For your first dishwasher in a one- or two-person household, choose based on the installation options and how much washing-up builds up between cycles, rather than the number of people alone. A compact model with a water tank can save you from needing a fixed water supply, but it still needs a waste outlet and has room for smaller loads. A 45 cm model is a good fit for a narrower, permanent installation. Consider a 60 cm model if you have the space and regularly use large dishes or utensils. Don’t assume that a half-load option automatically reduces consumption for a small load.
If you live alone or with one other person, a compact dishwasher with a water tank could work around the lack of a water supply. Daan Tech says its Bob model offers this option. You’ll still need to arrange a waste outlet and check that the appliance will fit on your worktop.
If you can connect a built-in appliance but have limited width, look at 45 cm models. Compare their full dimensions, interior layout, and the noise and consumption figures for the specific model, rather than judging by width alone.
If pans and dishes regularly take up space in the dishwasher, a 60 cm model could be a good choice even for a small household, provided you have room for it. Check how much usable space there is in the baskets and whether a half-load option is available. This feature alone doesn’t guarantee low consumption for every small load.
First rule out any size you can’t install, then choose a capacity that suits how often you run a wash. You can then compare specific models by their noise levels and Eco programme figures.
Worth considering: if there’s room for the appliance on your worktop. A model with a water tank doesn’t need a fixed water supply.
Bear in mind: the capacity is small, and you’ll need to arrange a waste outlet even if the model has a water tank. Daan Tech describes both of these requirements for Bob.
Worth considering: if you want a permanent installation and have 45 cm of width available, but can’t make room for 60 cm.
Bear in mind: a narrower width doesn’t remove the need for connections, or the need to check how much usable space there is in the baskets.
Worth considering: if you have the space and regularly need a large dishwasher for dishes, pans or other bulky items.
Bear in mind: it still takes up the space of a 60 cm model. A half-load option, available on models such as the Whirlpool W2FHD624 according to the manufacturer, doesn’t by itself prove that every small load will use less.
| Consideration | What to check before you buy | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and connections | Measure the space and check where the power supply, water inlet (if needed) and waste outlet are. A water tank doesn’t remove the need for a waste outlet. | Without an accessible water supply, I want to install the appliance without discovering that I need to make changes to my kitchen; around 36% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Capacity and size | Think about how much washing-up builds up between cycles, including bulky dishes, then check the model’s dimensions and baskets. | If I often cook with pans, I want enough room inside without taking up too much kitchen space; this is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level and its class for the models you’re considering. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to run a cycle without disturbing people in the next room; quiet operation comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Consumption and small loads | Compare the Eco programme figures on a like-for-like basis and check which programmes or options suit how often you load the dishwasher. | When my washing-up builds up slowly, I want to avoid cycles that aren’t suited to the load and factor in consumables; around 14% of consumers put this first. |
The Eco programme’s water and energy figures are based on the measurement conditions stated for that programme and its rated capacity. They don’t automatically show how much a half-load cycle will use. For open-plan kitchens, Que Choisir also recommends taking noise into account when choosing a dishwasher.
With a compact model that has a water tank, you can fill it without a fixed water supply, but the wastewater still needs somewhere to go.
Before you buy, work out where the waste hose will go and check the model’s installation instructions.
Depending on where you put the appliance, you may need a connection accessory or changes to the waste outlet.
Two appliances of the same width can have different specifications. Width alone doesn’t tell you how much water or energy they use, or how noisy they are.
Compare the figures for the specific models, including water consumption per Eco cycle, energy class and noise level.
This option doesn’t change the appliance’s size or the conditions used to establish the Eco programme figures.
Choose a large dishwasher if your dishes and cookware regularly need the space, then check the options on the model you choose.
Using a dishwasher also involves water, electricity and products that are suitable for the model.
Check the manual to find out which products you need, and keep the receipt and the appliance’s exact model reference.
These brands illustrate features to check on specific models, rather than qualities shared by every model in their ranges.
A brand to consider if a compact countertop model with a water tank suits your installation needs.
A brand to consider for a freestanding 45 cm appliance if your kitchen can accommodate it.
A brand to consider if a 60 cm model suits your space and cookware.
These countertop appliances are designed for small spaces and limited loads. Before choosing one, check the available space, how it takes in water and how it drains. The features of one compact model won’t necessarily apply to another.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance for small loads and prefer to fill it manually with water. Check where the waste hose will go at your chosen location.
The product title lists 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay start and a D energy class. Check that your plates and utensils will fit inside.
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Worth considering if filling a water tank suits your planned installation better. You’ll still need to arrange a waste outlet and check the appliance’s dimensions.
The title lists a 5 L water tank, 6+3 programmes and a D energy class. If you want to connect it to a tap, check which accessories you’ll need.
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Worth comparing if you want to fit more washing-up into a countertop appliance. Make sure the dishwasher can accommodate your plates and that the connections are suitable.
The title lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and a D energy class. Check the full dimensions before setting aside space for it.
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Worth considering for small loads if it suits your worktop. Check how it takes in water and how its hoses need to be connected before choosing a location.
The title lists a 3-place-setting capacity and hot-air drying. Usable capacity also depends on the shape of your dishes.
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Worth considering for small loads if you can arrange its water supply and position the waste hose as required for this model.
The title lists a 3-place-setting capacity, along with washing, drying and storage functions. Check the dimensions and connections before you buy.
Yes, if the model is specifically designed to be filled from a water tank. Daan Tech says Bob offers this option, but you’ll still need to arrange a wastewater outlet in line with the appliance’s instructions.
No. Its narrower width doesn’t remove the need for the water inlet, waste outlet and electricity supply required for a permanent installation. Check the height and depth too. Electrolux says its installation service doesn’t carry out any joinery, plumbing or electrical work that may be needed.
Compare the Eco programme figures and capacity shown on the models’ labels and product information, rather than judging consumption by width. Eco programme measurements are based on rated capacity and don’t, on their own, predict the result of using a half-load option.
Check the stated noise level and class for the exact model, especially if your kitchen is open-plan. Also consider where the appliance will go and who might hear it running late.