Choose based on the space you’ve measured, how much washing-up you need to do and how you’ll supply and drain the water. A mini model with a tank means you won’t need a fixed water supply. A 6-place-setting compact model takes up around 55 cm of worktop width, while a 45 cm freestanding model offers a higher stated capacity but needs floor space. Also check the depth, height, stability of the surface it will stand on and the instructions for the exact model.
The right capacity depends as much on how much washing-up you produce each day as it does on the space you have available.
If worktop space is very limited, a mini model can handle smaller loads. According to the brand, Daan Tech’s Bob sits on a worktop and can be filled using its tank. You’ll still need to plan how to drain it and check that the surface can support it.
A 6-place-setting compact model can save you from using up floor space. Candy France lists the Rapidò CP 6E51LS as measuring 550 × 501 × 443 mm. Check that your worktop, water connections and drainage can accommodate it properly.
If meals leave you with more washing-up and you have a 45 cm-wide space on the floor, a slim freestanding model is worth considering. Electrolux France states that the ESG42310SW holds 9 place settings; you’ll still need to check its height, depth and installation requirements.
Worth considering: when space is tight or you don’t have access to a fixed water supply. Daan Tech says Bob can be filled using its tank or connected to a water supply.
The trade-off: Daan Tech states that Bob holds 2 place settings under the European standard, and the waste water still needs to be drained away.
Worth considering: if you have a suitable worktop for an appliance wider than a mini model, but don’t want to give up floor space.
The trade-off: the Candy Rapidò CP 6E51LS is 55 cm wide, according to Candy France. Check its connection requirements in the instructions.
Worth considering: if you have floor space and want more capacity than the countertop models mentioned here. Electrolux France states that the ESG42310SW holds 9 place settings.
The trade-off: its slim width doesn’t mean you can overlook the height, depth and connections needed for a freestanding model.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the clearance required for the model. Candy France lists its CP 6E51LS countertop model as measuring 550 × 501 × 443 mm; Electrolux France describes the ESG42310SW as a 45 cm-wide freestanding model. | I want to keep enough worktop space for food preparation, or have a floor space that won’t block access around the kitchen. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings with the plates, bowls and utensils you usually use. Daan Tech states that Bob holds 2 standardised place settings, Candy France lists 6 for the CP 6E51LS, and Electrolux France lists 9 for the ESG42310SW. | If I cook with saucepans or have a day’s worth of washing-up to do, I need to check what will actually fit in the machine, not just the number of place settings. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the machine is filled, the route and positioning of the drain hose, and the instructions. Daan Tech says Bob can use a tank or a standard water supply; the tank doesn’t remove the need for drainage. | I may not have a fixed water supply within easy reach, but I’ll need a suitable way to drain the water in any case. |
| Support and documentation | For a countertop appliance, check that the surface is stable and can bear its weight. Find the instructions and installation diagram for the exact model; Bosch Home Appliances recommends measuring all three dimensions of the space. | I’d rather work out where the appliance will go and how the hoses will run before making room for it in my kitchen. |
| Repairability | For household dishwashers covered by the rules in France, check the relevant index for the exact model. The French order of 22 April 2022, published by Légifrance, sets out model-specific calculation criteria. | When comparing two models, I want to check the maintenance and repairability information for each one, rather than relying on the rating for a different variant. |
According to Daan Tech, Bob’s tank can replace a fixed water supply for filling, but the waste water still needs to be directed to a drain. The appliance also needs a suitable, stable surface.
Before ordering, check the drain hose route and how it should be secured in the instructions, then make sure your worktop can support the appliance.
Candy France lists the CP 6E51LS countertop compact model as measuring 550 × 501 × 443 mm. A 45 cm freestanding model takes up less floor width, but it isn’t a countertop appliance.
Measure all three dimensions of the space and check the clearance required for the model you’re considering.
Daan Tech states that Bob holds 2 standardised place settings, compared with 6 for the Candy CP 6E51LS compact model and 9 for the Electrolux ESG42310SW freestanding model. These figures alone won’t tell you whether your dishes and saucepans will fit.
Make a note of the dishes you use for a typical meal and check the loading dimensions for the model you’re considering.
In France, the order of 22 April 2022 published by Légifrance sets out how the repairability index is calculated for each model of household dishwasher covered by the rules. A rating for a different variant won’t tell you the rating for the appliance you’re buying.
Note down the exact model number and check the matching index and documentation.
These examples illustrate different formats; the specifications mentioned apply to the models listed, not to every product from each brand.
The brand’s Bob is a mini dishwasher designed to sit on a worktop.
The Rapidò CP 6E51LS is a countertop model featured on Candy’s French website.
The French range includes slim dishwashers designed for floor installation.
These countertop models are for kitchens where it’s difficult to make room for an appliance on the floor. Whether you’re considering a mini appliance or a model listed for 6 place settings, check the worktop space, usable capacity and drainage requirements for each one.
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This countertop model may be worth considering if fitting a fixed water supply is difficult. Its product title lists a built-in 5 L tank. Check the space required, the weight your worktop can support and how you’ll drain the water in your kitchen.
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This countertop dishwasher may suit kitchens where filling from a tank is preferable to using a fixed water supply. Its product title lists a 5 L tank. Check the usable capacity, the drain hose route and the dimensions your worktop can accommodate. The product listing states that the tap adapter isn’t included.
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This countertop format may suit you if you want to avoid a permanent plumbing installation. The product title lists 7 programmes, but its wording on capacity doesn’t give a precise number of place settings. Check which dishes it can take, the drain hose and the instructions before choosing.
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This countertop model, listed for 6 place settings, is aimed at small households with a suitable worktop. Its product title mentions 7 programmes. Measure the space and check the clearance, water supply and drainage requirements in the instructions before choosing this model.
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This mini countertop model may suit kitchens with very limited space. Daan Tech states that Bob holds 2 place settings under the European standard, while the listing for this variant says 3. Confirm the capacity of the model being sold, then check the worktop and drainage requirements.
Yes, if the model supports tank filling. Daan Tech says Bob can use a tank instead of a standard water supply. You’ll still need suitable drainage and must follow the instructions.
Not if it’s a freestanding model such as the Electrolux ESG42310SW. Electrolux France describes it as a 45 cm-wide appliance with 9 place settings, designed for floor installation. Check its height and depth too.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as Bosch Home Appliances recommends, then check the installation diagram for the exact model. For a countertop appliance, also check that the surface is stable and can support its weight, and plan the route for the drain hose.
Check the index for each exact model rather than using the rating for a different variant. For household dishwashers covered by the rules in France, the order of 22 April 2022 published by Légifrance sets out model-specific calculation criteria.
Follow the instructions for the model you buy when it comes to cleaning, compatible products and regular maintenance. Requirements can vary from one model to another; Bosch Home Appliances recommends referring to the appliance documentation.