If you’re short on floor space and don’t generate much washing-up, consider a mini countertop model. If you cook regularly and have a suitable space, compare slimline 45 cm dishwashers instead. In an open-plan kitchen, check the noise level on the energy label, then make sure the dimensions and connections work for your chosen model. A compact footprint alone won’t solve these practical considerations.
A countertop model can free up floor space, provided you have a stable surface for it and can arrange the water supply and drainage. Candy’s countertop models illustrate the first point; how they connect depends on the model.
If plates and pans soon pile up, check how well they fit in the baskets before choosing a countertop appliance. The 45 cm models featured in Que Choisir’s comparison and the ranges presented by manufacturers offer another capacity to consider, provided you have floor space for one.
When your dishwasher shares your living space, noise matters as much as where it fits. Que Choisir recommends paying attention to this in open-plan kitchens; the energy label lets you compare the declared noise level and noise class.
Start with the constraint that will really determine your choice: space and connections, the amount of washing-up, noise in your living space or energy and water consumption.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, depth and height; check the water inlet, drainage and plug requirements in the manual. For an integrated model, check the housing space and door too. | I have no floor space to spare, so I need to keep enough worktop free while finding a way to supply water that works with my kitchen. Around 27% of consumers would make this feasibility their top priority. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings and the actual space for your plates and pans, not just the appliance’s width. | I cook often and don’t want to have to wash large utensils separately after every meal; capacity would be the top criterion for around 33% of consumers. |
| Noise | Compare the declared noise level in dB and the noise class on the energy label. | With an open-plan kitchen, I want to be able to run a cycle without compromising comfort in my living space. Around 20% of consumers would put this concern first. |
| Water and energy | Check the kWh per 100 cycles, the litres per reference cycle and the capacity shown on the label. | If I run the appliance frequently, I want to compare its consumption with the number of cycles I’ll need. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this criterion. |
A countertop appliance may need a direct water supply; a model with a tank needs to be filled and still requires a way to drain the water. The two options have different requirements.
Read the manual for the exact model and check the supporting surface, water supply, drainage, plug and any necessary accessories before deciding where to put it.
The compact Candy CP 6E51LS is listed with 6 place settings, while manufacturers’ 45 cm models are listed with 9 or 10. A countertop appliance also takes up some worktop space.
Think about a typical day’s washing-up, including pans and dishes, then check whether they’ll fit in the baskets.
In an open-plan kitchen, how noisy an appliance seems is subjective. The noise level in dB and noise class give you declared figures to compare between models.
Check both details on the energy label and look at the conditions attached to the figures given for the model.
The energy label shows, among other things, energy use per 100 cycles and water use per reference cycle. However, a smaller capacity may mean you have to run more cycles to handle your usual washing-up.
Compare the label information with the capacity and how often you wash up, rather than choosing on energy class alone.
In France, Candy offers countertop appliances and slimline 45 cm models.
Bosch offers compact formats and 45 cm models for smaller kitchens.
Beko offers, among other options, 45 cm integrated dishwashers.
Miele offers 45 cm integrated models for kitchens with a suitable space.
These countertop appliances are for kitchens without floor space for a dishwasher. Compare their capacity and water supply, then check that you have room on the worktop and a way to drain the water. If you have more washing-up, look at slimline 45 cm models too.
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Worth considering for a small amount of washing-up if you have space for it on your worktop.
Listed capacity: 6 place settings; listed noise level: 47 dB; stated energy class: D.
Measure the space and check the connections and noise class on the model’s label.
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Consider this if you’d rather not have a permanent connection to the water supply, provided you can arrange drainage.
The product name states that it has a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles.
Before buying, check the space required, whether the capacity suits your washing-up and the noise information.
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Worth considering for a small amount of washing-up if you’d prefer an appliance that sits on the worktop.
The product name states that it has 7 programmes and energy class D.
Before using this dishwasher, check how it is filled and drained, its usable capacity and the instructions specific to the model.
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Worth considering for a small household looking to install an appliance on the worktop.
The product name states that it has 8 programmes and a delay start.
Check its dimensions, water supply and drainage requirements. The title’s reference to not needing a connection doesn’t explain these details.
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Worth considering for a small amount of washing-up when floor space is limited.
The product name states that it has a capacity of 3 place settings and wash and dry functions.
Check the dimensions and water supply requirements in the manual: the information about whether a connection is needed is inconsistent.
No. Even a model with a tank needs a stable surface, a suitable electricity supply and drainage that meets the instructions in its manual. Check that it fits on your worktop too; a model that connects directly to the water supply has different requirements.
Consider a 45 cm model if your regular meals, dishes or pans exceed the practical capacity of a countertop appliance and you have a suitable floor space with access to the necessary connections. For comparison, Candy lists 6 place settings for the compact CP 6E51LS, while manufacturers’ 45 cm models are listed with 9 or 10.
Compare the noise level in dB and noise class, while also considering capacity and where the appliance will go. Que Choisir highlights how important noise is in an open-plan kitchen; ADEME says this information appears on dishwasher energy labels.
Compare the energy label figures with the capacity you need. According to ADEME, water use is shown in litres per reference cycle. Also compare the stated energy use per 100 cycles and consider whether the appliance’s size would mean you have to run more washes.