Start by considering the space available, the connections you need and how much washing-up builds up between cycles. A mini dishwasher with a water tank can spare you from connecting it to a water supply, but its capacity is limited. A 6-place-setting countertop model needs worktop space and suitable connections. If you have room on the floor and more washing-up to tackle, consider 45 cm freestanding models too.
If you have room for an appliance on your worktop but connecting it permanently to the water supply would be difficult, look at models designed with a water tank. Check that their capacity suits the washing-up you accumulate between cycles, and find out how the waste water is drained.
A 6-place-setting countertop model is worth considering if you have worktop space and the necessary connections, but no room on the floor. Candy’s CP 6E51LW is one example of a model that connects to the water supply. Measure the space before settling on this size.
If your daily washing-up exceeds what a countertop appliance can hold, compare slimline freestanding models. Beko lists a capacity of 10 place settings for the BDFS26040X. UFC-Que Choisir says that 9-place-setting models can suit a small family, even if they need to be run every day.
Choose the right size before comparing energy labels. The appliance needs to handle your daily load, fit in the space you have and be installed correctly.
Worth considering: if you have worktop space but no accessible water supply for the appliance, and only a small amount to wash each cycle.
Limitations: the Comfee' CDWMTO201D (W), listed as requiring no plumbing, holds just 2 place settings. You’ll need to fill the tank, and you should check how the waste water is drained.
Worth considering: for a moderate load, if your worktop space, water supply and drainage are suitable.
Limitations: this size takes up worktop space and needs the connections specified for the model.
Worth considering: if you have floor space and your load is too large for a countertop model to handle comfortably.
Limitations: a narrower width doesn’t mean you can overlook depth, door clearance or connections.
| Consideration | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the width, depth and height, then allow room for the door to open, the hoses and the remaining workspace. Bosch lists the freestanding SPS4EMI17E as measuring 845 × 450 × 600 mm. | I want to install the appliance without blocking the way or losing worktop space I need for cooking. |
| Installation | Check whether the model uses a water tank or connects directly to the water supply. Consult the instructions for the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply. Candy says the CP 6E51LW connects directly to the water supply. | Without a nearby water supply, I’d look for a model specifically designed for manual filling, while checking where the waste water can drain. |
| Capacity | Estimate how much washing-up you generate in a day, including pans. The manufacturers list capacities ranging from 2 place settings for the Comfee' CDWMTO201D (W) to 10 for the Beko BDFS26040X. | If I cook often, I want to avoid choosing a capacity that would mean running cycles too frequently. |
| Water, energy and noise | Compare capacity with the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise level shown on the label. ADEME recommends looking at these figures rather than just the energy-efficiency class. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters to me just as much as consumption in relation to how I plan to use the appliance. |
A countertop appliance may need a water supply and drainage. A tank is only an option if the model is designed to use one.
Check how the exact model is supplied with water, then consult its instructions for the hose routing, drainage and plug socket.
If your existing connections aren’t suitable, adapting them may require additional work.
The depth, height or door clearance could prevent installation, even if the appliance looks narrow enough.
Measure all three dimensions and leave room for the door, hoses and normal use of your kitchen.
A capacity stated in place settings doesn’t tell you on its own whether your pans, glasses and utensils will fit alongside your plates.
Think about a typical day’s washing-up and compare it with the capacity and interior layout of the model you’re considering.
A capacity that’s too small could mean running more cycles and refilling a water tank more often.
Two appliances with different capacities won’t necessarily handle the same load per cycle. The label also gives useful consumption and noise figures to help you decide.
ADEME recommends comparing the kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle, among other figures, and taking into account the capacity you actually need.
These specifications apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance made by each brand.
If you’re considering a mini dishwasher with a water tank, the CDWMTO201D (W) is one example of a model Comfee' lists as requiring no plumbing.
The Candy CP 6E51LW is an example of a connected countertop model with a capacity of 6 place settings.
The Beko BDFS26040X is an example of a 45 cm freestanding model for a kitchen with floor space available.
The Bosch SPS4EMI17E lets you compare the stated dimensions and consumption of a 45 cm freestanding model.
These countertop models fit the bill if you’re looking for an appliance to sit on your worktop. Compare how each one is supplied with water, and check the available space and drainage before choosing.
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Worth considering for a moderate load if you have worktop space and a suitable water supply. The listing states 7 programmes, a D energy-efficiency class and 47 dB. Check the overall dimensions, drainage and electrical supply for your intended location.
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The stated water tank could suit a kitchen without a nearby water supply for the appliance. The listing says it has 5+1 wash cycles. Before choosing, check that its capacity suits your needs, along with the dimensions, clearance and position of the drain hose.
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Its stated width of 37 cm is worth considering if side-to-side space is limited. The listing says it has 9 programmes and a D energy-efficiency class. Confirm the exact model’s depth and height, then check door clearance and drainage before measuring the final space.
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This small capacity is worth considering for a limited load rather than lots of pans and plates. The listing states 7 programmes and a D energy-efficiency class. Check the instructions for filling, drainage and the clearance needed on your worktop.
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This countertop model is designed for a limited load; the listing states 7 programmes and a C energy-efficiency class. Check the overall dimensions, water supply method and drainage. To compare noise levels, check the figure given for the exact variant.
Yes, if the model is specifically designed to be filled from a water tank. Comfee' lists the CDWMTO201D (W) as requiring ‘no plumbing’, but this doesn’t apply to all countertop appliances. Check the instructions for filling and drainage too.
Check the water supply, drainage and electrical supply needed for your chosen model, as well as the space required for the hoses and door to open. For example, Candy says the CP 6E51LW connects directly to the water supply.
It could suit a moderate load if one cycle can handle your usual washing-up. If you cook often or use lots of pans, compare its layout with that of a larger-capacity freestanding model. Beko, for example, lists a capacity of 10 place settings for the BDFS26040X.
Compare the energy-efficiency class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise level, as ADEME recommends. Then relate these figures to how much washing-up you expect to do: a smaller capacity alone doesn’t determine which consumption level is right for your needs.