If you don’t have a standard space for a dishwasher, start by considering the room you actually have and the connections available. A compact worktop model could suit you if you have space for it on your worktop and its capacity is right for your dishes. A 45 cm model needs floor space, but the models reviewed generally hold 9 to 11 place settings. If neither size is large enough for your needs, consider a standard-sized space only after checking the dimensions and installation requirements.
You live alone or as a couple and don’t have a space under the worktop for a dishwasher. A compact worktop model could cut down on washing up by hand, as long as you can spare enough worktop space for cooking and make the connections specified for that model.
You’re short on width but have space on the floor. In that case, it’s worth comparing a slimline model with a compact one. The 45 cm models featured by Que Choisir and the manufacturers mentioned generally hold 9 to 11 place settings, provided their installation requirements suit your kitchen.
Before choosing a size, you need to know where the water inlet and drain hose will go, and which socket will power the appliance. If the existing installation needs to be altered, ask a qualified professional to assess the work.
In a small kitchen, first work out where the appliance can be installed and used. Then compare its capacity with your daily load of washing up and the space it will take up.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Connections and installation | Check the model’s instructions for the water inlet, drainage, socket and hose routing. Have any electrical changes assessed. | If I can’t connect and power the appliance where I plan to put it, its dimensions won’t solve my problem. Around 42% of consumers say installation feasibility is their top priority. |
| Everyday capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with your plates and larger utensils from a day’s use, then check the basket layout. | If I cook often, I want to fit pans and dishes inside without having to empty the appliance after every meal. Everyday capacity is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Actual space required | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the clearance needed for the door and the space required behind the appliance. | I might be able to free up floor space but not lose a large part of my worktop, or vice versa. Keeping usable space takes priority over other considerations for around 25% of consumers. |
The size label alone doesn’t tell you where an appliance can be installed. For example, Darty lists a compact model with 6 place settings that’s around 55 cm wide and 50 cm deep. The 45 cm models described by Whirlpool France and Candy France are narrower, but need a low installation height of around 82 to 85 cm, depending on the model and installation type. Always compare your kitchen measurements with those of the specific model.
A worktop appliance can be around 55 cm wide and 50 cm deep, as shown by the models featured by Darty and Bosch Électroménager France. Its size doesn’t mean you can ignore the power and drainage requirements in its instructions.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and check the connections needed for the exact model before ordering.
Depending on your existing installation, fitting the appliance may require additional connections or plumbing work.
A small household that cooks regularly may need space for pans and dishes as well as place settings. The compact models with 6 place settings featured by Darty and the 45 cm models with 9 to 11 place settings described by Que Choisir and the manufacturers may not suit the same amount of washing up.
Take stock of a day’s washing up and check the size of your bulkiest items against the baskets.
Having a suitable socket in the right place is part of choosing an appliance. Legrand describes a dedicated circuit for a dishwasher; an existing installation needs to be assessed in person.
Check the socket and the instructions before buying. If a circuit needs to be installed or altered, ask a qualified professional for advice rather than planning to use an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between the statutory guarantee of conformity, which applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer, and an optional commercial guarantee.
Keep your proof of purchase and check what the commercial guarantee actually adds, without treating it as a replacement for your statutory rights.
Whirlpool France features the WH6PC11BS7A0, a semi-integrated model that’s 44.8 cm wide, 82 cm high and holds 11 place settings.
Electrolux France features 45 cm models, including options with 9 place settings, as well as appliances listed among its compact sizes.
Candy France features 45 cm freestanding and integrated dishwashers, with models offering 10 to 11 place settings.
Bosch Électroménager France lists the SKS6ITB00E compact worktop model, measuring 45 × 55,1 × 50 cm.
These two worktop models are for small households considering using worktop space instead of a low-level recess. They have different stated capacities, so compare them with your washing up and check each model’s installation requirements.
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This worktop model is worth considering if 6 place settings are enough for your daily washing up and you want to avoid needing a low-level recess.
The product title lists 7 programmes and a noise level of 47 dB. Before choosing where to put it, check the model’s dimensions on its product page, along with the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply specified in its instructions.
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This worktop model is worth considering if you don’t have much washing up. Compare its stated capacity of 3 place settings with your plates and usual utensils.
The product title lists 7 programmes. If you’re drawn to its stated manual-fill option, check the instructions to see how to drain the water and power the appliance, then measure the available worktop space.
Check the water inlet specified for the model, its drainage method, a suitable socket and the space needed for the hoses. Bosch and Whirlpool’s installation guides cover water, drainage and electricity; the instructions for the model you choose set out the requirements for your home.
No. “Compact” describes its size, not a water supply method that’s common to every model. If a product listing mentions a manually filled tank, also check the instructions to see how waste water is drained and what the electrical requirements are.
Consider a 45 cm model if you have suitable floor space and a compact dishwasher’s baskets wouldn’t hold your daily washing up. The models featured by Que Choisir, Whirlpool France and Electrolux France show that 45 cm dishwashers can hold 9 to 11 place settings. Also check their height, depth and installation type.
The European Commission lists details including capacity, energy use per 100 Eco programme cycles, water use per cycle, programme duration and noise level. When comparing two models for the same use, consider all these figures together rather than looking only at the energy-efficiency class letter.
When a business sells goods to a consumer, the statutory guarantee of conformity may apply if the product doesn’t match its description. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that it may also cover certain installation problems if the seller was responsible for the installation, or if the instructions supplied were insufficient or incorrect. A commercial guarantee is separate.