A 45 cm freestanding dishwasher has a finished top and sides. It can sit between units or at the end of a worktop without a matching door, and it comes with you when you move. The narrow width suits small kitchens, flats and households that rarely fill a full-size machine.

Before buying, measure the gap and check that it reaches the water supply and drain. Miele's freestanding slimline design has simple push-button controls and a cutlery tray at the top instead of a basket, which leaves more room below for plates and pans. For other compact options, see Miele slimline dishwashers, or for one fitted into your kitchen units, Miele 45 cm built-in dishwashers.