For a small kitchen in daily use, start by choosing a size that fits the space you actually have and a capacity that suits the amount of washing-up you produce between cycles. A compact model may work for smaller loads; consider a slimline model if a compact one feels too limited and you don't have room for a 60 cm-wide appliance. If a 60 cm model will fit, compare it too, taking account of the door opening, connections, noise and Eco programme data.
In a small kitchen, available space isn't the only factor: the housing, the amount of washing-up and how close the kitchen is to your living area all matter too.
If you're adding or replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen, measure the width, height and depth of the space. For an integrated model, also check that the cabinet door and hinge system match the installation diagram for the model you're considering.
A compact model saves space, but the stated place setting capacity doesn't tell you whether your saucepans and dishes will fit in the racks. Compare a typical day's washing-up with the model's capacity and layout, then consider how often you'd like to run a cycle.
If a cycle will be running near your living area, compare the noise emissions in dB and the noise rating shown on the label. UFC-Que Choisir particularly highlights how important this is for open-plan kitchens; an appliance's size alone won't tell you how noisy it is.
First rule out any sizes that won't fit or can't handle your daily load. Then compare the labels and installation requirements of the models that remain.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the width, height and depth; check the door clearance and, for an integrated model, the housing, hinges and cabinet door. Consult the diagram for the exact model. | I want to be able to open the appliance without blocking the walkway or finding out later that the cabinet door isn't compatible. |
| Capacity and size | Compare the stated place setting capacity with the space available for dishes and utensils. As examples specific to these models, Candy lists 6 place settings for its freestanding CP 6E51LS compact model, Electrolux lists 9 for the slimline EES42210L, and Candy lists 10 for the integrated CI0C7SB0FA. | If my everyday washing-up fits in a compact model, I can prioritise that size. Otherwise, I'll consider a slimline model; I'll only choose a 60 cm model if there is genuinely enough room for it and its door to open. |
| Connections | Check the instructions for your chosen model to find out what water supply, drainage and electrical connections it needs. A freestanding model still needs its connections checked. | I need to be able to position the appliance somewhere its specified connections can be set up, not just somewhere it fits on the worktop. |
| Water, energy and cycle time | Compare the energy efficiency class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and capacity on the label. The ADEME and European Commission explain these standard figures; compare them with the size of each appliance in mind. | As I plan to use it regularly, I want to look at the Eco cycle figures and duration rather than choosing based on the energy efficiency class alone. |
| Noise | Compare the noise emissions in dB and the noise rating on each model's label, using the information outlined by the European Commission. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to know the stated noise level before planning to run cycles while people are using the living area. |
| Repairability | Check the repairability index shown for the model. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, this score out of 10 indicates how easy or difficult it is to repair; it doesn't measure the appliance's size or capacity. | Once I've found models that fit my kitchen, I also want to be able to compare their repairability information. |
A slimline or compact appliance may still be too deep, fail to fit in the housing or block the walkway when its door is open. With an integrated model, the cabinet door and hinges add another consideration.
Measure the entire space, then check the installation diagram and door clearance for the exact model.
The 6 place settings stated for some compact models give you a useful guide, but saucepans and large dishes can reduce the space available for the rest of your washing-up.
Think about everything you'd use in a typical day of meals and check the rack layout before choosing this size.
Two labels could point to different choices depending on the capacity you need, water used per cycle, Eco cycle duration and noise.
Compare the Eco programme figures for models that suit your load, keeping kWh per 100 cycles separate from litres per cycle.
The repairability index tells you about an appliance's potential to be repaired; it doesn't, by itself, describe the cover offered by an extended warranty from a retailer.
Check the model's index separately from the written terms of any extended warranty before deciding whether to buy one.
The details below relate to specific models cited by their manufacturers; they don't apply to every appliance from each brand.
A model worth checking when comparing the dimensions of an integrated dishwasher with your kitchen housing.
These two models show the difference between a compact integrated appliance and a slimline integrated one.
The brand offers a tabletop model and a slimline integrated one, each worth considering in light of the space available.
This selection includes compact freestanding models and 60 cm integrated models. For compact models, check that they can handle your daily load; for 60 cm models, first make sure there's enough room in your kitchen.
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Worth considering for a small daily load, provided three place settings are enough for the utensils you need to wash too. The title lists seven programmes and a D energy efficiency class. Before placing it on a worktop, check its dimensions, door clearance, the connections specified in the instructions and the figures on the label.
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With six place settings, this model is worth considering if your everyday washing-up is too much for a very small compact dishwasher. The title lists seven programmes, a D energy efficiency class and a stated noise level of 47 dB. Check the space required, connections and model label before comparing these details with those of other appliances.
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Consider this for a larger daily load only if you have a housing suitable for a 60 cm appliance. The title lists 13 place settings and a B energy efficiency class. Check the installation dimensions and cabinet door; for noise, refer to the model's label, as the figures in its product information differ.
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The stated capacity of 14 place settings is worth comparing with your household's needs if your kitchen can accommodate a 60 cm model. The title lists an E energy efficiency class. Check the housing, cabinet door and door clearance, then look at the Eco programme's water and energy figures to compare it with models of other capacities.
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This tabletop model may be worth considering if an integrated dishwasher won't work in your space, provided you check how much washing-up it can hold. The title lists eight programmes and a built-in water softener. Before buying, check the model's dimensions and water supply and drainage requirements in its instructions.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the room needed in front of the appliance to open its door. For an integrated model, also check the housing, hinges and cabinet door against the installation diagram for your chosen model; the stated size alone doesn't replace these measurements.
Check the connections required for the exact model before deciding where to put it. Bosch notes that installing a dishwasher involves a water supply, electricity and drainage; for the compact CP 6E51LS, Candy describes a direct connection to the water supply. Check the instructions and requirements for the model you're considering.
Compare the energy efficiency class, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration, place setting capacity and noise emissions. The ADEME and European Commission provide these standard figures; also check the rack layout, which the label doesn't describe on its own.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, it gives you an indication of how easy or difficult an appliance is to repair, with a score out of 10. Compare the index for models that already suit your space and load: the score doesn't tell you about their capacity or whether they'll fit in your housing.