If you don’t have a dedicated space, start by measuring the room you have and checking which connections are available. A countertop compact may suit a small household, while a slimline freestanding model offers more capacity if you have floor space. A standard compact still needs a water supply, a drain and an electricity supply. Only certain mini models with a tank avoid a fixed water connection, and you’ll still need to check the other requirements.
You live alone or with one other person and can clear some worktop space, but don’t have room for a slimline appliance on the floor. The countertop compacts listed by Bosch Electroménager France and BUT hold six place settings and are around 55 cm wide. You’ll also need to plan how to install them.
If six place settings would mean running cycles too often or washing saucepans separately, check how much floor space you have. The slimline models featured by Candy France hold ten place settings. Electrolux France’s EES42210L integrated model holds nine, but needs a suitable appliance space.
A mini model with a tank may avoid the need for a permanent connection to the water supply, as illustrated by an appliance featured by Darty. However, check the manual for filling, drainage, the electricity supply and capacity before deciding where to put it.
If you live alone or with one other person in a small kitchen, start with the connections and the available space, then compare the capacity with the dishes you use regularly. An integrated appliance is only an option if there’s a compatible space or one is planned as part of your kitchen project.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Check where the water supply, drain and electricity supply are. For a tank model, also check the filling and draining instructions in the manual. | I don’t have a fixed water supply nearby, so I need to know how to drain the wastewater before choosing an appliance. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this installation question. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the available space and the clearance needed for the door to open. Then compare the stated place settings with the size of your plates and saucepans. | There’s no point saving space in my small kitchen if I still have to wash my saucepans by hand. Around 29% of consumers would put usable capacity first. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the model’s label for kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the Eco programme and the noise level. | My kitchen opens onto the room where I spend time, so noise and stated energy and water use would affect my choice. Around 21% of consumers would put these considerations first. |
| Fit and loading | For an integrated model, check the appliance space and the door panel required. Whatever the format, check how the racks are laid out. | I’m planning a fitted kitchen and want to make sure the door panel and my larger dishes will work with the appliance I choose. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise fit and loading. |
According to Bosch Electroménager France, the Bosch SKS51E36EU measures 450 × 551 × 500 mm. A freestanding appliance also needs room for the door to open and for the hoses to run.
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the route to the socket, water supply and drain before choosing a model.
If the space isn’t suitable, you may need to adapt the cabinetry or connections.
A tank may eliminate the need for a fixed water supply, but the appliance still needs electricity and its wastewater must be drained as described in the manual.
Check how to fill the tank, how to drain the appliance and the installation instructions for the specific model.
Examples from Bosch Electroménager France, Candy France and Electrolux France range from six place settings for some compacts to nine or ten for the slimline models mentioned. This figure doesn’t tell you what size of dishes the racks can hold.
Compare the rack heights and layout with your plates, tall glasses and saucepans.
If the capacity is too small, you may have to run more cycles or wash larger items separately.
An older product sheet showing annual energy use can’t be directly compared with models whose labels show kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle.
Use the figures on the label for the model you’re considering, and distinguish the Eco programme from quick programmes.
Bosch Electroménager France lists the SKS51E36EU, a freestanding compact with six place settings measuring 450 × 551 × 500 mm, and provides information on its connections.
The range lets you compare a six-place-setting compact featured by BUT with slimline freestanding models holding ten place settings, featured by Candy France.
Electrolux France lists a fully integrated compact measuring 55 cm with six place settings, as well as the EES42210L, a fully integrated 45 cm model with nine place settings.
The DFC6519B compact freestanding model featured by BUT holds six place settings and measures 55 × 50 × 43,8 cm.
These appliances sit on a worktop and handle smaller loads without needing a built-in space. Their capacities and water supply options vary, so check how much room each one needs and how to drain the water.
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Worth considering if a fixed water supply is difficult to access. Check how much space it needs and how to drain the wastewater.
The product title states that it has a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles.
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For smaller loads on a worktop, check that the capacity and drainage arrangements suit your needs.
The product title lists seven programmes and a D energy rating.
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If you’re considering a countertop appliance for a small kitchen, check its dimensions, capacity and connection requirements before buying.
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For smaller everyday loads, check the usable capacity and the water supply and drainage requirements for this version.
Also check exactly what’s included in the pack before comparing Bob versions.
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If you want to wash more dishes in a countertop appliance, measure the space first and check which connections it needs.
The product title lists six place settings and seven programmes. Compare noise and energy and water use using the model’s label.
No. Compact describes its size, not whether it needs connections. Bosch Electroménager France describes a standard installation as requiring a water supply, electricity and drainage. For a tank model, check the filling and draining instructions in the manual separately.
No. Both freestanding and integrated models are available in this width. Candy France lists slimline freestanding models with ten place settings, while the EES42210L featured by Electrolux France is a fully integrated model with nine. Measure the space to suit the type you choose.
Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the duration of the Eco programme and the noise level, as well as the energy rating. Noise is especially worth considering in an open-plan kitchen: ADEME says that an increase of three decibels corresponds to an almost doubling of noise.
Having a socket nearby doesn’t mean the electrical installation is suitable. For homes in France, Promotelec describes a dedicated circuit for appliances including dishwashers. If you’re unsure about the existing setup or it needs changing, ask a qualified professional to check it.
Follow the model’s manual for cleaning the filters and spray arms, and for using the recommended products. Before buying, also check that these parts are easy to access and that spares are available for the exact model reference.