Which households are they for ?

Small household with a moderate amount of daily washing-up

If you can wait until a load is full enough, compare place-setting capacity, litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and the duration of the eco programme. ADEME recommends waiting until the appliance is full before starting a cycle.

Narrow kitchen with floor space available

A slim appliance may offer more capacity than a countertop model if the connections are accessible. 45 cm models advertised for 10 place settings are available in France, including in the range presented by Beko, but the dimensions and door clearance still need to be checked for your chosen model.

Home without a water inlet on the worktop

A countertop appliance with a tank may be worth considering, provided drainage is possible. For its tank-equipped Bob model, Daan Tech specifies that a drain hose must still be connected.

Buying priorities

Work through these steps in order : check the space and installation, estimate the actual load between two cycles, then compare the energy-label information on a like-for-like basis.

Priority What to check Your needs
Capacity and footprint Compare the place-setting capacity with your plates, dishes, containers and pans. Measure the available width, worktop or housing space, as well as the clearance with the door open. I want to avoid running cycles too often without blocking the passageway or access to cupboards. A slim 45 cm format may accommodate up to 10 place settings according to some models presented by Beko, but it must fit the space available.
Water and energy Note the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and eco programme duration shown on the label. Compare appliances using the same indicators. I’m looking for an appliance that suits my mealtimes, and I prefer to run a properly full load. ADEME recommends not pre-rinsing dishes and waiting until the dishwasher is full.
Noise Compare the noise level in dB and the noise class. ADEME states that a difference of 3 dB represents an almost doubling of the noise. In an open-plan kitchen, I want to be able to run a cycle without disturbing meals, work or an evening relaxing. A specific figure is more useful than simply claiming that an appliance operates quietly.
Connection and drainage Read the instructions for the water inlet, drainage, electrical supply, hose lengths and installation requirements. Check the route of the drain hose, even when the appliance has a tank. I want installation to be practical and safe in my kitchen. A tank can remove the need for a permanent water inlet, but it does not automatically eliminate the need for drainage.

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Choosing the smallest format without estimating the washing-up between cycles

    A countertop appliance frees up floor space, but it can become restrictive if dishes or containers regularly remain outside the tub. ADEME recommends waiting until a dishwasher is full : insufficient capacity can therefore make everyday use more difficult.

    For a few days, make a note of the plates, glasses, cutlery, containers and dishes used between washes. Then check that they will fit in the baskets of the model you are considering.

  • Assuming that a tank-equipped appliance needs no installation

    A tank can remove the need for a fixed water inlet, but drainage is still something you need to check. For its Bob model, Daan Tech requires the drain hose to be connected and secured.

    Locate the drain before buying, measure the possible hose route and read the installation instructions for the exact model.

  • Comparing only the energy class

    The class alone does not fully describe everyday use. According to ADEME, the label also shows kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, eco programme duration and noise.

    Compare all these figures on a like-for-like basis and allow for the consumables you’ll need. Que Choisir specifically lists detergent, rinse aid and dishwasher salt among the products required for use and maintenance.

    Consumables and maintenance are part of everyday ownership ; check that they are available and compatible with the model you choose.

  • Overlooking door clearance and access to cupboards

    An appliance that fits the available width may still obstruct the passageway or loading area when its door is open. Installation requirements depend on the model and its surroundings.

    Measure the appliance, housing or worktop, then simulate opening the door and accessing cupboards before making your choice.

Brand guide

Beko

In France, Beko offers slim 45 cm dishwashers in freestanding and integrated formats, advertised for up to 10 place settings. This range illustrates the option of a narrower appliance with greater everyday capacity than a countertop format.

  • According to Beko, some 45 cm models accommodate 10 place settings and are available as freestanding or integrated appliances.
  • The housing space, noise level, energy label and instructions must be checked for each individual model.

Electrolux

In France, Electrolux offers compact and compact built-in dishwasher categories for kitchens where a standard appliance is difficult to accommodate.

  • The manufacturer presents its compact models as a space-saving solution, including for small kitchens.
  • Capacity, housing dimensions, connections and label details vary from one model to another.

Daan Tech

Daan Tech makes Bob, a mini countertop dishwasher that demonstrates how a tank can be used when a fixed water inlet is not available.

  • According to Daan Tech, some versions of Bob have an integrated 4 L tank.
  • For Bob, not having a permanent water inlet does not remove the need to connect the drain hose ; this arrangement does not apply to every countertop appliance.

Joybuy countertop dishwasher options

This Joybuy selection brings together countertop dishwashers designed for small kitchens and limited amounts of washing-up. Check the space, drainage and capacity before choosing one of these formats.

AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher with 5 L tank and 5+1 cycles

AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5 L tank, 5+1 cycles

For a small kitchen with a low to moderate amount of washing-up and no permanent water inlet.

Advertised capacity of 4 place settings, dimensions of 45.8 × 42.8 × 42.5 cm and an integrated 5 L tank. Waste water must be drained through a hose into a sink or container.

Check that 4 place settings are enough for your dishes and containers, and check the noise level, energy label and electrical requirements before buying.

Joybuy
AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher with 5 L tank and 9 programmes

AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5 L tank, 9 programmes

An option to consider when the available worktop width is very limited.

Advertised width of 37 cm, capacity of 4 place settings, integrated 5 L tank, nine programmes and a delay start of 1 to 24 hours. The product information states an energy class of D.

Confirm the drainage, hose route, worktop compatibility and the full water, energy and noise figures in the instructions.

Joybuy
AIRMSEN mini countertop dishwasher with 8 programmes and integrated water softener

AIRMSEN mini countertop dishwasher, 8 programmes

Worth considering for a small household dealing with a limited amount of washing-up each day.

Advertised capacity of 4 place settings or 31 items, with room for plates up to 26 cm, eight programmes, an integrated water softener, delay start and child lock.

Before choosing, confirm the external dimensions, water supply, drainage, ventilation space, noise information and energy-label details.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Which figures on the energy label should I compare ?

Compare the energy class, kWh per 100 cycles, place-setting capacity, litres per cycle, eco programme duration and noise in dB together with its noise class. ADEME presents this information as useful guidance when comparing household dishwashers.

Can a countertop dishwasher without a water inlet operate without drainage ?

Not automatically. For its tank-equipped Bob model, Daan Tech states that a permanent water inlet can be avoided, but a drain hose must still be connected to the back of the appliance. Consult the manual for your chosen model.

Should I wait until the dishwasher is full before starting a cycle ?

ADEME recommends waiting until the dishwasher is full and not pre-rinsing dishes before loading it, in order to limit water consumption. Do not overload the baskets : follow the manufacturer’s loading instructions.

Is a 45 cm model necessarily suitable for a small kitchen ?

No. Some French 45 cm models are advertised for up to 10 place settings, but you must also check the floor space or housing, door clearance, access to cupboards, water inlet, drainage and installation instructions.