Choose a mini dishwasher if you are genuinely short of floor space and are happy with a smaller capacity, as well as manual filling or a specific connection depending on the model. If you have a water inlet, waste connection and suitable space, a freestanding 45 cm model generally offers a more comfortable balance between footprint and capacity. A 60 cm model is mainly suitable when you can set aside the full 60 cm width.
In a studio flat or a very narrow kitchen, a mini model can reduce the amount of washing up if you are happy with a small interior and check the water filling and drainage arrangements in advance. Daan Tech highlights these requirements for its Bob model.
A slimline freestanding model can provide more capacity without taking up 60 cm of width, provided that a water inlet, waste connection, sufficient depth and a suitable socket are available. Bosch and Whirlpool’s information on their 45 cm models illustrates this compromise.
If you regularly wash saucepans, dishes or large amounts of crockery, repeated cycles with a mini appliance can become inconvenient. A 60 cm model makes more sense only if your kitchen can accommodate its width and connections; the Electrolux ESM48400SX illustrates this type of capacity.
Consider it: if you cannot free up 45 cm of floor width and your everyday washing up fits inside a small interior.
Be prepared for: reduced capacity, manual filling on models with a tank and the need to arrange drainage; Daan Tech specifies this for Bob.
Consider it: if you have floor space, a water inlet, waste connection and a socket, but not 60 cm of width.
Check: the depth, which is often close to 60 cm, along with the noise level and energy-label consumption figures.
Consider it: if you genuinely have 60 cm of width available and produce enough washing up to make use of a large interior.
Be prepared for: a larger footprint; capacity does not remove the need to compare the energy-label figures for your intended usage.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint and capacity | Measure the width, depth, door clearance and space for the hoses. Compare the place-setting capacity with the plates, saucepans and dishes you normally use. | I want to avoid an appliance that cannot be opened properly or an interior that is too small for my everyday washing up. |
| Connections | Check the water inlet, waste connection, trap, hose lengths and socket. An integrated tank does not eliminate the need to manage wastewater. | My kitchen must accommodate the appliance without makeshift installation or an extension lead. |
| Noise | Compare the noise level in dB(A) and the noise class on the energy label. In an open-plan kitchen, a 3 dB difference corresponds to an almost doubling of sound intensity according to ADEME. | I want to be able to start a cycle without disturbing the adjoining living space. |
| Consumption and maintenance | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the Eco programme, capacity and the repairability index when displayed. | I want to compare figures on a like-for-like basis and plan for detergents, maintenance and installation. |
A tank can eliminate the need for a fixed water inlet, but wastewater still needs to be discharged. A poorly secured solution can make everyday use impractical and increase the risk of leaks.
Identify a suitable trap or sink, check the hose route and confirm the drainage instructions in the manual for the exact model.
Noise is more noticeable in an open-plan kitchen or a small home. ADEME and UFC-Que Choisir state that a 3 dB difference is equivalent to an almost doubling of sound intensity.
Compare the dB(A) rating and noise class on the energy label. A test that also measures perceived noise can complement these figures when available.
A 45 cm appliance may still be around 60 cm deep, while a countertop model also needs space for the door, hoses and ventilation specified by the manufacturer.
Measure the width, height, depth, door opening and distances to the water inlet, waste connection and socket.
The class does not summarise litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles, the duration of the Eco programme or how often you use the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends taking installation, maintenance and consumables into account.
Consult the latest energy label and EU product information sheet for the exact model, then compare the figures under the same conditions.
Also allow for the practical requirements associated with installation, water, electricity, detergents and maintenance.
A French brand worth considering for Bob, an ultra-compact freestanding dishwasher designed in particular for countertops and spaces without a fixed water inlet.
An option to consider if you have fixed connections available for a slimline 45 cm freestanding model, particularly the SPS4EMI17E.
A brand to consider for a 45 cm freestanding model offering intermediate capacity for smaller households.
Worth considering when a standard 60 cm format is possible and capacity matters more than a minimal footprint.
Joybuy options focusing on compact countertop dishwashers and a standard model for kitchens that can accommodate a larger interior.
Image unavailable
For a very small kitchen or a home without a fixed water inlet, with a stated capacity of 4 place settings.
Stated dimensions: 45.8 × 42.8 × 42.5 cm; powered by a 5 L tank or water inlet, with a drain hose leading to a sink or container. Check the noise level, how the drain hose is secured and the space available for large dishes.
Image unavailable
For a small household with access to a water inlet and waste connection, offering more capacity than a 3-place-setting model.
Stated capacity of 6 place settings, 7 programmes, 47 dB, 6.5 L per cycle and 49 kWh per 100 uses. Measure the overall dimensions, door clearance and depth before installation.
Image unavailable
For a very narrow countertop and a small amount of washing up each day.
Stated dimensions: 49 × 34 × 49 cm; stated capacity of 3 place settings, 43 dB, 2.9 L and 0.39 kWh per cycle. Check the drainage instructions, selected colour and contents of the offer.
Image unavailable
For rented homes or kitchens without permanent plumbing alterations, with a small amount of washing up.
Stated dimensions: 420 × 436 × 465 mm; manually filled tank, 7 programmes and space for plates up to 270 mm. Check wastewater drainage, noise and the technical documentation specific to the model.
Image unavailable
For a small household that often entertains or washes bulky items, when capacity matters more than saving space.
Stated width of 60 cm, capacity of 14 place settings, 46 dB, 9.5 L of water and an adjustable upper basket. Check the 59 cm depth, door opening, connections and electricity consumption of the exact model.
Only if the model is specifically designed with a tank. For Bob, Daan Tech states that an integrated 4 L tank can eliminate the need for a fixed water inlet, but the drain hose must still be connected to a trap or managed using a suitable solution.
No. Reducing the width does not remove the connections required by a conventional freestanding model: Bosch describes connections to the water supply, electricity and drainage. Check all three for both a 45 cm and a 60 cm model.
For installing a Bosch dishwasher, the manufacturer recommends connecting it directly to a mains socket and advises against using an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor. Always follow the instructions for the exact model and have the installation checked if you are unsure.
Compare the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco cycle duration, place-setting capacity and noise level together with its noise class. ADEME states that a 3 dB difference represents an almost doubling of sound intensity.
Yes, for mains-powered household dishwashers covered by the French order of 22 April 2022, which defines the criteria and scoring system for the repairability index. Check the score displayed for the specific model, as well as access to spare parts and after-sales service.