Choose a size based on the space you’ve measured, the dishes you need to wash, and the available water and waste connections. A 45 cm model is worth considering if you can fit a freestanding appliance in a narrow space; a compact worktop model is better suited to smaller loads, provided you have a way to drain it. Keep a 60 cm model if there’s room for it and its door can open without obstructing the way.
A 45 cm dishwasher is worth considering if you can connect it up and open its door without blocking the way. UFC-Que Choisir says that 9-place-setting models can suit a small family; compare this capacity with the dishes you use every day.
A compact worktop model can handle smaller loads. Check how much worktop space it takes up, whether the door can open fully, and where the waste water can drain—even if the model has a water tank.
If there’s still enough room to move around, a 60 cm model may offer greater capacity. For example, Whirlpool lists 14 place settings for its W3PFD636B semi-integrated model. This capacity doesn’t mean you can skip checking the dimensions of the specific model you choose.
First rule out any sizes that can’t be installed, then compare the capacity of the remaining options with the amount of washing-up you usually have.
Worth considering : you have a narrow space on the floor and want to wash more dishes than a small compact model can handle.
Bear in mind : a narrower width doesn’t mean you can skip checking the depth, door clearance and connections.
Worth considering : you wash smaller loads and don’t have space on the floor for a dishwasher.
Bear in mind : even with a water tank, you’ll need a suitable drain and enough room to open the door.
Worth considering : you already have a suitable space and regularly need to wash large loads.
Bear in mind : make sure the appliance and its open door won’t get in the way in your kitchen.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Measure the width, height and depth of the space. Check the installation diagram for the exact model and measure the clearance with the door open; Bosch recommends measuring all three dimensions of the space. | I want to be able to open the appliance and move around the kitchen—not just squeeze it between two units. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the space you need for your dishes. UFC-Que Choisir lists 45 cm models with 9 place settings; Whirlpool lists 14 place settings for its 60 cm W3PFD636B model. These examples don’t represent the capacity of every model. | If saucepans and plates pile up every day, I need to check they’ll fit in one load without having to run several cycles. |
| Installation | Check where the water supply, waste outlet and power supply are. For a compact model with a tank, also check the route and securing method for the drain hose: the tank doesn’t remove the need to drain waste water. | If there’s no water supply nearby in my kitchenette, I can look at a model with a tank, but I’ll still need a practical way to drain it. |
| Energy and water use | Compare the energy label figures on a like-for-like basis, taking capacity into account. The European Commission says that dishwasher labels provide information including energy use, water use, capacity and noise. | An energy class on its own doesn’t tell me whether the appliance can hold my usual dishes, so I also check water use and stated capacity. |
An appliance may be the right width but stick out beneath the worktop or block the way when its door is open.
Measure the height and depth too, then compare all your measurements with the installation diagram for the exact model.
A tank may mean you don’t need to connect the appliance to a water supply, but the waste water still needs to drain away.
Decide where the drain hose will go, then check the model’s instructions for how to route and secure it.
A smaller capacity may mean splitting your everyday dishes across several loads, especially if you use large serving dishes.
Make a note of everything you use in a day, including saucepans, before comparing stated capacities.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you the capacity or how much water is used for the programme on which the comparison is based.
Look at all the energy label figures together, and check that the capacity suits the way you use your dishwasher.
Bosch offers 45 cm and 60 cm dishwashers, with freestanding and integrated options across its ranges.
Whirlpool models show the capacity options available in 45 cm and 60 cm sizes.
Daan Tech makes Bob, a compact dishwasher designed to sit on a worktop.
This selection includes compact worktop models and 60 cm appliances for kitchens with room for this size. Before choosing, compare their installation dimensions and capacity with your available space and the dishes you need to wash.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact worktop model rather than a freestanding appliance: check you have enough space and a way to drain the water.
The product name lists 9 programmes, a 1–24-hour delay start and a D energy class.
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If you’re considering this model for a kitchenette, measure your worktop and check where the waste water can drain.
The product name specifies a double-tempered glass door and 5+1 wash cycles.
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This worktop model is worth considering if you’re short on floor space; check it can hold your dishes and make provision for drainage.
The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank, 6+3 programmes and a D energy class.
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Worth considering if a 60 cm space leaves enough room for the door to open and for you to move around the kitchen.
The product name lists 14 place settings, a stainless steel finish and a C energy class. Check that the water supply and waste connections are suitable for installation.
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This model needs a space that can genuinely accommodate a 60 cm appliance; measure the clearance in front of the door too.
The product name lists 14 place settings, a grey finish and an E energy class. Make sure you have suitable water supply and waste connections.
No. You need to be able to give it space on the floor, open the door and connect it up. UFC-Que Choisir says that 45 cm models with 9 place settings can suit a small family; if you don’t have room for one, consider whether a compact worktop model could work instead.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check how much room you’ll need in front of the appliance to open the door. Bosch recommends measuring all three dimensions of the space; for an integrated model, compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model.
Some models can: Daan Tech says Bob can use its built-in tank. You’ll still need to arrange waste-water drainage and check the installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
Not always. Electrolux says its installers don’t carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work. Before booking an installation service, check what it includes and whether your space is ready for the appliance.
Compare the energy and water figures on a like-for-like basis, while keeping your household’s capacity needs in mind. The European Commission says dishwasher labels also show capacity and noise, so an energy class on its own isn’t enough to choose between two sizes.