A studio flat without a dedicated water supply
A tank-fed model can avoid the need for a fixed water connection, provided you can fill it, plug it in and keep its drain hose in a sink. E.Leclerc’s listing for the Bob describes this type of use.
Which size is right for you?
The right choice depends on whether you have a usable tap, space on your worktop or room to create a floor-standing installation.
Someone living alone or a couple with worktop space near the sink
A 6-place-setting countertop appliance is worth considering if you have enough space and suitable connections. According to Candy France, the Candy CP 6E51LW measures 550 × 501 × 443 mm. Check the clearance requirements in its manual too.
A small household able to make space on the floor
A slimline model may offer the capacity you need, but its width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit in your kitchen. Candy France gives the dimensions of the Candy Brava CDPH 2D1047W-01 as 448 × 605 × 846 mm. You’ll also need to allow space for its connections and for the door to open.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the water supply and drainage options in your kitchen, then compare the space each size takes up and its capacity with the way you plan to use it.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the specific model is supplied with water, where the drain hose will run and whether there’s an accessible power socket. A tank doesn’t eliminate the need for drainage: E.Leclerc says the Bob is filled with a jug and drained into the sink. | I don’t have a dedicated water supply: can I fill a tank and keep the drain hose in the sink? |
| Space required | Measure the width, depth and height, and check the door opening and clearances specified in the manual. Candy France lists the countertop CP 6E51LW at 550 × 501 × 443 mm, compared with 448 × 605 × 846 mm for the floor-standing Brava CDPH 2D1047W-01. | Having space on my worktop doesn’t necessarily mean I have the floor space needed for a slimline model. |
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the amount of crockery you produce between cycles, and remember to consider the size of the items you need to wash. E.Leclerc and Candy France list the Bob at 3 place settings, the CP 6E51LW at 6 and the Brava CDPH 2D1047W-01 at 10. | I’d like to avoid running a small appliance too often, without giving up a lot of space for loads that are usually small. |
| Noise and cycles | Check the noise level and programmes for the model you’re considering. Boulanger lists the Essentielb ELVM-582b at 58 dB, but this figure doesn’t apply to other compact dishwashers. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition recommends using the Eco programme and running a full load to make washing more efficient. | If my kitchen is close to my living space, I want to check the noise level of the specific model and choose cycles to suit my loads. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing ‘no water supply’ with ‘no drainage’
A tank-fed appliance still needs to be plugged in and drain its wastewater. For the Bob, E.Leclerc describes a hose placed in the sink and secured with an attachment.
Before you order, trace the hose route from the planned location and check the manual to see how it should be secured.
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Choosing based on width alone
The dimensions published by Candy France show that a slimline model measuring 448 mm wide can also be 605 mm deep and 846 mm high. It isn’t a worktop appliance.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, then allow for the clearances, door opening and hose routing specified in the manual.
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Underestimating how much washing-up you have
A 3-place-setting capacity may mean running more frequent cycles if the crockery that builds up between washes exceeds what it can hold.
Estimate your usual loads before choosing between a compact model and a 6-place-setting appliance. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition recommends using the Eco programme and running a full load to make washing more efficient.
With a tank-fed model, more frequent cycles also mean filling the tank more often.
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Improvising connections for a countertop or floor-standing model
Having space for an appliance doesn’t guarantee that the water supply, drainage and electricity connections are suitable. Bosch lists all three connections as part of dishwasher installation.
If you’re creating or changing an installation space, get the connection arrangements checked rather than assuming a nearby socket and tap will be enough.
A few brands to consider
These examples show different installation options. Always check the features and connection requirements for the specific model you’re considering.
Daan Tech
Daan Tech describes Bob as a compact dishwasher designed for smaller spaces.
- E.Leclerc’s listing for the Bob describes a tank that’s filled with a jug and drains into the sink.
- Its stated capacity of 3 place settings and manual filling are worth weighing up against your daily washing-up.
Candy
The range includes a countertop model and a slimline floor-standing model, designed for different space requirements.
- Candy France lists the countertop CP 6E51LW at 6 place settings and 550 × 501 × 443 mm.
- The Brava CDPH 2D1047W-01, listed at 10 place settings and 448 × 605 × 846 mm, needs suitable floor space and compatible connections.
Klarstein
The brand offers compact countertop dishwashers, with water supply options that vary by model.
- Klarstein states that the Amazonia Nano uses 5 L of water per cycle.
- The brand describes the Aquatica as a model that connects to a tap. Check the water supply and drainage requirements for the specific model before choosing.
Essentielb
Boulanger describes the ELVM-582b as a compact dishwasher designed to sit on a worktop.
- Boulanger lists this model at 3 place settings.
- Check its stated noise level of 58 dB and its connection requirements against your planned location and use.
Countertop dishwashers available at Joybuy
These countertop models suit different needs in a small kitchen. Some have a water tank, while others require access to a tap. Whichever you choose, allow for drainage and make sure the surface you plan to use is suitable.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5 L tank
The integrated tank means you can consider installing this model without a direct water supply. It’s listed at 4 place settings, with dimensions of 45,8 × 42,8 × 42,5 cm. Wastewater needs to be drained into a sink or container using a hose, so check that it can be secured and that the surface is sturdy enough and has adequate clearance.
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Bob Eco-Compact Deep Black, 3 place settings
This countertop model may suit smaller loads if you have access to a cold-water tap and a drain. Its stated dimensions are 49 × 34 × 49 cm. The product description for this model specifies a tap connection, so don’t assume it works from a tank. Check the manual before planning where to install it.
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Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W), 5 L tank
The tank or tap supply gives you two possible water supply options to consider. The stated dimensions are 420 × 435 × 435 mm. Check the manual for usable capacity, clearances and how to position the supplied drain hose.
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GORGENOX DW5-D40A, 3 place settings
This model, listed at 3 place settings, requires access to a tap. The instructions describe draining into a sink or bucket. Check the dimensions and clearances, and make sure the hose can be secured before setting aside space for it.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, 6 place settings
The stated capacity of 6 place settings may suit a household whose loads are too large for a compact 3-place-setting model. The product description mentions inlet and drain hoses. Check the manual to confirm the water connection, then check the dimensions, clearances and hose route.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tank-fed compact dishwasher work without drainage?
No, not the Bob described by E.Leclerc. Its tank is filled with a jug, but its drain hose needs to be placed in the sink and secured with the attachment provided. Check the hose route and how it can be secured for any model you’re considering.
Can I put a compact dishwasher on any worktop?
No. Check the dimensions and clearances specified in the manual against the space available, then make sure the surface is stable and can support the appliance when full. The power socket, any water supply and the drain also need to be accessible.
Does a 45 cm dishwasher mean I won’t need to create an installation space?
No. Its reduced width doesn’t mean you can do without floor space or suitable connections. According to Candy France, the Candy Brava CDPH 2D1047W-01 is 448 mm wide, but it’s also 605 mm deep and 846 mm high.
What should I have checked if I’m creating a floor-standing space?
Before work begins, have the available space, water supply, drainage and electrical supply checked. For the relevant electrical installation, Promotelec describes NF C 15-100 as the reference standard and states that a dishwasher socket should be on a dedicated circuit. A qualified professional can assess the setup in your home.