What Size Dishwasher Fits a Small Apartment?
If your kitchen is in a small apartment, the best dishwasher size to start with is the slim 45cm model, like the Beko 45cm 10-Place, because it takes up less space than a standard 60cm unit and still comfortably covers one to three people. If even 45cm won’t fit or plumbing work isn’t possible at all, a countertop model connects to a single tap with no installation.
The quick answer
For a small apartment, a slim 45cm dishwasher like the Beko 45cm 10-Place is the best size to start with, taking up less space than a standard 60cm unit while comfortably covering one to three people. If your kitchen is too tight or plumbing work isn’t an option at all, a portable countertop model connects to a single tap with no installation, at a smaller capacity.
Key points
- 45cm is the standard slimline width for dishwashers worldwide, designed for kitchens that won’t fit a standard 60cm unit (the dishwasher’s definition and common size classes, from Britannica).
- A slim 45cm model comfortably covers one to three people, suiting most studio and one or two-bedroom apartments.
- A countertop model connects to a single tap only, ideal if altering your kitchen’s plumbing isn’t an option.
- A standard 60cm full-size unit needs a dedicated kitchen cutout and a proper plumbing connection, usually not a good fit for a small rental apartment.
- Measuring your actual kitchen space before buying matters more than the place-setting count, because if the unit won’t physically fit, the number of place settings won’t matter.
Available sizes: countertop vs 45cm vs 60cm
| Type | Approximate width | Suits | Plumbing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable countertop | Sits on the counter, no fixed installation width | Very small apartments or a rental with no plumbing changes | Single tap connection only |
| Slim 45cm | 45cm | Small apartments, one to three people | Fixed water and drain connection |
| Standard 60cm | 60cm | Kitchens with a dedicated cutout, bigger households | Fixed water and drain connection |
How to measure your kitchen before deciding
Before settling on a size, measure the width of the open space in your kitchen (usually under the counter) in centimeters and compare it against the model’s width: 45cm for slim, 60cm for standard. If there’s no dedicated space under any counter at all, a countertop model is the option that needs no installation cutout whatsoever. Before buying, also confirm there’s a nearby water and drain connection if you’re going with a full-size model, since retrofitting extra plumbing afterward can be a lengthy job.
Renters and rental kitchens
If you’re renting and can’t (or don’t want to) make permanent plumbing changes, a countertop model solves the problem entirely: it connects to a single tap with a removable hose, so you can take it with you if you move. A slim 45cm model still needs a fixed plumbing connection, so if your landlord agrees to that change, it’s the middle ground between capacity and space.
The dishwasher that fits small apartments
The Beko 45cm 10-Place is our top pick for a small apartment: its slim body takes up less space than any 60cm model on our shortlist, its 10-place capacity comfortably covers one to three people, and it’s backed by dozens of buyer reviews as the cheapest full-size model on the list. It tops our guide to the best dishwasher in Egypt, where you’ll find full details if you need more capacity or a countertop option.
Bottom line
For a small apartment, start by measuring your actual kitchen space, and lean toward a slim 45cm model if plumbing is possible, or a countertop model if it isn’t at all. If you’re unsure how many place settings you actually need, read dishwasher place settings explained, and if you’re still comparing types, read best type of dishwasher: built-in vs freestanding vs countertop. If you’re still deciding whether the investment is worth it at all, see is a dishwasher worth it?. To browse all the options, see dishwashers in Egypt or our how to choose a dishwasher guide.
Sources
- Britannica, “Home appliance (dishwashers)”, definition of the dishwasher and its common standard size classes worldwide: https://www.britannica.com/technology/home-appliance
📊 This analysis is based on buyer reviews from Britannica (Home appliance (dishwashers)).
Frequently asked questions
Is a 45cm dishwasher big enough for a small apartment?
Yes, a slim 45cm model like the Beko 45cm comfortably covers one to three people, and it's designed specifically for kitchens that won't fit a standard 60cm unit. If more than three people eat together regularly, consider a bigger 60cm model if your space allows.
How do I measure my kitchen before buying a dishwasher?
Measure the width of the open space under your counter in centimeters and compare it to the model's width (45cm or 60cm), and confirm there's a nearby water and drain connection if you're choosing a full-size unit. If there's no installation space at all, a countertop model is a practical alternative.
Is a countertop model better for my small apartment than a 45cm unit?
It depends on whether plumbing is possible. If you can run a fixed water and drain connection, a slim 45cm unit usually gives you more capacity for a lower price. If plumbing is off the table entirely, or you're renting without permission to alter it, a countertop model connects to a single tap with no installation.
Can a renter install a full-size dishwasher in a rental apartment?
Usually you'll need the landlord's sign-off, since installation requires a real water and drain connection in the kitchen. If that approval isn't available, or you don't want to make a permanent change, a countertop model is the option that connects to a single tap with no plumbing work.
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