In a small kitchen, start by checking the space available and the installation requirements for the exact model. A countertop appliance could suit smaller loads if your worktop and connections are suitable; the 45 cm models featured here offer more capacity, but need floor space and the right installation. If you can’t install an appliance in line with its instructions, it’s best not to plan for one in that spot.
If you live alone or as a couple, a countertop appliance could free up floor space. Check that the surface is suitable for your chosen model and that its water supply, drainage and electrical connection can all meet the instructions. If the appliance has a built-in reservoir, that doesn’t necessarily remove the need for drainage.
If your everyday dishes quickly fill a small appliance, compare slimline models with the space you have available. Whirlpool and Electrolux list 45 cm models with capacities of 9 or 10 place settings; check their depth and installation type too.
If a cycle will run close to your living space, compare the noise levels declared for the models you’re considering. This shouldn’t take the place of checking their capacity and where they can be installed.
Consider this: if you have a suitable worktop but no space on the floor.
The trade-off: the Candy CP 6E51LS is listed with a capacity of 6 place settings; check that this is enough for your dishes.
Consider this: if the model explicitly allows filling from a reservoir and you can arrange drainage.
The trade-off: the Bob described by Daan Tech can be filled without a connected water supply, but its drain hose is still required.
Consider this: if you have suitable floor space and need more capacity than the countertop example offers.
The trade-off: it permanently takes up that space; a fully integrated model also needs a compatible cabinet and door panel.
Bear this in mind: if neither your worktop nor the floor has space for an installation that meets the instructions.
The trade-off: you’ll need to wash up by hand until you have a suitable spot.
For one or two people fitting out a small kitchen, each percentage below represents the share of consumers who prioritise that need. Whatever size you’re considering, check the installation requirements in the instructions for the exact model before buying.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space, door clearance and route for the hoses; check the installation type. | When every bit of space counts, I want to be sure the appliance will actually fit in my kitchen. Around 36% of consumers put this installation question first. |
| Capacity and routine | Compare the stated place settings with your plates, glasses and utensils, then consider how often you’ll load it. | If dishes pile up between cycles, I’d rather check they’ll fit in the baskets. Capacity is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise | Check the declared noise level in dB(A) for each model and think about when you’ll run cycles. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I want to minimise disruption from a cycle running near my living space. Around 21% of consumers put noise first. |
| Installation and lifespan | Check the instructions for water, drainage and electricity; compare the repairability index and information about spare parts. | Before fitting out my kitchen, I want to be able to install the appliance in line with its instructions and find out about its parts. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Manufacturer examples help illustrate the difference in capacity, but don’t represent every appliance in a particular size: Candy lists the countertop CP 6E51LS with 6 place settings, while the 45 cm models mentioned by Whirlpool and Electrolux offer 9 to 10. However, the place-setting capacity alone won’t tell you whether your pans and serving dishes will fit in the baskets.
According to Daan Tech’s guide, the Bob’s built-in 4 L reservoir means it doesn’t need a connected water supply, but a drain hose is still required. The manufacturer states that discharged water can reach 70 °C.
Before choosing a spot, check the instructions for how to fill the appliance, where the hose needs to go and which drainage point is permitted.
Depending on the setup and model, drainage may require suitable connection accessories.
Width doesn’t tell you the depth or how much clearance you’ll need in front of the door. Electrolux states that its EES42210L is fully integrated and supplied without a furniture door.
Measure all three dimensions and the opening space, then compare your available cabinet with the model’s installation diagram.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy describes this index as information about how repairable dishwashers are, based in particular on documentation, dismantling and spare parts. It doesn’t predict whether an appliance will break down.
Compare the index for the specific models you’re interested in, and check spare-part availability and after-sales service separately.
A dB(A) figure can help you compare models for an open-plan kitchen, but it won’t make up for insufficient capacity or an unsuitable installation.
Consider the declared noise level, the capacity you need and the space available for the exact model together.
A countertop model to compare if you want to keep your floor space free: Candy describes the CP 6E51LS as a freestanding appliance with 6 place settings, measuring 550 × 501 × 443 mm.
The Bob system is worth considering if there’s no connected water supply where you plan to install it: its guide describes a built-in 4 L reservoir.
A 45 cm freestanding model to compare if you have space on the floor: Whirlpool lists the WSFO3T223P with 10 place settings and a noise level of 43 dB.
45 cm models to compare if the installation type and noise level matter in your kitchen. The Electrolux product details mentioned list capacities of 9 to 10 place settings, depending on the model.
A brand to consider if you want to compare installation guidance and spare-part information for compact or slimline models.
Not necessarily: Daan Tech’s guide requires a drain hose for the Bob, even when its built-in 4 L reservoir replaces a connected water supply. Check the filling and drainage instructions separately for the model you’re considering.
No: the space available, installation type and the amount you actually wash all matter. Whirlpool and Electrolux list 45 cm models with capacities of 9 or 10 place settings, compared with 6 for the Candy CP 6E51LS countertop model. Also check that your plates and pans will fit.
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy states that dishwashers must display a repairability index in France. Compare the score out of 10 for the specific model, but don’t treat it as a guarantee against breakdowns.
Ask the manufacturer or retailer whether parts for your chosen model are available and how to order them. The DGCCRF states that, for household dishwashers, certain parts must be made available for 7 or 10 years, depending on the part, from the date the last unit of the model is placed on the market.