Start by considering how much washing-up you generate each day and how much space you can realistically set aside for the appliance. A compact model suits smaller loads if you have room for it on your worktop. A 45 cm model frees up that surface, provided you have floor space for it, while a 60 cm model may mean reconfiguring your kitchen. Whichever you choose, check the connections and installation requirements for the specific model before comparing its energy use and noise levels.
You only have small loads to wash, but you also need space to prepare food. Que Choisir describes 6-place-setting tabletop models as space-saving; however, check how much room they will take up permanently and what connections they require.
If small loads no longer suit your usual meals, it may be worth looking at a 45 cm model that sits on the floor. The 9-place-setting slimline models featured by Que Choisir offer a higher stated capacity than 6-place-setting tabletop compact models, but that does not guarantee that all your dishes will fit in the baskets.
You could consider a 60 cm appliance if the amount of washing-up warrants it and installation would still leave your kitchen practical to use. Measure the proposed space and check the model’s installation instructions before altering cabinets or connections.
Consider this: for small loads when you cannot set aside any floor space.
Bear in mind: it will take up some of your worktop, and the connections required will depend on the model, even if it is compact.
Consider this: if you want to keep your worktop clear and have a suitable space on the floor.
Bear in mind: an integrated model needs to be compatible with your cabinet and its door panel.
Consider this: if the amount of washing-up makes a kitchen reconfiguration worthwhile.
Bear in mind: the appliance needs a wider space; its capacity won’t help if you have nowhere to put it.
| Factor | What to check | What consumers say |
|---|---|---|
| Food preparation space | Measure the space the model will take up, as well as the clearance needed to open its door. Also check the installation and connection requirements in its manual. | If I cook on a small worktop, I want to be able to carry on preparing meals once the appliance is installed. Around 42% of consumers would put available worktop space at the top of their list of concerns. |
| Daily capacity | Compare the stated place settings, then check whether the baskets can accommodate your plates, dishes and pans. | When washing-up builds up every day, I’d rather choose a capacity that suits my mealtimes than rely on width alone. Capacity would be the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Water, energy and noise | For models that can be installed in your home, check the energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per cycle, capacity and noise level on the label. | If several appliances already meet my space requirements, I want to compare their energy and water use and noise levels without assuming that a smaller model uses less. Around 25% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
To compare labels on a like-for-like basis, the European Commission states that dishwashers have used an energy scale from A to G since 1 March 2021. Compare the figures for models that suit your installation and the amount of washing-up you generate, rather than looking at the rating alone.
A tabletop appliance may need a direct water supply. According to Candy, this is the case for the Candy CP 6E51LS. The word ‘compact’ alone doesn’t tell you what installation involves.
Before ordering, check the manual for the exact model to confirm the water supply, drainage, socket, support surface and clearance required.
Depending on your kitchen and the appliance you choose, installation may require changes to the connections or professional assistance.
A tabletop compact keeps floor space free, but it takes up worktop space that you would otherwise use for cooking. For example, Candy gives the CP 6E51LS dimensions of 550 × 501 × 443 mm; these dimensions do not apply to every compact model.
Mark out the width and depth of the model you are considering on your worktop, then check that you can still access the sink and food preparation area.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about capacity, water use per cycle, Eco programme duration or noise. An appliance designed for a small load and one intended for more washing-up may not suit the same needs.
Read the energy label figures and compare models that you can actually install and load.
Width doesn’t tell you how an appliance is installed. For example, the Electrolux EEA22100L is a fully integrated model supplied without a furniture door, according to Electrolux.
Check whether your chosen model is freestanding, built-in or fully integrated, then compare its installation diagram with your cabinet.
A fully integrated appliance may need a suitable furniture door or changes to the cabinet.
A range of tabletop compact models to consider if you’re happy to set aside some worktop space for smaller loads.
A brand to consider for a freestanding compact model, with the chosen appliance’s installation instructions forming part of your decision.
A model to consider if you’re looking for a slimline fully integrated option: Electrolux lists the EEA22100L as a 45 cm model with 9 place settings.
An example of a standard freestanding model to consider only if you can make room for a 60 cm appliance.
No, the connections you need depend on the model. Candy describes the CP 6E51LS as a tabletop appliance that connects directly to a water supply, while the Comfee CDWMTO201D featured on Joybuy has an integrated 5 L tank. In both cases, check the manual to confirm drainage, the power supply, filling and installation requirements.
Compare energy use per 100 Eco programme cycles and water use per cycle across models that suit your kitchen. The European energy label also shows capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level. The European Commission states that the energy rating has used an A to G scale since 1 March 2021.
It depends on the appliance and your kitchen layout. Bosch says installation can be complex or even dangerous, and advises following the warnings in the manual for the specific model. If you can’t meet those requirements, ask a professional for advice before installation.
Not necessarily; it depends on the amount and shape of the items you need to wash. Que Choisir describes 9-place-setting slimline models that may need to run every day in a small family. Check how your plates, dishes and pans fit in the baskets before choosing based on width alone.