I have the Cuisinart one and love it. It's "footprint" on the counter would be less than the space it takes for a counter top microwave oven or a bread box. I would compare it to a stand mixer for space needed.
My husband built a shelf in my laundry room to keep small appliances on because counter space in my kitchen is at a premium. I made covers for the appliances that sit on the shelf to keep dust off of them. If you have a pantry it could live in there until needed.
A whole chicken will fit in it defiantly. Just think how yummy the broth would be for soup stock.