Start by considering the space available and access to water, then think about how much washing-up you need to do between cycles. A model with a tank may work without a dedicated water supply, provided you can arrange drainage. A plumbed-in countertop appliance needs space on your worktop, while a 45 cm freestanding model requires a permanent spot on the floor. In every case, check the capacity, door clearance and noise level of the exact model.
If you’d rather not make changes to the plumbing, look at models that can be filled using a water tank. You’ll still need to be able to fill the tank and position the drain hose as instructed. Daan Tech describes both water supply options for Bob.
A countertop appliance can save floor space, as long as your worktop and plumbing connections allow for it. Check that its capacity suits your usual plates and utensils: Candy France, for example, describes the Rapidò CP 6E51LS as a 6-place-setting countertop model.
If washing-up builds up between meals, a slimline freestanding model may be worth considering. Electrolux France lists the ESA63200SX as having 10 place settings and a noise level of 46 dB(A). Check its height, depth and door clearance before setting aside a space for it.
The three types suit different installation requirements. Start with the space and connections you can actually use, then compare the stated capacity.
Worth considering: if you don’t have a dedicated water supply, but can fill the tank and arrange drainage. Daan Tech describes these options for Bob.
The trade-off: the smaller capacity may mean more frequent cycles, and a tank doesn’t eliminate the need to drain wastewater.
Worth considering: if you have access to a water supply and can set aside a stable surface for the appliance. Candy France lists a direct water connection for the Rapidò CP 6E51LS.
The trade-off: a countertop model saves floor space but takes up room on your worktop. Also check the drainage requirements for the model you choose.
Worth considering: if you have a permanent space on the floor and need a larger capacity. Electrolux France lists the ESA63200SX as having 10 place settings.
The trade-off: the stated width alone doesn’t tell you whether it will fit in your kitchen. Depth, height and door clearance matter too.
| Consideration | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the overall width, height and depth. Allow for the door to open, access to the hoses and the clearances specified for the exact model. | I want to keep my worktop usable and be able to open cupboards without moving the appliance. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check whether the model takes water from a tank or needs a water supply connection. Locate the drainage point, then check the hose route and length in the manual. | If I don’t have a dedicated water supply, I can consider a tank only if I can also drain the wastewater as instructed. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings, then check the sizes of plates it can accommodate and how the racks are arranged. Make sure there’s room for the pans and utensils you use. | Sometimes I have more to wash than just plates and glasses, so I’d rather check how my usual load fits than rely on the place-setting count alone. |
| Noise and energy and water use | Compare the exact model’s figures for dB(A), kWh per 100 cycles and litres per cycle, as well as the Eco programme duration if these are shown on its label. | In an open-plan living space, the noise during a cycle matters as much to me as the space the appliance takes up. |
A tank can replace a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to deal with wastewater. Daan Tech specifies that Bob drains through a hose.
Check where you can position the hose, and confirm its length and fixing instructions before deciding where to put the appliance.
This figure doesn’t tell you whether your larger plates, frying pans or saucepans will fit in the racks.
Make a note of the washing-up you produce on a typical day and compare it with the permitted dimensions and rack layout of the exact model.
The width doesn’t tell you the depth or how much space you’ll need to open the door of a slimline freestanding model.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and allow for access to the connections before choosing a model.
An energy rating doesn’t tell you about capacity, noise or cycle duration. Nor does it replace the need to check installation requirements.
For appliances that suit your space, look at the capacity, noise, water and energy figures for the exact model together. Don’t use claims about a quick cycle as a substitute for the Eco cycle figures.
Daan Tech’s Bob is a compact freestanding appliance worth considering if you don’t have a dedicated water supply.
The Rapidò CP 6E51LS is an example of a countertop model for a kitchen with an accessible water supply.
The ESA63200SX is an example of a slimline freestanding model to consider if you have a permanent space on the floor.
Beko’s 45 cm freestanding range includes models worth considering for a narrow space on the floor.
These countertop appliances suit two small-kitchen scenarios: consider a tank if you don’t have a dedicated water supply, or choose a plumbed-in model if the connections are accessible. Before choosing, check the space, water supply and drainage requirements for each model.
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The advertised integrated tank may suit a kitchen without a dedicated water supply. You’ll still need a way to drain the water, and should check that the appliance and its open door will fit in your chosen spot.
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This countertop model is listed as having 6 place settings, so it may be worth considering if you have space on your worktop and accessible connections. The product title lists 7 programmes and 47 dB. Check the full dimensions and connections required for this model.
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This countertop model is an option for a small load in a kitchenette. The product title lists 7 programmes. Before relying on it to work without a permanent connection, confirm how it takes in water, the drainage setup and the instructions for this model.
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Bob is a compact countertop dishwasher. Daan Tech says this model can use a tank or connect to a water supply. Before choosing this version for use without a fixed water supply, confirm what’s included, the drainage instructions and the exact energy label.
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The product title lists a capacity of 3 place settings, so compare this with your usual washing-up. Check the dimensions, water supply method and drainage instructions before setting aside a space for it.
Yes, if the model is designed to use this type of water supply. Daan Tech says Bob can use its integrated tank or connect to a water supply. Either way, you’ll need to arrange drainage through a hose in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
No, not simply because it’s a countertop model. Candy France specifies a direct water supply connection for the Rapidò CP 6E51LS. Check the drainage requirements and hose lengths in the manual for the model you choose too.
Compare the noise level in dB(A) and the noise class of the exact models, rather than relying on descriptions such as “quiet”. Noise is particularly worth considering if the appliance will run in the same room as your living space.
For models that suit your kitchen, consider the energy rating alongside capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise figures. These details don’t replace the need to check the connections and space required.
No. Measure the height and depth too, and allow for the door to open and access to the hoses. A slimline appliance such as the Electrolux ESA63200SX still needs a floor space that fits its full dimensions.