Start by checking the available space, waste-water drainage and power supply. These practicalities can rule out an appliance before you even compare capacities. A countertop model may suit smaller loads if your worktop and connections allow for it; a slimline freestanding model needs floor space, while a standard freestanding model requires more width. If you don’t have suitable connections, a model with a water tank only solves the problem of the water supply. Washing by hand may still be the most practical option.
A countertop appliance can save floor space, but you’ll need to set aside a usable surface for it and plan for drainage. For example, the Candy CP 6E51LS measures 550 × 501 × 443 mm according to Candy France. Remember to allow enough room to open the door, too.
A slimline freestanding model can handle larger everyday loads without a built-in space. The Electrolux ESA63200SX measures 850 × 446 × 615 mm according to Electrolux France, so its depth and connections matter just as much as its width.
A model with a water tank may be an option if you don’t have a fixed water supply. Daan Tech describes this option for the Bob Carafe, but you’ll still need somewhere to drain the waste water and a suitable power supply.
In a small kitchen without built-in space, first rule out any formats that can’t be installed, then compare capacities to find one that suits your usual load of dishes. A plumbed-in countertop model and one with a water tank have different water-supply requirements, but both need a way to drain waste water.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed to open the door where you plan to put the appliance. | If I need to keep a walkway clear or preserve part of the worktop, the appliance’s overall footprint matters more than its capacity. This would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Everyday capacity | Compare the stated place-setting capacity with your usual loads and check there’s room for larger utensils. | When dishes pile up every day, I want to avoid running multiple cycles or always washing pans separately. Around 36% of consumers would put capacity first. |
| Connections | Check the water supply, drainage route and power supply. For a model with a water tank, check how to fill it and drain the waste water, too. | Without an accessible water supply or suitable drainage, I need to know whether the appliance can actually work in my home. For around 21% of consumers, installation feasibility would be the top priority. |
| Energy use and noise | For the exact model, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and dB. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to noise and cycle duration once I’ve established that the appliance will fit and has enough capacity. These practical considerations would be a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
ADEME states that the energy figure in kWh per 100 cycles and the water figure in litres per cycle refer to the reference cycle. So compare the labels for specific models. Don’t judge energy use by width alone, or assume that a dishwasher always uses less water than washing by hand.
A slimline freestanding model also takes up depth and height. A countertop appliance frees up floor space, but uses some of your worktop.
Measure the space and door clearance using the exact model’s dimensions, then allow room for the hoses.
A tank removes the need for a fixed water supply on some models, but the waste water still needs to drain away. A poorly positioned hose could cause a leak.
Check the instructions to see where to place and secure the drain hose before choosing this type of appliance.
The energy rating doesn’t tell you how many dishes the appliance can wash, how much water it uses per cycle, how long the Eco programme takes or how noisy it is.
Compare these figures on the labels of models that will actually fit in your kitchen, using the same reference programme.
A suitable water supply, drainage and power supply are essential for installation. Promotelec states that a dishwasher must be plugged into a dedicated circuit.
Check the instructions and your existing installation. If changes are needed, ask a qualified professional to assess them rather than attempting to improvise.
If your existing connections aren’t suitable, you may need plumbing, electrical or joinery work in addition to installing the appliance.
The brand offers Bob, a compact freestanding dishwasher with different water-supply options depending on the version.
The range includes countertop models, so you can consider this format before deciding where to put your appliance.
The freestanding ESA63200SX is an example of a slimline appliance for kitchens with floor space to spare.
The SPS4EMI17E is another slimline freestanding model to compare using its actual dimensions.
These countertop appliances are worth considering if you want to preserve floor space in a kitchen without built-in space. Their capacities and water-supply options vary, so check the footprint, drainage and connections for each one before choosing.
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Worth considering if a fixed water supply is the main obstacle, provided you have a way to drain the waste water. The product name specifies an integrated 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash programmes. Before buying, check how much worktop space it needs and the Eco programme’s specifications.
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Consider this model for smaller loads if you have room on your worktop. Check the water connection and drainage point for this version: don’t assume that options listed for other Bob versions automatically apply to this one.
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The stated capacity of 6 place settings may suit a household whose small loads are larger than those handled by a mini appliance. Before setting aside worktop space, check the overall dimensions, required connections and figures on its energy label.
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Consider this version for smaller loads if you have space on your worktop. Check that its capacity suits the utensils you usually wash, then read the water-supply and drainage instructions for this pack before planning the installation.
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The stated capacity of 3 place settings is designed for modest loads. The product name says it can be used with or without a water connection. Before buying, confirm the configuration you need, the dimensions and the route for the drain hose.
Yes, some models with a water tank can, but not all countertop appliances do. Daan Tech says the Bob Carafe has an integrated 4 L tank, while Candy France lists the CP 6E51LS as connecting directly to a water supply. In both cases, you’ll need suitable drainage.
Compare the capacity in place settings, energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use in litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level, as well as the energy rating. ADEME explains that the water and energy figures refer to the reference cycle. Other programmes or partial loads may change your actual consumption.
No. Promotelec states that a dishwasher must be plugged into a dedicated circuit. Check the appliance’s electrical instructions too, and ask a qualified professional to assess an unsuitable installation. Don’t attempt to make changes yourself.
Don’t assume that any necessary work is included in an installation service. Electrolux France’s pre-installation guide says its installers connect the appliance to existing compliant installations, but don’t carry out joinery, plumbing or electrical work. Check the terms of your chosen service before delivery.
No. That doesn’t hold true for every load or washing method. The European Commission says an efficient dishwasher can use 9 L to wash up to 15 place settings. This figure doesn’t represent every small appliance or how much water you’ll use washing by hand. Compare the reference-cycle figure for the model you’re considering with how you plan to use it.