In a kitchen without a housing or cabinet door for a built-in appliance, choose a freestanding dishwasher based on the space you’ve measured and the connections already available. A 60 cm model offers greater capacity if there’s room for it; a 45 cm or compact model is worth considering when space is limited. To install an appliance under a worktop, check that this is explicitly permitted for the exact model, rather than assuming the top can be removed because it looks detachable.
A freestanding dishwasher lets you choose a model without a cabinet-matching door, provided you have a suitable space and the right connections.
You may want to avoid permanently fitting an appliance into the kitchen units and keep the option of changing the layout later. Bosch presents freestanding models as an option for tenants, provided the necessary connections are available. Any alterations to the property should be checked separately before work begins.
The available width may point you towards a 45 cm appliance or a compact model that sits on a worktop. Compare their capacity with the amount of washing-up you’ll have between cycles, then check that there’s enough room to open the door.
If your kitchen has enough space and nearby connections, a 60 cm freestanding model gives you the option of a larger capacity without the need for a fitted door. For example, Electrolux’s ESS47420SX product details list 13 place settings. Capacity should still be checked for each model.
Start with the space and connections, then compare formats based on the washing-up you have and how you’ll use the appliance.
| Factor | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and connections | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the space in front of the door. Locate the water supply, drain and electrical supply. In its guidance on kitchen sockets, Promotelec recommends a dedicated circuit with an earth connection and a 16 A circuit breaker for the dishwasher. | I want to position the appliance without assuming that an ordinary socket or a distant water connection will be suitable. |
| Size and capacity | Compare the stated capacity with the amount of washing-up you’ll have between cycles. Bosch offers freestanding models in 45 and 60 cm widths. Beko lists 10 place settings for one model in its 45 cm range, while retailer BUT lists 6 place settings for the compact Candy CP6E51LS. | If floor space is limited, I’ll consider a 45 cm model. For a very small space, I’ll check that a compact model can handle my usual washing-up. |
| Under-worktop installation | Look for an explicit statement that the model can be installed under a worktop, and check the dimensions once the top has been removed. Bosch says a removable top can save 3 cm; Electrolux specifies this option for the ESS47420SX, but it doesn’t apply to every freestanding model. | I want to fit the appliance under the worktop without assuming its top can be removed. |
| Use and repairability | Compare energy labels on a like-for-like basis: kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level, using the indicators outlined by ADEME. Also check the repairability index for the model in question, as described by the ministries responsible for the ecological transition. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen. I also want to understand the stated energy and water use, and the options for getting the appliance repaired. |
A connected appliance needs a suitable water supply, drain and electrical supply. Promotelec describes a dedicated circuit for the dishwasher, and Bosch’s instructions also set out the three connections required.
Check where the connections are before choosing a model. If you’re unsure about the electrical installation or plumbing, ask a professional to assess the set-up rather than improvising a connection.
A removable top and suitability for under-worktop installation are model-specific features. Electrolux lists the ESS47420SX as suitable for this type of installation, but its product details rule out installation at height.
Check the product details and instructions for your chosen model, then measure the space and follow the specified clearances before removing the top.
A smaller footprint means you should take a closer look at capacity. BUT lists the Candy CP6E51LS as having 6 place settings. A built-in water tank on some other mini models isn’t a feature shared by all compact dishwashers.
Compare the capacity with your usual loads, and check the water supply, drainage and space needed for the appliance separately.
Two appliances of a similar size can have different figures for water and electricity use, Eco cycle duration and noise. The repairability index covers another aspect of the appliance, but doesn’t guarantee it won’t break down.
Compare the energy label figures on a like-for-like basis, as ADEME recommends, and check the repairability index for the model you’re considering.
These range and model examples can help you compare formats; they don’t cover every feature offered by each brand.
Bosch provides information on 45 and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers for kitchens without a fitted cabinet door.
The ESS47420SX is an example of a 60 cm freestanding model that Electrolux says can be installed under a worktop after its top has been removed.
Beko’s 45 cm freestanding range is worth considering when width is limited.
The CP6E51LS is an example of a freestanding mini dishwasher for a tight space.
This selection includes large-capacity freestanding appliances and countertop models for smaller spaces. Start by choosing based on the space available, the connections and the capacity you need. Check whether under-worktop installation is possible for each model.
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Worth considering if you need a large capacity without a fitted cabinet door and have enough width. The product title lists 14 place settings, 60 cm, 41 dB and energy rating C. If you’re planning to install it under a worktop, check the instructions for details on removing the top and the clearances required.
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An option to consider if floor space is limited. The product title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Choose a stable spot for it and check how wastewater will drain, even when you’re using the tank.
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This freestanding model is suited to households with room for a 60 cm appliance who want to wash larger loads. Its title lists 14 place settings and energy rating E. Don’t plan to remove the top to fit it under a worktop unless the instructions for this model confirm that it’s possible.
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Worth considering for a kitchen without a fitted cabinet door if you need the 14 place settings listed in the title, which also mentions 7 programmes. Measure the space and check the instructions before considering under-worktop installation.
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This countertop model is worth considering when floor space is limited and 6 place settings suit the loads you need to wash. Its title lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy rating D. Check its dimensions, the surface it will stand on, and the water supply and drainage options before choosing a spot for it.
Check that there’s a suitable water supply, drain and electrical supply close to the appliance’s intended position. Bosch lists these connections for freestanding models. Promotelec says a dishwasher should have a dedicated circuit with live, neutral and earth wires, protected by a 16 A circuit breaker.
Don’t use an extension lead as an installation solution: Promotelec describes a dedicated electrical circuit for a dishwasher. If you’re not sure whether your home has one, ask a qualified professional to check the installation.
Yes, if the product details and instructions for that specific model allow it and the dimensions are suitable. Bosch says a removable top can save 3 cm, while Electrolux explicitly lists the ESS47420SX as suitable for under-worktop installation with its removable top. These examples don’t mean that all freestanding models are compatible.
No. Some models have a built-in tank, such as the mini dishwasher described by BUT with a 5 L tank, but this feature isn’t common to all compact models. Check the water supply method, drainage and capacity of the model you choose.
ADEME recommends comparing figures such as kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level, using the same indicators for each model. The repairability index provides separate information about how easy a particular dishwasher is to repair, but it isn’t a guarantee of reliability.