In a small kitchen, start by choosing a spot that suits the appliance’s dimensions, allows its door to open and has the necessary connections. A freestanding compact model works well when height is limited and you have smaller loads. A 45 cm model, whether freestanding or integrated, takes up less width than a 60 cm one. A 60 cm model is still an option if you have enough space and its capacity suits your kitchen and the dishes you use.
A 45 cm appliance may be an option, provided its height, depth and door clearance also work for your space. A freestanding compact model needs a suitable spot on a worktop or in a recess: its name doesn’t guarantee that it will be narrower.
A compact model may be all you need if its capacity suits the amount of washing-up you produce between cycles. For example, Darty lists the Bosch SKS62E32EU as holding 6 place settings. Also check that it can fit the plates and pans you use regularly.
A 45 cm integrated model is worth considering if the recess, connections and required door panel are all compatible with the model. For a fully integrated appliance, the stated width alone doesn’t confirm that it will fit your unit.
First rule out any sizes that can’t be installed in your chosen spot. Then compare the capacity and features of the models that remain.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the route to the space and the clearance needed for the door. For a fixed dishwasher, check the water supply, electricity and drainage. For a fully integrated model, also check the recess and door panel. | I need to be able to position the appliance and open its door without blocking the way through the kitchen. If I want to hide it under the worktop, my unit must be suitable for the model I choose. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the dishes you produce between cycles, and check there’s room for larger utensils. Darty lists the compact Bosch SKS62E32EU as holding 6 place settings; AEG lists 9 for the integrated FSE62417P, and Whirlpool lists 14 for the freestanding WH2FD14BN70. These examples don’t replace checking the exact model you’re considering. | My loads are sometimes small, but I don’t want to choose an appliance that can’t fit the dishes I use regularly. On the other hand, reserving 60 cm of width only makes sense if I can use that space and capacity. |
| Energy use and noise | According to ADEME, the energy label lets you compare details including energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and capacity. Also check the noise level and Eco programme details for the exact model. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to how much noise the appliance makes while it’s running. I also want to compare water and energy use on a like-for-like basis, rather than looking only at the energy rating letter. |
| Maintenance and repairs | Check the documentation, information about spare parts and the services available for the model. Que Choisir notes that diagnosing a fault or carrying out a repair can be more complicated with some dishwashers. | I want to be able to find maintenance information and understand what repair options are available for the appliance I choose. |
A slim model may still be tall and deep. Bosch lists the SPS4EMW17E as measuring 845 × 450 × 600 mm, while Darty gives the compact SKS62E32EU’s dimensions as 45 × 55.1 × 50 cm.
Measure all three dimensions, the route to the space and the clearance needed for the door, then check the dimensions of the exact model.
Bosch says that a fully integrated model is installed under the worktop and needs a furniture door to cover its front. So a nominal width of 45 cm alone doesn’t confirm that it will fit the recess.
Before choosing the appliance, check the installation dimensions, the required door panel and the instruction manual.
A smaller dishwasher still needs the connections required by a fixed appliance. Bosch says its installation requires a water supply, electricity and drainage.
Check the set-up required for the model you choose. If it has a manually filled water tank, check its electricity supply separately, as well as how the waste water needs to be drained.
Two appliances that fit the same space may have different capacities and features. ADEME includes energy use, water per cycle and capacity among the details shown on the label.
Compare these details, the noise level and the capacity you need for your loads, using the product information for specific models that can be installed in your home.
These models illustrate different sizes and installation requirements. Check the specifications on the product page for the model you’re interested in.
Models to compare if you’re weighing up a freestanding compact, a slim freestanding appliance or an under-worktop integrated option.
Models to consider if you’re choosing between a slim integrated appliance and a 60 cm freestanding one.
An option to consider for a fitted kitchen where a 45 cm appliance is being considered.
A 60 cm freestanding model to consider only if that width suits your kitchen.
A brand to explore for compact models with 6 place settings or 45 cm appliances.
This countertop model may suit a kitchen with room for a compact appliance. Its water tank doesn’t mean you can skip checking drainage and installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you have a suitable space on your worktop. Its built-in 5 L tank can be filled manually, and a tap connection is also listed as an option. Before choosing it, check where the waste water will drain and whether the appliance’s capacity suits the amount of washing-up you have.
Not necessarily. Bosch says a fixed dishwasher needs to be connected to a water supply, electricity and drainage. A model with a tank, such as the Comfee CDWMTO201D(W) featured here, may allow you to fill it manually. Even so, check its electricity supply and drainage requirements before choosing it.
It may be narrower but much taller. Bosch lists its freestanding SPS4EMW17E as measuring 845 × 450 × 600 mm, while Darty gives the compact SKS62E32EU’s dimensions as 45 × 55.1 × 50 cm. Compare all three dimensions and the space you have, not just the width.
Check the recess dimensions, connections and door panel required by the model. Bosch says a fully integrated model fits under the worktop and needs a furniture door to cover its front. So a recess listed as 45 cm wide isn’t enough to confirm compatibility.
Compare the energy rating, energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle and capacity in place settings—the details listed by ADEME. Also check the noise level and Eco programme duration for each model: a single letter doesn’t tell you everything about how it will work for you.
Yes, if you want to plan ahead for maintenance. Que Choisir notes that diagnosing faults and carrying out repairs can be more complicated with some dishwashers. Check the documentation and information about spare parts and services for the exact model.