Start by checking how much space you have and how the appliance will take in and drain water, then consider what you want to wash in each cycle. A model with a water tank avoids the need for a fixed water supply, but still needs a drainage point and a small load. A larger tabletop model can fit more place settings, while a freestanding 45 cm model only frees up your worktop if you have floor space for it.
You want to cut down on washing up by hand without giving up space for cooking. Measure the space available and check that the rack will fit the dishes you use regularly. UFC-Que Choisir describes mini tabletop dishwashers as an option for smaller homes.
A model with a water tank could work if you can fill it and arrange somewhere for the water to drain. Daan Tech describes Bob as operating with a tank, but also requiring a drainage hose.
If you want to wash a larger load, compare the stated capacity of a tabletop model with a freestanding 45 cm appliance, provided you have enough space. Klarstein states that the Amazonia 6 can hold up to 6 place settings.
Measure the space and check the connections before choosing a capacity. An appliance that cannot be installed where you plan to put it will not meet your needs, even if its rack looks suitable.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the worktop clear | Measure the width, height and depth; check that the door can open and that you can access the filling point and hoses. | I want to keep a surface free for preparing meals and make sure the appliance does not block access. Around 33% of consumers prioritise available worktop space. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the exact model is supplied with water, the hose lengths and whether the hoses can reach a suitable drain. | If there is no water supply where I want to put it, I could consider a tank, as long as I can also drain the waste water. Around 27% of consumers prioritise not needing a dedicated water supply. |
| Fit your dishes inside | Compare the rack layout with your plates, pans and dishes; do not rely on the stated number of place settings alone. | I want to wash the items I actually use without running multiple loads. Around 27% of consumers prioritise the amount of washing up per cycle. |
| Make everyday use easier | Check that you can access the door, rack and filter where you plan to put the appliance, and read the manual for maintenance details. | Once I have found a suitable space and installation set-up, I want to be able to load the appliance and reach its filter easily. Around 13% of consumers prioritise ease of use. |
Bob’s water tank avoids the need for a fixed water supply, but the appliance still needs a drainage point.
Before choosing where to put it, work out where the hose will go and check the parts and connections specified for the exact variant.
Bob is a tabletop dishwasher available with a water tank or a mains water connection.
The Amazonia 6 is a tabletop model to consider if you want a greater stated capacity than a mini appliance.
A freestanding 45 cm model could suit you if you have floor space and want to free up your worktop.
The Studio MINID3SL is a mini tabletop dishwasher worth comparing if you have a small amount of washing up.
This selection features tabletop dishwashers for smaller homes, including models with water tanks and connection options, depending on the specifications given for each model.
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Worth considering if you want a tabletop appliance with an integrated water tank. Check that its footprint will fit your worktop.
The product title specifies a 5 L tank, a two-tier rack, three spray arms and a 12-hour delay start.
An adapter may be needed when connecting it to a tap.
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Consider this option if you want a tabletop appliance with a water tank. If using tank mode, make sure you have somewhere to collect the drained water.
The title specifies an integrated 5 L tank, five programmes plus an extra cycle, and a double-glazed tempered glass door.
In tank mode, waste water must be collected in a container using the hose.
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Worth considering if you want a tabletop model with a stated capacity of 6 place settings and have the necessary connections.
The title specifies seven programmes, a 24-hour delay start, automatic door opening for drying and a stated noise level of 47 dB.
The specified hoses are 1.5 m long for the water supply and 1.72 m for drainage. Check that they can reach from your chosen location.
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Worth considering if you want to compare a compact tabletop appliance with the space you actually have at home.
The title states a capacity of 4 to 6 place settings, energy consumption of 0.58 kWh per cycle and water consumption of 3.5 to 5 L.
This model is listed as requiring assembly.
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Worth considering if you want a tabletop model with a tank and the option to connect it to a tap.
The title specifies a 6-litre tank, five programmes, an LED display and a drying function.
Yes, in the case of Bob as described by Daan Tech. Its tank avoids the need for a fixed water supply, but the manufacturer specifies a drainage hose. Check the manual for your chosen model to find out where and how the water should drain.
No. They help you check the overall footprint, but you also need to check that the door can open, that you can access the filling point and filter, and that the hoses can reach. According to Daan Tech, Bob measures 34 × 49 × 49 cm; these dimensions do not provide a universal clearance recommendation.
Follow the manual for your chosen model and make sure you can access the filter. Daan Tech recommends cleaning Bob’s filters regularly, but this manufacturer’s guidance does not set a schedule for all dishwashers.
Compare their energy label data on a like-for-like basis, including energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per Eco cycle, capacity and programme duration. Also consider how many cycles you will need for your washing up: a per-cycle figure alone is not enough to work out the cost of using the appliance.