First, choose according to the space available and how you’ll drain the waste water, then consider the capacity you need for your everyday dishes. A mini model with a water tank avoids the need for a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need a way to drain the water and an electricity supply. A slimline or fully integrated model needs a suitable floor space or cabinet niche. Then compare the eco programme’s consumption and the noise level on the label for the exact model: a smaller appliance isn’t necessarily the best fit for your needs.
You want to wash a small load without a permanent connection to the water supply. You’ll still need to plan for drainage and an electrical socket. Daan Tech sets out these requirements for its Bob model with a water tank.
If your loads are larger than a mini appliance can handle, compare the floor space needed for a slimline model with the worktop space taken up by a compact one. UFC-Que Choisir and Beko describe slimline models suited to different capacities.
An available cabinet niche could make a fully integrated model an option without taking up worktop space. Electrolux states that the EES42210L model is supplied without a furniture door.
Start by checking where the appliance will fit and how it will be connected. Then make sure its capacity suits the items you actually wash. ADEME also recommends comparing the consumption and noise information on the energy label.
Consider this if: you don’t have a usable water supply and have a stable surface, an electrical socket and a way to drain the water.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill it by hand and drain the waste water after each cycle. Also check that the basket can hold your dishes.
Consider this if: you can set aside part of your worktop and have the connections specified in the instructions.
Bear in mind: it will take up worktop space. Check the water supply, drainage and socket requirements for the exact model.
Consider this if: you have floor space and suitable connections, and want to compare a larger capacity with that of a mini appliance.
Bear in mind: measure the height, depth, door clearance and space for the hoses. Width alone isn’t enough.
Consider this if: you already have a suitable cabinet niche and want to keep your worktop clear.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the furniture door and niche compatibility. Electrolux states that the installation described for its EES42210L model doesn’t include carpentry work or fitting a furniture door.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Location and dimensions | Measure the width, height and depth, door clearance and space for hoses at the intended location. | If I want to keep space for food preparation, I compare the worktop space a tabletop model takes up with the floor space needed for a freestanding appliance. Around 28% of consumers prioritise usable space. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings and basket layout with the plates, dishes and pans you usually use. | When several people use the kitchen, I check that the everyday dishes will fit in the intended load. Around 22% of consumers prioritise usable capacity. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check the model’s requirements, the route for draining waste water and the electrical instructions in its manual. | If I don’t have a usable water supply near my kitchenette, I look for a suitable filling method and make sure I don’t overlook drainage. Around 22% of consumers prioritise not needing a fixed water supply. |
| Water and electricity consumption | On the label for the exact model, check the kWh per 100 eco cycles, litres per eco cycle and capacity. | To compare running costs, I look at the eco programme figures and take into account the load and number of cycles I’ll need. Around 17% of consumers prioritise keeping consumption under control. |
| Noise | Compare the noise level and noise class shown on the label for the exact model. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I consider the noise if the appliance will run close to my living space. Around 11% of consumers prioritise quiet operation. |
An appliance with a water tank still needs to drain waste water and be connected to electricity. Daan Tech states that its Bob model uses a drainage hose.
Before choosing a tank-fed model, work out where the water will drain and how you’ll keep the hose in place.
You’ll need to plan for drainage, which may require suitable accessories or a compatible set-up, depending on your kitchen.
An appliance could be too deep or get in the way when the door opens. The stated number of place settings doesn’t guarantee that all your usual utensils will fit together.
Measure the entire space and check the basket layout against the dishes you use every day.
A compact model can take up valuable worktop space; an integrated model may need a furniture door, while insufficient capacity could mean running extra cycles.
A smaller capacity could mean running more cycles to wash the same amount of dishes. The energy label figures relate to the eco programme and won’t, on their own, predict your household’s bill.
Compare water and electricity consumption alongside capacity and a washing frequency that reflects how you use the appliance.
Width alone doesn’t confirm compatibility, and the Electrolux EES42210L model is supplied without a furniture door. Electrolux’s described installation service excludes carpentry work and fitting a furniture door.
Before buying, check the niche, furniture door, connections and the written details of the installation service.
Depending on your project, you may need to provide a furniture door and arrange any necessary carpentry or plumbing work.
The Bob model is an example of a mini tabletop dishwasher with a water tank or a mains water connection. It’s worth considering if you don’t have a fixed water supply.
The SKS2ITW00E is an example of a compact, connected tabletop model.
The BDFS26040X is an example of a freestanding slimline dishwasher for a kitchen with available floor space.
The EES42210L is an example of a 45 cm fully integrated model to consider if you have a suitable cabinet niche.
The models below are tabletop dishwashers for smaller loads and kitchens where you can set aside worktop space. Some are advertised as having a water tank.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a tabletop appliance with a water tank rather than a fixed water supply.
The product page lists 4 place settings, an integrated 5 L water tank and 5+1 wash cycles. In tank mode, waste water needs to be drained through a hose into a container.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a tabletop model advertised for a small capacity, with or without a water connection.
The title lists 3 place settings, 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay start, 56.3 dB and energy rating C. The description states that it has a 5 L water tank and uses 4.2 litres of water per cycle. Check the specifications for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you can set aside worktop space for a tabletop model advertised for 6 place settings.
The title lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and energy rating D. Check the dimensions and connection requirements for the intended location.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact tabletop appliance with a water tank for a small load.
The title lists 3 place settings, 7 programmes, a 72 °C wash and energy rating D. The description says the tank is filled by hand; check the drainage instructions for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a worktop dishwasher whose title lists a capacity of 3 sets.
The title describes a tabletop format and a stated capacity of 3 sets. Check the product details and installation requirements for the version on offer.
A model designed for use with a water tank can work without a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to drain the waste water and connect it to electricity. Daan Tech describes these requirements for Bob; follow the instructions for the version you buy.
The European energy label includes information such as electricity use per 100 eco cycles, water use per eco cycle, capacity and noise emissions. Compare similar models and loads: these figures alone can’t predict your future bill.
Check what’s included in the sale and measure the cabinet niche before buying. Electrolux states that the EES42210L model is supplied without a furniture door and that the brand’s described installation service doesn’t include fitting the door or carpentry work.
Read the instructions for the exact model to check the connections, initial settings and maintenance. Bosch’s guidance applies to its own appliances and doesn’t replace the instructions for another brand.
The French Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory for goods sold by a business to a private individual, and is separate from a commercial guarantee. The ministry also states that dishwashers are covered by the repairability index. Check the terms that apply to your purchase and the model in question.