Renters without a permanent water connection
A tank-fed model may work for you if you can also find a suitable place to drain the waste water.
Who might these appliances suit?
People who mainly use smaller dishes
If your daily load is mostly plates, glasses, bowls and cutlery, check that it will fit in the basket of the model you’re considering. You may still need to wash larger items by hand.
People who use large plates or serving dishes
Measure your bulkiest items: the stated place setting capacity alone won’t tell you whether they’ll fit in the basket.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by checking how the appliance takes in and drains water. Then make sure the basket suits your dishes and the appliance fits your available space. A model that can also be connected to the water supply gives you another way to use it, if your home allows; with a higher-capacity appliance, you’ll need to check separately that it will fit and can be installed.
| Criteria | What to check | What consumers need |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Tank-filling option, how to fill it, and the route from the hose to a suitable drain. | Without a tap I can use for the appliance, I want to be able to fill it and know where the waste water will go. Around 36% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Whether your dishes will fit | The diameter of large plates and how serving dishes fit in the basket of the exact model. | If my usual dishes don’t fit in the basket, the stated place setting capacity won’t help much. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and everyday use | Dimensions and door clearance; noise and energy and water use on comparable programmes. | In a small kitchen, I need enough room to open the door and an appliance that’s suitable for my home. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise how well it fits into everyday life. |
| Options for future changes | Water supply options for the exact model, connection accessories and whether an alternative installation is feasible. | If my kitchen changes, I’d prefer to keep the option of connecting the appliance to the water supply or choosing a different capacity. Around 14% of consumers would make this their main requirement. |
For energy comparisons, ADEME includes energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles. Check which programme each figure relates to rather than comparing figures for different cycles.
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Assuming no water connection means no drainage is needed
A tank means you don’t need a permanent connection to fill the appliance, but it still needs to drain. Daan Tech, for example, says the hose for Bob should run to a sink or another drainage system.
Find a suitable drainage point, then check the route and hose length for the model you’re considering.
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Relying on the place setting capacity alone
This figure doesn’t guarantee that your large plates, pans or serving dishes will fit in the basket. Daan Tech says Bob can take plates up to 29 cm; this limit applies to that model.
Measure the items you use each week and check the loading guidance for the variant you’ve chosen.
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Comparing cycles that serve different purposes
A figure given for a quick programme won’t necessarily reflect the reference cycle used for the energy label.
Compare energy label figures for equivalent reference programmes, and check which cycle the other figures relate to.
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Measuring only the space the appliance will occupy
You’ll also need room to open the door, load a worktop dishwasher and route its drainage hose.
Measure the available width, depth and height, as well as the space needed in front of the door and the route to the drain.
Brands worth considering
These features relate to the ranges or models mentioned, not every appliance made by each brand.
Daan Tech
Bob is worth considering if you don’t have a fixed water connection: Daan Tech says it can run from a tank or be connected to the water supply.
- For Bob, the manufacturer specifies a 3.9 L tank, a 1.50 m drain hose and space for plates up to 29 cm.
- These dimensions and options apply to Bob; check they suit your dishes and the actual route to your drain.
Moulinex
Darty includes the Studio MINID3SL in its selection of mini dishwashers that don’t need a fixed water connection.
- Darty lists the Studio MINID3SL as 43 cm wide, with capacity for three place settings, using 6 L per cycle and producing 58 dB; its manual states a maximum capacity of three place settings.
- Check the model documentation to see how the basket is arranged and whether your large plates will fit.
Klarstein
A Fnac product listing describes the Aquatica as a freestanding mini dishwasher that can run from a tank or be connected to the water supply.
- The product listing gives the Aquatica a capacity of two place settings, uses 5 L per cycle, produces 58 dB and measures 42 × 43.5 × 43.5 cm.
- A capacity of two place settings doesn’t tell you how much room there is for your serving dishes and large plates.
Compact models available on Joybuy
These worktop models are worth considering if you want to avoid a fixed water connection. Check how the variant you choose is supplied with water — particularly with Bob — and whether you can drain the appliance in your kitchen.
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AIRMSEN A01, two-level worktop dishwasher
Worth considering if tank filling suits your needs without a fixed water connection and you can arrange drainage.
The model name specifies a 5 L built-in tank, two basket levels and three spray arms. If you use large plates, check that they fit in your chosen basket configuration, and make sure you have enough worktop space.
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AIRMSEN, portable worktop dishwasher with a 5 L tank
Worth considering for a small daily load without a fixed connection, as long as you can collect or drain the waste water.
The product name specifies a 5 L built-in tank and “5+1” wash cycles. Measure your dishes and plates, then check the basket layout and the route for the drain hose.
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Bob mini dishwasher, 3 place settings, 34 cm, metallic grey and white
Worth considering for a small load if this variant offers the water supply option you need.
The product name specifies a capacity of three place settings and a 34 cm size. Daan Tech describes a tank-fed option for Bob, but check that it applies to this variant, then make sure your dishes fit and that you can route the drain hose.
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Heinrich’s HTG 8855, mini worktop dishwasher, 3 place settings
Worth considering for a small load if its water supply and drainage options suit your kitchen.
The model name specifies a capacity of three place settings and seven programmes, with or without a water connection. Check which option is available for this variant, the size of plates it can take and the route for the drain hose.
Frequently asked questions
Will a mini dishwasher with a tank work without a fixed water connection?
Yes, if it’s designed for this use and has a tank you can fill by hand. You’ll still need to drain the waste water: for Bob, Daan Tech says the hose should run to a sink or another drainage system.
Does a capacity of three place settings mean my large serving dishes will fit?
No. The place setting capacity doesn’t guarantee that bulky items will fit. Measure your plates and serving dishes, then check the basket layout for the exact model. For example, Daan Tech says Bob can take plates up to 29 cm.
How can I compare the noise and energy and water use of two models?
Compare figures for the same type of programme, starting with the energy label for the exact model. ADEME includes energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles; before comparing two appliances, also check their water use, Eco cycle duration and noise levels.