If a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher will fit in your kitchen and dishes pile up every day, start by considering this size. Que Choisir says that 9-place-setting models can suit a small family, sometimes with a daily cycle. A compact model is worth considering if the available height or floor space rules this out, provided its capacity is sufficient. “Compact” doesn’t necessarily mean less than 45 cm wide. Before choosing, measure the space and check the connections required for the specific model.
A 45 cm dishwasher could be the first size to consider if you have enough floor space and want to avoid dishes piling up. Que Choisir says that 9-place-setting models can suit a small family, sometimes requiring a daily cycle. Also check the space needed for the depth of the appliance and for opening the door.
A compact model may work on a worktop or in a suitable niche, depending on how it is installed. To compare the sizes, the Electrolux ESL2500RO is a built-in compact model measuring 55 cm wide and accommodating 6 place settings. Make sure its niche and capacity suit your kitchen and your dishes.
A 45 cm freestanding model means you won’t need a made-to-measure cabinet door. It still needs a suitable space, a water supply, a drain and an appropriate electrical connection. Choosing a freestanding model doesn’t mean you can skip these checks.
Start with the space you actually have, then compare the stated capacity with the amount of washing up you typically produce in a day. The installation type and connections can then help you choose between two appliances that otherwise seem suitable.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the clearance needed for the door. A 45 cm freestanding Bosch model may be 84.5 cm high; the Electrolux ESL2500RO built-in compact measures 55 cm wide. Always compare the dimensions of the model you’re considering with the space available. | I need to leave enough room to move around and open the door without blocking the way. |
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the dishes you produce each day. Check how the racks are arranged for saucepans, large dishes and glasses: the place-setting count alone doesn’t tell you what will fit inside. | If I cook often or entertain, I want to avoid running extra cycles because my cookware won’t fit. |
| Installation | Check whether the appliance is freestanding, designed to fit under a worktop or built into a cabinet. For a niche, consult the model’s diagram and check whether a cabinet door is needed. Make sure the water supply, drain and electrical connection are accessible from the chosen spot. | An existing niche or limited worktop space may influence my choice more than the stated width alone. |
| Everyday use | Compare noise levels and the water and energy figures given for similar cycles. In France, the repairability index for dishwashers is scored from 0 to 10, according to the ministry responsible for ecological transition. | Noise matters to me in a small open-plan kitchen. I also want to compare energy and water use and repairability before deciding. |
The height, depth and door clearance may prevent installation. For example, Bosch lists the SPS4EMI17E as measuring 845 × 450 × 600 mm.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, along with the plinth and clearance in front of the appliance. If it’s going inside a cabinet, also compare the niche with the installation diagram for the exact model.
The Electrolux ESL2500RO built-in compact accommodates 6 place settings but measures 55 cm wide. It won’t meet the same needs as a 45 cm model chosen to fit more dishes into each cycle.
Count the dishes you use in a typical day, including saucepans and serving dishes, then check the racks and capacity of the compact model you’re considering.
An appliance may fit the space but still be difficult to install if the water supply, drain or electrical connection isn’t suitable. Promotelec says that the dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit; NF C 15-100 applies in particular to new or fully renovated installations.
Locate the connections and consult the model’s instructions. If the existing installation is old or its condition is uncertain, ask a qualified professional to assess what changes may be needed.
Two models of the same width can have different repairability scores. In France, the ministry responsible for ecological transition says that the index applies to dishwashers and provides information on a scale of 0 to 10.
Check the index, information about spare parts and the after-sales service. A commercial extended warranty is different from the legal guarantee of conformity, which applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer, according to the DGCCRF.
These examples show the sizes and features of specific models; they don’t describe every appliance made by each brand.
The freestanding SPS4EMI17E gives you an idea of the space needed for a standard-height 45 cm appliance, while the SKS2ITW00E is an example of a compact tabletop model.
The ESG42310SW and ESL2500RO show two different installation options: a 45 cm freestanding model and a fully integrated 55 cm compact model.
The freestanding WSFO3T223P offers another point of comparison if you’re looking for a 45 cm-wide appliance with room for 10 place settings.
These three tabletop appliances are compact options for kitchens where installing a full-size, floor-standing dishwasher is a challenge. Their stated capacities vary, so start by considering the space available, the dishes you need to wash and how the appliance connects.
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Worth considering for smaller loads if filling the water tank by hand suits your kitchen better than a permanent water supply.
Stated capacity: 3 place settings and 30 items; 7 programmes and energy class D. The listed dimensions are 420 × 436 × 465 mm. Check their order in the instructions, along with the drainage requirements and electrical compatibility with your installation.
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Its stated capacity of 6 place settings may suit you if it matches your usual load and the racks can accommodate your larger dishes.
The product details list 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy class D. Check its external dimensions, water supply method and electrical compatibility before deciding where to put it.
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The integrated water tank is an option to consider if connecting the appliance to a permanent water supply is difficult.
The product details list 5 place settings, two tiers, a 5 L tank and the option to connect to a tap. Check the external dimensions and drainage requirements; you may need an adapter for the tap. Also check that it’s electrically compatible with your installation.
It may be, if its capacity and racks suit the dishes you use every day. Que Choisir says that 9-place-setting models can suit a small family, sometimes with a cycle every day. Also check that there’s room for your dishes and saucepans.
No. The Electrolux ESL2500RO built-in compact measures 55 cm wide and accommodates 6 place settings. The term “compact” doesn’t tell you the width, so compare the model’s full dimensions with the space available.
From the planned installation spot, check access to the water supply, drain and a suitable electrical connection. Promotelec says that a dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit; NF C 15-100 covers new and fully renovated installations. If an existing installation is old or its condition is uncertain, have it checked rather than assuming what work may be needed.
Yes, alongside other criteria. According to the ministry responsible for ecological transition, the index applies to dishwashers and indicates how repairable they are on a scale of 0 to 10. Consider it alongside capacity, dimensions, spare-parts information and after-sales service.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer, according to the DGCCRF. An incorrect installation may also be covered by this guarantee if the seller was responsible for it. Keep your order and installation documents so you can explain the problem clearly to the seller.