In a small home, start by considering the space you actually have and how many dishes build up between washes. A compact countertop model saves floor space if its capacity is enough; a 45 cm model holds more place settings but needs floor space, while a 60 cm model only makes sense if your kitchen and the amount of washing-up are suited to it. If you can already wash your dishes quickly by hand, you may want to wait before buying.
A countertop model is worth considering if you don’t generate much washing-up. Before giving up worktop space, check that there’s enough room, that the surface is stable, and that the water supply and drainage are suitable.
If six place settings could mean running too many cycles, consider a 45 cm model, provided you have floor space and the necessary connections. Que Choisir describes this format as having a capacity of 9 to 10 place settings, depending on the model.
Compare the stated noise level of each model in dB(A), as well as its capacity and installation requirements. A smaller appliance isn’t necessarily quieter.
Consider it if: your worktop has room for the appliance and you don’t have much washing-up.
The trade-off: its capacity may mean extra cycles, especially for large dishes; even a model with a water tank still needs to be drained.
Consider it if: six place settings aren’t enough, but your kitchen can’t accommodate an appliance 60 cm wide.
The trade-off: you’ll still need the depth, height and connections required for a floor-standing appliance.
Consider it if: you have the space and your household regularly generates enough washing-up to make use of its capacity.
The trade-off: its width takes up more of your kitchen space.
Stick with it if: you have very little washing-up or already wash and dry it quickly after meals.
The trade-off: you avoid the space and installation requirements of an appliance, but still spend time washing up after each meal.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the height, width and depth, then allow room for the hoses and the door to open. | When every bit of kitchen space matters, I want to know where the appliance will fit without getting in the way; around 33% of consumers put space at the top of their list. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the room available for your dishes and utensils. | If I cook regularly, I don’t want to run several cycles to wash the utensils from one meal; capacity is the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Noise | Check the noise level in dB(A) for the specific model and see what cycle times are available. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to be able to stay in the room during a cycle without too much disturbance; around 20% of consumers prioritise noise. |
| Installation and use | Check the required water supply, drainage and socket, then weigh the effort of installation against how much washing-up you do now. | If I already wash a small amount of washing-up quickly, I want to avoid a difficult-to-install appliance that I’ll rarely use; this is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Only some models have a built-in water tank. A plumbed-in appliance needs a suitable water supply, drainage and electricity; a model with a tank still needs a way to drain the water.
Check how your chosen model is supplied with water and use its instruction manual to check the full installation requirements.
A 45 cm model advertised for 9 or 10 place settings may be better suited to regular meals than a compact model for six, but large dishes and basket layout matter too.
Make a note of the washing-up from a busy day and check the basket layout of the model you’re considering.
Noise levels vary from model to model, not just by format. For example, Whirlpool states that its 45 cm WSFO3T223P model has a noise level of 43 dB, while Electrolux gives 49 dB for its compact built-in ESL2500RO.
If you have an open-plan kitchen, compare the stated noise levels of specific models with the times you plan to use them.
An integrated appliance needs a cabinet niche and, depending on its design, a suitable door front. A freestanding model won’t necessarily fit under a worktop.
Measure the niche, depth and available access; check the manual to see whether the top of a freestanding model can be removed.
A door front and its installation can add extra items to consider for an integrated appliance project.
These ranges give you examples of different configurations to compare. The specifications mentioned apply to the models listed, not every appliance from each brand.
Bosch offers compact countertop and 45 cm dishwashers for kitchens where space is limited.
The French range includes 45 cm and 60 cm models, so you can compare them based on the width you have available.
Beko offers 45 cm floor-standing dishwashers, including models advertised for 10 place settings.
Electrolux describes the compact ESL2500RO as a fully integrated 55 cm model with room for six place settings.
These countertop appliances are designed for kitchens where floor space is limited. Their capacities and water supply options vary, so compare them with your usual washing-up and the installation you can manage before choosing.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance with a built-in tank. The title lists a 5 L tank and “5+1” wash cycles; check how much worktop space it needs and how the water is drained.
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Consider this if six place settings match the amount of washing-up you build up between cycles. The title lists seven programmes and 47 dB; measure your available space and check the connections before installing it on a worktop.
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Worth considering for a small amount of washing-up if you’re happy to fill a water tank by hand. The title lists seven programmes, but its “3 Cutlery” wording doesn’t make the number of place settings clear. Check the usable capacity and drainage requirements.
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Consider it if you have very little washing-up and three place settings are enough. Check the water supply, drainage and dimensions in the manual: the title’s “no installation” claim doesn’t mean you can skip these checks.
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Worth considering if three place settings are enough for your daily needs and you want to save floor space. Before choosing this version, check its dimensions and the water supply and drainage it requires.
A plumbed-in compact model needs a water supply, a suitable drain and a nearby socket. Also check that the worktop is stable and that the hoses can pass through without being crushed, then follow the manual for your chosen model.
No. A tank may mean you don’t need a permanent connection to the water supply, but you’ll still need to fill it and drain the water as described in the manual. For example, the Comfee' CDWMTO201D (W) listed on Joybuy has a 5 L tank; this feature isn’t standard across all compact models.
Start with the amount of washing-up you generate between washes, including bulky dishes. Que Choisir lists countertop appliances with six place settings for small homes, 45 cm models with 9 to 10 place settings and 60 cm models with 12 to 17 place settings. The space you have available is still a key factor.
Compare the information for the models you’re considering on a like-for-like basis, including the figures for the Eco programme. The European framework set out by EUR-Lex provides for energy labelling for household dishwashers; Eco programme figures don’t automatically apply to other programmes.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual in France. Check who the seller is and distinguish this legal protection from any additional commercial warranty.