Which installation is right for you?

Renters or anyone without a fixed water supply

If you can’t connect the appliance to a water supply, a model with a tank could suit a small load of washing up. You’ll need to fill the tank and have somewhere to drain the waste water through a hose.

Small household with connections available

A 6-place-setting countertop appliance may suit regular daily washing up, provided its baskets fit your kitchenware and your worktop, water supply and drainage are suitable for the model you choose.

Small home being renovated or fitted out

A compact built-in model keeps your worktop clear if you have a suitable cupboard. Before choosing this option, check the recess dimensions, fixing requirements and connections in the manual.

What should you check before choosing?

First, check that you have a suitable space, drainage and water supply, then compare the stated capacity with the dishes you actually use. If your larger items regularly won’t fit in a compact model, consider a different size only if you have the space and the necessary connections.

Criteria What to check before buying Consumers concerned
Installation without a fixed water supply Check how the appliance is filled, where the drain hose will run and what type of socket the manual specifies. There’s no usable tap in my kitchenette, so I’m mainly looking for an appliance I can fill by hand, provided I can drain the waste water; around 36% of consumers would prioritise this flexibility.
Capacity for everyday washing up Measure your larger items and compare them with the basket in the exact model you’re considering, rather than relying on the stated number of place settings alone. I want my usual load to fit in the appliance, so I don’t have to wash leftover utensils by hand after meals; nearly 29% of consumers would put this capacity first.
Water, energy, cycle time and noise For the Eco programme, compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, cycle time and noise level in dB(A). In a small kitchen, I want to weigh up cycle times and noise while comparing water and electricity on the same basis; around 21% of consumers would make this their priority.
Fitting into a cupboard Check the recess, fixing requirements and installation and connection instructions for the built-in model. If I’m fitting out my kitchen, I’d rather keep the worktop free for other uses and make space in a cupboard; around 14% of consumers would put integration ahead of other criteria.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming “6 place settings” includes all your pans

    The number of place settings doesn’t tell you how much height there is in the basket. A large plate or frying pan can affect how much you can actually wash in one load.

    Measure the items you use often, then check the basket diagram and manual for the exact model.

  • Confusing a built-in tank with no installation requirements

    Daan Tech says Bob can be filled without a fixed water supply, but the waste water still needs to drain through a hose. You’ll also need a stable surface and a suitable power supply.

    First, work out where the drain hose will run and where you’ll plug in the appliance.

  • Comparing consumption figures measured on different bases

    Figures per cycle and per 100 cycles aren’t interchangeable. Bosch also states that the Eco programme on the SKS6ITB00E takes 3 h 55, so cycle time is worth considering when choosing a programme for everyday use.

    Compare capacity, water, energy, Eco cycle time and noise using the same units and reference programme.

  • Forgetting cleaning products and installation requirements

    Regular dishwasher use means following the care instructions and making sure the appliance is installed as specified in its manual.

    Before choosing where to put it, check which products the model needs and whether any changes to the connections may be required.

    Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, you may need detergent, rinse aid and dishwasher salt.

Brands and models to know

Daan Tech

Bob is a mini countertop dishwasher for spaces without a fixed water supply.

  • Daan Tech states that it has a 3.9 L tank, is 34 cm wide and drains through a hose.
  • The manufacturer states that it holds 2 place settings under the European standard. Check that this capacity, and the stated space for plates up to 29 cm, suit your dishes.

Bosch

The SKS6ITB00E is a 55 cm freestanding compact dishwasher with capacity for 6 place settings.

  • Its specifications include the external dimensions, depth with the door open and Eco programme figures, which are useful for comparison.
  • The stated capacity doesn’t confirm that your plates or frying pans will fit in the baskets, so check their dimensions in the manual.

Candy

The Rapidò CP 6E51LS is a freestanding tabletop model with capacity for 6 place settings.

  • Candy gives its external dimensions as 550 × 501 × 443 mm, so you can check how much space it will take up.
  • Check the basket in the exact model before relying on it to fit larger utensils.

Electrolux

The ESL2500RO offers a different installation option: a fully integrated 55 cm compact dishwasher with capacity for 6 place settings.

  • Electrolux says this model can be installed at height.
  • You’ll still need to check the recess dimensions, fixing requirements and connections specified in the manual.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use a countertop dishwasher without a fixed water supply?

Yes, if the model is designed to be filled by hand. Daan Tech says Bob has a built-in 3.9 L tank, but the waste water still needs to drain through a hose. Also check the power supply and installation requirements in the manual.

Are 6 place settings enough for one person or a couple?

Six place settings may suit a small, regular load, but they don’t guarantee there’ll be room for your plates and frying pans. Before buying, compare the dimensions of your largest items with the basket in the exact model.

How can you compare the water use, energy use and noise of two models?

Use the same indicators for both appliances: capacity in place settings, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level in dB(A). ADEME presents these figures as useful points of comparison; an energy rating alone doesn’t replace comparing the actual figures.

Can you put a mini dishwasher in a closed cupboard?

Don’t assume you can: ventilation requirements vary by model. For Bob, Daan Tech says air needs to circulate around the appliance and recommends using a cupboard that isn’t closed off. If you’re considering a different position or model, check its manual.