If your kitchen has a suitable recess and compatible cabinet door, choose between a fully integrated model, which is hidden behind a door, and a semi-integrated model, with its control panel left visible. If there’s no suitable space, check whether you have room for a freestanding or tabletop dishwasher, then make sure its capacity suits the washing-up you produce each day. In every case, measure the space and check the connections before comparing energy and water use and noise levels.
If you want to keep the same look as your kitchen units, compare fully integrated and semi-integrated models. The dimensions of the space, the cabinet door and the position of the controls will determine which one fits.
A freestanding model needs floor space, while a tabletop appliance takes up worktop space. In either case, check the full dimensions and choose a capacity that suits the washing-up you produce each day.
In an open-plan kitchen or if you use your dishwasher frequently, compare capacity, noise levels and the consumption figures given for the reference programme, rather than looking at the energy rating alone.
First, work out which format can actually be installed, then compare its capacity and features with those of other appliances that will fit the space.
| Factor | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and cabinet door | Measure the available height, width and depth, allowing for the hoses and the door opening. For an integrated model, check the cabinet door and plinth too; a semi-integrated model has a visible control panel. | I want to keep my kitchen layout without choosing an appliance that blocks a door or doesn’t fit the units. |
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the washing-up you produce after meals. Check the manual to make sure there’s room for your plates, glasses, dishes and pans. | A tabletop model may be enough for my smaller loads, but I need to be able to fit the utensils I actually use. |
| Water, energy and noise | According to ADEME, the energy label shows, among other things, energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per cycle. Also compare capacity, dB and noise class across formats that fit your space. | In an open-plan kitchen, I take the noise during a cycle into account, without overlooking how much washing-up gets done each time. |
| Connections | Check the manual for the model you’re considering to find out what water supply, drainage and electrical socket it needs. Allow room for the connections behind or around the appliance. | If I can’t install a standard appliance, I still need to check how the tabletop model is filled and drained. |
Two appliances with a similar width may differ in height, depth and the type of cabinet door they need. Hoses and the door opening also take up space.
Measure the whole space, then compare your measurements with the installation diagram for the exact model.
Depending on the model and kitchen unit, you may need a cabinet door or an adjusted plinth.
A tabletop format doesn’t determine how an appliance is filled: Candy states that its CP 6E51LS connects directly to a water supply.
Check the water inlet, drainage and electrical supply separately in the manual for the model you’re considering.
The rating alone doesn’t tell you how many place settings the appliance holds or how much energy and water it uses for the reference cycle.
For appliances that fit your space, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity and the noise level shown on the label.
A tabletop appliance that holds just a few place settings may be inconvenient if there’s no room for the dishes and pans you use every day.
Consider the washing-up from one or two meals and check the internal dimensions before settling on a capacity.
These examples show different formats; their features don’t apply to every model from the same brand.
For a space designed for a 60 cm semi-integrated model with a visible control panel.
For a fitted kitchen where a compatible cabinet door can hide the appliance completely.
For a space on the floor with connections, without the need for an integrated cabinet door.
For smaller loads when there isn’t room under the worktop for a standard appliance.
For exploring built-in models for a fitted kitchen.
These tabletop models are suited to small kitchens where there’s no room for a standard appliance. Make sure their capacity, dimensions and water supply requirements are compatible with your kitchen.
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Worth considering for smaller loads when your worktop is the available space. The product title specifies 3 place settings and 34 cm; check the full dimensions, filling method and drainage against your kitchen setup.
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This compact model is worth considering for a small household’s washing-up. Check that its capacity, dimensions and filling method suit the space and connections you have available.
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A tabletop model to compare with the space available for smaller loads. The product title lists 7 programmes, automatic opening and a D energy rating; check the manual for its capacity, dimensions and drainage.
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Its stated capacity of 6 place settings may be worth considering if a smaller tabletop model can’t fit your everyday washing-up. The product title lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating; check its dimensions and connections before buying.
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Its stated capacity of 3 place settings makes this model suitable for smaller loads. The product title lists 7 programmes and a C energy rating; check its dimensions, water supply requirements and noise level for the exact model before choosing.
Measure the available width, height and depth, as well as the space needed for hoses and the door to open. Check the water supply, drainage and electrical socket; for an integrated model, also check that the cabinet door and plinth are compatible, using the installation manual.
No: the connections depend on the model. Candy says its CP 6E51LS tabletop model needs to connect directly to a water supply; check the manual for the model you’re considering to find out how it drains too.
Compare capacity, energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per cycle, as explained by ADEME. Also look at the noise level and Eco programme duration for models that will fit in your kitchen.
Compare the noise levels in dB and noise classes of appliances that fit your space, especially if you plan to use them while people are in the living area. However, don’t choose on noise alone: capacity and installation requirements matter too.