BEKO DIS46120 built-in dishwasher, 45 cm, 11 place settings, class E

A slimline dishwasher is the answer for a kitchen that cannot spare a 60 cm module: a small flat, a studio, a summer house or any kitchen where every cupboard counts. A 45 cm machine takes up less space in the run of units, yet the dishes are still washed by the machine rather than by hand. It is installed inside the kitchen units under the worktop, so it takes up no extra floor space.

Eleven place settings hold a small family's dishes for a day, or the plates, cups and cutlery from several meals for a couple. Because the machine is narrower, large frying pans and baking dishes need a little planning, but ordinary plates, glasses and bowls fit into the baskets without trouble. The manufacturer's data does not describe the exact basket layout.

The dishwasher has six wash programmes, one of them a quick wash. The short programme suits lightly soiled cups and glasses you will need again soon, while the longer programmes handle everyday and more heavily soiled dishes. The display helps you choose and set the programme, and salt and rinse aid indicators tell you when either needs topping up.

On the EU energy label scale from A to G, the DIS46120 is rated class E, with consumption of 81 kWh per 100 wash cycles. This is the figure to look at when comparing models: the lower it is, the less electricity the same number of washes takes. The noise level is 46 dB, noise class C on the A–D scale.

The dishwasher is 45 cm wide, 55 cm deep and 82 cm high, weighs 30.5 kg and comes in white. Before installing, compare these measurements with the niche in your kitchen units. The manufacturer lists the installation type as built-in but does not specify whether the door is fully covered by a furniture panel or the control panel stays visible. Niche dimensions and the fixing method are in the BEKO installation manual.

The BEKO DIS46120 suits single people, couples and small families whose kitchen has only a 45 cm space for a dishwasher. It also fits studio flats and summer houses where a full-size machine will not go. A capacity of 11 place settings and six programmes with a quick wash cover everyday washing-up without giving up a cupboard.