In a small kitchen with no dedicated space for a dishwasher, start by choosing an appliance that leaves your worktop, walkways and connections accessible. A compact countertop model is a good choice if floor space is limited and its capacity is enough for you. A 45 cm model needs a proper space on the floor, but can hold more dishes. Consider a 60 cm model only if there’s room to open its door and nearby cupboards without blocking the way.
Capacity isn’t the only deciding factor: first, the appliance needs to fit in your kitchen without taking away the space you need to cook and move around.
A compact countertop model can help keep walkways clear. The 6-place-setting models featured by UFC-Que Choisir sit on a worktop. Check that you’ll still have enough usable surface and that the water supply, waste outlet and plug are within reach.
If you usually have more dishes than a compact model can hold, consider a 45 cm dishwasher. French product pages from Electrolux, Candy and Beko list capacities of 9 to 11 place settings, depending on the model. You’ll also need to allow for its depth and the space needed to open the door.
A 60 cm model is worth considering if a new layout gives it enough room without blocking cupboards or walkways. Measure the space with the door open before choosing this size for larger loads of washing-up.
Start with the space you actually have and the route for the connections. Then compare the capacity with the amount of washing-up you usually have.
Consider this if: there’s no floor space to free up and your load of washing-up fits within the model’s capacity.
The trade-off: the appliance takes up worktop space permanently, and its smaller capacity may mean running more frequent cycles.
Consider this if: you have room on the floor and a compact model can’t hold all the dishes you accumulate between cycles.
The trade-off: being narrower than a 60 cm model doesn’t mean it takes up less depth or that you can do without space to open the door.
Consider this if: you can rearrange the kitchen and your usual amount of washing-up justifies the space it takes up.
The trade-off: its extra 15 cm of width compared with a 45 cm model could encroach on a walkway or make cupboards harder to access.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Mark the model’s height, width and depth on a floor plan. Allow for the door opening, access to drawers and the worktop space you’ll have left. An integrated appliance needs a suitable housing unit and matching door panel. | I want to be able to prepare meals and move around even when the dishwasher door is open. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated place settings with your usual plates, glasses and dishes. Check the basket layout rather than assuming everything will fit just because the place-setting capacity looks right. | I’m happy with a smaller load, or I’d rather wait between cycles without piling dishes up next to the appliance. |
| Connections | Locate the water supply, waste outlet and plug, then check the instructions for the exact model for hose requirements and installation guidance. The 4 L tank on the Bob described by Daan Tech means it doesn’t need a direct water supply, but you’ll still need to manage the wastewater. | I need to know where the appliance and its waste hose will go before setting aside a spot near the sink. |
| Noise | Compare the dB rating and noise class for the specific models you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses noise disturbance in its tests, so a claim such as ‘quiet’ isn’t a substitute for this information. | If the kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to be able to run a cycle while I’m working or eating there. |
| Energy and water use | On the energy label, ADEME recommends checking kWh per 100 cycles and litres of water per cycle, taking capacity into account. Also compare the Eco programme duration with how many cycles you’ll need for your load. | I’m looking for a size that suits my washing-up, rather than relying on the energy efficiency letter alone. |
A countertop model can be around 50 cm deep, leaving little room in front to open the door.
Measure the appliance’s full footprint, the clearance needed for the door and the route for the hoses, using the product page and instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
The Bosch SPS4EMI11E and SMS4ETI16E product pages both list a depth of 600 mm and a height of 845 mm. In this comparison, it’s the width that differs.
Check the depth, the space in front of the appliance and the connections, even if a 45 cm model fits between two cupboards.
The letter doesn’t tell you whether the capacity will help you avoid running extra cycles for the amount of washing-up you have.
Check the capacity, kWh per 100 Eco cycles and litres of water per cycle shown on the label together, then estimate how often you’ll use the appliance.
Dimensions, noise levels and installation requirements apply to a specific model. A review shown on a brand’s website isn’t an independent comparative test.
Check the product page, energy label and instructions for the version you’re considering. Use independent tests to help assess the factors that matter in your kitchen.
These examples show different ways to fit a dishwasher into your kitchen. Their specifications don’t automatically apply to other models from the same brand.
Bosch’s French product pages let you compare the SKS2ITW00E compact countertop model, the 45 cm SPS4EMI11E freestanding model and freestanding 60 cm models.
Candy offers the 6-place-setting CP 6E51LS compact countertop model and the 10-place-setting CF0C7SB0FW freestanding model.
Electrolux France lists the EES42210L as a fully integrated 45 cm model with a capacity of 9 place settings.
Beko France product pages list 45 cm freestanding dishwashers with capacities of 10 or 11 place settings, depending on the model.
Daan Tech describes its Bob mini dishwasher as a freestanding appliance that can be placed on a worktop.
These models are for anyone looking for a countertop appliance when a small kitchen has no dedicated floor space for a dishwasher. Their capacities and water-filling options differ, so check the waste outlet too, as well as the space needed to open the door.
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Worth considering if four place settings are enough and you have room for a compact appliance on your worktop. The product page lists dimensions of 45,8 × 42,8 × 42,5 cm and two water supply options, including a 5 L tank. When using the tank, plan to drain the water through a hose into a container. Also check the clearance needed for the door and the noise level if your kitchen is open-plan.
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This countertop model is worth considering for small loads if you have access to a cold tap and a sink. The product page lists a capacity of 3 place settings and dimensions of 49 × 34 × 49 cm. It specifies a cold water connection and drainage into the sink. Check the space needed in front of the door and the installation instructions for this version.
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Filling the tank manually could be a good option if you can’t install a permanent water supply. The product page lists 3 place settings, 7 programmes and three measurements of 420 × 436 × 465 mm, without specifying their order. Check the instructions to confirm the footprint, door clearance and wastewater route before choosing where to put it.
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Its stated capacity of 6 place settings may suit you if a 3-place-setting model would mean running too many cycles. The product page describes a tabletop appliance with a 1 500 mm inlet hose and a 1 720 mm drain hose. The title lists a noise level of 47 dB. Check its overall dimensions, door opening and possible connections at the location you have in mind.
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With a stated capacity of 3 place settings, this model is designed for small loads if you can position a countertop appliance near a tap and plug socket. The description says it connects to a tap. Check the instructions for its dimensions, door opening and drainage method before deciding where to put it.
Not necessarily. You’ll need to plan for electricity and drainage, as well as a water supply, depending on the model. Daan Tech says its Bob can use a built-in 4 L tank instead of a direct water supply. Even so, check the instructions for your chosen version to find out how to install it and drain the water.
It’s 15 cm narrower, but not necessarily any shallower. The Bosch product pages for the 45 cm SPS4EMI11E and 60 cm SMS4ETI16E freestanding models both list a depth of 600 mm and a height of 845 mm. Also measure how much space is left when the door is open.
Look at the energy efficiency class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per Eco cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level together. ADEME presents these figures as useful points of comparison. For your kitchen, also consider how many cycles you’ll need for your washing-up.
Yes, especially if you run a cycle while people are using the living area. Compare the dB ratings and noise classes for the specific models you’re considering. ADEME says that an extra 3 dB represents almost a doubling of noise. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses noise disturbance as part of its test procedure.