One person or a couple with little washing up
A small countertop appliance is worth considering if your plates, glasses and cutlery fit inside. Check where the waste water will drain, too: a smaller capacity doesn’t remove the need for drainage.
Which size is right for you?
Renter without a dedicated water supply
A model with a water tank does away with the need for a permanent water connection. You’ll still need a stable place for it, a workable drainage setup and a suitable electrical supply.
Small household that saves washing up from several meals
If a countertop dishwasher fills up too quickly, consider a slimline freestanding model. The Whirlpool WSFO3T223P is listed as holding 10 place settings, but it needs a 45 cm-wide floor space and suitable connections.
What should you check before choosing?
Countertop with water tank
Consider this if: not having a permanent water supply is your main constraint and you have only a small amount of washing up.
The trade-off: a small compartment may mean running frequent cycles, and the waste water still needs to be drained away.
Connected countertop model
Consider this if: you have suitable connections nearby and want to keep your floor space clear.
The trade-off: according to Boulanger, a 6-place-setting model such as the Candy CP 6E51LS takes up 55 cm in width and 50 cm in depth on your worktop.
Slimline 45 cm freestanding model
Consider this if: several meals produce too much washing up for a countertop model and you have room on the floor.
The trade-off: this size needs floor space as well as suitable connections.
| Consideration | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the available width, depth and height. Allow room to open the door, route the hoses and reach the socket; check the dimensions of the exact model. | I want to keep enough worktop space for preparing meals, or have a genuinely usable spot on the floor. |
| Water and electricity | Work out how water will enter the appliance and where it will drain. A tank only takes care of the water supply; Promotelec says a dishwasher socket should be on a dedicated circuit. | If I don’t have a dedicated water supply, I could consider a tank, provided I can drain the water and get the socket checked if I’m unsure. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the meals you usually have. Check the dimensions of the plates, pans and dishes you plan to wash, too. | If I still have large items to wash by hand or need to run a cycle after almost every meal, a larger compartment may suit my needs better. |
| Consumption | Check the energy label and compare water and electricity use on the same measurement basis and for the relevant programmes. ADEME notes that large household appliances must display this label in shops and online. | I want to compare stated consumption without assuming that a smaller appliance will necessarily use less. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “no plumbing” means “no installation”
HAVA says the R09’s 5 L tank means it can be used without a permanent water supply. The appliance still needs an electricity supply and somewhere for the waste water to drain.
Check the socket, sink or drain and possible hose route, then compare them with the instructions for your chosen model.
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Choosing capacity based only on the number of people in your home
According to the product specifications, the HAVA R09 holds 3 place settings, the Candy CP 6E51LS holds 6 and the Whirlpool WSFO3T223P holds 10. The number of meals you save up and the size of your dishes matter, too.
Gather together the washing up from a typical day and measure your largest items before choosing a compartment size.
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Measuring width alone
An appliance may fit in width but still get in the way when you’re preparing meals, opening the door or routing the hoses.
Measure the depth, available height and clearance in front of the door, then check the exact model’s dimensions before delivery.
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Comparing consumption figures stated in different ways
A figure per cycle can’t be compared directly with one per 100 cycles or a figure for a different programme.
Note the programme and unit for each figure, then compare energy labels on a like-for-like basis.
Brands and sizes to know
HAVA
The R09 is an example of a countertop model with a water tank for homes without a permanent water supply.
- HAVA lists a 5 L tank, 3 place settings and dimensions of 43 × 43 × 46 cm for the R09.
- Check that the capacity is enough and that the drainage setup works for your chosen spot.
Candy
The CP 6E51LS is a compact countertop model for kitchens with compatible connections.
- Boulanger lists 6 place settings and dimensions of 55 × 44,3 × 50 cm for this worktop model.
- Check how much worktop space it will take up and how much room you’ll need in front of the door.
Whirlpool
The WSFO3T223P is a slimline freestanding option when you have more washing up than a countertop model can handle.
- Whirlpool lists 10 place settings and dimensions of 45 × 85 × 59 cm.
- You’ll need floor space and suitable connections.
Daan Tech
Bob is a mini dishwasher worth considering for smaller loads. Check the exact configuration before buying.
- A Bob pack described by Daan Tech includes a 1,5 m drain hose.
- Check which accessories are included in your chosen pack and whether you can route the drain hose.
Countertop dishwashers on Joybuy
These countertop appliances are for small kitchens where you want to avoid a floor-standing dishwasher. Compare their stated capacity and water supply method, then check the drainage, available space and electrical setup in your home.
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AIRMSEN, countertop dishwasher with 5 L tank
The integrated 5 L tank could be useful if you don’t have a permanent water supply. The title lists 5+1 programmes; check the available space, drain hose route and suitable electrical supply before installation.
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Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W), 5 L tank
This countertop model is listed with an integrated 5 L tank, 6+3 programmes and a D energy rating. Check that your dishes fit inside, as well as the available space, drainage and socket.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Black, 6 place settings
The stated capacity of 6 place settings is worth comparing with your usual loads. The title lists 7 programmes and a D energy rating; check the dimensions, connections and socket requirements before making room for it on your worktop.
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GORGENOX DW4-D30A, 3 place settings
The stated capacity of 3 place settings is suited to smaller loads: compare it with your meals and the size of your dishes. Check the dimensions, water supply, drainage and socket requirements rather than assuming that a countertop model needs no preparation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dishwasher with a water tank work without a water supply?
Yes, if the model can be filled manually: HAVA lists this as an option with the R09’s 5 L tank. You’ll still need to arrange drainage for the waste water in line with the instructions for the exact model.
What kind of socket does a dishwasher need?
Promotelec says a dishwasher socket should be on a dedicated circuit. If you’re unsure about the socket in your home, ask a qualified professional to check the installation before plugging in the appliance.
How can you compare the consumption of two compact models?
Check their energy labels and compare figures for the same use and on the same measurement basis. ADEME describes the label as information for buyers; the appliance’s size alone doesn’t tell you whether it will use less.
Could a 45 cm dishwasher work in a small home?
Yes, if you have the floor space and the necessary connections. Whirlpool lists the WSFO3T223P as holding 10 place settings, with dimensions of 45 × 85 × 59 cm. Compare its size and capacity with your kitchen and the amount of washing up you have.