If you don’t have a fixed water supply, a mini dishwasher with a water tank could suit a small load, as long as you have somewhere to drain the wastewater. If you have the necessary connections and worktop space, a six-place-setting countertop model offers more capacity; a slimline dishwasher, on the other hand, needs a floor-standing space. For a very small amount of washing-up, handwashing is another option to weigh against these requirements.
A mini model with a water tank avoids the need for a permanent connection to the water supply, but you’ll still need to direct its drain hose to a sink or another suitable outlet. This is how Daan Tech describes Bob’s operation.
A six-place-setting countertop model could work if its width, depth and door clearance leave you enough room to cook. The Bosch SKS62E32EU, for example, measures 45 × 55,1 × 50 cm according to Darty; its manual specifies water, drainage and electrical connections.
If there isn’t enough width for a standard appliance but you do have room on the floor, a slimline model is worth considering. Beko, for example, offers a 45 cm model rated for 11 place settings. However, this isn’t a worktop appliance.
Start by checking the water supply and drainage route, as well as the space available. Then compare the stated capacity with the items you actually wash.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the model gets its water, where the drain hose will run and where the water will drain. A tank means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but you still need to drain the water. Daan Tech makes this clear for Bob. | Without an accessible water supply, I can fill a tank, but I’ll still need a suitable outlet for everyday use. |
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow enough room to open the door and use the sink. Unlike a countertop model, a slimline dishwasher stands on the floor. | I want to keep enough worktop space to prepare meals without blocking access to the sink. |
| Items it can accommodate | Compare the number of place settings with your plate diameter, bowl height and the layout of the rack. Daan Tech says Bob can take plates up to 29 cm; check the manual for any other model you’re considering. | My everyday plates and utensils need to fit without forcing me to run multiple cycles. |
| Capacity or handwashing | A mini model and a six-place-setting countertop dishwasher aren’t designed for the same amount of washing-up. For a load washed after each meal in under 15 minutes, Que Choisir considers a dishwasher unnecessary. | If the washing-up builds up, I’ll prioritise a suitable capacity; if there’s very little, I can stick with handwashing. |
| Everyday use | Compare litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles, programme duration and noise levels on a like-for-like basis. ADEME notes that water consumption varies by model and programme. | In a small room, I want to consider noise and consumption rather than relying on a single specification. |
The tank supplies water to the appliance, but the wastewater still needs to drain away. Daan Tech says Bob’s hose should lead to a sink, trap or another suitable outlet.
Before choosing where to put the appliance, work out the hose route and how you’ll keep it in place.
Depending on your setup, you may need a suitable fixing device.
This figure doesn’t guarantee that your larger plates or utensils will fit in the rack. Any item that’s too bulky will need to be washed separately.
Measure your plates and check the loading dimensions and rack layout for the model you choose.
A slimline dishwasher can offer more capacity, but it needs space on the floor. It won’t solve a lack of worktop space on its own.
Check the floor space, door clearance and connections before comparing this format with countertop appliances.
Consumption also depends on the programme you choose. Cycle time, noise and maintenance requirements all affect everyday use. Que Choisir and ADEME recommend checking the specifications for the specific model.
Compare named programmes and measurements based on the same criteria, rather than judging overall performance from a single figure.
With Bob, Daan Tech offers a mini countertop dishwasher that can be supplied by its tank or connected to a standard water supply.
The SKS62E32EU is an example of a connected countertop model with capacity for six place settings.
Candy lists the CP 6E51LW and CP 6E51LS among its tabletop dishwashers, each with capacity for six place settings.
These countertop models suit different small loads and water supply setups. Before deciding, check the space available and how you’ll drain the water for each one.
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The stated tank capacity could make it suitable for an installation without a fixed water supply. The title lists 5+1 wash cycles; check the manual for the drainage route and electrical requirements before deciding where to put it.
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For very small loads, Daan Tech states that Bob has capacity for 2 place settings and measures 34 × 49 × 49 cm. It can be supplied by its 3,9 L tank or connected to a water supply, but it still needs drainage. Check which accessories are included in this particular pack.
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This tabletop model could suit a household looking for an appliance that can be filled manually. The title lists 7 programmes and energy rating D; check the manual to confirm how it gets its water and where the wastewater drains.
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The six-place-setting capacity stated in the title is designed for a larger load than a mini model. The title also lists 7 programmes and a noise level of 47 dB. Before planning where to install it, check the manual for its dimensions, loading limits and connection instructions.
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The stated capacity of 3 place settings is intended for a small amount of washing-up. Before choosing a spot for it, check the DW5-D40A manual for its dimensions, the size of items it can accommodate, and its water supply and drainage requirements.
No. According to Daan Tech, Bob’s tank means it doesn’t need a fixed water supply, but its hose still needs to direct wastewater to a sink, trap or another suitable outlet.
Measure the appliance and leave enough room to open its door and access the sink. As a guide to these specific models, Daan Tech lists Bob at 34 × 49 × 49 cm, while Darty gives the Bosch SKS62E32EU dimensions as 45 × 55,1 × 50 cm.
The number of place settings alone won’t tell you. Daan Tech says Bob can take plates up to 29 cm; for a saucepan or any other model, compare your measurements with the stated height allowance and rack layout in the manual.
Yes. Check the model’s electrical requirements in the manual and make sure the socket you plan to use meets them. If you’re unsure about an existing installation, particularly near the sink, have it checked by a qualified professional.
Compare water use per cycle and electricity use per 100 cycles for clearly identified programmes, then check their duration and the cleaning products required. ADEME notes that a dishwasher’s water consumption varies depending on the appliance and the programme selected.