Start by choosing according to the space you have actually measured, the amount of crockery you use and the connections available. A 60 cm freestanding dishwasher is ideal when space and capacity are the priorities, while a 45 cm model takes up less room. A compact dishwasher may suit very limited needs, but you will need to plan for wastewater drainage and accept a smaller capacity.
You are looking for an appliance with its own finished exterior, without a cabinet door or built-in housing, which can be moved or reinstalled when you move home in the future. Que Choisir states that freestanding models do not require a cabinet door.
Limited width or a small amount of everyday crockery may point towards a 45 cm dishwasher or a compact model, provided you are happy with a lower capacity and plan for the water connection or drainage.
A freestanding dishwasher can remain visible at the front while being positioned beneath a worktop. Check the available height and whether the specific model has a removable top.
Measure the space and check the connections before comparing capacity, the energy label and the options for placing the appliance beneath a worktop.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and connections | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the delivery route. Check the water inlet, electrical socket and wastewater outlet. Also make sure the floor is level and that the feet can be adjusted. | I want to install the appliance without blocking a unit, a walkway or access to the connections. |
| Capacity and format | Compare a 60 cm model, often listed as holding between 12 and 17 place settings, with a 45 cm model, generally holding around 9 to 10 place settings. For a compact model, check the number of place settings and the size of crockery it can accommodate. | I want capacity suited to my everyday crockery, without overcrowding the kitchen or unnecessarily running multiple cycles. |
| Water, energy and noise | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the Eco programme and the noise level in dB. ADEME presents these indicators as key information on the energy label. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, I want to compare noise and consumption between appliances of a similar size. |
| Installation flexibility | A freestanding dishwasher does not require a cabinet door. If the appliance needs to fit beneath a worktop, confirm that the top is removable and measure the final height. With a compact model featuring a tank, always plan for wastewater drainage. | I want to equip the kitchen now without needing a cabinet door, while retaining a solution that works if I move home or change the layout. |
A freestanding appliance will not automatically fit every space. The height required may also change when the top is removed for installation beneath a worktop.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the height beneath the worktop. If installation beneath a worktop is being considered, ask for confirmation that the top is removable on the model you choose.
A freestanding dishwasher means you do not need to add a kitchen door, but a standard model still requires a water inlet, an electrical supply and a wastewater outlet.
Check all three connections before buying and ask what is included for installation, commissioning and the possible removal of your old appliance.
Connection or commissioning services may be charged by the retailer.
A dishwasher with a tank may avoid the need for a fixed water inlet, but wastewater must still be drained and capacity remains limited.
Check the filling method, the route of the drain hose, the stated capacity, the maximum plate diameter and the actual space available on the worktop.
Two appliances in the same class may differ in water consumption, Eco programme duration and noise level. These differences are particularly important in an open-plan kitchen.
Compare the complete label: kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco duration, decibels and noise class, across models of a similar size and capacity.
The French range includes 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers, as well as some models that can be placed beneath a worktop, depending on their configuration.
The brand offers slim 45 cm freestanding appliances to consider when available width is limited.
The freestanding dishwasher range includes 45 cm models and standard-size options for kitchens without a built-in appliance.
This compact option may suit spaces where a floor-standing appliance will not fit, or where there is no fixed water inlet.
These Joybuy options include 60 cm freestanding dishwashers for larger loads and compact models for very restricted kitchens or spaces without a fixed water inlet.
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For a kitchen without built-in units that has room for a 60 cm appliance and a large volume of crockery.
Stated capacity of 14 place settings, dimensions of 85 × 60 × 59 cm, 9.5 L of water, class E, 46 dB and six programmes. The top is listed as removable; check the final height beneath your worktop and the connections.
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A 60 cm freestanding option for a household needing 14 place settings and considering installation beneath a worktop.
Stated dimensions of 600 × 590 × 850 mm, class C, 41 dB and approximately 9.5 L per Eco cycle. The top panel is listed as removable, with an adjustable height of up to 820 mm; measure the door clearance and the route for the hoses.
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A compact format for a studio flat or very small kitchen, where four place settings may be sufficient.
Stated dimensions of 45.8 × 42.8 × 42.5 cm, capacity of 4 place settings, integrated 5 L tank and five programmes. Without a fixed water inlet, drainage still needs to be arranged using the hose; also check that your plates, listed as up to 26 cm, are compatible.
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This mini model is designed for very small amounts of crockery in an office, mobile home or small kitchen.
Stated capacity of 3 place settings, 5 L tank or direct tap connection, seven programmes, stated consumption of 4.2 L per wash and class C. When using the tank, plan for manual filling and drainage through the hose.
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A full-size 60 cm appliance for a kitchen without built-in units and a high volume of crockery.
Stated dimensions of 60 × 85 × 59 cm, 14 place settings, class D, 85 kWh/100 cycles, 11.5 L per cycle and 46 dB. The top is listed as non-removable, so this model is not suitable if reduced height beneath a worktop is required.
A standard model requires a water inlet, an electrical supply and a wastewater outlet. Check that all three can be reached from the planned location; Que Choisir also recommends a level surface and easy access to the connections.
No. You need to confirm that the model has a removable top and check the dimensions once it has been removed. Bosch states that certain models have a height of 84.5 cm, reduced to 81.5 cm after the top is removed; this measurement does not apply to every appliance.
Some models can be filled manually using an integrated tank. However, wastewater still needs to be drained, so plan for a hose leading to a trap, sink or suitable drain.
Compare the class from A to G, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the Eco programme, and the noise level and class. Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2017 governs energy labelling for household dishwashers.
No. Que Choisir states that 45 cm models are not necessarily cheaper than higher-capacity appliances. Compare the exact model, its energy label, noise level and internal layout rather than width alone.