If a 60 cm appliance won’t fit, a 45 cm model could still offer enough capacity for everyday dishes, provided its dimensions and connections are suitable. A compact countertop model is better suited to limited floor space and smaller loads. In an open-plan kitchen, check the noise rating for the exact model too; don’t assume that a smaller appliance will be quieter.
If you work or relax in the living room while the dishwasher is running, compare the decibel ratings and noise classes listed for each model. ADEME points out that a three-decibel increase corresponds to almost twice the noise level, so simply describing an appliance as “quiet” isn’t enough to compare two models.
If there isn’t room for a 60 cm model and a six-place-setting capacity would be too small, consider 45 cm models. Beko lists a capacity of ten place settings for some appliances in this size. Also measure the depth and height, and allow enough room to open the door.
A countertop model may be worth considering if you’re happy with smaller loads. The Candy CP 6E51LS, for example, has a capacity of six place settings and connects directly to the water supply. You’ll also need to plan for drainage and a suitable power socket. A compact built-in model, on the other hand, requires a compatible cupboard.
Consider this if: there’s room for this size and you regularly wash large dishes or utensils.
Bear in mind: the space it takes up, room for the door to open and the required connections.
Consider this if: a 60 cm model won’t fit, but a compact model with a six-place-setting capacity would be too small for your everyday needs.
Bear in mind: a narrower model still needs connections, and you’ll need to check its exact dimensions.
Consider this if: you can’t install a floor-standing appliance and smaller loads are enough.
Bear in mind: there’s less room for large utensils, and you’ll need to arrange drainage, even with a model that has a water tank.
| What matters | What to check | What consumers need |
|---|---|---|
| Noise in the living room | Compare the decibel rating and noise class on the label for the exact model, rather than relying on its sales description. | If the dishwasher runs near where I work or relax, I want to be able to judge how noisy it will be before choosing. Around 29% of consumers would make keeping noise down a priority. |
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed for the door to open. Check the stated capacity against the dishes and utensils you usually wash. | With limited width available, I’m looking for an appliance that can still fit a day’s worth of dishes. This would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Installation and connections | Check where the water supply, drainage and power socket are, and consult the manual for the model’s installation requirements. | If there’s no suitable space or easy access to the connections, I first need to know whether installation is feasible. Around 24% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Consumption and cycle time | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and the Eco programme duration using the same energy label criteria. | For regular use, I want to understand how much the reference cycle uses and how long it takes. Around 18% of consumers would put this first. |
The Candy CP 6E51LS connects directly to the water supply. Other filling methods are available, depending on the model, but wastewater always needs somewhere to drain.
Before buying, check the manual and locate the drainage point, the required water supply and a suitable power socket. You may need to adapt the connections to suit your home.
In an open-plan kitchen, the dishwasher’s noise can carry through conversations or disturb you while you’re relaxing. ADEME says that a three-decibel difference corresponds to almost twice the noise level.
Compare the dB ratings and noise classes of the models you’re considering, then think about when you’ll run the appliance.
An appliance may fit the space but still be too small for your usual dishes. The Candy and Electrolux compact models mentioned here have a capacity of six place settings, compared with ten for some 45 cm Beko models. These figures don’t tell you how much room there is for pans and serving dishes.
Check the capacity, basket layout and door clearance against the items you wash regularly.
If the usable capacity is too small, you may need to run more cycles or wash some items by hand.
Energy use, cycle duration and noise answer different questions. ADEME includes the Eco cycle duration among the details to check on a dishwasher’s energy label.
Compare energy use on the same basis and check separately whether the Eco programme’s duration suits your daily routine.
The range includes 45 cm and 60 cm dishwashers, so you can compare options based on the space available and the type of installation you want.
The 45 cm freestanding models are worth considering if space is limited but a smaller capacity won’t meet your needs.
The CP 6E51LS is an example of a countertop model for a small kitchen where there’s no room for a floor-standing appliance.
The ESL2500RO is a fully integrated compact model to consider if you have a suitable cupboard, rather than a freestanding appliance for your worktop.
These countertop models are designed for small kitchens where floor space is limited. Before choosing, compare their usable capacity, how they take in water and the drainage options available in your home.
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Worth considering if six place settings are enough and you need an appliance that sits on the worktop. The title lists seven programmes and 47 dB. Before buying, check the space required, noise class and connections.
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The built-in tank could be a good option if there’s no dedicated water supply at your worktop. The title lists five cycles plus an additional mode. Check the usable capacity, noise level, drainage and power socket requirements.
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This compact size could work well in a kitchenette for smaller loads. The title lists seven programmes, but the wording “3 Cutlery” doesn’t make its place-setting capacity clear. Check the capacity, noise level and drainage for this model.
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The stated water tank capacity makes this an option to consider if a tap connection isn’t suitable for your space. Check the place-setting capacity, noise level, clearance around the appliance and drainage. If you choose to connect it to a tap, make sure the required adapter is compatible.
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Only consider this if a load of three place settings suits your everyday needs. The title lists seven programmes and 56,3 dB. Check the noise class, dimensions, water supply method and drainage before deciding where to put it in your open-plan living space.
It depends on how it takes in water. The Candy CP 6E51LS connects directly to the water supply, while some countertop models with a tank can be filled by hand. Either way, check the manual, how wastewater will drain away and what type of power socket is required.
Six place settings may be enough if your daily load is small and you don’t mind running more cycles when needed. If you often wash pans or large dishes, check the basket layout. Beko lists a capacity of ten place settings for some 45 cm models, but this figure alone doesn’t guarantee there’ll be room for every utensil.
Check the decibel rating and noise class on the label for the exact model, rather than relying on the word “quiet”. ADEME points out that an increase of three decibels corresponds to almost twice the noise level. Also consider when the dishwasher will be running near your living space.
Measure the appliance and the surface it will sit on, and allow enough room for the door to open. Then check the required water supply, drainage and power socket. Follow the installation instructions in the manual. If the electrical installation needs modifying, ask a qualified professional to assess the work.
No. Check the Eco programme duration and the consumption figures for their reference cycle separately. ADEME lists cycle duration, water and energy use as useful details when comparing dishwashers. The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you about noise levels or capacity.