A countertop dishwasher is a good fit if a small load will fit inside and your worktop, water supply and drainage allow you to install it. If your everyday dishes exceed its capacity, consider a slimline 45 cm model, provided you have floor space; a full-size model is also an option if you already have a suitable space and will make use of its capacity. Whatever you choose, compare the dimensions and Eco programme information for specific models rather than assuming their consumption from their width.
In a small kitchen, it’s not just the width of the appliance that matters. You’ll also need to keep enough worktop space for food preparation, make sure the door can open and have access to the connections.
A countertop appliance can save you from having to set aside a base unit, but it will take up worktop space. Measure the area and check that the surface is stable, with access to water, drainage and an electrical socket. UFC-Que Choisir describes 6-place-setting models as appliances designed to sit on a worktop.
If your pans, pots and utensils would quickly fill a small basket, compare your usual load with the capacity and interior layout of each model. A 45 cm model is worth considering if you’d find yourself running several cycles in a countertop appliance and have floor space available.
If you have a space under the worktop or on the floor, the smallest size isn’t automatically the most practical choice. Check the dimensions of the space, then compare the capacity, noise level and Eco programme information of appliances that will actually fit.
First rule out any sizes that won’t fit in your kitchen, then compare the capacity of the remaining options with your everyday dishes.
Consider it if: you’re short on floor space, have a suitable surface and usually have small loads to wash.
The trade-off: it takes up worktop space, and its basket may mean running several cycles for larger dishes. The water supply method depends on the model.
Consider it if: a countertop appliance would be too small and you can set aside around 45 cm of floor space.
The trade-off: it leaves your worktop clear, but you’ll need enough depth and compatible connections for the model you choose.
Consider it if: you already have a suitable space and your volume of dishes makes the extra capacity worthwhile.
The trade-off: it can be difficult to accommodate its width and depth in a small kitchen, so check the layout before settling on this size.
| Criterion | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Space needed | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed for the door. For a countertop model, check the supporting surface too. | I want enough room to prepare meals without blocking off a cupboard or walkway. Around 36% of shoppers would prioritise the space an appliance takes up. |
| Everyday capacity | Compare your largest usual load with the advertised place-setting capacity and the space available for dishes and pans. | When I cook often, I don’t want to run several cycles just to wash the utensils from one meal. Capacity would be the top criterion for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Installation | Check the instructions for the water supply, drainage, hoses and electrical socket, including whether the model can be filled manually. | If the connections aren’t suitable, I need to know what installation will involve before ordering. Around 21% of shoppers would put this practical consideration first. |
| Running costs and repairability | Check the energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, duration and noise level of the Eco programme. Look up the repairability index for the specific model. | Once the appliance is installed and has enough capacity, I want to compare models based on their usage information and repairability. Around 14% of shoppers would put these criteria first. |
A model that connects directly to the water supply, such as the Candy CP 6E51LW featured by Candy, needs a water inlet. Even if you fill it manually, you’ll still need to plan for drainage and follow the manufacturer’s electrical instructions.
Before arranging delivery, check the water supply and drainage options in the instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
If your existing connections aren’t suitable, you may need plumbing, electrical or carpentry work. Electrolux states that this work is not included in its installation service.
The place-setting capacity alone won’t tell you whether your frying pans, saucepans and large dishes will fit alongside a meal’s worth of crockery. An appliance that fits in your kitchen may still mean running too many cycles.
Take stock of a large, typical load and check the basket layout and usable dimensions. If everything won’t fit, compare 45 cm models too.
Labels such as ‘countertop’ or ‘45 cm’ aren’t enough to tell you how much energy a specific model uses. The figures on the energy label relate to the Eco programme and don’t cover every other programme.
Compare the energy use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle on the labels of the models you’re considering, as well as the Eco programme duration and noise level.
According to the ministry responsible for the environment, the repairability index is displayed in France for the household dishwashers covered by the scheme. The score helps you assess how repairable an appliance is; it doesn’t predict whether it will break down or how long it will last.
Compare the index and its breakdown for specific models, while keeping capacity, installation and energy use as separate considerations.
The examples below show the sizes and features of specific models. They aren’t necessarily representative of an entire range.
One option to explore if you’re looking for a 6-place-setting tabletop appliance for a very small kitchen.
A brand to consider if you’re choosing between a countertop appliance and a slimline model.
Another brand to compare across compact and 45 cm models.
These appliances are options to consider if you’re looking for a countertop dishwasher for a small kitchen. Their advertised capacities and water supply methods differ, so compare them with your usual load, available space and drainage arrangements before choosing.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to fill a worktop appliance manually. The title advertises a built-in 5 L tank and ‘5+1’ wash cycles. Manual filling doesn’t remove the need for drainage, and you’ll also need to allow enough space to open the door.
Image unavailable
Compare this model if a countertop appliance with a tank suits your space. The title advertises a 5 L tank, ‘6+3’ programmes and a D energy rating. If you’re considering connecting it to a tap, check which adapter you’ll need and how it drains. Check the basket too, to see how much room it offers for your dishes.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for smaller loads if you’re looking for a tabletop appliance. The title advertises a 3-place-setting capacity, seven programmes and a delay-start function. Before buying, check that your dishes and pans will fit in the basket, and check the water supply and drainage requirements.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need an advertised capacity of 6 place settings but still want a tabletop model. The title lists seven programmes, a delay start of up to 24 hours and a D energy rating. Measure the space and check the instructions for the connections and hose lengths required.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing for smaller loads, provided your utensils fit in the basket. The title advertises a 3-place-setting capacity and hot-air drying and UV treatment features, but these claims don’t establish sanitising performance. Check the dimensions and the water supply and drainage options in the instructions.
Some models can be filled manually, but not all. For example, Candy says the CP 6E51LW connects directly to a water supply. Whatever model you choose, check its instructions for drainage and electrical requirements too.
Measure the space in width, depth and height, and allow for the door to open and hoses to pass through. For a countertop appliance, check that the surface can support it too. If any work is needed, check separately what’s included in the installation service on offer.
No. Width alone doesn’t tell you how much energy a model uses. Compare the labels for the models you’re considering on the same basis, particularly the Eco programme’s energy use per 100 cycles and water use per cycle. These figures don’t cover every programme.
According to the ministry responsible for the environment, it helps you compare the repairability of the household dishwashers covered by the scheme and sold in France. Check the score and its breakdown for the specific model. It isn’t a guarantee of how long the appliance will last, and it doesn’t replace checks on capacity and installation.