In a small kitchen without a built-in space, start by checking the available room and the water supply, drainage and electrical connections specified in the manual. A compact model suits smaller loads if you have space for it on your worktop; a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher offers more capacity, but also takes up floor space and has a greater height and depth. If you can’t confirm that any appliance can be installed safely, it’s better to put off buying one than to force the installation.
If you live alone or as a couple and want to keep your floor space clear, compare compact worktop dishwashers. Models from Daan Tech and Candy show the difference between capacities of 3 and 6 place settings, as well as different water-supply options. Also check where the wastewater will drain.
If pots and plates quickly fill a compact model, it’s worth checking whether a slimline freestanding dishwasher will fit in your kitchen. Que Choisir puts the capacity of 45 cm models at 9 to 10 place settings; bear in mind that this stated capacity may not reflect the size of your own cookware.
If the appliance will run close to your living space, compare its noise level in dB and the noise class shown on the label, as well as its capacity. These details apply to each specific model: a compact or slimline design alone doesn’t tell you how noisy it will be.
First rule out any formats that won’t fit the space or whose connections aren’t suitable. Then compare the usable capacity with your dishes, followed by the label figures for comparable use.
Worth considering: for smaller loads, if your worktop can accommodate the appliance and leave enough room for the hoses.
Be prepared for: limited capacity and a water-supply method that varies by model; a tank doesn’t remove the need to drain wastewater.
Worth considering: if a compact model would fill up too quickly and you have a 45 cm-wide space on the floor.
Be prepared for: the height and depth of a freestanding appliance. For example, the Bosch SPS4EMI17E measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm, according to Bosch.
Worth considering: only if the available width and amount of washing-up justify this format. Que Choisir gives a capacity of 12 to 17 place settings for 60 cm freestanding models.
Be prepared for: an extra 15 cm in width compared with a 45 cm model, while still needing to check the other dimensions and connections.
Worth considering: if you can’t confirm that the space, drainage or power supply is suitable for a specific model.
Be prepared for: continuing to wash up by hand until the installation and amount of washing-up make it possible to choose a suitable appliance.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and connections | Measure the width, height and depth, and check the door clearance; consult the manual for the water supply, drainage and electrical requirements. | In a kitchen without a built-in space, I want to avoid an appliance that blocks the way or requires work that hasn’t been checked. Around 36% of consumers put installation feasibility at the top of their list of needs. |
| Everyday capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with your plates, frying pans and saucepans, as well as how often you’re happy to run a cycle. | If I cook often, I don’t want to have to run a compact dishwasher again as soon as I add a saucepan. For around 29% of consumers, having enough capacity is the top priority. |
| Water, energy and noise | For comparable capacity and use, check the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise information on the label. | With an open-plan kitchen, I want to take noise into account without overlooking water and electricity use. These day-to-day considerations come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Whether to buy now | Look at the dishes you actually use and check that a suitable format would cut down on enough hand-washing to meet your needs. | If I don’t have many dishes to wash or they’re awkward to fit in the basket, I’d rather wait than add the hassle of loading an appliance. Around 14% of consumers prioritise simplicity or putting off their purchase. |
The filling method depends on the model. Candy specifies a direct water supply for the CP 6E51LS, while Daan Tech’s Bob can use either a tank or a connection to the water supply. Wastewater still needs to be drained.
Before deciding where to put the appliance, check the manual for the filling method, hose routing and drainage arrangements for the model you’re considering.
An appliance that fits between two units could still be too tall or too deep, or lack enough clearance for the door to open. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Bosch SPS4EMI17E freestanding dishwasher measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm.
Check all three dimensions for the exact model, then make sure there’s room to open the door, access the space and connect the appliance.
The rating won’t tell you whether the basket fits your cookware or how many cycles your household will run. ADEME also shows energy use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per cycle on the label.
Compare these figures with the capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level, after confirming that the format will work with your installation.
A dimension, feature or noise level listed on a product page applies to the model described. These details alone don’t provide an independent comparison between manufacturers.
Make a note of the full model number and check the key details against its manual and label. If necessary, look for independent tests of the same model.
The range includes the CP 6E51LS compact worktop dishwasher, which is worth considering if you have space on your worktop and access to a water supply.
The Bob mini dishwasher lets you consider a tank-fed option if connecting directly to the water supply is a problem.
Its slimline freestanding models are worth comparing if a compact dishwasher isn’t big enough and you have room for a 45 cm-wide appliance.
The slimline freestanding SPS4EMI17E gives you a practical example of the space needed for a 45 cm appliance.
These worktop models are designed for small kitchens where you want to keep the floor space clear. Before choosing between them, check that the water-supply method, capacity and drainage arrangements suit your space.
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Worth considering if you want to save floor space and compare tank filling with a direct water supply. The product name specifies a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Even with a tank, check that you have enough room and a suitable route for draining wastewater.
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Worth considering for smaller loads if filling the tank by hand suits the way you’ll use it. The product is listed with a capacity of 3 place settings and 7 programmes. Check the manual for drainage instructions and to see whether your largest items will fit in the basket.
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Its stated capacity of 6 place settings is worth comparing with smaller 3-place-setting appliances if your washing-up piles up more quickly. The product name also lists 7 programmes and 47 dB. Check the dimensions, connections and standardised figures in the manual and on the label for this model.
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This model is listed for 3 place settings, making it suitable for a small load if your cookware fits in the basket. The product name also mentions drying and storage. Before buying, check the dimensions and the exact water-supply and drainage instructions.
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Worth comparing for a small amount of washing-up when worktop space is limited. The stated capacity is 3 place settings. The title suggests it can be used without installation, while the description specifies a tap connection. Before choosing this model, check the manual to confirm the water-supply method and drainage requirements.
No. The filling method depends on the model. Candy specifies a direct connection for the CP 6E51LS, while Daan Tech’s Bob can use either a tank or a standard water supply. In both cases, check the manual for wastewater drainage too.
Compare capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco cycle duration and the noise level and class. ADEME presents these as useful comparison points. Read them in light of the amount of washing-up you expect to do and how often you plan to run a cycle.
Yes, if you have floor space and a compact model would fill up too quickly. Que Choisir puts the capacity of 45 cm freestanding dishwashers at 9 to 10 place settings. Still, check that the basket in your chosen model can fit your saucepans, frying pans and large plates.
Don’t assume the installation is compatible just because there’s a socket or tap. Check the existing setup against the requirements in the manual. If electrical or plumbing work seems necessary, ask a suitably qualified person to assess what’s involved before any work begins, or put off choosing an appliance.
Neither takes the place of the other. In an open-plan kitchen, pay particular attention to the dB rating and noise class; for everyday use, also check the energy and water use shown on the label. In every case, first make sure the capacity and dimensions are right for your kitchen.