You already have a cabinet space
You want to keep a uniform kitchen with an appliance fitted under the worktop. Check the dimensions of the space, the door panel and whether the appliance can be connected without any unassessed modifications.
Which needs does it suit?
You do not have a ready-made cabinet space
You want to automate the washing-up without replacing a unit. A 45 cm freestanding model could be an option if floor space and the necessary connections are available.
You are short of floor space
You live alone or as a couple, or there is simply no way to install a floor-standing appliance. Compare compact and tabletop models, checking their capacity, water supply and drainage requirements for the specific model.
Priorities before buying
Integrated
Consider it: if a suitable cabinet space, compatible door panel and connections can be confirmed before ordering.
Good to know: installation requires a suitable cabinet space and may need to be carried out by a professional.
Slimline freestanding
Consider it: if you have floor space near the connections and do not have a cabinet space available.
Good to know: the reduced width usually means a lower capacity than a 60 cm model.
Compact or tabletop
Consider it: if no floor space is available and your washing-up load is limited.
Good to know: the water supply and drainage must be checked for each model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility with your kitchen | Measure the usable width, height and depth, including room for the hoses and door clearance. An integrated model must fit the cabinet space; a fully integrated version also requires a compatible door panel. | I want to be sure the appliance will fit in the cabinet space, under the worktop or in the available area without preventing the door from opening. |
| Connections | Check the water inlet, drainage, the stability of the floor or worktop and the electrical setup. Promotelec states in France that a dishwasher socket must be connected to a dedicated circuit. | I need to be able to install the appliance close to the existing connections without improvising an electrical or drainage solution. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the amount of crockery you have between washes and the size of your larger dishes. Whirlpool states that its 45 cm models can hold up to 10 place settings, compared with at least 12 for 60 cm models in its guide. | I am looking for a format that suits my routine: a small appliance may be enough for a limited amount of washing-up, but could mean running more cycles if I cook frequently. |
| Running costs and maintenance | For an integrated model, consider the door panel, installation and any required adaptations separately. Also consult the documentation, the repairability rating where provided, and the maintenance instructions for the filters and spray arms. | I want to compare all the installation and maintenance requirements, not just the appliance format. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing the advertised width with the space needed for installation
A 45 cm appliance is not defined by its width alone: height, depth, hoses and door clearance matter too. For example, Bosch states 845 × 450 × 600 mm for the freestanding SPS4EMI17E and 815 × 448 × 550 mm for the integrated SPV4EMX17E.
Measure the usable space at several points and compare it with the technical specifications and installation diagram for the exact model.
-
Choosing an integrated model without checking the cabinet space and door panel
An integrated dishwasher must be fitted into a suitable cabinet space; fully integrated versions require a furniture door panel. An incompatibility could mean modifying the unit or arranging professional installation.
Ask for the cabinet-space dimensions and door-panel compatibility before buying. If the furniture needs to be modified, consult a professional.
-
Assuming a compact model removes the need for water and drainage connections
Connected appliances need a water inlet, drainage and a power supply. Mini models may work differently depending on their design.
Check the instructions for your chosen model to confirm how it is filled, drained and how much space is needed on and around the worktop.
-
Treating the electrical supply as an afterthought
Promotelec states that a dishwasher socket must be connected to a dedicated circuit; having water and electricity close together requires a suitable installation.
Check the electrical setup before ordering. If a dedicated socket or circuit needs to be installed or modified, use a qualified professional rather than an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor.
Brands to consider for your preferred format
Bosch
In France, Bosch offers 45 and 60 cm integrated dishwashers as well as 45 cm freestanding models, making it useful for comparing dimensions for integrated and freestanding installation.
- The product pages for the SPV4EMX17E, SMV4HVX14E and SPS4EMI17E provide precise dimensions to help you measure your kitchen.
- Bosch recommends using a professional for integrated installation; the product dimensions alone are not enough to confirm that an existing cabinet space, door panel or connection will be compatible.
Beko
Beko is a brand worth considering for a slimline freestanding dishwasher, particularly with the 45 cm DVS05024X, which is presented as suitable for restricted spaces.
- The DVS05024X specifications state that it is freestanding, measures 45 cm and has a capacity of 10 place settings.
- These details apply to this specific model and do not confirm the dimensions of other models or whether the necessary connections are available in your home.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool provides useful benchmarks for comparing 45 cm, 60 cm and semi-integrated models, as well as guides that distinguish between dimensions and connections.
- In its guide, Whirlpool associates 45 cm models with a capacity of up to 10 place settings and 60 cm models with at least 12 place settings.
- These brand guidelines should be checked against the specifications for your chosen model; a semi-integrated dishwasher also requires a cabinet space with the stated dimensions.
Dishwasher options on Joybuy
These Joybuy options cover compact and tabletop dishwashers for an existing small kitchen, where the worktop, water arrangements and washing-up volume are suitable for the model selected.
Image unavailable
Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W), countertop dishwasher
Worth considering for a household of two to three people if the worktop can accommodate the appliance.
Stated dimensions: 420 × 435 × 435 mm. Built-in 5 L tank or tap connection, depending on the configuration described; the tap adaptor is stated as not included.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HTG 8855, mini tabletop dishwasher
This 3-place-setting model is designed for individual use or a very small amount of washing-up.
It is stated to have a 5 L tank or direct tap connection, along with seven programmes. Check the dimensions, door clearance, drainage and space for the hoses before buying.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HTG 8840, tabletop dishwasher
A 6-place-setting option for a small household with a worktop and accessible connections.
Water connection included, with a stated 1,500 mm inlet hose and 1,720 mm drain hose. Check the external dimensions and door clearance.
Image unavailable
GORGENOX DW4-D30A, countertop dishwasher
This 3-place-setting model could suit one person or a couple with a small amount of daily washing-up.
The specifications describe a tap connection and drainage into a sink or bucket. Confirm the dimensions, the space around the appliance and that the drain hose can be secured safely.
Image unavailable
GORGENOX DW5-D40A, countertop dishwasher
Worth considering for very limited washing-up needs when the worktop can accommodate a countertop appliance.
Stated capacity of 3 place settings. The specifications mention inlet and drain hoses that need to be secured; confirm the dimensions, water-supply method and space for larger dishes.
Frequently asked questions
Can an integrated dishwasher directly replace a base unit?
Not automatically. An integrated dishwasher must be installed in a suitable cabinet space and, depending on the version, fitted with a furniture door panel. Check the width, height, depth, door-panel system and connections of the existing space; Bosch recommends using a professional for integrated installation.
Does a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher require no installation work?
It mainly avoids the cabinet-space and door-panel requirements of an integrated model. However, it still needs a stable location, a water inlet, drainage and a suitable electrical socket. Also check the height, depth, hose routing and door clearance.
Does a dishwasher need a dedicated socket in a kitchen in France?
Promotelec states that a dishwasher socket must be connected to a dedicated circuit. If the existing installation does not meet this requirement or needs modifying, have it assessed by a qualified electrician rather than using an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor.
Does a mini dishwasher always work without a water inlet?
No. Some mini models can be filled manually, but this is not a universal feature of compact appliances. Check the instructions for the exact model to confirm the water supply, drainage and space required around the appliance.
When should you seek professional advice before ordering?
Ask for an assessment when a water inlet, drain, socket or circuit needs to be installed or moved, when a unit or worktop needs modifying, or when the cabinet-space and door-panel dimensions cannot be confirmed. These factors determine whether the installation is feasible.