Start by choosing a size to suit your measured space and the amount of crockery you need to wash. A 60 cm freestanding model is a good fit if you have floor space and need greater capacity; a 45 cm model takes up less width; and a compact model is ideal when space is very limited, although you’ll need to check its capacity carefully. Before choosing a model, check the door clearance, connections and installation requirements. If you live in furnished rented accommodation, ANIL advises that any changes to the property or its equipment require the landlord’s written consent.
Even without a space for an integrated dishwasher, you’ll still need to set aside a suitable spot for the appliance and its connections. The space available and the amount of crockery you need to wash will help you decide which size to choose.
If you don’t want to add a cabinet door and your kitchen can accommodate a wider appliance, consider a 60 cm freestanding model. UFC-Que Choisir gives the typical capacity as 12 to 17 place settings. Remember to measure the depth, too, and allow enough room for the door to open.
If a 60 cm appliance won’t fit but you have floor space available, a 45 cm model is worth comparing. UFC-Que Choisir gives the typical capacity of freestanding models this width as 9 to 10 place settings.
If floor space is limited, a compact countertop model could be an option for smaller loads. UFC-Que Choisir features countertop models with a capacity of 6 place settings. Check that your plates and pans will fit, and make sure you have the right water supply and drainage arrangements.
Start by measuring the space, then make sure installation is possible. Capacity and day-to-day features are only useful for comparing models once you’ve checked these two essentials.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, and check the door clearance. Then compare the place-setting capacity of the specific model. | When the washing-up builds up every day, I want enough capacity without choosing an appliance that blocks the walkway. Around 36% of consumers may prioritise this balance. |
| Installation | Check the water supply, power supply, drainage and the requirements in the instructions. If you’re renting furnished accommodation, check whether any changes require the landlord’s written consent. | Before ordering an appliance for my home, I need to know whether it can be installed in the intended spot without any unexpected changes. Around 36% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Smallest possible footprint | For a compact model, also measure the countertop space and check its capacity, water supply and drainage requirements. | In a kitchenette where there’s no room for a floor-standing appliance, I could accept washing fewer dishes per cycle in exchange for more space. Around 28% of consumers would prioritise a small footprint. |
When comparing two appliances that fit in your kitchen, ADEME advises checking electricity use in kWh per 100 standard cycles and water use in litres per standard cycle. Compare these figures on the labels of the models you’re considering; don’t assume a model will use less simply because it’s narrower.
A freestanding appliance doesn’t need a cabinet door, but a standard installation still requires a water supply, an electrical connection and a drain, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Check where these connections are before you buy, and compare them with the model’s instructions. If installation involves changes to the property or its equipment in furnished rented accommodation, ask the landlord for written consent beforehand, as advised by ANIL.
A narrower appliance takes up less space, but that doesn’t tell you how much energy the model uses. Its capacity can also affect how often you need to run a cycle.
First compare models with a capacity that suits your crockery, then check the energy-use figures on their labels.
A freestanding appliance will only fit under a worktop if its design and dimensions allow for this installation.
Check the product details and instructions for the exact model to see whether its top can be removed and how much height is needed for your planned setup.
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will fit, hold enough crockery or suit your everyday needs. ADEME distinguishes between electricity and water consumption figures, among other things.
First make sure the model fits in your kitchen and can accommodate your crockery, then compare the consumption figures and other details on its label.
These ranges offer a starting point for comparing sizes. Check the installation requirements and capacity of each individual model before you decide.
Bosch Electroménager France offers 60 cm and 45 cm freestanding dishwashers.
Beko France offers a selection of 45 cm freestanding dishwashers for kitchens where width is a key consideration.
Electrolux France offers compact dishwashers for smaller spaces, as well as 45 cm freestanding models.
Miele France offers the 45 cm freestanding dishwasher G 5740 SC SL, among other models.
These models suit two situations: a countertop compact when floor space is limited, or a larger-capacity freestanding model if your kitchen can accommodate a wider appliance. Compare their dimensions and installation requirements before choosing.
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Worth considering for a kitchenette and smaller loads, provided you have a suitable surface to place it on.
The product name specifies a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Check where you can position the drain hose and, if you plan to connect it to a tap, make sure the connection is compatible.
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Worth considering if you have enough floor space for a wider appliance and want a model advertised as holding 14 place settings, without an integrated cabinet door.
The product name specifies 41 dB and an energy rating of C. If you’re planning to fit it under a worktop, check the required height for your chosen setup. Also take note of the warning about hot steam when the door opens automatically at the end of a cycle.
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This model is for households with room for a wider appliance and looking for a model advertised as holding 14 place settings.
The product name gives it an energy rating of E. If you’re planning to place it under a worktop, check the required height after any permitted changes to the top, as well as the connections specified in the instructions.
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Compare it with other freestanding models if your kitchen can accommodate a large-capacity appliance and 14 place settings suit your needs.
The product name specifies 7 cycles. Measure the space needed for the door to open. If you plan to fit the appliance under a worktop, check the instructions to confirm the permitted installation setup.
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Worth considering when floor space is limited and a countertop appliance better suits your kitchen layout.
The product name gives the capacity as “3-Set”. Check the external dimensions and what crockery will fit inside rather than assuming this means a certain number of place settings. Also check whether it’s compatible with your tap connection, whether you’ll need an adapter and where you can position the drain.
For a standard installation, check the water supply, electrical connection and wastewater drainage, as advised by UFC-Que Choisir. Also check that there’s enough space for the hoses and follow the installation requirements in the instructions. A compact model may have different water-supply arrangements.
Yes, but only if the model and its dimensions allow for it. Check the product details and instructions to see whether the top can be removed and how much height is needed once the appliance is installed as intended.
Compare the figures for models that fit in your kitchen and have a suitable capacity. ADEME states that electricity use is shown in kWh per 100 standard cycles and water use in litres per standard cycle. Also check the other usage information shown on each label.
According to ANIL, you need your landlord’s written consent if installing the appliance involves changes to the property or its equipment in furnished rented accommodation. So, before creating or altering a water supply, drain or fixed installation, explain the work you’re planning and ask for their consent.