First, choose a model that suits the space and connections available. Then check that the baskets can hold your everyday dishes, including serving dishes. A compact countertop model frees up floor space but takes up room on your worktop; an integrated model needs a suitable housing unit, while a 45 cm model needs floor space and may suit larger loads. UFC-Que Choisir and manufacturers distinguish between these formats by capacity and installation type.
If you can set aside some worktop space for washing up but can’t install a floor-standing appliance, check the size and connections required for a compact countertop model. UFC-Que Choisir describes compact tabletop dishwashers as appliances designed for smaller spaces.
If you want to free up your worktop and have a suitable housing unit, check the dimensions of the space, the door panel and the connections. Electrolux describes the ESL2500RO as a compact fully integrated model.
If you can make room on the floor and regularly wash more dishes or bulky utensils, compare the capacity of slimline models. UFC-Que Choisir includes 45 cm models in its comparison.
Choose this if: you don’t have floor space, but do have a stable worktop and the connections required by the model.
Keep in mind: the appliance takes up some of your food preparation space; also check where the wastewater will drain.
Choose this if: you have a housing unit of the right size and want to keep your worktop clear.
Keep in mind: installation requires a suitable housing unit and, depending on the model, a compatible door panel and appropriate fitting.
Choose this if: you have floor space and want to compare appliances designed for larger loads than a tabletop compact model.
Keep in mind: width alone doesn’t tell you how much space it will take up; check the height and depth too.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and format | Measure the width, height, depth and door clearance at the intended location. | If I need to keep the floor clear or avoid losing the use of a cupboard, I measure the space before comparing formats; around 36% of consumers prioritise the space an appliance takes up. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the baskets with the dishes you use on an ordinary day, including serving dishes and saucepans. | If I want to wash all the utensils I use every day together, I check their size and how they fit in the baskets; around 29% of consumers prioritise usable capacity. |
| Installation | Check the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply; for an integrated model, check the housing unit and door panel too. | If the connections or installation work determine what I can fit in my kitchen, I check the requirements for the specific model; around 21% of consumers prioritise whether installation is feasible. |
| Noise and consumption | Compare energy label figures on a like-for-like basis and consider the programmes you’ll actually use. | If my kitchen opens onto the living area, or I’m comparing water and electricity use, I check the figures on the label; around 14% of consumers prioritise everyday convenience. |
ADEME explains that the energy label provides information including water consumption, electricity consumption, capacity and noise level. Label figures are based on specific conditions and reference programmes, so compare like with like.
This measurement refers to the width. For example, Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm for the freestanding SPS4EMI34E, so its height and depth could also affect where it can be installed.
Measure all three dimensions of the appliance, the available space and the clearance needed to open the door before comparing capacities.
A tabletop format doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance is self-contained. The manufacturer says the Candy CP 6E51LS connects directly to a water supply; an integrated model also needs to be fitted appropriately.
Check the model’s instructions for the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply, as well as the housing unit and door panel if required.
The number of place settings alone won’t tell you whether your serving dishes and saucepans will all fit in the baskets together. Energy label consumption figures are based on a reference programme, not every cycle.
Compare the basket layout and label figures, then consider which programmes you plan to use.
If the capacity isn’t right for you, you may need to run extra cycles or wash bulky items separately.
The CP 6E51LS is an example of a compact tabletop model listed for 6 place settings; Candy also offers 45 cm slimline models.
Electrolux France describes the ESL2500RO as a 55 cm fully integrated compact model for 6 place settings.
Bosch offers 45 cm freestanding and integrated models. For the SPS4EMI34E, the manufacturer lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm.
The manufacturer describes the MDWEF1034DSS-WC as a 45 cm freestanding model for 10 place settings.
This selection features countertop dishwashers for small kitchens. Check each model’s capacity, the space available and its drainage requirements.
Image unavailable
This format may suit you if you have worktop space and want to avoid a permanent water connection; you’ll still need to plan for wastewater drainage.
The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles.
Image unavailable
This countertop model may be worth considering if you have a suitable space and water supply; check the drainage requirements for your setup too.
The product name lists 6 place settings, 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy rating D.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a small kitchen where a tabletop appliance is an option; compare its capacity with the dishes you actually use.
The product name lists a 6-litre tank, 5 programmes and a drying function.
Image unavailable
This tabletop format may suit a small kitchen; check the capacity you need and how the water drains before choosing.
The product name lists a 5 L tank.
Image unavailable
This countertop format may suit you if you have a suitable surface available; check the dimensions of the space and the connection you plan to use.
The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank, 6+3 programmes and energy rating D. The tap adapter for water supply from a tap is not included.
No, it depends on the model. For example, the manufacturer says the Candy CP 6E51LS connects directly to a water supply. Check the instructions for the required drainage and electrical supply too.
Compare the dishes you accumulate between washes, including serving dishes and saucepans, with the layout of the baskets. A compact tabletop model is designed for smaller loads and raised installation; a 45 cm appliance needs floor space and may suit larger loads.
The EU energy label includes information such as water consumption for a reference cycle and electricity consumption per 100 cycles of the eco programme, as well as capacity and noise level. These figures don’t cover every programme or every type of use.
In France, you can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity from the professional seller. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance explains that it applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold to consumers; you have two years to make a claim.