For a kitchenette, start by considering the space available, how much washing-up builds up between cycles and whether you can drain the water. A mini model with a water tank may work without a permanent water supply, but its limited capacity can mean running it more often. A 45 cm model holds more dishes, provided there’s space for it and the connections are suitable. If you can’t install a suitable appliance and don’t have much washing-up, washing by hand is still an option.
A mini dishwasher that sits on the worktop is worth considering if you can’t fit a 45 cm appliance. Some models have a water tank, but you’ll still need a way to drain the wastewater and should check that the capacity suits your everyday washing-up.
A freestanding 45 cm model could be a good fit if you have enough width, height and depth, as well as the necessary connections. Gifam generally associates this size with 9 to 10 place settings, but check the capacity of the model you’re considering rather than judging it by its width.
A fully integrated model lets you keep a matching kitchen-unit front, provided the space, door panel and installation are suitable for the specific model. Check the installation diagram before choosing an appliance.
Start by comparing the available space and the amount of washing-up, then check the connections. Noise and energy and water use can help you decide between models that can actually be installed.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, and allow room for the door to open. Compare the stated place settings with the dishes you accumulate between cycles: UFC-Que Choisir describes mini models with 2 or 3 place settings, while Gifam generally gives 9 to 10 place settings for a 45 cm model. | I want the appliance to fit in my kitchen without having to run several cycles for the plates, glasses and utensils I use every day. |
| Installation and drainage | Check whether the model needs a water supply or can be filled via a tank, then check the drain hose route specified in the instructions. For a built-in model, also check the space and the required door panel. | If there’s no permanent water supply, I can consider a model with a tank, as long as I have a suitable way to drain it. If I have an appliance space, I need to confirm it’s suitable for the model I choose. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) and the noise class of similar models. UFC-Que Choisir also takes noise disturbance into account in its tests, rather than looking only at the stated figure. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to be able to run a cycle without the noise becoming a nuisance during meals or when the living area is in use. |
| Water and electricity use | For similar models, check the energy label rating from A to G, kWh per 100 cycles and water use per Eco cycle. Also consider how often you’ll need to run the appliance. | If a small appliance needs several cycles to wash my everyday dishes, I want to take that into account before comparing its energy use with a larger model. |
| Maintenance and repairability | Check which consumables are specified in the instructions and the model’s repairability index. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says dishwashers are among the product categories covered by this index, which is scored out of 10. | I’d rather factor regular maintenance and the possibility of repairs into my decision than focus only on the appliance’s size. |
A water tank means some appliances don’t need a permanent water supply, but they still need to drain. For Bob, Daan Tech provides a hose that runs into the sink or connects to a drain.
Make sure you have a suitable way to drain the water, and check the hose length and how it should be secured in the instructions for the specific model.
A 45 cm appliance also takes up space in depth and height, and you’ll need room for the door to open and for the hoses. A fully integrated model also requires you to check the appliance space and door panel.
Measure the space in every direction and compare it with the installation diagram, including the clearance needed for the door to open.
A capacity of 2 or 3 place settings doesn’t tell you on its own whether there’ll be enough room for the pans and containers you use every day.
Make a list of what you’ll need to load between cycles, then check the layout inside the model you’re considering.
If everything won’t fit in one cycle, you’ll need to run extra washes or finish some of the washing-up by hand.
Two similar-sized models can have different energy and water use and noise levels. How often you run a cycle also matters in everyday use.
Compare their labels using the same measures, then check which care products are specified in each model’s instructions.
The brand makes Bob, a mini dishwasher designed to sit on a worktop.
Bosch makes freestanding 45 cm dishwashers for kitchens where a wider model won’t fit.
The EES42210L is an example of a 45 cm fully integrated model for a kitchenette with a suitable appliance space.
These worktop models are compact options for a kitchenette. Compare their capacity, size and water supply options, and remember that you’ll still need to check the drainage requirements in the instructions for each model.
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Worth considering if you have room on your worktop but no permanent water supply: the product details state that it has a 5 L water tank and drains via a hose into a sink or container. It has 4 place settings and measures 45,8 × 42,8 × 42,5 cm. If you have an open-plan kitchen, check the noise level before choosing this model.
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At 34 cm wide, it could suit kitchens with limited worktop space. The product details for this version state that it has 3 place settings and measures 49 × 34 × 49 cm; it connects to a tap and has a drain hose. Check exactly how it’s supplied with water before relying on it without a permanent water supply.
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The 5 L tank can be filled by hand, making it an option if you don’t have a permanent water supply. The product details state that it has 3 place settings, measures 420 × 436 × 465 mm and has a D energy rating. Check the instructions to see where to direct the wastewater, and check the noise level if your kitchen opens onto the living area.
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The product details state that you can choose between a 5 L water tank and a tap connection, and that the appliance measures 420 × 435 × 435 mm. A drain hose is included among the accessories; check how it needs to be fitted. Also check the number of place settings and noise level to see whether this model suits your washing-up routine and your space.
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This tabletop model can be filled from a 5 L water tank or connected to a tap, and comes with inlet and drain hoses. It has 3 place settings. Before making room for it, check its exact dimensions. If you have an open-plan kitchen, also confirm the noise level for this version.
Yes, some models can: Daan Tech says Bob can use its water tank instead of a standard water supply. However, you’ll still need to direct its drain hose into a sink or suitable drain, following the instructions for the model.
Choose based on how much washing-up builds up between cycles, not just the number of people in your household. UFC-Que Choisir describes mini appliances with 2 or 3 place settings, while Gifam generally associates 45 cm models with 9 or 10 place settings. Then check the capacity and layout of the specific model, particularly if you need to wash pans.
For models with a similar capacity and installation type, compare the energy rating from A to G, kWh per 100 cycles and water use per Eco cycle shown on their product information. Also consider how many cycles you’ll need to wash your usual amount of dishes.
Check the noise level in dB(A) and noise class of each comparable model. UFC-Que Choisir identifies noise as a consideration in open-plan kitchens and also measures noise disturbance in its tests, so a test result can give you more information than the stated figure alone.
Look for the model’s repairability index, scored out of 10. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says dishwashers are among the product categories covered by this index. It’s another point to consider alongside dimensions, connections and the energy label.