Small kitchen with no accessible water supply
A dishwasher with a water tank could suit you if you’re happy to fill it by hand and wash smaller loads. You’ll still need a power socket and a suitable way to drain the wastewater.
Which setup is right for you?
Worktop space available near the sink
If a water supply, drain and power socket are within reach, you could consider a plumbed-in countertop model. Also measure the available depth and the clearance needed to open the door.
A suitable narrow space already available
A 45 cm appliance could be an option if you have a suitable floor space or niche. Its reduced width doesn’t make it a countertop appliance.
What should you check before choosing?
First rule out any models you can’t fit or connect in your home, then compare the usable capacity with the amount of washing-up you do every day.
Countertop model with a water tank
Consider it if: there’s no usable fixed water supply, but you can still arrange suitable drainage.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill it by hand, and its capacity may not suit the size of your loads.
Plumbed-in countertop model
Consider it if: your worktop is near a water supply, drain and power socket.
Bear in mind: it will take up worktop space and needs the connections specified in the instructions.
Slimline 45 cm model
Consider it: only if you already have a suitable niche or floor space with connections.
Bear in mind: it still needs to be installed on the floor, even though it’s narrower than a standard model.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check whether the model has a water tank or needs a mains water connection. Then consider the possible drainage route and access to a power socket. | If there’s no accessible water supply, I want to fill the appliance myself without later discovering that I can’t drain the wastewater. Around 42% of consumers might put connection requirements first. |
| Overall dimensions | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed for the door. For an integrated model, check the niche dimensions in the installation diagram. | When every centimetre of worktop space matters, I need to know whether the appliance will still be practical once it’s in place. Available space would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Everyday capacity | Compare the stated place settings with the size of your plates and the basket layout, then check the energy label for the models you’re considering. | If I leave washing-up from several meals to build up, I’d rather check what will actually fit in the basket before accepting a bulkier appliance. Capacity would come first for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a countertop appliance works without plumbing
UFC-Que Choisir identifies the water supply, electricity and drainage as requirements for a plumbed-in dishwasher. A water tank can replace a fixed water supply, but wastewater still needs to be drained away.
Look for possible connections near your worktop and check the drainage method in the instructions for your chosen model.
If the necessary connections aren’t already in place, installation may require accessories or plumbing work.
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Measuring the width alone
An appliance may fit in width but still lack enough depth for its connections or clearance for the door to open.
Compare all the dimensions and the installation diagram with your available space. If you’re fitting it into a niche, check the installation requirements too.
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Assuming the stated place settings cover every type of load
The number of place settings alone won’t tell you whether your large plates, serving dishes or pans will fit in the basket.
Check the permitted dish dimensions and basket layout before deciding how often you’ll need to run a wash.
If your dishes don’t fit in the basket, you may need to run extra cycles.
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Choosing based only on the energy rating letter
That letter alone doesn’t offer a meaningful comparison between appliances with different capacities. ADEME also recommends checking energy use per 100 cycles and water consumption per cycle.
Check the figures on the label for the exact model, taking its capacity and your intended use into account.
Brands and ranges to know
Daan Tech
Daan Tech describes Bob as a compact dishwasher that can sit on a worktop.
- According to Daan Tech, Bob can use an integrated water tank instead of a fixed water supply, and has a stated capacity of 3 place settings.
- It still needs to drain wastewater, so check that it suits your plumbing and the size of your loads.
Bosch
Bosch distinguishes its countertop dishwashers from its compact built-in and slimline models.
- Bosch gives the dimensions of its small countertop models as 45 × 55,1 × 50 cm, in height, width and depth.
- These range dimensions are no substitute for checking the measurements and installation diagram of the specific model.
Candy
Candy France lists the Rapidò CP 6E51LW as a tabletop model with 6 place settings.
- For this model, the brand gives dimensions of 550 × 501 × 443 mm, in width, depth and height.
- Check the instructions to confirm the connections and clearance it needs in your home.
Midea
Midea’s range includes the MDWEB1004LS-W, a fully integrated 45 cm model designed for a suitable niche.
- Midea gives this model a capacity of 10 place settings and dimensions of 815 × 448 × 550 mm, in height, width and depth.
- This format needs a dedicated installation space, so it isn’t suitable for a kitchen with worktop space only.
Countertop models on Joybuy
These appliances sit on a worktop. Some product titles mention a water tank, while another model is listed with connection hoses. Choose according to your water supply and drainage options, and check how much space you’ll need.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher with 5 L water tank
Worth considering if you’d like to fill an appliance on your worktop by hand. The title states that it has a built-in 5 L water tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Check that you can drain the wastewater and place the appliance on a suitable surface.
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White COMFEE CDWMT305WD tabletop dishwasher
Consider it for smaller loads if you’re happy to fill the water tank by hand. The title lists 7 programmes and a D energy rating. Check the drainage method and the clearance needed to open the door.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, 6 place settings
Consider it if you have worktop space near a water supply and drain. The title lists 6 place settings and 7 programmes. Check the overall dimensions, door clearance and whether the hoses are compatible with your plumbing.
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Bob Eco-Compact Deep Black
Worth considering for smaller loads in a kitchen with no floor space. Daan Tech gives Bob a capacity of 3 place settings, but the details for this variant also mention a connection to a cold-water tap. Confirm how it’s supplied with water before relying on the tank, and check how wastewater is drained.
Frequently asked questions
Can a countertop dishwasher always work without a water supply?
No. The water supply method depends on the model. UFC-Que Choisir says a plumbed-in appliance needs water, electricity and drainage. Daan Tech says Bob can use a water tank, but wastewater still needs to be drained away.
Is a 45 cm model suitable for a kitchen with no floor space?
No, not if you only have worktop space. A slimline model is installed on the floor or in a niche. Check the dimensions and installation requirements for the exact model before choosing it.
What should you compare on the energy labels of two small dishwashers?
Compare the figures for the specific models, including energy use per 100 cycles, water per cycle and capacity, rather than looking at the rating letter alone. ADEME recommends using these details to help you choose. Also bear in mind that models with different capacities may not be suitable for the same amount of washing-up.
What statutory guarantee applies to a dishwasher bought in France?
For an appliance bought from a professional seller in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity lets you seek a remedy for a lack of conformity within the two-year period stated by the Ministry of the Economy. This is separate from any commercial warranty offered by the seller or manufacturer.