Start by considering the space available, the connections you can make and the dishes you need to wash, rather than relying on the word “compact” alone. A mini dishwasher with a water tank can save you needing a dedicated water supply, but you’ll still need an electrical socket and a way to drain the water. If pots and dishes regularly make up part of your load, look at a compact plumbed-in model or a freestanding dishwasher, provided you have space to install one.
A mini dishwasher with a water tank is worth considering if you wash small loads and have a stable surface, a suitable socket and somewhere to drain the water. In 2021, UFC-Que Choisir described worktop models for two or three place settings, aimed in particular at people without room for a standard appliance.
If cooking containers quickly fill up a mini dishwasher, compare the interior space of a six-place-setting compact model with that of a slimline freestanding dishwasher. Check that your dishes fit in the rack and that you can make the connections required for your chosen format.
A 45 cm or even 60 cm freestanding dishwasher could be an option if the water supply, drainage and socket are suitable. Also measure the depth and height, and allow room to open the door: a narrower width alone doesn’t guarantee that it will fit.
First, work out where the appliance could go and how the water would flow, then check that its capacity suits your usual meals. After that, compare usage information on a like-for-like basis.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check the model’s instructions to confirm whether it has a water tank. Work out where the drain hose will go and check the electrical requirements; for a plumbed-in appliance, also check the water supply. Bosch lists water, electricity and drainage among the connections needed for installation. | I don’t have a dedicated water supply: a tank could work for me, but I’ll still need to plan for drainage and a socket. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the number of place settings, then check the rack dimensions and the maximum size of plates and dishes it can hold. In 2021, UFC-Que Choisir described mini models for two or three place settings; BUT lists a six-place-setting compact model, while Electrolux gives a capacity of ten place settings for its 45 cm freestanding ESA63200SX. | My pans or large dishes could take up the space intended for plates, so I want to check what will actually fit before choosing a capacity. |
| Space required | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the door clearance and space for the hoses. For example, Electrolux gives dimensions of 850 × 446 × 615 mm for its freestanding ESA63200SX: 45 cm refers to its width category, not its depth. | I can clear space on the worktop, but not necessarily on the floor. Or I’d rather keep the worktop clear and measure a space for a freestanding model. |
| Water, energy and noise | Check the capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise level on the energy label. According to ADEME, the Eco programme is often used as the reference, so compare the same figures before looking separately at quick programmes. | If I often run small loads, I want to compare the figures given for each appliance without assuming that a smaller format always uses less. |
| Repairability | Check the repairability index shown for the specific model and look at the criteria behind it. The ministry responsible for ecological transition says that dishwashers are covered by this index, which is scored out of 10. | I want to take the possibility of repairing the appliance into account, without judging its lifespan on the basis of a single score. |
A water tank means some models don’t need a dedicated water supply, but they still need electricity and drainage. The product listing for the Bob mini dishwasher published by E.Leclerc specifies a drain hose that goes in the sink.
Before ordering, identify a stable surface, a suitable socket and a route for wastewater. Check the chosen model’s instructions to confirm how it is supplied with water.
This figure doesn’t tell you whether your large plates, frying pans or dishes will fit in the rack at the same time. For example, Daan Tech gives Bob a maximum plate diameter of 29 cm; this doesn’t apply to other mini dishwashers.
Measure the items you wash regularly and compare them with the limits and interior layout of the model you’re considering.
Consumption figures or durations for different programmes don’t describe the same type of use. ADEME says that the Eco programme is often used as the reference for energy-label data.
First compare appliances using the same energy-label figures, then look separately at the duration and usage conditions for quick programmes.
A slim appliance still takes up depth and height. According to the manufacturer, the Electrolux ESA63200SX measures 850 × 446 × 615 mm, so it won’t fit into any space that’s simply 45 cm wide.
Check the full space available, door clearance, hose route and connections before settling on this format.
These options include worktop models with water tanks, a compact tabletop model and a 60 cm freestanding dishwasher. The latter is suitable for a small kitchen only if there’s space for it on the floor and the necessary connections are available.
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Worth considering if you don’t have a dedicated water supply but do have space on the worktop. The product name specifies a built-in 5 L tank; check the instructions for the space required, washing capacity, drainage and electrical requirements.
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Another water-tank option for everyday washing of small loads. The product name gives it a D energy rating; check the model’s full dimensions, drainage method and electrical requirements before deciding where to put it.
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This worktop format is designed for small loads, so check it against the size of your plates and cooking containers. The product name lists seven programmes and a D energy rating; check the instructions for filling, the drain hose route and the electrical supply.
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Consider this if your worktop can accommodate a six-place-setting compact model rather than a mini format. The product name lists seven programmes and a noise level of 47 dB; measure the available space and check the water, drainage and electrical connections in the instructions.
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This standard model is only suitable if your kitchen has enough floor space for it. The product name lists 14 place settings, a noise level of 41 dB and a C energy rating; check the full dimensions, door clearance and connections before choosing this format.
Yes, if the model is specifically designed to be filled from a tank. The Bob listing published by E.Leclerc describes this type of filling, as well as a drain hose that goes in the sink and a mains power supply. Check both requirements for the model you’re considering.
You’ll need a water supply, drainage and an electrical supply suitable for the model. Bosch lists all three in its installation guidance; check the instructions for your chosen appliance and measure the route for the hoses too.
Compare the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity and noise level on a like-for-like basis. ADEME says the Eco programme is often used as the reference; compare quick programmes separately rather than assuming their figures match those on the label.
Yes. The ministry responsible for ecological transition says that dishwashers are covered by this index, which is scored out of 10. It gives you an additional point of comparison, but on its own it doesn’t guarantee an appliance’s lifespan.