If you don’t have space for a 45 cm model, a countertop compact dishwasher can cut down on washing up by hand, provided its capacity and connections suit your needs. If you cook often and have room for one, a slimline model could mean fewer wash cycles. Either way, compare the stated noise levels and check the appliance’s full dimensions before buying.
If you can free up some worktop space, a compact model is worth considering. Also measure the clearance needed to open the door, and check how your chosen model takes in and drains water. Que Choisir presents countertop compact dishwashers as an option for smaller homes.
A 45 cm dishwasher could mean fewer cycles if you have a suitable space for it. Que Choisir features models with a capacity of 9 place settings in this size, while Beko lists a capacity of 10 place settings for some models. Also check whether the racks can accommodate your usual pans and plates.
When your kitchen opens onto the living room, a dishwasher’s noise level can matter as much as its capacity. Que Choisir highlights this for open-plan kitchens. Compare the dB(A) emissions and noise class shown on each model’s EU energy label.
Worth considering: if you don’t have space for a 45 cm model and your everyday dishes will fit in a small tub.
The trade-off: a smaller capacity may mean more frequent cycles. You’ll also need to make sure your worktop setup is suitable, as described in the instructions.
Worth considering: if you have a suitable space and want to fit more dishes in between cycles.
The trade-off: the appliance takes up floor or cupboard space, and noise levels and depth vary by model.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Full dimensions, door clearance and space for the hoses. | If every centimetre of worktop or walkway space matters, I need to find a spot that’s genuinely practical. For around 33% of consumers in this group, the space required would come ahead of other considerations. |
| Noise | dB(A) emissions and noise class on the model’s energy label. | If the dishwasher runs near the living room, I want to know whether its noise will bother me while I’m going about my day. Low noise levels would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers in this group. |
| Capacity and cycle frequency | Number of place settings and rack layout, compared with the dishes you usually use. | If pans and utensils pile up, I’d rather be able to load them without running the machine too often. Around 20% of consumers in this group would put usable capacity first. |
| Installation | Installation type, any required niche dimensions and the connections specified in the instructions. | In a fitted kitchen, I want to avoid choosing an appliance that won’t fit the units or water supply. Ease of installation would come first for around 20% of consumers in this group. |
An appliance may fit the measured space but still leave too little room to open the door or position the hoses. A compact model also takes up worktop space.
Measure the width, height, depth and door clearance, then compare them with the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model.
This description doesn’t help you compare two appliances. The European Commission says that dishwasher energy labels show noise emissions and noise class.
Compare both details for the models that fit your kitchen, then check separately what to expect from any quiet programme.
An integrated model must fit the niche and the kitchen-unit installation. Que Choisir also points out that a freestanding appliance intended to fit under a worktop must have a removable top suitable for this installation.
Before ordering, check the exact installation type, niche dimensions and any parts needed for fitting.
A kitchen-unit door and its installation may add to the cost of fitting an integrated model.
The brand makes Bob, a mini countertop dishwasher for when there isn’t room for a 45 cm appliance.
The range includes slimline dishwashers, including both freestanding and integrated models.
The brand’s French range includes 45 cm slimline models.
The G 5790 SCVi SL is an example of a 45 cm integrated option for a fitted kitchen with a compatible niche.
These countertop models are aimed at small households considering a compact dishwasher instead of a 45 cm appliance. The stated capacity alone won’t tell you how much space you’ll need, how noisy it is or how easy it will be to install in an open-plan kitchen.
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Worth a look if you want to place the appliance on a worktop and its name suggests it doesn’t need a permanent connection.
The product name mentions a 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Before choosing it for an open-plan kitchen, check its loading capacity, drainage and noise information.
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Compare it if you’re looking for a tabletop model with a stated capacity of 6 place settings.
The product name lists 7 programmes, energy class D and 47 dB. Check the dimensions and connections, as well as the model’s noise level and class on its energy label.
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Worth considering if you’re after a small countertop appliance and can check that its tub will fit the dishes you usually use.
The product name lists 7 programmes and energy class D. Check the exact capacity in the instructions, then look at the model’s water, energy and noise information on its label.
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Worth considering if a countertop model and smaller capacity suit the amount of washing up you need to do between cycles.
The product name lists a capacity of 3 place settings. Check the dimensions, water supply method, drainage and noise level before deciding where to put it.
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Worth a look if you’re happy with a smaller capacity and want a countertop appliance rather than one that fits into a niche.
The product name lists 3 place settings and says no permanent installation is needed. Check the dimensions, and find out how this model connects to a tap and drains.
Yes, if its capacity and racks suit the dishes you actually use. Que Choisir features slimline models with a capacity of 9 place settings, and Beko lists 10 place settings for some 45 cm models. Most importantly, check there’s room for the pans, plates and glasses you use.
Compare the noise emissions in dB(A) and noise class shown on each model’s energy label. Also think about where the appliance will be and when you plan to run a cycle.
Yes, but only if the model is designed for this type of installation and you meet the required dimensions. Que Choisir recommends checking in particular that the appliance has a removable top if it needs to fit under the worktop.
Check that the space, power supply, water inlet and drainage all meet the requirements in the instructions for your chosen model. If you’re unsure about the condition of the existing installation, ask a qualified professional to inspect it before fitting the appliance.
The EU energy label lets you compare details including water use per Eco cycle, energy use per 100 Eco cycles and the programme duration. Compare these figures with the capacity you need: a smaller appliance may need to run more often if all your dishes don’t fit in one load.