If there’s no space for an integrated model, start by considering the room you have, how much washing up you need to do and which connections are available. A compact appliance with a water tank avoids the need for a fixed water supply, but still needs a waste-water outlet. A 6-place-setting tabletop model suits a larger load and connects directly to the water supply, while a 45 cm freestanding model needs floor space and generally offers greater capacity. Before choosing, check the full dimensions, door clearance and connection instructions for the exact model.
If a permanent connection to the water supply is difficult, a water-tank appliance could suit a very small load. You’ll still need to plan for drainage: Daan Tech describes both water-supply options for Bob and requires a waste-water outlet.
If you have worktop space, a water supply and a waste-water outlet, a tabletop model with around 6 place settings could suit your everyday washing up. The Candy Rapidò CP 6E51LW is an example of this format, with a direct connection.
If you can make room on the floor, a 45 cm freestanding model can handle a larger load than a tabletop appliance. Que Choisir generally puts these models at around 9 to 10 place settings; check the dimensions and connections for the model you choose.
The connections determine which appliances you can install. Then compare capacity with the space each one takes up, followed by the noise level and consumption of the model you’re considering.
Consider it: for a very small load when the lack of a fixed water supply is the main obstacle.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill it manually and capacity is limited; a waste-water outlet is still required. Daan Tech states that Bob has a 3.9 L tank and holds 2 place settings according to the European standard.
Consider it: if your worktop can accommodate the appliance and the water supply and drainage connections are accessible.
Bear in mind: it also takes up worktop depth. Candy gives the Rapidò CP 6E51LW’s dimensions as 550 × 501 × 443 mm; it requires a direct water supply connection.
Consider it: if you have floor space and your usual load justifies around 9 to 10 place settings, according to Que Choisir.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to allow for depth and height as well as the 45 cm width, plus the water, drainage and electricity connections Bosch specifies for dishwasher installation.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Check the instructions for the water supply, drainage route and electrical socket; a water tank doesn’t remove the need for drainage. | Without a fixed water supply, I need to know whether manual filling makes installation possible and where to drain the water. Around 42% of consumers prioritise whether the connections are practical. |
| Capacity and space | Compare the number of place settings with your usual load, then measure the width, depth, height and door clearance. | In a narrow kitchen, I want to wash my dishes without choosing an appliance that blocks the worktop or walkway. Capacity in relation to the available space is a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Noise and consumption | Look at capacity, noise emissions, litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and the Eco programme duration together on the energy label. | If the kitchen opens onto the living area, noise matters just as much to me as the water and electricity figures. These are the top priorities for around 25% of consumers. |
Depending on the model, a 45 cm-wide appliance may also need around 60 cm of depth and 85 cm of height. Candy lists the Rapidò CP 6E51LW as 501 mm deep, making it worth checking the space available on your worktop.
Measure the full space, door clearance and room for the hoses before comparing capacities.
A water tank avoids a permanent connection to the water supply, but not the need to drain waste water. For Bob, Daan Tech specifies a hose leading to a sink, a trap or another suitable outlet.
Identify the drainage point and follow the instructions for fitting the hose on the model you choose.
Promotelec states that a socket for a dishwasher must be supplied by a dedicated circuit. With water nearby, it’s especially important to check the existing electrical installation.
Check the circuit before delivery, and ask a suitably qualified professional to assess any work or alterations needed.
Energy use per cycle alone won’t tell you whether a dishwasher’s capacity suits your washing up. The European Commission lists capacity, water per cycle, electricity per 100 cycles, Eco programme duration and noise on the energy label.
Compare these figures together, based on the Eco programme, rather than using just one to rank the different formats overall.
Bob is a very compact worktop model designed for smaller loads.
The Rapidò CP 6E51LW is an example of a 6-place-setting tabletop model.
The SPS4EMI17E is an example of a slimline freestanding model that needs floor space.
The ESA63200SX and ESG42310SW are examples of two 45 cm freestanding models.
These models are designed for smaller loads and placement on a worktop or another suitable surface, rather than in a built-in space. One key difference is how they take in water: check the drainage and connections for each model separately.
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Worth considering for a small load if you’re happy to fill the tank manually and can set up drainage in line with the instructions.
The product name specifies a built-in 5 L tank and six wash options, described as “5+1”.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for 6 place settings on a worktop and have suitable water and drainage connections.
The product name specifies 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy rating D. Check the full dimensions before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering for a small load if you’d prefer a compact appliance on a stable surface. Before buying, check the water-supply method, connection accessories and drainage route for this particular version.
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Worth considering if you have worktop space and want to look at a compact model with a water tank. Check the instructions to find out how to drain waste water before deciding where to put it.
The product name specifies 7 programmes and energy rating D.
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Worth considering for a very small load and placement on a worktop. Check that this version’s capacity suits your washing up, then consult the instructions for water supply and drainage.
The product name identifies the white/copper finish and All-Options Pack variant; check exactly what’s included in the pack before buying.
No, it depends on the model. Daan Tech offers Bob with a water tank or a connection to the water supply, while Candy specifies a direct connection for the CP 6E51LW. In both cases, you’ll need to plan for drainage in line with the instructions.
Yes, if the model is designed for this and there’s enough clearance. Que Choisir recommends checking whether the top is removable. Electrolux states that the ESA63200SX and ESG42310SW can be installed under a worktop, but not in a raised position.
Look at capacity, litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles, Eco programme duration and noise emissions together. The European Commission lists these figures on dishwasher energy labels; checking capacity helps you put a cycle’s consumption into context.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. It covers issues including defects in the product, packaging or assembly instructions; whether an installation problem is covered depends on the circumstances in which the installation was carried out.