In a studio flat, start by checking the space you’ve measured and the connections available. A tabletop model saves floor space but takes up worktop room; a 45 cm freestanding model is suitable if you have a suitable space and need to fit more dishes. Capacity varies by model: Candy lists 6 place settings for its tabletop CP 6E51LW and 10 for its 45 cm CDPH 2D1047S. Also compare the full dimensions and noise level of the model you’re considering, especially if your kitchen opens onto your living space.
If there’s no floor space for a slimline appliance, a tabletop model is worth considering, provided your worktop can accommodate it without getting in the way of the sink or food preparation. Then check that its capacity suits the dishes you accumulate between cycles.
A slimline appliance can handle larger loads, as long as you also have enough depth and height, as well as the necessary connections. For specific examples, Candy lists 10 place settings for the 45 cm CDPH 2D1047S, compared with 6 for its tabletop CP 6E51LW.
Your choice depends on what installation actually involves. Placing an appliance on an available surface is very different from drilling into a unit or altering a water supply. Work out what changes are needed before choosing a size, and speak to your landlord if you’re considering making any alterations.
Start with the space and connections, then compare capacity and usage details with the dishes you wash every day.
| What to check | Points to consider | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, depth and height of the space you’ve chosen. Allow room to open the door, route the hoses and access cupboards. Candy gives the tabletop CP 6E51LW dimensions of 550 × 501 × 443 mm (W × D × H), compared with 448 × 605 × 846 mm for the freestanding CDPH 2D1047S. | I want to keep enough worktop space for cooking, or use a floor space that won’t block the way. |
| Connections | Check the manual for the exact model to find out about the water supply, drainage, plug and any accessories needed. The tabletop format alone doesn’t determine how the appliance fills: Candy lists a direct water connection for the CP 6E51LW. | In my kitchenette, the sink and connections need to remain accessible once the appliance is installed. |
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the dishes you produce between cycles. Also check whether your plates and pans will fit in the racks: the place-setting capacity won’t tell you whether every item you use will fit. | If I mainly wash a small load after each meal, a tabletop appliance may be enough. If I want to let more dishes pile up, I’ll check whether a 45 cm model will actually fit in my kitchen. |
| Noise | Check the dB(A) level and noise class for the exact model on its energy label. Beko lists 41 dB(A) for the BDFS26041XQ; this figure doesn’t apply to other models from the brand. | I work, eat or sleep near the kitchen, so the noise during a cycle matters more to me than a simple ‘quiet’ claim. |
| Water and energy use | According to ADEME, the energy label shows details including kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle. Compare these figures, the capacity and the Eco programme duration rather than looking only at the energy efficiency class. | I want to compare consumption with the number of cycles I’ll run, without assuming that two appliances with different capacities will suit the same needs. |
A tabletop appliance takes up some of your worktop, while a slimline freestanding model also needs enough depth and height. Width alone won’t tell you whether the door can open without hitting the units.
Measure the final space and clearance, then compare them with the W × D × H dimensions of the exact model.
Candy describes the CP 6E51LW as having a direct connection to the water supply. A ‘no installation’ claim for another product doesn’t, on its own, explain how it fills and drains.
Before choosing a model, check the manual for the water supply, drainage, plug and any accessories needed.
The energy efficiency letter doesn’t replace the consumption figures, capacity or noise level. ADEME says the energy label includes details such as kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle.
Check these figures on the label for each appliance you’re considering, along with the place settings, Eco programme duration and dB(A) level.
In a rented home, your chosen space may require you to drill into a unit or alter existing connections. That’s different from simply installing an appliance.
Describe exactly how you plan to install it and get written permission from your landlord before making any changes to the kitchen or its fittings.
These examples show different formats. Their features relate to the ranges or models mentioned, not every appliance made by each brand.
Candy France offers both a tabletop appliance and a slimline freestanding model, making them useful examples for comparing two different setups.
Bosch Home Appliances France distinguishes between its countertop appliances and built-in compact models.
Beko France’s BDFS26041XQ is an example of a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher for a kitchen with floor space available.
The Comfee' Mini Lite CDWMTO201D (W) is presented on Joybuy France as a countertop appliance.
These five tabletop dishwashers are options for kitchens where a worktop is available but there’s no dedicated floor space. Compare their capacity and installation requirements with your needs. This list isn’t a substitute for comparing them with a slimline 45 cm model if you have room to install one.
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Its tabletop size suits kitchens without dedicated floor space for an appliance. The product name specifies a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 cycles. Check the manual to find out about filling, drainage and the clearance needed around the appliance.
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Compare the stated capacity of 6 place settings with your daily loads and the space your utensils take up. The product name specifies 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy efficiency class D. Check the exact model’s dimensions and label to see whether it will fit and how noisy it might be in your living space.
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This countertop model is worth considering if you’re short on floor space. Its name specifies a built-in 5 L tank, 6 + 3 programmes and energy efficiency class D. Before choosing it for your everyday dishes, check the manual for its usable capacity, filling method and drainage.
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Compare this mini tabletop model with the dishes you want to wash in one cycle. Its name specifies 7 programmes and energy efficiency class D, but the wording ‘3 Cutlery’ doesn’t tell you the number of place settings on its own. Check the capacity and the size of items it can accommodate.
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This countertop format suits a worktop with enough clear space. The product name specifies 8 programmes, a delay-start function and a built-in water softener. Check the dimensions and water supply and drainage requirements before deciding where to put it.
Yes, as long as it can hold the dishes you produce between cycles and you’re happy with the worktop space it takes up. To compare two specific models, Candy lists 6 place settings for its tabletop CP 6E51LW and 10 for its 45 cm CDPH 2D1047S. Also check whether your pans and large plates will fit.
It depends on the model: Candy lists a direct water connection for the CP 6E51LW. Before buying, check the manual to find out how the appliance fills, where the water drains and which accessories are needed. Don’t assume this from its size alone.
Check the energy label for each model you’re considering. ADEME says it includes details such as capacity, noise level, kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle, so the energy efficiency class alone isn’t enough to compare how two appliances perform in everyday use.
First check the space, existing connections and what installation involves. If your plans include drilling, altering a unit or changing the water supply or drainage, explain the work to your landlord and get written permission before going ahead.