In a studio flat, start by checking how much space you really have, where the water supply is and how you’ll drain the wastewater. A plumbed-in worktop model or a slimline 45 cm appliance needs connections that are compatible with its instructions. Depending on how it’s designed to be used, a model with a water tank may not need a fixed water supply, but it will still need a suitable drainage solution. Then compare capacity, noise and consumption using the same measurement basis.
A worktop dishwasher can handle a small amount of everyday washing-up, provided it has enough capacity and leaves you with sufficient space to prepare meals. Remember to measure the space needed to open the door, too.
Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, a model with a water tank may work without a fixed water supply. You’ll still need to plan for drainage and a suitable socket. If installation involves altering the property or its fittings, ANIL says you’ll need the landlord’s written permission.
A slimline appliance is worth comparing with worktop models if you have a permanent space for it and their capacity seems too limited. Check the installation type, door clearance and connections before choosing this size.
Choose the size before comparing programmes: it determines where the appliance can go and how it will be supplied with water and drained.
Consider it: if your worktop can accommodate the appliance and the water supply, drain and socket are accessible in line with its instructions.
Bear in mind: the appliance will take up food-preparation space, and its hoses must reach the connections without getting in the way in your kitchen.
Consider it: if there’s no compatible fixed water supply, provided the model can be filled manually.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill the tank and arrange drainage in line with the instructions.
Consider it: if you have a permanent space for an appliance with a capacity better suited to the amount of washing-up you do.
Bear in mind: you’ll need enough space and suitable connections. An integrated model may also need a furniture door panel, as noted on a BUT product listing for a 45 cm appliance.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the appliance is designed to be supplied with water, where it drains and the route the hoses will take. Also make sure the socket and connections meet the model’s requirements. | I want to install the appliance in my kitchenette without assuming that a water tank also takes care of drainage. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the space needed with the door open. Compare the stated capacity with the washing-up you usually have, especially dishes and pans. | I need to keep my food-preparation space usable, but I don’t want an appliance that’s too small for everyday meals. |
| Noise and consumption | According to ADEME, the energy label shows information including kWh per 100 cycles, litres per reference cycle, the duration of the Eco cycle and the noise level. Compare these figures across capacities that suit your needs. | Noise matters in a single living space, too. I want to compare consumption using its measurement basis, rather than looking at energy ratings alone. |
| Rented property | Check whether installation uses the existing fittings or requires them to be altered. ANIL notes that written permission from the landlord is needed if the property or its fittings are to be modified. | I’d rather find out before choosing whether a tap, waste trap, cupboard or electrical installation will need to be altered. |
The tank supplies water to the appliance. Wastewater still needs to be drained as specified for the model. A hose that’s incorrectly positioned or secured could cause an overflow.
Before buying, locate the drainage point and check the instructions for how to route and secure the hose.
An appliance may fit in the space you’ve measured but still block the way when its door is open, or leave no room for the hoses.
Measure the whole space with the door open, then check the clearances required in the model’s instructions.
In France, ANIL says written permission from the landlord is needed to alter the property or its fittings.
If your plans involve changing a tap, waste trap, cupboard or electrical installation, ask for permission before starting work.
Energy use per 100 cycles can’t be read in the same way as water use per cycle. According to ADEME, the energy label shows these figures alongside the capacity and Eco cycle duration.
Check these figures together for capacities that suit your washing-up before comparing two appliances.
These worktop models are suited to smaller kitchens. Some have a water tank; before ordering, check that the dimensions and drainage method work for your space.
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The built-in tank may suit you if you need to fill the appliance without a fixed water supply, depending on how it’s designed to be used. The product title lists 5+1 wash cycles. Check the available space and drainage method in the instructions: the tank doesn’t remove the need to drain wastewater.
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This model is listed as 37 cm wide, so it may suit a narrow worktop. Its depth is given differently in the product information: 50 or 51 cm. Before buying, confirm the exact measurement, the space needed with the door open and the drainage instructions.
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With a stated capacity of 6 place settings, this could suit a small household whose washing-up exceeds what a very small worktop model can handle. The title lists 7 programmes and 47 dB; check the energy label to compare noise levels using documented figures. Measure the space and check that the connections and drainage are suitable.
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With a stated capacity of 3 place settings, check that it can handle the amount of washing-up you usually have. The title mentions washing, drying and storage functions, but makes no claims about hygiene benefits. Before choosing this model, check its dimensions, water supply and drainage requirements in the instructions.
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With a stated capacity of 3 place settings, this model is designed for a small amount of washing-up. Check that it can handle your everyday dishes, too. The title mentions washing, drying and storage. See the instructions for the space required, water supply method and drainage solution.
No. Depending on the model and how it’s designed to be used, the tank may mean you don’t need a fixed water supply. You’ll still need the electrical supply and drainage specified in the instructions. Make sure the surface it stands on is stable, too.
Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the space needed with the door open. Allow room for the hoses and cable, then check the clearances required in the instructions for your chosen model.
In France, ANIL says you’ll need the landlord’s written permission to alter the property or its fittings. If your plans involve changing a tap, waste trap or electrical installation, get permission before starting work.
According to ADEME, a dishwasher’s energy label shows information including energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle, as well as capacity, Eco cycle duration and noise level. Compare these figures across appliances with a capacity that suits your needs, rather than relying on the energy rating alone.
Water hardness affects how much detergent to use and how to set up the appliance. The National Consumer Institute recommends asking your local council or regional ARS, or using a test strip. Then follow the appliance instructions and the guidance on the products you use.