If your kitchen has no appliance recess or fitted cabinet front, start by considering a freestanding dishwasher if you have floor space and the necessary connections. A compact countertop model is a good option when floor space is limited, but it still needs somewhere to drain; some models have a water tank. Only consider an integrated model if you have confirmed that you have a suitable recess and all the components needed for installation.
A freestanding model lets you install a dishwasher without a cabinet front. If installation involves making changes to the rented property or its fixtures, ANIL advises getting your landlord’s written permission.
If floor space is limited, a compact countertop model is worth considering. If you choose a model with a water tank, also check where the waste water will drain: the tank doesn’t remove the need for drainage.
If your kitchen layout could still change, compare the available space and access to connections before choosing a type. If you want to install a dishwasher under a worktop, check that the specific model is suitable rather than relying on its width alone.
Consider this if: you have floor space and don’t need a kitchen recess or cabinet front.
You’ll need: a water supply, an electrical socket and drainage suitable for the model.
Consider this if: floor space is limited but you have room for the appliance on a worktop.
You’ll need: somewhere to drain the water, even if the model has a water tank.
Consider this if: your kitchen already has a suitable recess and the components needed for an integrated installation.
You’ll need: to check that the cabinet and door panel are compatible, as well as having the necessary connections.
Once you’ve chosen a type, check the installation instructions for the specific model. Two appliances of the same width won’t necessarily fit in the same way.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and finish | Measure the space and clearances specified in the instructions. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes freestanding models, which have finished sides and a top, from integrated models designed for a kitchen recess. | I want to install the appliance in a non-integrated kitchen without adding a cabinet front. |
| Connections | Check where you can connect the water supply, plug and waste hose. Bosch Électroménager says that installing a standard dishwasher involves all three; check the requirements for the model you choose. | Before ordering, I want to know whether the appliance can be connected where I plan to put it. |
| Worktop | For a compact model, check its dimensions, the space beneath wall units and the stability of the surface. If it has a water tank, check the route and positioning of the waste hose. | In a small kitchen, I’d rather keep the floor space free for other appliances. |
| Under-worktop installation | Check that the freestanding model can be installed this way, that its top can be removed and that the resulting height will fit. The Electrolux ESS47410SW product page describes this setup for that specific model. | I want to be able to install the appliance under a worktop without assuming that all freestanding models can do this. |
| Rented home | Find out whether installation will involve making changes to the rented property or its fixtures. If it will, ANIL advises getting your landlord’s written permission. | If I rent my home, I want to understand the difference between simply installing an appliance and carrying out work that needs permission. |
| Use and repairability | Once you’ve found a suitable type, compare capacity and energy and water consumption on a like-for-like basis, then compare washing and drying results from similar tests. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says that dishwasher repairability is rated on a scale of 10. | Once I’ve sorted out space and installation, I want to compare models based on the features that matter in everyday use. |
UFC-Que Choisir says that integrated dishwashers are designed for a kitchen recess. They’re not simply a substitute for a freestanding appliance in an open space.
Before buying, confirm that you have a compatible recess and cabinet front. If not, compare freestanding and compact countertop models instead.
Not needing a recess doesn’t mean a standard dishwasher can do without the water, electrical and drainage connections described by Bosch Électroménager.
Check which connections are available, measure the space and read the instructions for your chosen model before ordering.
A tank can replace a fixed water supply, but not a way to drain waste water. For its Bob model, Daan Tech specifies draining through a hose into a sink or another waste outlet.
Check the route and positioning of the hose in the instructions for the compact model you’re considering.
Installing an appliance that involves changing the rented property or its fixtures is more than simply putting it in place. ANIL advises that such changes require your landlord’s written permission.
Ask for permission before drilling or making lasting changes to the furniture or connections.
A brand worth considering for 45 or 60 cm freestanding dishwashers.
A brand to consider if you’re thinking of installing a freestanding model under a worktop.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a mini dishwasher to sit on a worktop and a fixed water supply is an issue.
These countertop models are for kitchens where a floor-standing dishwasher would take up too much space. Compare their size, water supply and drainage requirements before choosing where to put one. You’ll still need to check the connections available in your home.
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This model sits on a worktop and has a 5 L tank, helping to free up floor space. Its title lists 5 + 1 programmes. Before installing it, check that you have enough room, that the surface is stable and that there’s a suitable route for the waste water.
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Its listed width of 37 cm is worth considering if worktop space is limited. The title specifies a 5 L tank and 9 programmes. Check the required depth and height, then make sure you have a route for the waste water.
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This countertop model with a 5 L tank is worth considering if you don’t want to provide a fixed water supply where it will be installed. The title lists 6 + 3 programmes. Check that you have enough space and follow the model’s drainage instructions.
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This countertop model could be an option if you don’t have a kitchen recess. Its title lists 8 programmes and a built-in water softener. Check the dimensions, how it’s supplied with water and how it drains before deciding where to put it.
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If you have an accessible worktop and connections, consider this model, which is listed for 6 place settings. Its title specifies 7 programmes and 47 dB. Measure the space and check the instructions for the water supply and drainage requirements.
An integrated model is designed for a recess, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. Don’t choose one as a direct replacement for a freestanding model in an open space. If you don’t have a suitable recess and the necessary fittings, consider a freestanding or compact countertop model.
Yes, if the model is designed for this type of installation and its final dimensions will fit. For example, the Electrolux ESS47410SW product page specifies a removable top for under-worktop installation. Check the instructions and required clearances for the model you’re considering.
Some models can be supplied with water from a tank; Daan Tech describes this option for Bob. However, you’ll still need to drain the waste water through the hose, following the instructions for your chosen model.
According to ANIL, you need your landlord’s written permission if installation involves changing the rented property or its fixtures. If you plan to drill or make lasting changes to the connections or furniture, ask for permission before starting work.
First compare their installation requirements and capacity, then compare their energy and water consumption on a like-for-like basis, as well as washing and drying results from similar tests. UFC-Que Choisir measures water and energy consumption per programme as part of its testing protocol. Width or brand alone won’t tell you how well a dishwasher cleans.