Start by checking the space and connections you actually have, then consider how much washing-up you need to do. A compact model with a water tank avoids the need for a fixed water supply, but takes up worktop space and still needs to drain. A slimline model needs floor space and connections, while a 60 cm model needs more room. If you don't have much washing-up, doing it by hand is still an option: Que Choisir recommends considering how long it takes after each meal.
A compact model with a tank can cut down on washing-up without needing a permanent water connection. However, you’ll need to set aside a stable spot on the worktop and arrange somewhere for the waste water to drain. Que Choisir describes this countertop format, while Daan Tech explains the two water-supply options for Bob.
If you have access to a water supply, a drain and a suitable floor space, a slimline freestanding model is worth considering. The Beko BDFS26040X, for example, is 45 cm wide and has a stated capacity of 10 place settings, according to Beko France. Check its depth too, as well as the space needed to open the door.
Compare how much washing-up you generate each day with the time you spend washing and drying it. Que Choisir estimates that a dishwasher isn’t essential if the task takes less than 15 minutes after each meal. The space it takes up and the maintenance it needs also matter.
First, work out where the water will come in and drain away, then measure the available space before comparing capacities.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check for a water supply or find out how the tank is filled. Check the route, length and positioning of the drain hose to a suitable outlet. | Without a fixed water supply, I can consider a model with a tank, but I’ll still need a way to drain the waste water. Daan Tech describes both water-supply options and a hose drain for Bob. |
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height, then check how much room you need to open the door and move around. A countertop model takes up worktop space; a slimline or standard freestanding model takes up floor space. | I want to leave enough room to prepare meals or walk past the appliance. As examples for specific models, Daan Tech gives Bob’s dimensions as 34 × 49 × 49 cm, while Bosch lists 845 × 600 × 600 mm for the SMS4EBW33E. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the plates, glasses, utensils and containers you usually use. Check the sizes the rack can accommodate rather than relying on the place-setting figure alone. | If my larger dishes don’t fit or washing-up piles up between cycles, a small rack won’t suit my needs. On the other hand, I don’t need to make room for a large appliance if I only have a small daily load. |
| Noise and consumption | On the energy label, compare energy use per 100 cycles, water use per Eco cycle, the Eco programme duration, capacity and noise emissions. The European Commission lists these indicators for dishwashers. | In a kitchen next to the living area, noise matters just as much as the space the appliance takes up. To compare water and electricity use, I look at figures based on the same programme and take the size of each load into account. |
| Everyday practicality | Consider how often you’ll run a wash, whether you’ll need to fill the tank, the maintenance involved and the time you spend washing up by hand. Check which accessories you’ll need for your chosen installation. | If washing and drying my dishes after every meal doesn’t take long, I might prefer to keep my space. Que Choisir suggests that if the task takes less than 15 minutes, a dishwasher may not be essential. |
A tank means you don’t need to connect the appliance to a water supply, but you still need somewhere for the waste water to go. Daan Tech says Bob’s hose should be directed into the sink or another suitable drain.
Measure the route to the drain and check the hose length, how it will be secured and which accessories are included for your chosen model.
An appliance might fit between two units but still not have enough depth or height, or enough room for the door to open. Daan Tech lists Bob’s depth as 49 cm; Bosch gives the freestanding SMS4EBW33E a depth of 600 mm.
Measure the full space, the door swing and the clearance in front of the appliance, taking the hoses and connections into account.
The number of place settings alone won’t tell you whether your plates, bowls and saucepans will all fit in the rack at once. Anything that doesn’t fit will have to wait for another cycle or be washed by hand.
Make a note of the dishes you use over a few days and compare their dimensions with the sizes the model can accommodate.
A rack that’s too small may mean running extra cycles or continuing to do some of the washing-up by hand.
Water use per cycle alone doesn’t tell you how much water you’ll use for your own volume of washing-up. According to the European Commission, dishwasher energy labels show information including water use per Eco cycle, energy use per 100 cycles and capacity.
Compare figures for the same programme and in the same units, then check how many cycles your dishes would need.
These models illustrate different installation requirements; their specifications don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Bob is an example of a countertop model with a tank, for kitchens without a usable fixed water supply.
The BDFS26040X is a useful benchmark for a slimline freestanding model if you have floor space and the necessary connections.
The SMS4EBW33E provides a comparison point for a standard freestanding model if you have room for a larger appliance.
These countertop models are for small kitchens where you can set aside worktop space. Before choosing, compare the water-supply options, drainage and rack for each variant.
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The built-in tank is designed for anyone who needs to run an appliance without a permanent water connection. The product name lists a 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Before installing it, check the space required, rack capacity and drainage arrangements.
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This countertop model is designed for a small household with a stable spot to put it. The product name lists 7 programmes and an automatic door-opening feature. Check the usable capacity, how it’s filled with water and how this variant drains before you buy.
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Compare the stated capacity of 3 place settings with the amount of washing-up you generate between washes. The product is listed with 7 programmes and the option to use it with or without a water connection. Check its dimensions and how the drain hose will reach a suitable outlet.
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Bob is worth considering if you have room on your worktop for a compact dishwasher. Daan Tech describes Bob as having a tank or a water connection, as well as a hose drain. Check what’s included in this pack, the space available and whether the rack can take your dishes.
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This countertop variant is listed as taking 3 place settings and measuring 34 cm wide. Check what the rack can actually accommodate, as well as the water-supply and drainage options: the options Daan Tech describes for Bob must be available with the variant you order.
Yes, if the model has a tank that can be used without a permanent connection. Daan Tech says Bob can use a 3,9 L tank or connect to a standard water supply. In either case, you’ll need to drain the waste water through the hose.
No. You’ll also need to allow access to the door, tank if applicable, and drain. Daan Tech lists Bob as 34 cm wide, 49 cm high and 49 cm deep. Measure your worktop and the route to the drain.
Not necessarily. The Beko BDFS26040X is 45 cm wide and has a stated capacity of 10 place settings, according to Beko France. However, it needs floor space, accessible connections and enough room to open the door.
Compare energy use per 100 cycles, water use per Eco cycle, the Eco programme duration, capacity and noise emissions. The European Commission says these details appear on dishwasher energy labels. Also consider how many cycles your usual load would need.
Make sure there’s an accessible power supply, and don’t improvise a connection near water. Promotelec notes that electrical installations in French kitchens are covered by the NF C 15-100 series. If the planned location requires a new fixed circuit or changes to an existing one, ask a qualified professional to assess the work.