Start by checking the space and connections available. A worktop model with a water tank may save you from needing a permanent water connection, but you’ll still need to plan for drainage and check the electrical supply. If dishes are piling up, compare the capacity of a compact freestanding model or a 45 cm dishwasher with the space it actually takes up. A 45 cm model needs floor space, not simply 45 cm of clear width.
If you live alone or as a couple, a dishwasher that sits on the worktop can save floor space, provided you have enough room for it. Que Choisir describes 6-place-setting table-top models as suitable for smaller homes.
A model with a water tank may be a good fit. Also check how to fill it, where the wastewater will drain and whether there’s a suitable electrical supply where you plan to put it.
If dishes and utensils pile up between washes, look at usable capacity rather than simply the number of people in your household. A larger appliance may, however, need floor space and nearby connections.
In a small kitchen, start with the constraint that will determine where the dishwasher can go: available space, access to water or the amount of washing up between cycles.
Consider this if: you have a suitable worktop, and a water tank could help if a permanent water connection is the main obstacle.
Bear in mind: the appliance takes up worktop space. Depending on the model, you’ll need to fill it or connect it to the water supply, and arrange drainage.
Consider this if: a table-top model is too small, but you don’t want a full-height 45 cm dishwasher. An older 8-place-setting model featured by Que Choisir illustrates this in-between size.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to check the dimensions, water connection and drainage requirements of the model you choose.
Consider this if: capacity is your priority and you have space on the floor or beneath a worktop. Electrolux lists a capacity of 10 place settings for its ESA63200SX.
Bear in mind: width alone doesn’t tell you how much space it takes up. This model measures 850 × 446 × 615 mm, and Electrolux says it cannot be installed at height.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Measure the available width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the door. Check that the model can be installed in the position you have in mind. | When the floor is already taken up, I want to keep the appliance’s footprint to a minimum without taking up too much worktop space. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this space constraint. |
| Connections | Check the instructions for the water supply method, the drainage route and the appliance’s electrical requirements. | Without an accessible water connection, I’m looking for a filling method that works in my kitchen while still allowing for drainage. This is the most important factor for around 36% of consumers. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated place-setting capacity with the dishes that build up between cycles and the space needed for your usual utensils. | If bowls, dishes and frying pans quickly fill a small dishwasher, I’d rather wash them without running extra cycles. Capacity is the top priority for around 28% of consumers. |
Size doesn’t determine how a dishwasher is supplied with water: Candy specifies a direct connection for the CP 6E51LS, while the Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W) product details mention a 5 L tank.
Before choosing, check the filling method, drainage, hoses and space needed to route them in the model’s instructions.
A model that needs connecting may require plumbing alterations or professional installation.
A narrow appliance can still be deep and tall. The Electrolux ESA63200SX measures 850 × 446 × 615 mm and, according to the manufacturer, is not designed to be installed at height.
Measure the whole space and follow the installation requirements for the model you choose.
Dishes and utensils can fill the dishwasher before you reach its stated place-setting capacity.
Look at what actually builds up between washes and check the interior layout before settling on the smallest size.
If the dishwasher is too small for your needs, you may have to run extra cycles.
Promotelec says a dishwasher should be supplied by a dedicated circuit with live, neutral and earth, protected by a 16 A circuit breaker.
If your kitchen’s wiring is old or you’re unsure about it, ask a qualified professional to check the circuit before installation.
The CP 6E51LS is an example of a table-top dishwasher that connects to the water supply.
The SPS2HKI58E is an example of a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher.
The ESA63200SX is an example of a freestanding 45 cm model for when capacity matters more.
These models are designed for use on a worktop. Compare their stated capacity and water supply method, then check the instructions for dimensions, drainage and electrical requirements before deciding where to put one.
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Worth considering if you want a worktop model with a water tank rather than a permanent water connection.
The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Check the dimensions, drainage route and electrical requirements in the instructions.
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Consider this if manual filling suits your space better than a permanent connection to the water supply.
The Joybuy listing states that it has a 5 L tank; the product name lists 6 + 3 programmes and a D energy rating. Check the drainage solution and connection requirements for the model supplied.
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Worth comparing if you have only a small amount of washing up, while bearing in mind the space taken up by dishes and utensils.
The product name lists 3 place settings, 7 programmes and a C energy rating. Measure the space using the model’s dimensions and check the instructions for its water supply, drainage and socket requirements.
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Worth comparing if 3 place settings seems too limited, provided the appliance fits in the space you have available.
The product name lists 6 place settings, 7 programmes and a D energy rating. Check its dimensions, water supply, drainage and electrical requirements in the instructions.
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Worth considering for a worktop, after checking that it can be installed in your kitchen.
The product name lists 8 programmes and a built-in water softener. Check its dimensions, water supply method and drainage in the instructions: the mention of installation without a connection does not, by itself, explain how these work.
No. It depends on the model, not its size. Candy specifies a direct connection for the CP 6E51LS, while the Joybuy listing for the Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W) mentions a 5 L tank. In both cases, remember to check drainage and the electrical supply too.
Don’t assume so: Electrolux says its ESA63200SX cannot be installed at height. For any other 45 cm model, check the manufacturer’s installation requirements before choosing where to put it.
Under the kitchen installation requirements described by Promotelec, a dishwasher must be supplied by a dedicated circuit with live, neutral and earth, protected by a 16 A circuit breaker. If you’re unsure about your installation, ask a qualified professional to check it rather than relying on an extension lead.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. It may cover a product that does not match its description. An installation error may also be covered in some circumstances, particularly if installation was the seller’s responsibility or was to be carried out by the seller.