If there’s nowhere to install an appliance at floor level, a countertop dishwasher could work for smaller loads, as long as you can make space for it and arrange the water supply and drainage. If you have around 45 cm of space and accessible connections, a slimline model offers more capacity. A 60 cm model is only an option if you can also make room for its depth and allow its door to open.
A countertop model with a water tank can save you from needing a permanent water connection. However, you’ll need to be happy with smaller loads, fill the tank and arrange somewhere for the wastewater to drain. Daan Tech describes both water supply options for Bob, along with drainage via a hose.
If you can make permanent space for a model around 45 cm wide, it’s worth comparing a slimline dishwasher with a countertop model if washing-up piles up every day. For example, Candy France lists a capacity of 10 place settings for its CDPH 2D1047W-01. Be sure to check its depth and height, too.
A 60 cm model could be an option if you can make room for it, arrange the connections and allow for the door to open. Its capacity may suit a household that regularly uses larger items of crockery; Electrolux France lists a capacity of 14 place settings for the ESG88600SW.
Start with the space you actually have, then compare each size with the amount of washing-up you do every day before looking at the programme details.
| What to consider | What to check | What suits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, depth and height, and check that the door can open fully. Remember to allow space for the hoses. For a model with a water tank, check how it’s filled and where the waste hose can go; for a freestanding model, check what connections it needs. | I don’t have space at floor level: a countertop model is still an option, but only if it won’t block the worktop or access to the sink. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings, then check the internal dimensions, the maximum plate diameter and the basket layout. A place-setting figure doesn’t guarantee there’s room for a frying pan or saucepan. | If washing-up for two people builds up before every wash, I’d rather check that it fits in one load than choose the smallest size just because it’s compact. |
| Cycles and results | ADEME says the energy label includes details such as kWh per 100 cycles, litres per reference cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level. For washing performance and residual moisture, check tests for the specific model where available: UFC-Que Choisir assesses both in its tests. | A quick cycle would be useful day to day, but I wouldn’t assume it has the same figures as the Eco cycle. If I put the dishes away as soon as the cycle ends, I’d also check the drying results for the model I’m considering. |
A water tank means some models don’t need a permanent connection, but you’ll still have to fill it and drain the wastewater. For Bob, Daan Tech provides a drainage hose that needs to be directed into the sink.
Measure the space on your worktop and check how your chosen model is filled, as well as where its waste hose can go.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you everything about the space available for tall glasses, large plates or saucepans. A small interior may mean spreading the washing-up over several cycles.
Compare the internal dimensions, basket layout and loading limits with the items you use in a typical day.
The reference figures don’t necessarily describe the quick programme you plan to use. Under Regulation (EU) 2019/2022, the Eco programme at rated capacity is used, among other things, to measure regulated water consumption and programme duration.
Compare labels using this common basis, then check the manual for details of programmes that suit the way you use your dishwasher.
An appliance may fit between two units but still lack enough depth for the hoses or space for the door to open. For example, Candy France lists the CDPH 2D1047W-01 as 448 × 605 × 846 mm: width is only one of the measurements you need to consider.
Measure the width, depth and height, and check the door clearance, then compare these with the installation diagram for the specific model.
Its Bob model is an example of a compact countertop dishwasher with a small capacity. Daan Tech says it can use either its built-in water tank or a conventional water supply.
These two models illustrate the choice between a countertop and a slimline dishwasher, though they don’t install in the same way.
The ESG88600SW is a useful comparison if you can reorganise your kitchen to make room for a 60 cm model.
These countertop models are for kitchens where installing an appliance at floor level is difficult. Compare their water supply, drainage and usable capacity to find the one that works for your space.
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The built-in tank mentioned in the title may suit a household without a permanent water supply where the dishwasher will be installed. The title also mentions 5+1 wash cycles. Check the usable capacity, the worktop space required and how the wastewater is drained.
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This countertop model is listed with a built-in 5 L tank and 6+3 programmes. Before choosing it for a small household, check how much washing-up actually fits inside and what drainage is required where you plan to install it.
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This mini countertop model lists 7 programmes and an automatic door-opening function. The “3 Cutlery” wording in its title doesn’t make its capacity in place settings clear, so check how much you can load and follow the drainage instructions.
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The stated capacity of 6 place settings may suit a household with more washing-up than a small countertop model can handle. The title lists 7 programmes. Measure the space where you plan to put it, and check how this model needs to be supplied with water and connected to the drain.
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Bob is designed for smaller loads on a worktop: Daan Tech lists a capacity of 3 place settings according to the European standard and dimensions of 34 × 49 × 49 cm for this model. Before choosing the Deep Black version, confirm the dimensions in the order shown on its product page, and check its water supply and drainage instructions.
It can work without a permanent water supply, but you’ll still need to drain the wastewater. Daan Tech says Bob has a 3,9 L tank and drains through a hose. Check how the model you’re considering is filled and where its waste hose can go.
Consider a 45 cm model if you have a permanent space for it and the necessary connections, and regularly have more washing-up than a mini dishwasher can handle. To compare specific models, Candy France lists 10 place settings for the CDPH 2D1047W-01, while Daan Tech lists Bob as having 3 place settings according to the European standard. Also check the actual space in each model’s baskets.
Compare capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per reference cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level, as recommended by ADEME. Regulation (EU) 2019/2022 uses the Eco programme at rated capacity for several measurements. Check the manual separately if you plan to use another programme most of the time.
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual. Keep your proof of purchase and the description of the model you ordered.