AEG 45 cm wide freestanding dishwashers suit kitchens that have no room for a full-size machine: a narrow gap between units, a flat or a smaller household. They stand on their own with a finished front and top, so they need no matching furniture door. The range covers the 5000, 6000 and 7000 Series in white or stainless steel and holds 9 or 10 place settings.

The models differ more in loading and controls than in size. The 6000 Series holds 9 place settings and has a cutlery basket, 9 programmes, 3 temperatures and push-button controls. The 5000 Series holds 10 place settings and has a cutlery tray, which is a shallow top rack that lays knives and utensils flat and leaves more room in the baskets below. It has 5 programmes set with a rotary dial and push buttons, and its standard eco programme takes around four hours. Eco cycles save energy by washing for longer at a lower temperature. The 7000 Series also holds 10 place settings and has a cutlery tray, along with 9 programmes, 4 temperatures, an LED display and a stainless steel interior. It has a D energy rating, while the white models are rated E. Noise levels sit at 45 to 46 dB across the range. The 5000 and 7000 Series have adjustable feet to help level the machine on an uneven floor.

To narrow the choice, decide whether you prefer a cutlery basket or a tray, and then how many programmes you'll use. If you'd rather hide the dishwasher behind a kitchen door, see our AEG slimline integrated dishwashers, or browse all AEG slimline dishwashers together.