One person in a kitchenette
You want to cut down on washing up by hand without giving up floor space. Measure your worktop and check how much clearance you need to open the door.
Who is a compact dishwasher suitable for?
Small household that cooks often
You also wash dishes and pans: check how much room they take up in the basket rather than relying on the stated place setting capacity alone. UFC-Que Choisir points out that place setting capacity does not cover every aspect of loading.
Home without a dedicated water supply
A tank model may save you from needing a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to arrange wastewater drainage and a suitable electrical supply. Daan Tech states that the Bob eco-compact uses a drain hose.
What should you check before buying?
Compact worktop model
Consider this: if you have a stable spot on your worktop but little floor space.
Bear in mind: the appliance takes up worktop space, and a tank, where fitted, does not remove the need to drain the water.
Slimline freestanding model
Consider this: if you can set aside floor space and want to compare models with a higher stated capacity.
Bear in mind: the height, depth, door clearance and connections must all suit your kitchen.
Compact built-in model
Consider this: if your kitchen has a space with dimensions and connections that match the model’s instructions.
Check: dimensions alone do not guarantee that the appliance will fit the space or that the model is currently available.
If you want to cut down on washing up by hand in a small kitchen, first check the space and connections, then consider how much capacity you actually need for your dishes.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the door clearance; check whether the model is countertop, freestanding or built-in. | If I’m short on floor space, I want to know whether the appliance will fit on my worktop without getting in the way. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated capacity and basket layout with the plates, dishes and pans you usually use. | When I cook often, I want to be able to load my everyday cookware without having to wash up by hand more often. Around 24% of consumers prioritise space for their dishes. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the appliance is supplied with water, the route for the drain hose and access to a suitable socket; have the installation checked if you’re unsure. | If my home doesn’t have a dedicated water supply, I want to check how to fill the appliance and where the wastewater will drain. This is the main concern for around 23% of consumers. |
| Noise | In an open-plan kitchen, compare the noise levels shown on the labels of the models you’re considering. | When the kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to take the noise during a cycle into account. Around 12% of consumers prioritise quiet operation. |
| Energy and water use | Compare water use per Eco cycle and electricity use per 100 Eco cycles on the same basis, then consider how often you expect to use the appliance. | If I expect to run several cycles to wash my dishes, I want to compare consumption based on real-world use rather than a single cycle. Around 12% of consumers put running costs first. |
In France, dishwasher energy labels help you compare factors including consumption and noise; the European Commission explains how this labelling works. For dimensions, connections and electrical load, refer to the instructions for the specific model.
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a tank means no drainage is needed
A tank may save you from needing a fixed water supply, but wastewater still has to be drained away. Daan Tech says the Bob eco-compact requires a drain hose.
Before choosing where to put it, plan the route for the hose and make sure there’s a suitable drainage point.
If there’s no suitable drainage point nearby, you’ll need to arrange a way to drain the water before using the appliance.
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Choosing based on place settings alone
This figure doesn’t guarantee that your large plates, frying pans and salad bowls will all fit in the basket at once.
Measure your bulkiest items and compare them with the basket and the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Items that don’t fit may need another cycle or washing by hand.
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Assuming an old product listing means a model is still available
Bosch notes that the compact SKS2ITW00E and SCX6ITB00E models are no longer available on the relevant product pages.
Use their dimensions to understand the type of installation, then check that a specific model is available before making a decision.
Brands and models to know
Daan Tech
The Bob eco-compact is an example of a countertop dishwasher with a tank.
- Daan Tech gives the Bob eco-compact dimensions of 34 × 49 × 49 cm and a capacity of 3 standard place settings.
- The tank needs to be filled, and the appliance requires wastewater drainage.
Candy
The Rapidò CP 6E51LS is an example of a countertop model connected directly to a water supply.
- Candy lists 6 place settings, a half-load option and dimensions of 550 × 501 × 443 mm for this model.
- It isn’t suitable if you need a model with a self-contained tank; check that your water supply is compatible with your setup.
Beko
The DVS05030X is a 45 cm freestanding model to consider if you have floor space available.
- Beko lists 10 place settings, dimensions of 44.8 × 60 × 85 cm and a total power rating of 1 800 to 2 100 W.
- These dimensions won’t solve a lack of floor space; compare the stated power rating with your electrical setup.
Bosch
The compact freestanding and built-in models show two installation options that need to be measured separately.
- Bosch lists dimensions of 450 × 551 × 500 mm for the SKS2ITW00E and 595 × 595 × 500 mm for the SCX6ITB00E.
- Bosch’s product pages state that both models are no longer available; their dimensions don’t prove that a current model will suit your kitchen.
Compact dishwashers on Joybuy
This selection features compact countertop dishwashers, so you can compare different sizes, stated capacities and water supply options.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5 L tank, 9 programmes
Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop model with an integrated tank; check the water supply option and drainage solution that will work in your kitchen.
Listed dimensions: 37 × 50 cm. Energy efficiency class D.
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AIRMSEN portable dishwasher, integrated 5 L tank
Worth comparing if you need a tank-fed model; you’ll also need to arrange wastewater drainage, which can be directed into a container according to the product information.
The title lists 5 wash cycles and an additional mode.
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Heinrich’s HTG 8840 countertop dishwasher
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a countertop model with a stated capacity of 6 place settings and a water supply connection; check the space and connections required.
The title lists 7 programmes, a noise level of 47 dB and energy efficiency class D.
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COMFEE CDWMT305WD, mini countertop dishwasher
Worth considering for a small household looking for a compact model; the product information says the tank is filled manually, which is worth bearing in mind if you don’t have a fixed water supply.
Stated capacity: 3 place settings. The title lists 7 programmes and energy efficiency class D.
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GORGENOX DW5-D40A, worktop dishwasher
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a compact appliance with several listed functions; check the product description for installation requirements and the functions that best suit your needs.
Stated capacity: 3 place settings. The title mentions washing, drying and storage functions.
Frequently asked questions
Does a tank mean no connections are needed?
No. For the Bob described by Daan Tech, the tank means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but the drain hose still needs to lead to a suitable outlet. Check the installation requirements for the version you choose.
What should I check before positioning and connecting the appliance?
Measure the space and the clearance needed, then check the connections and electrical requirements in the instructions. For the Beko DVS05030X, Beko lists a total power rating of 1 800 to 2 100 W; if you’re unsure about the socket or circuit, have the installation checked.
What should I do if my plates or pans don’t fit?
Compare their dimensions with the basket of the specific model before choosing. Daan Tech says the Bob eco-compact can take plates up to 29 cm, but the space available also depends on what else you load at the same time.
What information should I check for a dishwasher sold in France?
Check the energy label to compare the information it displays, including consumption and noise. The French ministry responsible for the ecological transition says that the repairability index applies to dishwashers; the durability index mentioned for certain other product categories should not be assumed to apply to this product group.
Is a commercial warranty the same as the legal guarantee of conformity?
No. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer, whether they are new, second-hand or refurbished. Check the terms of any commercial warranty separately.