If you don’t have a dedicated space planned, first choose a spot where the appliance can be positioned, opened and connected in line with its instructions. A compact model saves floor space but takes up worktop room and has a limited capacity; a slimline 45 cm freestanding model needs floor space, while an integrated model is only suitable if you have a compatible housing space and door front.
If you can set aside a stable surface on your worktop, a compact model is worth considering. However, check how much space it needs with the door open, as well as access to water, drainage and electricity.
A slimline freestanding model may offer more capacity than a worktop appliance. The 45 cm models listed by Beko France and Electrolux France have capacities of 10 and 9 place settings respectively. Measure their depth too, along with the space needed in front of the door.
If your plans eventually include a suitable housing space and door front, you could consider an integrated model. Without these additions, a freestanding model with a furniture door is another layout option, as UFC-Que Choisir explains.
First, work out whether you have room on a worktop or on the floor, then check the connections and door clearance. Next, compare capacity with the space you’ll lose: a standard-width freestanding model needs more floor space, while an integrated model requires a compatible housing space and door front.
| Consideration | What to check | Which shoppers is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Location, stability of the supporting surface, door clearance and connections, as specified in the model’s instructions. | If I can’t create a dedicated space, I need to know whether the appliance can actually be positioned and connected in my home. Around 42% of shoppers in this situation would make this their top priority. |
| Space and capacity | Overall dimensions, space taken up on the worktop or floor, and capacity in place settings. | I can make room for an appliance, but I don’t want to give up worktop space for a model with too little capacity. Around 33% of shoppers in this situation would put this trade-off first. |
| Everyday use | Declared noise level, Eco programme information and the model’s repairability index. | In my open-plan kitchen, noise and other usage features will still matter once the dishwasher is installed. Around 25% of shoppers in this situation would focus first on its day-to-day use. |
A 45 cm appliance also takes up depth and height, while a compact model uses worktop space. In either case, an open door could obstruct the passageway.
Measure all three dimensions of the space, the door clearance and the possible route for the hoses before choosing a model.
‘Compact’ describes the size, not how the appliance gets its water. For example, Candy France says the CP 6E51LS connects directly to a water supply.
Check the instructions for your chosen appliance to confirm the water supply, drainage and electrical connection requirements separately.
An integrated model won’t solve a lack of space on its own: installation depends on having a suitable location and door front.
Only choose this type if these elements and the connections are included in your kitchen plans.
Remember to allow for the door front and any furniture adaptations as additional items.
Two appliances of the same width can have different features. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of checking noise levels, particularly in an open-plan kitchen.
For models that fit your kitchen, compare their declared noise levels and Eco programme information, then check the repairability index shown.
Candy France offers the Rapidò CP 6E51LS worktop compact model, among others, for kitchens with a suitable surface available.
Bosch Electroménager France offers the SPS4EMI17E, among other models: a slimline freestanding dishwasher designed for a floor space.
Beko France offers the BDFS26040X, among other models: a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher with a stated capacity of 10 place settings.
Electrolux France offers the ESG42310SW, among other models: a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher with a stated capacity of 9 place settings.
These worktop appliances are worth considering if you don’t have a dedicated space and can set aside a suitable surface for one. Their stated capacities and water-supply options vary. For each model, also check the drainage, the stability of the supporting surface and the space needed to open the door.
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Consider this if you have worktop space but would like the choice of using a water tank or a mains water connection.
The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Check the instructions for the full dimensions, a stable supporting surface and the drainage route.
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Worth considering if your worktop space is limited and a water tank would be useful.
The product name lists 9 programmes and an energy rating of D. Check the full dimensions, particularly the height, as well as where the drainage can be positioned.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a small worktop appliance that you fill manually.
The product name lists 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay start and an energy rating of D. Check the instructions for how to drain the wastewater before choosing a spot for it.
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Compare this with lower-capacity sizes if you can set aside more room on your worktop.
The product name lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and an energy rating of D. Measure the space and check that the hoses will reach the planned connections.
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Worth considering for smaller loads if you have a suitable surface available.
The product name mentions a water softener and hot-air drying. Before buying, check the dimensions in the instructions, along with the water-supply and drainage options.
No. The term ‘compact’ doesn’t tell you how the appliance gets its water. Candy France says its CP 6E51LS connects directly to a water supply. For any other model, check the drainage requirements in its instructions too.
Not unless you first plan for a suitable space and the necessary door front. If you’re not changing your kitchen layout, consider a freestanding model suited to the available floor space or a compact worktop dishwasher instead.
Check the water supply, drainage and electrical connection specified in the model’s instructions. Bosch Electroménager France lists these three requirements for installing a dishwasher. If you’re unsure whether your electrical installation is suitable, ask a qualified professional to check it rather than attempting an improvised connection.
Yes. You can compare the index shown for models that already fit your available space. France’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition includes dishwashers among the product categories covered, but this indicator doesn’t replace checking the dimensions and connections.