In a small, unfitted kitchen, first choose a dishwasher that will fit the available space, then check that its capacity suits your usual loads. According to UFC-Que Choisir, a compact model holds fewer than 9 place settings, a 45 cm model generally holds 9 to 10, and a 60 cm freestanding model holds more. However, larger utensils and how often you eat at home can affect your choice. An integrated model requires a suitable housing unit and door panel.
If your kitchen layout could change, a freestanding model means you won’t need a housing unit or door panel. UFC-Que Choisir highlights this flexibility in unfitted kitchens; you’ll still need to check the connections in each home.
A compact model can be a good fit if your daily loads fit inside and you have a suitable space for it. For reference, Candy lists a capacity of 6 place settings for its CP 6E51LS countertop model; you’ll also need a direct water supply connection.
If pots and dishes quickly fill a compact model, consider a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher if you have enough floor space. UFC-Que Choisir puts this size at around 9 to 10 place settings, but that doesn’t guarantee one cycle will be enough for every household.
In a small kitchen without built-in appliances, the available space and connections determine which sizes are suitable. Then compare their capacity with the dishes you actually use, rather than relying on the stated number of place settings alone.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the width, height and depth, and check that the door can open. Compare the installation instructions with the available water supply, waste outlet and socket. | When my kitchen isn’t fitted, I want to be sure the appliance can be installed without unexpected modifications. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings and the basket layout with a load that also includes your pots and dishes. | If I cook regularly, a compact model may fill up before all my dishes fit. Capacity would be the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Flexible installation | Decide whether the appliance will be freestanding or fitted under a worktop, and check the installation requirements for the exact model. | In a kitchen that might be rearranged, I’d rather not depend on a housing unit and door panel. Around 21% of consumers would put this flexibility first. |
| Everyday use | Check the label for energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per Eco cycle, cycle duration and noise level. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I want to consider noise as well as the resources used over time. This would be the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A 45 cm appliance can still be deep and tall: Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm for its freestanding SPS4EMW61E. Width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit or if the door can open.
Measure all three dimensions of the model you’re considering, the delivery route and the clearance needed in front of the open door.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, an integrated model is designed for a suitable housing unit and door panel; it isn’t simply a freestanding appliance for an unfitted kitchen.
Check the housing unit and door panel requirements before choosing this type. If you don’t have them, consider a freestanding model instead.
Preparing a housing unit and fitting a door panel may also require joinery work or additional installation.
The size doesn’t determine how it connects: Candy specifies a direct water supply connection for its compact CP 6E51LS.
Check the instructions for the model you’re considering to confirm its water supply and waste outlet requirements.
The European Commission says the label also shows energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per Eco cycle, cycle duration, capacity and noise level. These figures don’t show the consumption of other programmes.
Compare figures measured on the same basis and choose a capacity that suits your usual loads.
Worth considering if you’re looking at a countertop or slimline model for a small kitchen.
An option to explore if you’re looking for a 45 cm freestanding model with an in-between capacity.
Two models let you consider a narrow housing unit and a 60 cm freestanding space separately.
These countertop models are for kitchens with room on the worktop. Before choosing, compare the stated capacity with the dishes you usually use, and check the water supply and waste outlet requirements for each model.
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Worth considering if you want a compact appliance on your worktop without needing a permanent water supply connection.
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Consider this model if you have limited worktop width.
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Worth considering for a small space, provided its usable capacity suits the dishes you use every day.
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Worth considering if a stated capacity of 6 place settings suits your usual loads and you have room for the appliance on your worktop.
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Consider this for smaller loads if the available space and waste hose route work for your kitchen.
Measure the available width, height and depth, then check the delivery route and the space needed to open the door. Check the instructions for your chosen model to confirm its water supply, waste outlet and electrical requirements. You may need to make changes to your home before connecting it.
Not necessarily: the number of people in your home doesn’t tell you how many plates, pans or containers need to fit in a load. UFC-Que Choisir puts compact models at under 9 place settings and 45 cm models generally at 9 to 10. Compare these figures with a typical day’s washing-up and how often you’re happy to run a cycle.
An integrated model isn’t a straightforward substitute for a freestanding one: according to UFC-Que Choisir, it needs to be installed in a purpose-built housing unit with a suitable door panel. If your kitchen doesn’t have these, consider a freestanding appliance with dimensions and connections that suit your home.
Compare the figures on their European labels for the Eco programme: energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and cycle duration. Take capacity into account too. These figures don’t tell you how much energy or water a quick or intensive programme will use.