, designed in particular to sit on a worktop.
- Before choosing this size, check the space available, how the model you’re considering is supplied with water and how it drains.
Freestanding models on Joybuy
These two 60 cm freestanding dishwashers offer plenty of capacity for a kitchen without a dedicated housing unit. If you plan to fit one under a worktop, check the height with the top removed and the clearance required against the instructions in the relevant manual.
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Hotpoint H4FD641A freestanding dishwasher, 60 cm, 14 place settings, white
Worth considering if you have enough width and regularly wash larger loads.
The model name indicates 14 place settings, 41 dB and an energy rating of C. If you plan to fit it under a worktop, check the final height and instructions for removing the top in the manual. Also compare its energy use per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration on the energy label.
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Indesit D2F HK26 S freestanding dishwasher, 60 cm, 14 place settings, grey
Worth considering if your space can accommodate a 60 cm appliance and capacity matters more to you than a slimline design.
The model name indicates 14 place settings and an energy rating of E. Before fitting it under a worktop, check its height with the top removed and the installation instructions. Check the energy label for energy use per 100 cycles and the Eco programme duration.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to add a kitchen door to a freestanding dishwasher?
No. According to Que Choisir, a freestanding dishwasher already has finished panels on the front, top and sides. It still needs a suitable space and the right connections.
Can any freestanding model be fitted under a worktop?
No. Check that the model is designed for this type of installation and that its final height will fit. Bosch says removing the top can save 2 to 3 cm on the models that allow it; the manual sets out the requirements to follow.
Which figures should you compare for energy and water use?
Compare energy use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle on the model’s energy label, and don’t forget the Eco programme duration. According to the European Commission, the label also shows capacity and noise emissions.
Do you need your landlord’s permission to install a dishwasher in a rented property?
If installation involves altering the property or its fittings, ANIL advises that you need the landlord’s written permission. Check the existing connections and the terms of your tenancy before drilling or making any changes.
Can you connect a model with AquaStop yourself?
Follow the instructions for your model, and only connect it yourself if you can do so in accordance with the manual. Bosch recommends using a professional to connect its AquaStop system, particularly to reduce the risk of problems caused by incorrect installation.