Start by choosing according to how much washing-up you have, the space available and the connections you can use. A 45 cm model is suitable if you can install it and are happy to run frequent cycles. A compact model with a water tank can work around certain water-supply limitations, but still needs draining and offers less room for dishes. A full-size model is also an option if it genuinely fits in your kitchen and suits your mealtime routine. If you have very little washing-up, you may not need to buy an appliance at all.
If you have enough washing-up to run a machine regularly, a 45 cm model is worth considering. First, check the water supply, drainage, plug socket and the space needed to open the door. UFC-Que Choisir says that narrow models with 9 place settings can suit a small family, even if they need to be run every day.
A compact model designed to run from a water tank could meet this need, provided you also have a plug socket and a suitable way to drain the waste water. Daan Tech describes this set-up for Bob; it does not apply to all compact models.
If you wash up after every meal and it takes you very little time, weigh up the convenience you expect against the space an appliance would take up. UFC-Que Choisir estimates that a dishwasher is not essential if washing and drying the dishes takes less than 15 minutes.
Start with the dishes you need to wash and the installation options available, then compare the appliance’s overall dimensions and its Eco programme figures.
Consider it if: the connections and space are available, and you’re happy to run regular cycles.
Bear in mind: its capacity may mean frequent cycles; you’ll also need to allow for its depth and space in front of the door.
Consider it if: you have a small amount of washing-up and a suitable model will fit on your worktop.
Bear in mind: a water tank doesn’t remove the need for drainage or a plug socket; check that there’s room for your plates and dishes.
Consider it if: its capacity for larger dishes or less frequent cycles is worth it, and your kitchen has room for it.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space and may often be only partly full if you rarely have a lot of washing-up.
Consider it if: washing up after meals takes very little time, or you don’t have a suitable space or drainage.
Bear in mind: you’ll still have to wash everything by hand, especially after a meal that leaves more washing-up.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and frequency | Remember to count pans and larger dishes too; check the stated place settings and the interior layout. | When washing-up builds up between meals, I want to avoid running lots of cycles or leaving dishes out. Around 31% of consumers rank useful capacity as their top priority. |
| Installation | Check the water supply, drainage and plug socket. For a model with a tank, also check the route for the drainage hose. | Without a usable fixed water supply, I’m looking for a suitable way to fill the machine, but I still need to be able to drain the water. This installation option is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the space needed with the door open; check the recess or worktop. | In a small kitchen, I don’t want to block the way or lose all my food preparation space. Finding room for the appliance comes before other considerations for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy use and repairability | Compare the kWh per 100 Eco cycles, litres per cycle and the model’s repairability index. | If I run the machine often, I want to know its reference consumption figures and be able to check how repairable it is. Around 19% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
According to ADEME, the energy label shows the electricity used per 100 reference cycles and the water used per reference cycle. Compare these figures for the specific models you’re considering, then factor in how many cycles your household would actually run.
A 45 cm model still needs space for its depth and for the door to open. A compact model, meanwhile, can take up a significant part of your worktop.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, then check the manual for the door, hoses and, if necessary, the recess dimensions.
On models designed for this purpose, a tank can replace a fixed water supply, but the waste water still needs to be drained. Daan Tech, for example, specifies a drainage hose for Bob.
Check the manual for your chosen model to see where to position and secure the hose, and what electrical supply it needs.
Depending on the set-up, you may also need to fill the tank by hand or use suitable drainage accessories.
A narrow appliance doesn’t automatically mean lower consumption if it leads you to run more cycles.
Compare Eco figures on a like-for-like basis and consider how often you’ll use the dishwasher, rather than choosing based on dimensions alone.
Whether the appliance can be dismantled and whether spare parts are available may influence your choice, especially if it will stay installed in a small kitchen.
Check the model’s repairability index, manual and information on spare parts and after-sales service.
Bosch offers 45 cm dishwashers, including integrated models for kitchens where a conventional installation is possible.
The brand offers Bob, a mini dishwasher worth considering if you have a small amount of washing-up and space on your worktop.
Miele’s range includes the G 5590 SCVi SL Active, a fully integrated 45 cm model designed for compact kitchens.
Electrolux offers a range of compact dishwashers for smaller kitchens and spaces.
These countertop models are for small households considering an appliance that sits on a worktop. Their capacities and water supply methods vary, so check the space and drainage requirements for each one.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance whose title specifies a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Allow for waste water drainage and check the installation dimensions and energy label figures for the exact model.
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For a small household considering a countertop model with a built-in 5 L tank. The title specifies 6+3 programmes and a D energy rating. Check the dimensions, drainage and water supply method to make sure they suit your kitchen; the tap adaptor is listed as not included.
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Worth considering if the stated capacity of 6 place settings suits your dishes better than a mini model. The title specifies 7 programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Check the full dimensions and required connections in the manual before setting aside space for it.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a small tabletop appliance and can arrange drainage. The title specifies 7 programmes, a delay start of up to 24 hours and a D energy rating. Check the usable capacity against your own dishes: the wording “3 cutlery” does not specify a standard number of place settings.
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For a small amount of washing-up, the title specifies a capacity of 3 sets, as well as washing, drying and storage functions. Before choosing this model, confirm its dimensions and usable capacity, then check the manual for the water supply and drainage requirements.
Yes, if the model is specifically designed for this. Daan Tech says Bob can be supplied from a tank or through a conventional water supply, but it still needs to drain through a hose. Check the manual, plug socket requirements and drainage route for the model you’re considering.
You’ll need the space specified in the manual, a suitable water supply, drainage and electrical supply. Bosch describes these three connections for dishwasher installation. For an integrated model, also check the recess and the space needed to open the door.
Read the energy label for each model, then compare its figures with how often you do the washing-up. According to ADEME, electricity use is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles, and water use in litres per reference cycle. Don’t confuse Eco programme figures with those for another programme.
Yes. In August 2026, the French Ministry of the Economy stated that displaying the repairability index was compulsory for dishwashers in France. Consider this score out of 10 alongside the manual, spare parts information and after-sales service for the model you choose.