If several people regularly fill the dishwasher, a 45 cm model can offer more capacity than a countertop appliance, provided there’s a suitable floor space or a compatible recess. A compact countertop model is a better fit when floor space is at a premium, but its capacity may mean running more frequent cycles. Compare dimensions and place settings, then check each model’s energy use and noise levels on a like-for-like basis.
If several people share meals and utensils, think about how much washing-up needs doing between cycles. The 45 cm models listed by Whirlpool France and Electrolux France hold 10 and 9 place settings respectively, compared with 6 for the CP 6E51LS countertop model featured by Candy France, provided there’s a suitable place for them.
If there’s no room on the floor for a 45 or 60 cm appliance, consider a countertop model. Measure your worktop and check the connections required by the model you’re considering before deciding on this format.
In an open-plan kitchen, or when housemates keep different hours, compare the stated noise level, water and energy use, and the eco programme’s duration. ADEME and the European Commission list these as some of the details to check on the energy label.
First, check which format can actually be installed, then see how its capacity matches the amount of washing-up your household produces. Compare energy use and noise levels model by model; don’t assume they’re determined by the format alone.
Consider it: when you have worktop space but no room on the floor.
Bear in mind: its more limited capacity may mean running extra cycles for shared washing-up.
Consider it: if there’s room on the floor for a slim appliance and several people need more place settings per cycle.
Bear in mind: it needs a permanent spot on the floor, and the chosen model will need to be connected.
Consider it: when you have a compatible recess to fit the appliance into your kitchen.
Bear in mind: the requirements of the recess, installation diagram and cabinet door.
Consider it: only if your kitchen has room for this width and your household has enough washing-up to load together.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space than slim or countertop models.
| Feature | What to check | Best suited to which shoppers? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for your household | Number of place settings and room for shared items, especially pans. | When several people cook, I want to avoid washing-up being left over after every cycle; around 46% of consumers would prioritise capacity for shared loads. |
| Space available | Width, height, depth and room for hoses; for a built-in model, the recess dimensions and cabinet door. | If there’s no room for an appliance on the floor, making the most of that space matters more to me than having extra place settings; around 36% of consumers would prioritise a smaller footprint. |
| Energy use and noise | On the label, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, eco programme duration and noise emissions in dB. | In an open-plan kitchen or one used at different times, I want to balance noise and energy use with my household’s routine; around 18% of consumers would put these features first. |
Examples featured by Candy France, Whirlpool France and Electrolux France range from a 6-place-setting countertop appliance to 45 cm models with 9 or 10 place settings. If your household cooks a lot, a small tub may mean running several cycles.
Work out how much washing-up a shared meal creates, then compare capacity and energy use per cycle before choosing a format.
An appliance may fit the available width but still lack the depth, height or clearance needed for its connections. A built-in model must also fit the recess and cabinet door.
Measure all three dimensions and check the installation diagram for the exact model, as well as access to the water supply, waste pipe and electricity.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about capacity or how the cycles are set up. ADEME and the European Commission also list energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle, eco programme duration and noise on the label.
Compare these figures on the same basis for each model, taking into account how many cycles your household might need to run.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual in France. Check what extra services a separate commercial guarantee actually provides.
Read its written terms and exclusions, and check whether it covers call-out or installation costs before taking it out.
The range featured by Candy France includes a countertop appliance, as well as models designed to stand on the floor or be built in.
The WSFO3T223P is an example from Whirlpool France of a slim freestanding model for a household with space on the floor.
The EES42210L is Electrolux France’s fully integrated option for a suitable recess.
Bosch Electroménager France offers countertop, freestanding and built-in formats; check the installation requirements for each model individually.
These compact appliances are designed for shared kitchens where floor space is limited and there may be room on the worktop. Before choosing one, compare its stated capacity with the amount of washing-up your household actually produces.
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For small loads when floor space is limited, although three place settings may not be enough for several people. The title lists seven programmes and a D energy rating. Check the available space and connections, along with the model’s energy use and noise levels.
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Worth considering if your household needs six place settings in a countertop format, but remember to allow for the space it takes up on the worktop. The title lists seven programmes and 47 dB; compare the noise level and energy use with the model’s label, and check its dimensions and connections before buying.
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This countertop model is designed for small loads rather than the washing-up built up by several people. The title lists seven programmes and says it can be used with or without a water connection; check the manual for filling, drainage and dimensions. The noise level in the title doesn’t match the one in the description, so check the label before comparing.
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For a kitchen where there may be room for a compact appliance on the worktop. Before choosing it for a shared household, check its capacity for shared loads, the space available, the connections required and the energy-use figures in the model documentation.
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Before opting for this compact version to save space, consider how much washing-up your shared household produces. Check the capacity, space needed, connection requirements, and energy-use and noise figures in the documentation for this specific version.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, eco programme duration, place settings and noise level. ADEME and the European Commission list these figures to help you compare models on the same basis; also consider how many cycles your household would need to run.
Not necessarily: Candy France says the CP 6E51LS connects directly to the water supply. Check the manual for the exact model to find out how it takes in water and what drainage it needs; the word ‘compact’ alone doesn’t tell you.
Measure the width, height and depth of the recess, then compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model. Check the cabinet door too: Electrolux France says the EES42210L is supplied without one and can’t be installed at height.
Yes. In France, according to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity also covers second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. It applies to new goods too; don’t confuse it with the services offered under a commercial guarantee.