In a small kitchen, a tabletop dishwasher is suitable for smaller loads if you have enough worktop space and the right connections; a compact integrated model needs a suitably sized housing unit. If six place settings may not be enough, consider a 45 cm model instead, but don’t assume it will be less deep. Measure the space and the door clearance, then compare capacity, installation requirements and Eco-cycle figures with your household’s needs.
If there’s no space on the floor for an appliance, a tabletop model could be an option, provided you have enough room on the worktop and have checked the connections. Bosch lists countertop models, and UFC-Que Choisir also compares dishwashers in this format.
If you often use saucepans or large dishes, the number of people in your household isn’t enough to determine the right capacity. Compare the usable space in the baskets of a tabletop model and a 45 cm model before opting for the smaller format.
If you’re replacing an integrated appliance, check the type of integration, the housing unit’s dimensions and whether the door panel is compatible. The product details for the Electrolux ESL2500RO and Miele G 5590 SCVi SL Active show why it’s important to check these points for the specific appliance.
First, check where the appliance can be installed, then make sure its capacity and Eco cycle suit the washing-up you do every day.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the door clearance; compare these with the model’s dimensions and diagram. | When every centimetre of floor or worktop space matters, I want to be able to open the appliance without getting in the way in the kitchen. Around 36 % of consumers rank its size as their top priority. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the space needed for your usual saucepans and dishes. | If I cook often, I want to wash my cookware without running extra cycles or leaving large dishes out. Capacity is the top priority for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Installation and connections | Check the model’s instructions for the housing unit or worktop, water inlet, drainage and electrical supply. | With an existing housing unit or connections nearby, I need to know whether the format I choose can actually be installed. For around 21 % of consumers, this comes before other criteria. |
| Usage patterns | Check the energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, Eco-cycle duration and noise level on the label; look at short programmes separately. | In a small home, I want cycle times and noise levels to fit around my daily routine. Around 14 % of consumers prioritise these aspects of everyday use. |
A narrow appliance can still be quite deep: Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm for the SPS4EMW61E. Its countertop models also take up worktop space, which you’ll need to allow for.
Measure all three dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the position of the connections, then check the installation diagram for your chosen model.
The six-place-setting tabletop appliances featured by UFC-Que Choisir may not suit the same loads as the 45 cm models in its comparison. The place-setting count also doesn’t guarantee that a particular saucepan or dish will fit.
Consider a day’s washing-up, taking account of your largest items and the basket layout.
The duration of a quick programme isn’t a like-for-like comparison with the Eco-cycle figures shown on the energy label.
Compare models using the same Eco-cycle figures, then check the available programmes separately if you need a shorter cycle.
You’ll also need to allow for the products required to use the appliance, including detergent, rinse aid and dishwasher salt, depending on the model and how you use it.
Check the maintenance instructions and the repairability index shown for the models you’re comparing.
Countertop models and 45 cm freestanding dishwashers to consider, depending on the space available.
An option for a kitchen with a housing unit that’s compatible with a fully integrated compact model.
Worth considering if you have a 45 cm housing unit designed for a fully integrated appliance.
A compact format to consider if you’re looking for a narrower model with a limited capacity.
Compare the capacity, energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, Eco-cycle duration and noise level. ADEME lists these as useful points of reference when choosing an appliance. To compare two models, use figures for the same reference cycle rather than the duration of a quick programme.
No. The location and connections must meet the requirements in the instructions for the model you choose. The instructions for the Bosch SPS4EMW61E cover the mains water supply, drainage and electricity separately. Also check the dimensions and installation diagram for any other appliance you’re considering.