First, choose a size that fits your space and works with your water supply and drainage. Then pick a capacity that suits your dishes: a smaller appliance may mean running more frequent cycles. In an open-plan kitchen, compare noise levels and energy and water use on a like-for-like basis. An integrated model is only suitable if it fits your kitchen unit and is compatible with your cabinet door. The European Commission sets the energy efficiency scale for dishwashers, while ADEME explains which consumption figures to compare.
If you have relatively few dishes and are considering a countertop appliance, check that your dishes fit in the basket and work out where the water will drain. Daan Tech describes these features for Bob; UFC-Que Choisir also covers countertop models with a water tank.
If you spend time in the living area while the dishwasher is running, compare the stated noise levels and capacities, taking the available space into account. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how important noise levels are in an open-plan kitchen.
If you’re choosing between a freestanding and an integrated model, compare the appliance’s dimensions with the space, cabinet door and connections. Bosch and Electrolux product specifications show examples of models with different dimensions and installation types.
Start with the space and connections you have available, then check the capacity and the features that matter in your living space.
Worth considering: if you’re short on floor space and don’t have many dishes.
Bear in mind: Daan Tech, for example, states that Bob has a capacity of 3 place settings; a water tank doesn’t remove the need for drainage.
Worth considering: if you have enough width and depth, and the necessary connections.
Check: 45 cm models aren’t interchangeable when it comes to installation type; the product specifications cited list capacities of 9 or 10 place settings, depending on the model.
Worth considering: if you have enough floor space and regularly have more dishes to wash.
Check: Bosch lists the SMS4EMI06E at 845 × 600 × 600 mm and the SPS4EMI11E at 845 × 450 × 600 mm; these are the dimensions of these specific models, not a general rule.
Worth considering: if your kitchen has a compatible unit and can accommodate the cabinet door and connections.
Check: the Electrolux EES42210L is listed as 45 cm wide and supplied without a cabinet door; factor this in and check the installation requirements.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who considers it most important |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the entire space and check the water supply, drainage and installation requirements for the model. | If I’m short on floor space, I want to know whether the appliance will fit and where the waste water will drain. Around 33% of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
| Capacity and cycle frequency | Check the stated place-setting capacity against your plates, glasses, utensils and larger dishes. | If the basket can’t fit the dishes I usually wash, I may need to run more cycles. Around 27% of consumers prioritise avoiding extra cycles. |
| Noise in your living space | Compare the stated noise levels of models with a suitable capacity; don’t assume a particular size will be quieter. | When the kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to compare the stated noise level before running the appliance. Around 27% of consumers prioritise keeping noise down in their living space. |
| Water, energy and cycle duration | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the duration of the reference programme on the same basis. | If I’m choosing between models that fit my space, I look at consumption and cycle duration to see how they suit my washing routine. Around 13% of consumers prioritise running costs. |
ADEME says the label shows energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle, among other information. When comparing appliances, make sure the figures are based on the same criteria and consider how many cycles the chosen capacity might require.
For Bob, Daan Tech states that an appliance filled from a water tank still needs to drain waste water.
Work out where the drain hose can go and check the installation instructions for the model.
Filling the tank by hand and positioning the hose can mean a few extra steps every time you use it.
A standardised capacity doesn’t guarantee that your plates, dishes and pans will all fit in the basket together.
Think about the dishes you use on a typical day and compare them with the layout of the model’s basket.
If your everyday load is larger than the basket’s practical capacity, you may need to run extra cycles.
The Electrolux EES42210L product specification states that the appliance is supplied without a cabinet door.
Before choosing this model, check that the unit, cabinet door, opening and connections are all compatible.
The European Commission has used an A to G scale for dishwashers since 1 March 2021; an A+ rating can’t be compared directly with this scale.
To compare energy, water and noise, check the label and EU product information for the exact model.
The Bob range is an example of a mini countertop model with a water tank.
The SPS4EMI11E and SMS4EMI06E are examples of freestanding 45 cm and 60 cm dishwashers.
The BDFS26041XQ is an example of a 45 cm freestanding model.
The EES42210L is an example of a fully integrated 45 cm model for a compatible kitchen.
This selection features compact countertop dishwashers for kitchens where floor space is limited. Check that you have enough worktop space, that the useful capacity suits your needs, and how each model is supplied with water and drained.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop model with a stated capacity of up to 4 place settings.
The title lists a width of 37 cm, a built-in 5 L water tank and 9 programmes; the description states that it can hold up to 4 place settings. Check that your dishes fit in the basket and read the instructions for water supply and drainage.
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Worth considering if you want a countertop appliance with a two-tier basket.
The title lists a built-in 5 L water tank and a 12-hour delay start; the description states that it holds more than 40 pieces of tableware. Check the dimensions and connection requirements to make sure it’s right for your kitchen.
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Worth considering if the stated capacity of 4 place settings suits the dishes you use every day.
The title lists 8 programmes and a built-in water softener; the description states that it holds 4 place settings and plates up to 26 cm. Check that your other dishes will fit in the basket too.
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Worth considering if a stated capacity of 3 place settings is enough for a small load of dishes.
The title lists 7 programmes, a 5 L water tank or tap connection, a noise level of 56.3 dB and energy rating C. The description states that it uses 4.2 L of water per wash. Check the drainage and dimensions before installation.
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Worth considering if the stated capacity of 6 place settings suits your usual load.
The title lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy rating D. The description states that it uses 6.5 L of water per cycle. Check the basket’s actual size and compare consumption figures on the same basis.
No. For Bob, the water tank means it doesn’t need a fixed water supply, but Daan Tech specifies a drain hose. Check where the waste water will drain and follow the instructions for your chosen model.
Compare its stated capacity with the dishes you want to wash together, including larger dishes and pans. A standardised place-setting figure doesn’t guarantee that every item will fit in the basket.
ADEME says the label shows energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle, among other information. Compare figures on this same basis, then consider how many cycles your chosen capacity might require.
It can’t be compared directly with the current European A to G scale: the European Commission says this scale has applied to dishwashers since 1 March 2021. To compare appliances, look for the label for the exact model.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering for its specific maintenance and safety guidance. Don’t assume that all appliances have the same maintenance requirements or schedule.