Best Small Dishwashers UK: Six Slimline Picks

Best small dishwashers UK: six slimline picks

The best small dishwasher depends on whether you need an integrated or freestanding machine. For a permanent kitchen installation, a 45cm slimline dishwasher is usually the most practical choice: these models typically hold 9–10 place settings. A tabletop dishwasher takes up less floor space, but generally holds around six place settings or fewer.

This shortlist covers six current slimline models from Currys, AO, John Lewis and Bosch UK. The listed prices below were checked on 8 September 2026.

Prices and specifications for the Logik, Kenwood, Hisense and Beko Pro models come from Currys’ slimline dishwasher listings. The Beko DIS15020 and Bosch model details below come from John Lewis’s 45cm dishwasher listings. Prices can change.

Which small dishwasher format should you buy?

Choose a 45cm slimline dishwasher if you have a dedicated appliance gap and want useful capacity. Choose an integrated slimline model when the dishwasher needs to sit behind a matching cupboard door. Choose a freestanding slimline model when you want its finished exterior visible.

• Freestanding slimline: approximately 45cm wide, with its own finished exterior.
• Slimline integrated: designed for a smaller 45cm-wide space and concealed behind a slimline cupboard door. Integrated appliances sit flush with kitchen units, and their controls are normally hidden behind the door.
• Tabletop or countertop: slightly larger than a large microwave and suited to very small kitchens, but with less room for dishes.

Which? estimates that a compact or tabletop dishwasher generally holds around six place settings. A slimline dishwasher typically holds 9–10, compared with around 14 for a full-size model.

Best slimline dishwasher: the 45cm options

A slimline dishwasher is generally around 45cm wide, compared with approximately 60cm for a full-size model. The models below separate the main integrated and freestanding choices.

Best budget integrated option: Logik LID45W23. At £209, it is the lowest-priced 45cm model in this shortlist. Currys lists 10 place settings, six wash programmes and water consumption of 9 litres. It suits shoppers looking for a lower-cost fully integrated machine.

Best-value integrated alternative: Beko DIS15020. John Lewis lists it at £249, with dimensions H81.5 × W44.8 × D55cm and an average customer rating of 4.4/5 from 102 reviews. The compact width and 55cm depth are useful specifications when planning a slimline installation.

Best freestanding choice for a guarantee: Hisense HS523E15WUK. This £259 Currys model has 10 place settings, six programmes, 9-litre listed water consumption and a two-year guarantee. Its dimensions are H84.5 × W44.8 × D60cm.

Best for programme choice: Kenwood KDW45X26. Currys lists eight wash programmes, 10 place settings and water consumption of 8.5 litres at £269. It is worth considering when programme flexibility matters more than the lowest purchase price.

Best for quick programmes and a lift-out cutlery basket: Beko Pro BDFS16031W. It costs £299, has 10 place settings and six programmes, including Quick Wash and Eco. Its lift-out cutlery basket can make loading and unloading more flexible.

Best higher-priced integrated option: Bosch Series 2 SPV2HKX42G. John Lewis lists this fully integrated model at £499, with dimensions H81.5 × W44.8 × D55cm and energy rating E. It is aimed at shoppers who specifically want a Bosch integrated dishwasher.

Tabletop dishwashers and no-plumbing installation

Tabletop dishwashers are the smallest dishwasher category and can suit kitchens without space for a full-height appliance. Which? describes them as slightly larger than a large microwave, while compact or drawer models are a little smaller than a single built-in oven.

Tabletop models do not all use the same water arrangement. The Russell Hobbs RH6TTDW0D1B at Argos requires a water supply and waste outlet, accepts plates up to 25cm in diameter and does not necessarily require traditional permanent plumbing. Check the particular model’s inlet and waste requirements before choosing this format. Argos lists the Russell Hobbs tabletop dishwasher.

Small dishwasher size: what will fit?

Measure the available opening before comparing brands. A typical slimline width is around 45cm, but the appliance also needs enough height, depth and door clearance.

1. Measure the internal width at several points, not just the front edge.
2. Measure height from the finished floor to the underside of the worktop.
3. Measure depth and allow for the appliance door and connections.
4. Decide whether the front needs a cupboard door or can remain exposed.

The Beko DIS15020 is listed at H81.5 × W44.8 × D55cm, while the Hisense HS523E15WUK is H84.5 × W44.8 × D60cm. Both are slimline, but the different depths and heights affect the available installation space.

Are small dishwashers economical and good enough?

Small dishwashers are useful when space is the limiting factor, but a smaller cabinet does not automatically mean lower running costs or better cleaning. Which? reports that compact dishwashers can use relatively high amounts of energy and water, may be awkward to load or maintain, and generally perform less well in cleaning tests than full-size models.

Compare the energy label rather than judging efficiency from physical size. The label shows the energy rating, consumption in kWh per 100 washes, maximum place-setting capacity, water consumption per wash, programme duration and noise information.

How to choose the best small dishwasher for your household

Choose the largest format that fits your kitchen and matches the way you wash dishes.

• Choose integrated slimline for a fitted kitchen where a matching cupboard door matters.
• Choose freestanding slimline when you have a 45cm appliance gap and want 9–10 place settings without a matching door.
• Choose tabletop when a full-height appliance cannot be installed, accepting lower capacity and more hands-on loading.

For two people who cook frequently, a 45cm slimline machine offers more flexibility than a four-to-six-place-setting tabletop model. For light cooking and very limited space, a tabletop dishwasher can be adequate. The best choice follows the likely load size and available space, not simply the smallest exterior measurement.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best small dishwasher?

For a permanent installation, a 45cm slimline dishwasher is the strongest general choice because it typically holds 9–10 place settings. Choose an integrated model for a concealed, fitted appearance, or a freestanding model for a visible finished exterior. The Logik LID45W23 is the lowest-priced integrated option in this shortlist, while the Hisense HS523E15WUK is a lower-priced freestanding choice with a two-year guarantee.

What size dishwasher is suitable for two people?

A tabletop dishwasher holding around six place settings can suit two people with light loads. A 45cm slimline dishwasher gives more flexibility for frequent cooking, with typical capacity of 9–10 place settings. Compare the capacity with your normal washing-up load, not only the number of people in the household.

Are small dishwashers good?

They can be useful where kitchen space is limited. Their compromises include capacity, loading, maintenance and efficiency: Which? says compact models tend to use relatively high amounts of energy and water and generally perform less well in cleaning tests than full-size machines.

What is the smallest dishwasher size?

Tabletop or countertop dishwashers are the smallest category. Which? describes them as slightly larger than a large microwave, and they generally hold around six place settings. Integrated and freestanding slimline dishwashers are approximately 45cm wide but are much taller and hold considerably more.