A worktop dishwasher is a good choice if its dimensions leave your kitchen usable and you can install its water supply, drainage and electrical connection correctly. A model with a water tank avoids the need for a fixed water supply, but still needs to drain; if you have floor space and the necessary connections instead, a slim 45 cm model may offer more place settings.
In a studio flat or kitchenette, a model with a water tank can avoid the need for a fixed water supply when you have a small amount of washing up. You’ll still need to arrange drainage: Daan Tech says its Bob model has a built-in 4 L tank, but wastewater still needs somewhere to go.
If your worktop is close to the sink and allows for the necessary connections, a 6-place-setting appliance is worth considering. UFC-Que Choisir describes this type of freestanding model as space-saving for smaller homes; just remember to measure how much room it will leave around your sink.
If you have floor space and the necessary connections, compare slimline models too before settling on a worktop appliance. Electrolux, for example, lists the ESG42310SW, a freestanding 45 cm model with a stated capacity of 9 place settings.
If there’s no space under the worktop, your choice depends first on where you can fit an appliance and what connections are available. If you can’t install one properly, washing up by hand avoids a makeshift installation, but it won’t automate the job.
Consider it if: you don’t have a fixed water supply, but can arrange suitable drainage and have enough space.
Bear in mind: the tank doesn’t remove the need to drain wastewater, and capacity is limited.
Consider it if: your worktop and connections can accommodate an appliance of this size.
Bear in mind: a model such as the Candy CP 6E51LS takes up 550 × 501 mm of worktop space, according to Candy France.
Consider it if: your worktop is already crowded, but you have floor space and the necessary connections.
Bear in mind: it frees up worktop space, but takes up floor space instead.
Choose this if: you can’t find a suitable place or install an appliance properly.
Bear in mind: washing up won’t be automated.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without a fixed water supply | Check how the appliance is filled, the drainage route and whether the model has a suitable plug. | There’s no water supply near my kitchenette, so I’m looking for a model with a tank that won’t require makeshift drainage; around 42% of consumers put this installation option first. |
| Worktop space taken up | Compare the width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the door. | I can connect an appliance near my sink, but want to keep space for food preparation without choosing a model with too little capacity: around 33% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Capacity in a slimline model | Compare the stated place-setting capacity and check that you can fit a 45 cm appliance on the floor and connect it. | If I cook often, I’d rather look at floor space than go straight for a compact model; capacity is the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
A mini dishwasher’s water tank replaces a fixed water supply, not the drainage connection. Poorly planned drainage can make the appliance awkward to use or cause a leak.
Before ordering, work out where the hose will go and check how it should be secured in the instructions for your chosen model.
An appliance on your worktop could block access to the sink or wall cabinets. For example, Candy France lists the CP 6E51LS as measuring 550 × 501 × 443 mm.
Measure the available width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the door.
Bosch advises against using these connections for a dishwasher. Promotelec says that the socket for this appliance must be connected to a dedicated circuit.
Check you have a suitable socket before buying. If you’re unsure about the installation, ask a qualified electrician for advice.
If a circuit needs to be installed or adapted, work may be needed in your home.
If you often cook for several people, a compact model’s capacity may mean you need to run more cycles or wash some items by hand.
Estimate how much washing up builds up between cycles and compare a slimline freestanding model if you have floor space.
The Bob mini dishwasher is suited to kitchenettes without a fixed water supply, provided you can arrange somewhere for the wastewater to go.
Candy offers worktop dishwashers with a capacity of 6 place settings, as well as slimline models designed to stand on the floor.
The brand’s slimline freestanding models are worth considering if you have floor space, rather than room on your worktop.
It can work without a fixed water supply, but its wastewater still needs to be drained. Daan Tech says the Bob has a built-in 4 L tank; check the drainage instructions separately for the version you’re interested in.
Don’t use a multi-socket adaptor to install a compact dishwasher: Bosch recommends plugging it in directly, without an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor. In France, Promotelec says the dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit; have the installation checked if you’re unsure.
Consider a slimline freestanding model if you have floor space and the necessary connections. Electrolux lists the 45 cm ESG42310SW as having a capacity of 9 place settings, compared with the 6 place settings listed by Candy France for its CP 6E51LS worktop model; also check that the basket layout suits your dishes.
The statutory guarantee of conformity is separate from any commercial guarantee. The French Ministry of the Economy states that it lasts for two years for both new and second-hand goods; keep your proof of purchase and note which seller you should contact to make a claim.