For a fitted kitchen, first choose a dishwasher that will fit the available space and can be connected up, then check that its capacity suits your everyday washing-up. An integrated model needs a compatible housing unit; a 45 cm freestanding model takes up less width, while a countertop model frees up floor space but occupies worktop space. The word ‘compact’ doesn’t mean you can skip measuring the appliance or checking how it needs to be installed.
If there’s no cupboard that can accommodate an integrated dishwasher, look for floor space for a freestanding model or a clear surface for a countertop one. Before comparing capacities, measure the height and depth too, and allow enough room to open the door.
A 6-place-setting countertop dishwasher, such as the Candy CP 6E51LS presented by the manufacturer, may be worth considering if it can accommodate your plates, glasses and dishes. You’ll need to be happy with the worktop space it takes up.
A freestanding appliance may mean you don’t have to modify a cupboard, but you’ll still need to consider the connections. If installation would involve changing the plumbing, electrics or kitchen layout, discuss the project with your landlord before choosing an appliance.
First rule out any formats that won’t work with the available space and existing connections. Then compare capacity and the information for the Eco programme across the models that are still suitable.
Consider this if: you already have a suitable housing unit and, depending on the model, a compatible door panel.
Bear in mind: the installation diagram may require changes to the cupboard or connections.
Consider this if: you have floor space but not enough width for a 60 cm model.
Bear in mind: a width of 45 cm doesn’t necessarily mean less height or depth; Bosch lists the SPS2HKI58E as measuring 845 × 450 × 600 mm.
Consider this if: floor space is limited and a small appliance can handle the amount of washing-up you generate.
Bear in mind: the appliance takes up worktop space, and its water supply and drainage arrangements depend on the model.
Consider this if: the formats that fit your kitchen can’t handle your household’s washing-up.
Bear in mind: modifying a cupboard or connections goes beyond simply choosing an appliance, so decide on this in advance.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Space and connections | Measure the width, height and depth, and allow for the door to open. Compare these measurements with the model’s instructions and locate the water inlet and drain. | If I can’t redo my kitchen, my priority is finding an appliance that can actually be installed in it. Around 33% of shoppers put this compatibility first. |
| Everyday capacity | Compare the stated place settings with your plates, glasses and dishes, as well as the layout of the racks. | When washing-up piles up between cycles, I want to avoid a small appliance regularly leaving dishes behind. Capacity is the main concern for around 27% of shoppers. |
| Fitting and reversibility | Work out whether you need a housing unit, a door panel or changes to the existing installations. If you’re renting, discuss any planned work with your landlord. | I want to keep the existing cupboards, especially if I rent my home. Around 20% of shoppers put limiting alterations first. |
| Energy and water use, cycle time and noise | Look at place settings, litres per Eco cycle, kWh per 100 cycles, Eco programme duration and noise level together. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to run the appliance without overlooking the noise or the length of the cycle I’ll use. Around 20% of shoppers focus first on these day-to-day considerations. |
ADEME notes that the water and energy figures shown are for comparing the reference programme. Check capacity alongside these figures: appliances in different formats won’t necessarily handle the same amount of washing-up.
A slim appliance may still be too tall or deep for the available space. For example, Bosch lists its freestanding SPS2HKI58E as measuring 845 × 450 × 600 mm; an integrated model also needs a housing unit that meets its specifications.
Measure the available width, height and depth, check the door clearance and access to connections, then consult the installation document for the model you’ve chosen.
If the cupboard or connections need adapting, budget for this work separately from installing the appliance.
According to Candy, the CP 6E51LS connects directly to a water supply. The countertop format alone doesn’t tell you how the appliance takes in or drains water.
Check the instructions for your chosen model to see how water enters and leaves the appliance, and where the hoses can run during a cycle.
The label also gives information on water use, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise. The energy rating on its own won’t tell you whether the appliance suits the amount of washing-up you generate or when you plan to use it.
Compare the Eco programme figures on the labels of the models you’re considering, and check their capacity in place settings too.
Installing an appliance and making lasting changes to a cupboard or existing installation are two different projects. Electrolux’s pre-installation conditions state that its installers don’t carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
Set out any planned changes before you buy, and ask your landlord whether you need their permission for the work.
Bosch product pages let you compare slimline freestanding models and check the dimensions of a specific appliance before deciding where to put it.
The ESL2500RO shows how a compact integrated dishwasher may work if it fits the available housing unit.
The CP 6E51LS gives you a specific model to compare if you’re considering a countertop appliance.
These countertop appliances are worth considering if you’re short on floor space. For each one, compare the stated capacity with your washing-up, and check the water supply, drainage and clearance needed to open the door.
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Worth considering if you’d prefer a countertop appliance to one that needs an integrated housing unit. The product title lists a 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles; check how much space it needs and how the water will drain away.
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Worth a look if a countertop model suits your kitchen. The product title lists 7 programmes and a D energy rating; check the instructions for drainage and the space needed to open the door.
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Worth considering if you have space on your worktop and don’t generate much washing-up. Before choosing it, check how the water supply and drainage work: the words ‘no installation’ in the product title aren’t enough to confirm what connections are needed.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance with a stated capacity of 6 place settings. The product title mentions 47 dB; check the exact model’s external dimensions, connections and energy label figures before comparing it with other appliances.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the route into it and the clearance needed to open the appliance door. Check which connections are available; for an integrated model, compare your measurements with the installation diagram for the exact model.
No: the water supply arrangement depends on the model. For example, Candy says its CP 6E51LS connects directly to a water supply; check the drainage instructions too before deciding where to put it.
Look at capacity, litres per Eco cycle and kWh per 100 cycles together, rather than focusing on just one figure. ADEME says the figures shown relate to a reference programme; check its duration and noise level too if these matter in your kitchen.
You may be able to install an appliance in a rented home, but what’s practical depends on the changes required. Service-Public distinguishes between adapting a home and carrying out building work: if your plans involve the cupboards or existing installations, explain them to your landlord and check whether you need their permission before starting.
Not necessarily: check exactly what the installation service includes. Electrolux’s pre-installation conditions state that its installers don’t carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work, so any changes to the housing unit or connections will need to be arranged separately.