For a one- or two-person household, choose a size based on the space available and how much washing-up builds up between cycles, rather than simply on the number of people. A compact countertop model is suited to smaller loads when floor space is limited; a 45 cm model fits a narrow kitchen with the necessary connections; and a 60 cm model is worth considering if you often cook with saucepans and oven dishes. Then check the usable capacity, installation requirements and the Eco programme figures for the specific model.
A countertop model can free up the space a freestanding appliance would take up. However, it does use worktop space, so compare its dimensions and check that your plates, dishes and saucepans fit in the basket. The compact CP 6E51LS featured by Candy France holds 6 place settings.
If you have the necessary connections and around 45 cm of floor width, a slimline model may offer more capacity than a compact model holding 6 place settings. Beko France lists the BDFS26041XQ as holding 10 place settings; also check its depth and door clearance.
Saucepans, dishes and food containers can quickly fill the baskets, even in a one- or two-person household. If you have room for a 60 cm model, compare its capacity and interior layout: Beko France lists the DVN06430X as holding 14 place settings. That capacity is no substitute for choosing a washing routine suited to your loads.
Start by measuring the space and looking at the washing-up from a few meals. Then compare the specifications of models that will actually fit.
Consider it: if floor space is limited and your usual loads fit in a small basket.
The trade-off: it takes up worktop space, and larger dishes may need to be washed another way or mean running cycles more often.
Consider it: if you have floor space and the necessary connections, but not room for a 60 cm model.
The trade-off: its narrower width does not guarantee that it will be quieter or use less energy than a 60 cm model.
Consider it: if you have the space and regularly fill the baskets with cookware or larger dishes.
The trade-off: it needs more width; its capacity is of little benefit if your routine means you often run very small loads.
| Factor | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings, then check how the baskets are arranged with your largest plates and saucepans. Candy France lists 6 place settings for the compact CP 6E51LS, Beko France lists 10 for the 45 cm BDFS26041XQ and 14 for the 60 cm DVN06430X. These are examples of specific models, not capacities shared by every model of that size. | I want to wash the dishes from my meals without finding that my usual dishes do not fit in the baskets. |
| Water, electricity and cycle time | ADEME says that electricity consumption is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water consumption in litres per cycle. The European Commission also notes that dishwasher labels show the duration of the Eco programme. Compare these figures for each model, taking your washing frequency into account. | I want to compare appliances on a like-for-like basis, rather than assume their consumption from their width alone. |
| Noise | Check the noise level in dB and the noise class on the label for the exact model, especially if your kitchen opens onto a living area. UFC-Que Choisir also includes noise in its dishwasher testing criteria. | A cycle running in the evening should not disturb me in my living area. |
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width, depth, door clearance and access to connections according to the instructions. For a built-in model, also check the housing space and door panel. Electrolux France states that its installers do not carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work. | I want to know before ordering whether the appliance will fit and what installation will involve in my home. |
| Repairability | ADEME lists dishwashers among the appliances covered by the repairability index. Check the score and details for the model you are considering, as well as the information provided about spare parts and after-sales service. | If I plan to keep the appliance for a long time, how easy it is to repair also matters to me. |
Two households of the same size can produce very different loads, depending on what they eat. A small basket can quickly fill with saucepans, while a large appliance may be underloaded if you run a cycle frequently.
For a few days, keep an eye on the dishes and utensils you need to wash, then compare them with the baskets and capacity of the model you are considering.
Width alone does not tell you how much water or electricity an appliance uses. The energy label, as explained by ADEME and the European Commission, gives figures linked to the model’s Eco programme.
Compare the kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and Eco programme duration for the models you are considering, taking into account how many cycles you expect to run.
A width that seems suitable does not guarantee that the appliance will fit the unit, door panel or connections.
Take the measurements and note the full model number, then compare them with the installation plan before arranging installation.
Adjustments may require separate work: Electrolux France states that its installers do not carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
You may hear a cycle in your living area, particularly at times when you are using it. Noise is one of the criteria included in UFC-Que Choisir’s dishwasher tests.
Compare the dB levels and noise classes for the exact models. If you look at test results, check that the measurements were taken under comparable conditions.
These brand examples illustrate the sizes and features to compare; they do not indicate which products are available in the Joybuy selection below.
The CP 6E51LS featured by Candy France is an example of a compact tabletop model.
The models featured by Beko France let you compare a 45 cm option with a higher-capacity model.
Bosch Électroménager France lists freestanding 45 cm and 60 cm models, with their dimensions.
The G 5540 SC SL Active featured by Miele France is an example of a freestanding 45 cm dishwasher.
These models include countertop and standard appliances for small households with different needs. First choose a size that fits your space and typical loads, then compare the features of each model.
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Worth considering if your loads regularly include cookware; check that its dimensions and connections suit your kitchen.
The product name lists 14 place settings and 7 programmes. Also compare its energy label figures and basket layout with your needs.
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This tabletop size is designed for smaller loads when floor space is limited; check that you have room on your worktop and that it can fit the dishes you need to wash.
The product name lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy class D. Check the dimensions and connection requirements for this model before buying.
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This model is worth considering if you have enough width and regularly fill a large basket.
Its name indicates that it is freestanding, 60 cm wide, holds 14 place settings and has energy class E. Check the available depth, connections and Eco programme figures for this model.
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Compare it with other large models if your meals produce bigger loads and your kitchen can accommodate a 60 cm dishwasher.
The product name lists 41 dB, energy class C and a white finish. Check the full dimensions and Eco figures for the exact model.
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This countertop model may appeal if you want to avoid a permanent connection to the water supply; still check the space available and the drainage required.
Its name mentions a built-in 5 L tank and “5+1” wash cycles. Check the usable capacity and comparable consumption figures before choosing.
No. It is a good fit if its capacity and baskets suit your usual washing-up and you have room for it. Candy France lists 6 place settings for its compact CP 6E51LS, while Beko France lists 10 for the 45 cm BDFS26041XQ and 14 for the 60 cm DVN06430X. Your dishes and washing routine may therefore make another size a better choice.
No. ADEME and the European Commission say the label also shows electricity use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise. Compare these figures for the exact models, then take your washing frequency into account.
Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. Then check access to the water supply, drainage and electricity in line with the instructions. For a built-in model, also check the housing space, unit and door panel. Electrolux France states that its installers do not carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
ADEME recommends waiting until the appliance is full before running a wash and advises against pre-rinsing dishes. If you have a small household, choose a capacity you can fill at a pace that works with your daily routine.
ADEME lists dishwashers among the appliances covered by the repairability index. Check the score and details for the model you are considering, then look at the information provided about spare parts and after-sales service.