How to buy the best compact dishwasher

Sometimes space is at a premium and you just can't fit a full-size or even slimline dishwasher in your kitchen. That's where a compact or tabletop dishwasher comes in.

These diminutive dishwashers claim to offer top-quality cleaning and drying, while taking up a fraction of the space of a full-size model. But do they live up to these claims? 

How many plates, glasses and pieces of cutlery do they fit? And do they use less water and energy than a full-sized dishwasher per item – or more? Read on to find out. 

Head to our compact dishwasher reviews to compare all the models we've tested

Best compact dishwashers

Compact dishwashers don't tend to do well in our tests – they use a lot of energy and water, are awkward to load and/or maintain, and don't score very well for cleaning. 

But we have found some models worth considering if you do need one. Just bear in mind that you will need to accept some compromises on performance compared to a full-size dishwasher. 

Only logged-in Which? members can discover the models that performed the best in our tests. Join Which? for instant access to all our Best Buys and expert reviews. 

Not convinced a compact dishwasher is right for you? Take a look at our slimline dishwasher reviews instead

Why choose a compact dishwasher?

Quite simply, smaller spaces need smaller appliances. Studio flats, student accommodation, caravans and motorhomes may suit a compact dishwasher. Or you might want something for a small holiday home to deal with mugs and glasses. 

Compact dishwashers are basically half the size of a standard dishwasher and have enough space for around 40-60 items per wash, including plates, cutlery and crockery. You can choose between a drawer style, built-in model, or a freestanding, tabletop (sometimes called a countertop) dishwasher that just sits on the worktop.  

They can be reasonably priced, although some top-end Fisher & Paykel compact dishwashers can cost more than £1,000.

If you wash a lot of dishes and have the space, there's really no reason to go for a compact dishwasher. A full-size model will be more efficient, easier to load, and possibly even cheaper to buy in the first place.

Dishwasher vs hand washing: which is the most efficient method?

How big is a compact dishwasher?

Compact dishwashers are smaller than both full-size and slimline models. Built-in drawer/integrated compact dishwashers will be a little smaller than a single built-in oven, while table-top ones are a bit bigger than a large microwave.

They have just one rack, rather than the usual two you get with a full-sized dishwasher, and hence are half the height – usually around 45cm. But they're actually wider than a slimline model – around 55cm rather than 45cm.

They go back in depth about as far as a normal dishwasher – usually between 50cm and 60cm.

How much can you fit in a compact dishwasher?

Most compact dishwashers have six place settings, half that of the smallest full-sized dishwashers.

Using the compact dishwashers we've tested as a guide, we've worked out that you'll be able to fit in approximately:

• Six larger plates
• Three dessert plates or bowls
• Two or three glasses or mugs
• Three of each piece of cutlery, in the small cutlery basket

The actual amounts will, of course, depend on how large your individual items are, as well as how you arrange them.

Some larger items, such as bigger pans, oven trays and dishes, will fit into your compact dishwasher. But you'll need to factor in a second wash as you're unlikely to be able to squeeze them in alongside your glasses and crockery.

Read how to load your dishwasher for tips on getting the best clean, plus what is and isn't dishwasher safe

Tabletop dishwasher or drawer dishwasher?

Tabletop dishwashers (also known as countertop dishwashers or freestanding compact dishwashers) will sit on your kitchen work surface, and are the most affordable option. 

Built-in drawer dishwashers (also known as integrated compact dishwashers) tend to be more expensive, but they will blend into your kitchen decor, and save on countertop space. 

Tabletop dishwashers: pros and cons

Tabletop dishwashers can fit into any kitchen that will accommodate them – they simply sit on your kitchen counter.

They're available in a range of colours. Unsurprisingly, white is the most common, but black, grey and silver are also popular.

Pros

• Generally more affordable than integrated/built-in models.
• Unlike integrated models, they're not built into your kitchen units, so you could take your dishwasher with you if you move.

Cons

• They don't blend into kitchens as seamlessly as built-in models
• They'll take up quite a bit of room on your countertop – a little more than a large microwave.

Drawer dishwashers: pros and cons

Integrated and semi-integrated drawer-style compact dishwashers are the most commonly available. They're designed to be built into a kitchen cupboard, so they don't take up space on your countertop.

Fisher & Paykel make quite a few different built-in drawer models, but all are on the pricier side, and usually cost more than £500.

Pros

• Don't take up space on your counter.
• Can blend into your kitchen, with just the front panel on display.

Cons

• Often more expensive than freestanding, countertop dishwashers.
• Controls aren't visible at a glance, so you won't be able to tell how long the program has left.

How much does a good compact dishwasher cost?

You can buy a compact dishwasher for as little as £200, while some others will set you back more than £1,100. 

Even the cheapest and most basic models will have a selection of programs including an eco wash, intensive cycle or tough stains, and a fast one. 

Some will also have a delicate or glassware program to clean your glasses at a lower temperature, protecting them from breakages. 

Tabletop compact dishwashers are generally cheaper than integrated models. If you want this type, which is built into a kitchen unit, it will set you back at least £500.

How much does a compact dishwasher cost to run?

The most efficient compact dishwasher we've seen in recent years would add just £28 to your energy bills each year, based on running it five times a week. Even the least efficient compact dishwasher would cost less than the most efficient full-sized models – around £43.

As compact dishwashers are smaller than full-sized and slimline dishwashers, they typically use less water. But proportionately – plate for plate, and glass for glass – they actually use more water and energy per item.

The only way you would save money by switching to a compact is if you often run your full-sized dishwasher only half full. In this case, you're using a lot of water and energy to clean only a few items, whereas a compact dishwasher will do the same job using less.

Discover the energy costs for every dishwasher we've tested using our interactive tool in the dishwasher energy running costs guide

What features and programs do I need?

Most compact dishwashers come with a good selection of programs, including eco and fast. 

Many now also have an auto program, which will measure how soiled the dishes and glasses are and adjust the amount of water, temperature and program duration to suit. 

But even the most expensive compact dishwashers lack the trendy features of high-end, full-sized models – no smart connectivity, no silent wash mode, no automatic opening door at the end of the cycle. 

And you won't be able to do a half-load or two-zone wash, as there's just one rack.

Learn about all the programs and features available on dishwashers in our dishwasher programs explained guide

Do tabletop dishwashers need to be plumbed in?

You can buy tabletop dishwashers that don't need to be plumbed in. They usually come with a hose that you can direct into your sink, to allow the dirty water to drain away. You'll need to fill them with water before turning them on, too.

Some tabletops, usually referred to as countertop dishwashers, are designed to be more permanent and need to be plumbed in just like any other dishwasher.

If it's sitting on your countertop, you'll have to drill a hole through the counter and connect it to the sink waste, as well as connect it to the water supply. 

You'll need to sit the dishwasher close to the sink to make this easier. Take this into account when planning where you'll put it in your kitchen.

Built-in compact dishwashers, like regular integrated dishwashers, will also need to be plumbed in. 

The price of installation for a compact dishwasher from large retailers, such as Argos, Currys and John Lewis, is the same as for full-sized models. This is normally about £25, but we've seen quotes for integrated dishwashers up to as much as £90.

Looking for a good dishwasher installation service? Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable plumber near you:

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