First, choose a dishwasher that suits your connections and available space, including the room needed to open the door. A mini model with a water tank may save you from needing a fixed water supply, but its small capacity and manual filling won’t suit everyone. A 45 cm model offers more room for your dishes, provided you can install and connect it. Then compare the capacity, noise level and consumption figures for the exact model.
In a small kitchen, your living arrangements, available space and ability to connect the appliance will shape your choice before you even consider the number of programmes.
If you live in a studio flat or rented home, a mini dishwasher with a water tank is worth considering if you want to avoid altering the water supply. However, check how the model drains wastewater, where you can place it and what kind of electrical supply it requires.
If you have access to a water supply, a drain and a plug socket, but don’t have room for an appliance 60 cm wide, compare 45 cm freestanding or integrated dishwashers. Also measure their height and depth, as well as the space needed in front of the door.
If you want to keep your kitchen looking coordinated, check the cabinet space, door or furniture panel, and connections before choosing an integrated model. Its stated width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit in your kitchen.
If you don’t have a usable fixed water supply, start by looking at worktop models with a water tank. If you do have the connections, compare a compact worktop model, a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher and an integrated model based on the available height, cabinet space and amount of washing-up you need to fit inside.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without alterations | Check whether the appliance has a water tank, and read the instructions for drainage and electrical supply. For a plumbed-in appliance, check where the water supply, drain and socket are. | In a rented home, I want to avoid altering the plumbing while still finding a safe place for the appliance. Around 34% of consumers prioritise installation that doesn’t require changes to their home. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings with the plates and dishes you use, then measure the space needed to open the door and load the appliance. | If I have more washing-up than a small load can handle, I’d rather check what actually fits in the racks than choose based on width alone. Capacity comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Fitting into your kitchen | Compare the appliance dimensions with the cabinet space, and check the type of furniture panel, hinges and connections. | To keep my existing kitchen units in place, I need an appliance that works with the existing cabinet space and furniture panel. This is the main requirement for around 20% of consumers. |
| Noise and consumption | For the exact model, check the kWh/100 cycles, litres per cycle, noise level in dB(A) and capacity on the energy label and product information sheet. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, noise matters to me once I know the installation and capacity will work. Around 13% of consumers put noise and clearly stated consumption figures first. |
The word “compact” can refer to appliances with different capacities and space requirements. HAVA lists three place settings for its mini R09, while Whirlpool lists ten for its 45 cm-wide, 85 cm-high freestanding WSFO3T223P.
Measure the width, height and depth, and allow for the door to open. Then check that your usual plates and dishes will fit in the racks of the model you’re considering.
An empty space doesn’t guarantee that the water supply, drain and socket needed for a plumbed-in appliance will be accessible. Whirlpool lists all three connections in its installation guide.
Check the existing connections before ordering and follow the instructions for your model. If setting them up or fitting an anti-leak device requires complex work, call in a professional.
An integrated model may need a compatible furniture panel, as well as adjustments to the cabinetry or connections. Electrolux states that its installation service does not include carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
Check the cabinet space, furniture panel and scope of the installation being offered. If you’re renting and the work will alter the property or its fixtures, ANIL reminds tenants that written permission from the landlord is required.
Changes to the cabinetry, plumbing or electrics may require work in addition to installing the appliance.
Noise, water and energy figures apply to a specific model; they don’t apply to every appliance described as “compact”. The DGCCRF states that a washing machine energy label is mandatory for new dishwashers sold in France, including online.
Note down the full model number and compare the energy label with the product information sheet before buying. Don’t use figures for a discontinued model as a guide to an appliance currently on sale.
These ranges give you an idea of the formats available, but always check the details for the exact model and installation you’re considering.
Bosch offers worktop appliances and 45 cm dishwashers, both freestanding and integrated, so you can compare a worktop installation with an under-counter one.
Electrolux offers small integrated dishwashers for fitted kitchens, where checking the cabinet space is just as important as the width.
Whirlpool’s range includes 45 cm freestanding and integrated models for spaces where width is limited.
Siemens distinguishes between compact and 45 cm models, available as freestanding, integrated or fully integrated appliances, depending on where they’ll go in your kitchen.
HAVA offers the mini R09 worktop model with a water tank for spaces without a usable fixed water supply.
Consider these worktop dishwashers if you have space on your worktop and want to compare a small-capacity model or one with a water tank. Measure the space and check the instructions before choosing. The requirements for a 45 cm under-counter or integrated installation are different.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a worktop appliance with a water tank rather than a fixed water supply. The title lists a built-in 5 L water tank and 5+1 programmes. Check that its capacity suits your dishes, and check the instructions for drainage and electrical supply.
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Worth comparing if manually filling a worktop appliance suits your installation requirements. The title lists a built-in 5 L water tank and 6+3 programmes. Check the interior space, drainage method and clearance needed for the exact model.
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Worth considering if having two levels for your dishes is important to you. The title lists a built-in 5 L water tank. Measure your available space before choosing this model, and check its instructions for drainage and the connections it needs.
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For a small load, this tabletop model lists three place settings and seven programmes. Check that your plates and dishes will fit, then check its dimensions, drainage and connection requirements before deciding where to put it.
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Compare it with smaller-capacity models if you want to fit more dishes into a tabletop appliance. The title lists six place settings and seven programmes. Check the dimensions, water supply and drainage requirements for the HTG 8840 Schwarz against your available space.
No. A water tank may mean you don’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to check the drainage and electrical requirements. HAVA lists a 5 L water tank for its R09. Check the instructions for the model you’re considering for details of its drainage method, clearance and installation requirements.
A plumbed-in model generally needs accessible water and drainage connections, as well as a socket, according to Whirlpool’s installation guide. Check the permitted distances and connections in the instructions for your model. For its installation service, Electrolux specifies a maximum distance of 1.2 m from the water supply and drain, for example.
If the work will alter the property or its fixtures, get written permission from your landlord first. This is the rule ANIL sets out for rented homes in France. Before choosing an appliance that depends on changes, explain any planned plumbing, electrical or cabinetry work.
First compare their dimensions and capacity, then their energy, water and noise figures on a like-for-like basis. The DGCCRF states that an energy label is mandatory for new dishwashers sold in France, including online. Check the exact model number, kWh/100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise level in dB(A).
Not necessarily. Usable capacity also depends on your saucepans and plates, and how often you run a cycle. As examples for their specific models, HAVA lists three place settings for the mini R09, while Whirlpool lists ten for the 45 cm WSFO3T223P. Check that the racks in your chosen model suit the dishes you use every day.