In a small home, first consider the space available, the water supply and drainage, then how much washing-up you need to do per cycle. A mini model with a tank can save you from needing a fixed water supply, but it’s only suitable for small loads and still needs a way to drain wastewater. A compact 6-place-setting model takes up worktop space or a cupboard niche, while a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher needs floor space but offers greater capacity.
Capacity isn’t the only thing to consider: your water supply and the space you can set aside also affect which appliance is right for you.
If you only have very small loads of washing-up, a model with a tank can save you from needing a permanent water supply. You’ll still need a suitable drain, though: Daan Tech says its Bob mini dishwasher uses a drain hose.
A 6-place-setting countertop appliance could be a good fit if you’ll still have enough usable worktop space once it’s installed. If you’d rather put it in a cupboard, check that it’s a built-in model and that the niche is the right size.
A 45 cm freestanding dishwasher can handle a larger load without taking up as much width as a 60 cm model. UFC-Que Choisir says this size typically holds 9 to 10 place settings; you’ll still need to check its height and depth.
Worth considering: for a very small load when you can’t install a fixed water supply.
The trade-off: you’ll need to fill the tank and arrange drainage; Daan Tech lists the Bob’s standard capacity as 2 place settings.
Worth considering: if this capacity suits your meals and you have a worktop or niche that’s right for the installation type.
The trade-off: a countertop model takes up preparation space, while a fully integrated model such as the Electrolux ESL2500RO needs to be installed in a cabinet.
Worth considering: if you have floor space and want to wash more dishes per cycle; Beko lists the BDFS26040X as holding 10 place settings.
The trade-off: a narrower width doesn’t reduce the appliance’s height or remove the need for connections.
| Consideration | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the overall width, height and depth, then check the door clearance and space for the hoses. Distinguish between countertop, freestanding and built-in models. | I want to keep enough room to prepare meals and open cupboards, even when the appliance is installed. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the exact model is supplied with water, where the drain hose will run and whether you have a suitable drain. Daan Tech says the Bob can be filled using its 3.9 L tank or connected to a water supply, but wastewater still needs to be drained. | If there’s no dedicated water supply, I can consider a tank model only if I know where the wastewater will go. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place-setting capacity with your usual meals, then check the dimensions of your plates and the basket layout. Daan Tech lists the Bob as holding 2 place settings, Electrolux lists 6 for the ESL2500RO and Beko lists 10 for the BDFS26040X. | I want to wash my everyday dishes without running lots of cycles, while still having room for my usual plates and utensils. |
| Regular use | Compare water and electricity figures on the same basis and for the same programme. Check the manual, too, for the detergents and maintenance required. | I want to choose a size that suits my small loads without assuming that the smallest appliance always uses the least. |
The tank replaces a fixed water supply, not the route for wastewater. Daan Tech specifies a drain hose for its Bob.
Find a suitable drain before ordering, and check the manual for the hose length and how it should be secured.
A 45 cm freestanding dishwasher is still a full-height appliance: Bosch Électroménager France lists a height of 84.5 cm for its freestanding models of this width. That could rule it out if your kitchenette has no floor space.
Compare all three dimensions of your chosen model with the space available, and don’t forget the open door, sockets and hoses.
A capacity given in place settings doesn’t guarantee that your large plates, frying pans or saucepans will fit in a small basket.
Measure the items you wash regularly and check the permitted dimensions and interior layout of the model.
Your choice of appliance also determines which detergents you’ll need and what maintenance it will require over time.
Check the model’s manual for recommended products, and compare water and electricity use for the same programme.
These examples show different installation options; the space needed for one doesn’t necessarily tell you how much room other models from the same brand will need.
The Bob is an example of a mini countertop dishwasher for situations where a permanent water supply may be difficult to arrange.
The ESL2500RO is another way to fit a compact 6-place-setting dishwasher: in a suitable niche rather than on the worktop.
The BDFS26040X is an example of a slim freestanding model for when capacity matters more than saving floor space.
These models are countertop dishwashers, with capacities and water-supply options to consider in light of your kitchen. Built-in or 45 cm freestanding models need to be compared separately.
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Worth considering if a permanent water supply is difficult to install: the product name lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Check its dimensions, door clearance and drainage arrangements before deciding where to put it.
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For very small loads, Joybuy France lists this Bob as holding 2 place settings. Daan Tech says it can be supplied from a tank or connected to a water supply. Even when using the tank, you’ll need to drain the wastewater, and check that your large plates fit inside.
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The product name lists this tabletop model as holding 3 place settings and having 7 programmes. If you’re considering installing it without a fixed water supply, check the instructions for water supply and drainage, then compare its overall dimensions with your worktop.
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For a mid-sized countertop option, the product name lists 6 place settings and 7 programmes. Measure the space you actually have and confirm the water-supply and drainage requirements before choosing where to put it.
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The product name lists this tabletop model as having 7 programmes. To find out if it suits your smaller loads, check its capacity in place settings, its dimensions in all directions and how wastewater is drained.
Yes, if the model is designed to be filled by hand: Daan Tech says this is an option for the Bob. It still needs to drain wastewater through its hose, so check the manual for the permitted drainage point and how to secure the hose.
Measure the appliance and the usable space around it, not just its width. Bosch Électroménager France lists dimensions of 45 × 55.1 × 50 cm, in height × width × depth order, for its small countertop models. You’ll also need room to open the door and run the hoses. These dimensions don’t apply to every model.
It takes up less width, but still needs a place on the floor. Bosch Électroménager France lists a height of 84.5 cm for its 45 cm freestanding models. You’ll also need to check the depth, door clearance and connections for the model you choose.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual consumer, the Ministry of the Economy explains. If the appliance you receive differs from its description, keep a copy of the description and tell the seller exactly what doesn’t match so they can assess your claim under this guarantee.