Start by measuring the entire space, including depth, door clearance and hose routing, then choose the capacity based on the amount of washing-up you do each day. A compact countertop model leaves the floor clear but uses worktop space; a 45 cm freestanding model offers more capacity, while an integrated dishwasher is only suitable if the cabinet space, door front and hinge system are compatible.
When floor space or room to move is limited, a compact countertop model may work well on a sturdy worktop. Check the water supply, drainage, socket and required capacity; Candy France and Daan Tech outline these requirements for their respective models.
A slimline freestanding appliance can significantly reduce hand-washing without taking up 60 cm of width. One 45 cm Whirlpool model offers 10 place settings, but its height, depth, door clearance and connections must also suit the available space.
A slimline integrated model is suitable if you want to maintain a seamless kitchen front and already have a compatible cabinet. Measure the space and check that the door front and hinge mechanism are compatible before choosing a model.
Start with the space you can genuinely use and the available connections, then compare capacity and usage data on a like-for-like basis.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and clearance | Measure the width, depth, height, door clearance and access to the baskets. Distinguish between the floor space and the worktop space the appliance will occupy. | I want to keep a usable walkway and a practical food-preparation surface once the appliance is installed. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the amount of crockery you use between cycles. Also check the space available for saucepans, frying pans, tall glasses and everyday plates. | I’m looking for a size that won’t force me to run too many cycles or wait too long to fill an overly large tub. |
| Connections | Check the water inlet, drainage, power socket and hose routing. A water tank does not necessarily remove the need to arrange wastewater drainage. | I want to avoid buying an appliance that cannot be installed using the connections available in my kitchen. |
| Use and lifespan | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise levels on the energy label. For new dishwashers covered by the rules in France, also check the repairability index. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to compare noise and consumption rather than focusing only on size or appearance. ADEME presents this information as important criteria when choosing household appliances. |
A slimline model can still be tall and deep. For example, Whirlpool France lists the WSFO3T223P as 45 cm wide, 59 cm deep and 85 cm high, without taking the hoses and door clearance into account.
Measure the width, depth, height, door swing, access to the baskets and hose route, then compare them with the specifications for the exact model.
Some compact models can operate using a water tank, but wastewater must still be drained according to the specified instructions. For example, Daan Tech explains how to connect a drain hose to its Bob model.
Before buying, check the permitted drainage method, access to the waste outlet, how the hose is secured and whether a socket is nearby.
Nominal width is not enough: the cabinet dimensions, door panel and hinges may prevent installation. Bosch Home Appliances France states that installation varies according to the available space and appliance type.
Record the cabinet’s internal dimensions and door system, then consult the installation instructions for the model. Professional installation may be required for an integrated dishwasher.
Integrated installation may require a professional, as Bosch recommends for this type of installation.
Figures are only comparable when they refer to the same reference conditions. ADEME gives energy consumption in kWh per 100 cycles and water consumption in litres per cycle; the European regulation links these measurements to the Eco programme.
Compare the energy label and product information on a like-for-like basis, then check that the capacity suits the actual amount of washing-up you produce.
Candy offers countertop compact models and slimline freestanding appliances for kitchens where space is at a premium.
Whirlpool is worth considering when comparing 45 cm slimline freestanding dishwashers where the connections are already in place.
Electrolux may be worth considering for an existing cabinet space designed to accommodate a slimline fully integrated dishwasher.
Beko offers several 45 cm freestanding dishwashers designed for 10 place settings.
Bosch is particularly useful as a reference point when planning an integrated installation in an already fitted kitchen.
This selection brings together compact countertop dishwashers for small kitchens with a suitable worktop. For each model, check the dimensions, capacity and water inlet and drainage requirements.
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Worth considering for a small household with a sturdy worktop and no reliable fixed water supply.
Advertised dimensions: 420 × 435 × 435 mm; integrated 5 L water tank and six programmes.
Check that the capacity suits your daily washing-up and plan for wastewater drainage and an earthed 220–240 V socket.
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This size may suit a very narrow kitchen with a small amount of washing-up each day.
The product offers dimensions of 49 × 34 × 49 cm, capacity for 3 place settings and water consumption of 2.9 L per cycle.
A cold-water connection and drainage are required; check the hose routing and watertightness before buying.
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Worth considering for one person or a very small amount of washing-up, with or without a fixed water supply depending on the planned installation.
The product offers 3 place settings, a 5 L water tank, direct tap connection, seven programmes and 4.2 L per wash.
Check the external dimensions, required clearances, secure drainage and compatibility with your worktop.
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This countertop model is aimed at small households wanting more capacity than a 3-place-setting appliance can provide.
The product offers 6 place settings, seven programmes, 6.5 L per wash, 49 kWh per 100 uses, and inlet and drain hoses.
Measure the width, depth, height and door clearance; direct connection requires an available water supply and waste outlet.
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This countertop dishwasher is designed for a very small amount of washing-up where space is limited.
The product offers capacity for 3 place settings, along with washing, drying and storage functions.
Check the instructions for the dimensions, water inlet method, drainage, noise and consumption before deciding whether this format suits your kitchen.
It depends on the model. Daan Tech states that its Bob system can use an integrated 4 L tank without a fixed water supply, but the drain hose must still be connected or installed according to the manufacturer’s specified solution.
Check that there is a nearby water supply, waste outlet and power socket, as well as a way to secure the hoses properly. Whirlpool France points out that these three connections are required to install a conventional dishwasher.
Width does not tell you everything about the space an appliance occupies. For example, the Whirlpool WSFO3T223P is listed as 45 cm wide, 59 cm deep and 85 cm high; you should also measure the door opening, hose access and loading space.
Measure the cabinet space and check the door front, door mechanism and hinge system. Bosch Home Appliances France explains that the door panel and installation depend on the available space and appliance type, and recommends professional installation for integrated models.
Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level on the energy label. ADEME and the European regulation state that these reference figures are linked to the Eco programme, so use the same basis when comparing two appliances.