In a kitchen without a built-in space, start by choosing a dishwasher that fits the available room and the amount of washing up you usually have. A 60 cm freestanding model prioritises capacity, a 45 cm model takes up less width, while a compact model suits smaller loads. Before buying, check the dimensions, connections and clearance needed for the door to open. If you plan to install it under a worktop, also confirm that the top can be removed if necessary.
If you cook often or let the washing up build up between cycles, start by looking at 60 cm models if you have room for one. UFC-Que Choisir generally gives a capacity of 12 to 17 place settings for freestanding models of this size. Also check whether there’s enough space for your pans and dishes.
If you can fit a floor-standing appliance but not a 60 cm model, compare 45 cm options. UFC-Que Choisir puts their usual capacity at 9 to 10 place settings, so consider whether the space saved is worth the smaller load size.
A compact model may suit you if you have a very small kitchen and only a small amount of washing up each day. However, check that the support, clearances and connection method specified by the manufacturer are suitable for your chosen spot.
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between 60 cm and 45 cm freestanding models and compact dishwashers. The right choice depends on how much you need to wash, the space available and, particularly in an open-plan kitchen, the noise level stated for the specific model.
Consider this if: you have enough width and prioritise larger loads.
Bear in mind: it takes up more floor space than a 45 cm model.
Consider this if: you want a floor-standing appliance but don’t have 60 cm of width to spare.
Bear in mind: its usual capacity is lower than that of a 60 cm model, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Consider this if: you have limited space and smaller loads, provided you have a suitable spot and connections.
Bear in mind: it won’t offer the same loading capacity as a floor-standing appliance.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and size | Compare the width, stated place-setting capacity and basket layout. UFC-Que Choisir generally gives a capacity of 12 to 17 place settings for 60 cm models, 9 to 10 for 45 cm models and fewer than 9 for a compact model. | If the washing up builds up between cycles, I want to be able to fit in my dishes and pans too, even if that means making more room for the appliance. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise capacity. |
| Suitability for the space | Measure the available space and the clearance needed when the door is open, then check the connections. If it’s going under a worktop, check whether the top can be removed if needed to fit the height. | When space is tight, my main priority is making sure the appliance fits and can be installed where I need it. Around 33% of consumers would put suitability for the space first. |
| Noise in an open-plan kitchen | Compare the stated noise level for each specific model rather than assuming it from its width. | If the dishwasher runs near my living area, I’m particularly keen to keep the noise down while it’s running. Around 25% of consumers would put this first. |
An appliance designed to be left on display won’t necessarily let you remove its top. If you need to take the top off to fit it under a worktop, checking the height alone isn’t enough to confirm it will fit.
Measure the available height, width and depth, then check the instructions for the exact model to confirm its installation requirements and whether the top is removable. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking this before you buy.
A narrower appliance has less room for your washing up. UFC-Que Choisir gives a usual capacity of 9 to 10 place settings for a 45 cm model and fewer than 9 for a compact one.
Think about the washing up you build up over several days, including pans and dishes, before deciding whether the space saved is worth the capacity you’ll have.
Noise levels matter particularly in an open-plan kitchen, but width alone doesn’t determine how noisy a model is. For example, Bosch states 44 dB for its 45 cm SPS4EMW17E and 42 dB for its 60 cm SMS4EMW06E. These figures apply only to these two models.
If your dishwasher will run near your living area, compare the specifications of the models you’re actually considering.
A compact model won’t necessarily do away with the need for a water supply: Candy specifies a direct water connection for its CP 6E51LS. The drainage and electrical supply must also be suitable for the installation planned for your chosen model.
Check the water supply, drainage and electrical supply at the chosen location, then compare them with the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re planning to alter the installation, ask a qualified professional to assess the work.
Adapting the connections may require work before the appliance can be installed.
Its French product pages let you compare 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding models, including their dimensions and stated noise levels.
The brand offers compact models, which are worth comparing with floor-standing appliances when space is limited.
Its French range of freestanding dishwashers includes 45 cm and 60 cm models to compare based on your available space and preferred noise level.
These models show two options for a kitchen without a built-in space: freestanding appliances around 60 cm wide for larger loads, and compact tabletop models for smaller loads. In both cases, check the product specifications and instructions against your chosen space before making a decision.
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Worth considering if you have enough width and want to wash larger loads.
The product name states that it has 14 place settings, is 60 cm wide, produces 41 dB and has a C energy rating. If you plan to install it under a worktop, check its dimensions and the instructions for removing the top.
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An option to compare for larger loads if you have room in your kitchen for a 60 cm appliance.
The product name states that it has 14 place settings and an E energy rating. If you’re considering installing it under a worktop, check the instructions for the dimensions, clearances and whether the top can be removed.
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Worth considering for larger loads, once you’ve measured the space available for this freestanding appliance.
The product name states that it has 14 place settings and 7 programmes. If you want to put it under a worktop, check the installation instructions for this model rather than assuming it will fit just because it’s described as “freestanding”.
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Worth considering for smaller loads if you have a suitable spot for a tabletop appliance.
The product name mentions 7 programmes and a D energy rating. Check the basket layout to see what it can fit, then read the instructions for loading, drainage and installation.
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An option for smaller loads if your worktop and connections are suitable for the model.
The product name states that it has 6 place settings, 7 programmes, produces 47 dB and has a D energy rating. Check its full dimensions and connection instructions before deciding where to put it.
Yes, as long as the model is suitable for this type of installation and its dimensions fit the available space. If you need to remove the top to fit the dishwasher under the worktop, check the instructions specifically to confirm that it’s removable. UFC-Que Choisir recommends checking this before you buy.
Choose based on the width available and how much washing up you usually have: a 60 cm model prioritises capacity, a 45 cm model takes up less floor space, and a compact model suits smaller loads. UFC-Que Choisir generally gives a capacity of 12 to 17 place settings for a 60 cm freestanding model, 9 to 10 for a 45 cm model and fewer than 9 for a compact one. Then check the dimensions and loading layout of the specific model.
It depends on the model’s water supply and drainage arrangements. A compact size doesn’t automatically mean you can skip checking the connections. For example, Candy specifies a direct water supply for the CP 6E51LS. Check the instructions for your chosen appliance and make sure its drainage is suitable for the intended location too.
Ask a qualified professional to assess the work before installing or altering a circuit for your dishwasher. In France, the order of 3 August 2016 sets out requirements for electrical installations in residential buildings within its scope and refers, in particular, to standard NF C 15-100. It cannot be used to assess the electrical installation in a specific home remotely.