Start by considering the space and connections available. A countertop model may suit a small amount of washing-up, while a 45 cm appliance can handle a larger daily load if you have room for it. In an open-plan kitchen, compare the noise level, capacity and energy consumption on the energy label. An integrated model also needs a compatible housing unit and, depending on its design, a suitable furniture door.
If you don’t have floor space for a 45 cm appliance, a countertop model is worth considering. Check that its capacity suits your everyday dishes, then choose a filling and drainage method that works in your kitchen. The product details for countertop models from Efficieran and Klarstein describe different set-ups.
A slimline appliance may be a good fit if you have more dishes to wash and don’t mind running frequent cycles. UFC-Que Choisir describes 45 cm models with 9 place settings as suitable for a small family, potentially with daily use. Also measure the depth and the space needed to open the door.
If there’s a housing unit ready for an appliance, an integrated model can blend in with your cabinetry, as long as you check its dimensions, furniture door and connections. If the appliance will be used near your living area, compare its stated noise level too: UFC-Que Choisir highlights how important noise can be in an open-plan kitchen.
Start with the space and connections available, then make sure the capacity suits your everyday dishes before comparing noise levels and energy consumption.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the space in front of the open door. For a countertop model, check there’s room on the worktop too; for an integrated model, measure the housing unit and furniture door. | I want to leave enough room to move around and use the worktop, even when the dishwasher door is open. |
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the amount of washing-up you produce and how often you’re happy to run a cycle. UFC-Que Choisir cites 45 cm models with 9 place settings as suitable for a small family; the Klarstein Aquatica Mini product listing, meanwhile, states that it holds 2 place settings. | If I cook every day, I’d rather check that the appliance can hold a day’s worth of dishes than choose the narrowest format just for its size. |
| Connections | Check the instructions to see whether the appliance has a fillable water tank or connects to a tap, then check the drainage hose and where it will discharge. In France, Promotelec states that a dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit. | If there’s no fixed water connection where I want to put the appliance, I need to know how to fill it and where the waste water will drain. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise emissions and noise class on the energy label for the exact model. UFC-Que Choisir lists noise as a particularly relevant factor in an open-plan kitchen. | The appliance will run near my living area, so I can’t judge how noisy it is just from its compact or slimline format. |
| Energy and water use | On the EU energy label, compare the A to G rating, kWh per 100 Eco cycles and litres per Eco cycle. The European Commission lists these as dishwasher label details. | If I run cycles often, I want to compare water and energy use on the same basis, rather than relying on a general claim. |
| Installation | For a freestanding model, check the space and access to the connections. For an integrated or semi-integrated model, check the housing unit, door and control panel; UFC-Que Choisir notes that an integrated model needs to fit into a purpose-built housing unit. | I’d like the appliance to blend in with my cabinetry, but only if my kitchen is suitable for it. |
Water supply methods vary by model. Product listings from Efficieran and Klarstein show that a countertop appliance may use a water tank or hoses connected to a tap and drainage outlet.
Read the instructions before buying. Check how the appliance is filled, which accessories are included, where the drainage hose will run and what socket it needs.
Width doesn’t tell you the depth, capacity or noise level. Bosch, for example, lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm for its freestanding SPS2HMI02E model; these dimensions won’t apply to every 45 cm appliance.
Measure the whole space and the door’s opening clearance, then compare the specifications of the model you’re considering.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, an integrated model needs to be fitted into a purpose-built housing unit. The furniture door and installation may also need to be factored into your plans.
Check the housing unit’s dimensions, furniture door compatibility and access to connections before settling on this format.
In an open-plan kitchen, the appliance runs close to your living area. UFC-Que Choisir takes noise into account in its testing criteria, while the EU energy label shows the stated noise emissions.
Compare this information across appliances that already meet your capacity and installation needs.
These examples illustrate formats and configurations worth considering. The specifications listed apply to the named models, not every appliance from each brand.
The 45 cm freestanding SPS2HMI02E is a useful example of the dimensions and energy details to check.
The French range includes 45 cm freestanding and fully integrated appliances.
In France, Beko offers freestanding, integrated with a visible control panel, and fully integrated dishwashers.
The brand offers mini dishwashers that are worth considering if you don’t have enough floor space.
These four countertop appliances are for kitchens where there’s no room on the floor for a 45 cm dishwasher. Their capacities and water supply methods vary, so check the installation requirements and stated noise level for each model before choosing.
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This countertop model is listed as suitable for a household of 2 to 3 people. Its product details give dimensions of 420 × 435 × 435 mm and state that it can be filled using a 5 L tank or connected to a tap. Make sure there’s a suitable place for the drainage hose to discharge, and check the noise level before setting it up in an open-plan kitchen.
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Its stated capacity of 6 place settings may suit a household that gets through more dishes but still wants a table-top appliance. The product details state a noise level of 47 dB and water use of 6,5 L per cycle, and list a 1 500 mm inlet hose and a 1 720 mm drainage hose. Measure the space and make sure the connections are within reach.
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This countertop model is listed with a capacity of 3 place settings and drying and storage functions. Before making space for it on your worktop, check its dimensions, water supply method, and the position of the inlet and drainage hoses. Also check its noise level if you plan to use it near your living area.
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This countertop dishwasher is listed with a capacity of 3 place settings and is designed to connect to a tap. The fact that it doesn’t need permanent installation doesn’t mean you can ignore how the drainage hose is positioned. Check the dimensions, electrical requirements and noise level before buying.
No, the water supply method depends on the model. The Efficieran product listing describes an appliance that can be used with a 5 L tank or connected to a tap; the Klarstein Aquatica Mini listing mentions a tap connection as well as inlet and drainage hoses. Check the instructions to see how your chosen model is filled and drains water.
Yes, if its capacity and dimensions suit your kitchen and the amount of washing-up you produce. UFC-Que Choisir describes 45 cm models with 9 place settings as suitable for a small family, potentially with daily use. Check the depth and the space in front of the door too, not just the width.
For a domestic dishwasher in the EU, compare the A to G rating, energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per Eco cycle, capacity and noise emissions. The European Commission lists these details on the label; compare energy and water figures using the same reference programme.
Find the socket intended for the dishwasher before choosing where to put it. Promotelec states that it must be on a dedicated circuit, close to the necessary water inlet and drainage points. If you’re unsure whether your kitchen is suitable, ask a professional to check before attempting to connect the appliance yourself.