For one or two people, start by considering the space you actually have and whether you can supply and drain the water. A mini dishwasher takes up less width, while a slim 45 cm model offers greater capacity, depending on the model. A worktop appliance only makes washing up easier if its location, drainage and cycle frequency suit your daily routine better than washing by hand.
If you’re happy with smaller loads, consider a mini worktop dishwasher. Que Choisir recommends this format for households without room for a standard appliance. Just check how much worktop space will be left for preparing meals.
If washing up regularly piles up, a slim model may offer more capacity than a mini appliance. Que Choisir lists 45 cm dishwashers with capacity for 9 place settings; some Beko models are advertised as holding 10. Depth, height and door clearance are still key considerations.
If you’d rather not have a permanent water connection, take a look at the tank models described by Que Choisir. A tank doesn’t remove the need to plan for drainage, so also check the power socket, hose positions and the instructions for your chosen model.
In a small kitchen, a particular size only makes sense if you can give it a practical spot and manage the water without getting in the way of using the sink.
Consider this if: you’re short on floor space and want to fill the appliance without a permanent water connection.
Be prepared for: small loads per cycle and having to plan for drainage, even with a tank.
Consider this if: you have a suitable worktop and an accessible water supply. Candy describes the Candy CP 6E51LS as connecting directly to the water supply.
Be prepared for: the appliance taking up part of your worktop and needing connections that are compatible with your kitchen.
Consider this if: you have space on the floor and need the larger capacity this format can offer.
Be prepared for: the height and depth of a full-size appliance: according to Bosch, the Bosch SPS4EMW61E measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm.
Stick with this if: there’s no stable spot or practical drainage route for regular use of an appliance.
Be prepared for: washing up after every meal or letting it pile up.
| Factor | What to check | What shoppers say |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the door clearance and space for the hoses. | If my worktop is already used for cooking, I want to know how much space will be left once the appliance is in place. Around 36% of shoppers would prioritise the space it takes up. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check the model’s water supply method, drainage route and access to a power socket separately. | If I don’t want a permanent connection, I need to be able to fill the appliance and drain the water in my kitchen. Around 29% of shoppers would put the practicality of installation first. |
| Capacity and frequency of use | Compare the stated place settings with the dishes you use, especially frying pans and large containers. | If I cook often, a small load could mean running more cycles or washing some utensils by hand. Around 21% of shoppers would prioritise usable capacity. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle and noise figures on a like-for-like label basis. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to choose when to run a cycle without overlooking how much water and electricity it uses. Noise and energy use would be the main concern for around 14% of shoppers. |
A slim appliance can still stick out into a walkway, while a compact model may take up a large part of your food-preparation space. For example, the Bosch SPS4EMW61E is 600 mm deep and 845 mm high, according to Bosch.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, with the door open, and allow room for the hoses and loading the dishes.
A tank can do away with a permanent water supply, but not drainage. For Bob, Daan Tech describes draining into a sink, a trap or a dedicated outlet.
Work out where the hose could go and check the instructions for the model you’re interested in.
Place settings help you compare sizes, but they don’t tell you how much room there is for a frying pan or a large container.
Make a list of your bulky items and check the rack layout of the exact model you’re considering.
Energy use quoted for the Eco programme and the duration of a quick cycle don’t describe the same kind of use. ADEME recommends checking the figures for the programme you’re comparing.
Compare label figures on the same basis, then think about which programmes you’ll actually use.
Daan Tech describes Bob as a mini worktop dishwasher designed in particular for households of one to three people.
Candy offers table-top dishwashers as well as slim models, giving you two sizes to consider depending on the space available.
Bosch offers freestanding 45 cm dishwashers to consider if you have room on the floor.
Beko offers freestanding 45 cm models for kitchens where width is limited.
Whirlpool offers 45 cm dishwashers for kitchens with a narrow space available on the floor.
These worktop models are aimed at smaller households with space to set aside for an appliance. Compare their capacity and water supply, then check how drainage will work in your kitchen. If you have room on the floor, it’s still worth considering a 45 cm model.
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Worth considering if you’d rather fill a tank than rely solely on a nearby water supply. The title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Check how much worktop space it needs and where the drained water will go.
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Consider this for smaller loads if you’d prefer to fill it with water by hand. The title lists seven programmes, a 24-hour delay start and a D energy rating. Check the instructions for drainage details and the space the appliance will need.
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This worktop size is worth considering if you’re short on floor space. Check the dimensions and exactly what’s included in this version of the pack, as well as its water supply and drainage requirements, before deciding where to put it.
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Consider this if its small capacity suits your everyday dishes and you have a suitable worktop. The title lists 3 place settings and a width of 34 cm. Check the instructions for this version’s water connection, drainage and required clearance.
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Compare this with mini models if you’d like to fit more dishes on your worktop. The title lists 6 place settings and seven programmes. Measure the available space and check the water inlet and drainage hose routes before choosing this size.
Some tank models can work without a permanent water connection, but not all compact models can. Que Choisir describes mini appliances with tanks, while Candy presents the CP 6E51LS as connecting directly to the water supply. Also check the drainage requirements for the model you choose.
Daan Tech says Bob can drain into a sink, a trap or a dedicated outlet. Before choosing, check the instructions for your version and work out where the hose could go in your kitchen. These options alone don’t confirm that your installation is suitable.
Compare kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle, capacity and noise figures on a like-for-like basis. ADEME notes the value of the Eco programme when assessing energy and water use; another programme may reflect a different kind of use.
No. 45 cm refers to the width, not all the space required. Bosch lists the SPS4EMW61E as measuring 845 × 450 × 600 mm. Also check door clearance and connections at the intended location.