A compact countertop dishwasher could be a good fit if you have room for it on your worktop and its capacity is enough for the dishes between cycles. If several people share the kitchen and produce more washing-up, and there’s space for a permanent installation with the necessary connections, compare slimline 45 cm models instead. If there’s no suitable space or installation, sharing the washing-up by hand avoids adding another appliance, but means dividing the chores fairly. Before you buy, check the dimensions, water supply, drainage, socket and noise level.
If every centimetre counts, measure the space the appliance would take up permanently. Its capacity should also suit the amount of washing-up that builds up between cycles, and its connection method should work with your kitchen.
If you have space on the floor or in an alcove, it’s worth comparing a slimline appliance with a countertop model. UFC-Que Choisir features 45 cm models with a stated capacity of 9 place settings. Check the space needed for installation and to open the door.
If the dishwasher runs near a dining, work or living area, compare the noise emissions shown on the energy label. Tests carried out in comparable conditions can provide a useful extra reference, particularly for vibrations and audible signals.
Worth considering: if you have a stable worktop but no floor space for a permanent appliance.
Bear in mind: a small capacity may mean running more cycles, and a compact size doesn’t remove the need to check the water supply and drainage.
Worth considering: if several people would quickly fill a countertop model and you have space for a permanent installation.
Bear in mind: installation takes up floor space and you’ll need to check the connections. An integrated model may also require changes to the alcove or cabinet door.
Worth considering: if there’s no suitable space and everyone can share the washing-up and putting away.
Bear in mind: this option doesn’t take up space with a new appliance, but means handling the daily washing-up by hand.
To compare appliances, start with where it will go and how it will be installed, then check that its capacity suits the household’s washing-up routine.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the space, door clearance and surrounding gaps. Compare the stated place settings with the space needed for plates and pans: UFC-Que Choisir describes countertop models with 6 place settings and slimline 45 cm models with a stated capacity of 9 place settings. | I want to avoid an appliance taking over the kitchen, but I don’t want to have to start another cycle as soon as several people have eaten. |
| Installation | Check the manual for the exact model for details of the water supply, drainage, socket and installation requirements. For an integrated model, also check the alcove and cabinet door. | Before choosing, I need to know where the appliance will go and how it will be connected to the water supply and drainage. |
| Water, energy and cycle time | On the European energy label, compare energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per Eco cycle, the duration of that programme and the capacity. The European Commission lists these details for dishwashers. | If we run cycles often, I want to compare figures based on the same programme and know how long it takes. |
| Noise | Compare the noise emissions shown on the energy label. If you look at test results, focus on measurements taken in comparable conditions. UFC-Que Choisir includes actual noise levels in its testing protocol. | The kitchen is close to a room where we work or relax, so operating noise matters when we choose. |
An appliance might fit on the worktop, but its hoses may not reach the connections, or the space may need adapting.
Check the manual for the exact model and make sure the dimensions, water supply, drainage, socket and installation requirements are all suitable before ordering.
These countertop models are for anyone who’d rather use worktop space than make room for a permanent floor-standing appliance. Before choosing, check the capacity, available space and water supply method for each model.
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This countertop model is worth considering if its stated capacity of 6 place settings is enough for your household’s washing-up. The title lists 7 programmes and a 24-hour delay start. Measure the available space and check the connections in the manual before buying.
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With a stated capacity of 3 place settings, it’s worth checking how much washing-up several people produce between cycles. The title lists 7 programmes and a 24-hour delay start. Check the manual for the water supply method and how to arrange drainage.
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The integrated tank listed in the title may be worth considering if you’re looking at options other than a permanent water connection. Check the manual for how to fill and drain it, and how much space it needs. The stated capacity of 3 place settings also needs to be enough for the washing-up between cycles.
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This mini dishwasher has a stated capacity of 3 place settings, so compare it with the amount of washing-up your household produces. The title lists 7 programmes. Before installing it, check the manual for the water supply method you’ve chosen, and check the energy label for the noise figure, which may be presented differently depending on the model information.
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This countertop model has a stated capacity of 3 place settings, making it suitable for a smaller amount of washing-up between cycles. The title lists hot-air drying. Check the dimensions and the water supply and drainage requirements for the exact model.
Measure the space, the clearance needed to open the door and the route for the hoses. Then check the water supply, drainage, socket and how stable the space is. For an integrated model, also check the alcove and cabinet door using the manual for the exact model.
No. ‘Compact’ describes the size, not how it’s installed. Check the manual for the exact model to find out how water gets into the appliance, how it drains and what electrical supply it needs.
It may be, if its interior can hold the washing-up between cycles, including plates and pans. UFC-Que Choisir describes countertop models with 6 place settings and slimline 45 cm models with a stated capacity of 9 place settings. Compare these capacities with how you use your dishwasher, rather than just the number of people in your household.
Compare the same details on their European energy labels: energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per Eco cycle, programme duration, capacity and noise emissions. These details, listed by the European Commission for dishwashers, give you a consistent basis for comparison while still allowing for space and installation requirements.