If you don't have a dedicated water supply, a mini dishwasher with a tank could suit a small load of dishes, provided you have somewhere to drain the water. If you cook often and have the necessary connections, a compact countertop model or a slim 45 cm dishwasher offers more capacity, but needs more space. Then check that your dishes will actually fit inside, and compare the noise level and Eco programme figures.
A mini model with a tank lets you wash a small load of dishes without a permanent connection to the water supply. You will still need somewhere to drain the wastewater, such as a sink or waste outlet, as Daan Tech specifies for its Bob model.
If meals also mean bowls, serving dishes and saucepans, a capacity of two or three place settings can soon feel limiting. A plumbed-in compact model or a slim 45 cm dishwasher may be worth considering, provided you have enough space and the necessary connections.
Noise levels matter just as much as where you put the appliance. When comparing the models you're considering, also check the water use per cycle, electricity use per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration on the energy label.
Worth considering: for small loads when there's no dedicated water supply available.
Bear in mind: filling the tank doesn't remove the need to arrange drainage; Daan Tech states that the Bob holds two place settings.
Worth considering: if you want to wash more dishes while keeping the appliance on your worktop, and the necessary connections are accessible.
Bear in mind: this format takes up more space than a very small model. Que Choisir notes that a freestanding compact model needs a water supply and waste outlet, or a nearby sink, depending on the installation.
Worth considering: for a couple who cook often and have floor space and the necessary connections.
Bear in mind: it takes up floor space rather than worktop space. Beko states that its DVS05024X holds ten place settings, so check this against the dishes you use regularly.
Worth considering: if you already have space for a standard model and want the option to wash serving dishes or leave more time between cycles.
Bear in mind: it could take up a disproportionate amount of space in a small kitchen; a half-load setting doesn't replace checking the capacity and consumption figures for the specific model.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check whether the appliance has a tank or a compatible water supply connection, then consider the route and positioning of the drain hose. | Without a dedicated water supply, I want to install the appliance without altering the kitchen, while still having a practical way to drain it. Around 31% of consumers prioritise installation requirements. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings with the size of your plates and the space needed for the dishes you use regularly. | If I cook regularly, I don't want bowls and saucepans to mean I have to run another cycle. This day-to-day capacity is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Available space | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the door clearance, whether it's going on a stable surface or in a designated floor space. | In a small kitchen, I need to keep enough worktop space for food preparation and to open the appliance. Around 25% of consumers prioritise its footprint when choosing. |
| Noise and use | Check the model's documentation for its noise level, water use per cycle, electricity use per 100 cycles and Eco programme duration. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to be able to start a cycle without overlooking noise or consumption. Noise and usage come first for around 19% of consumers. |
The Bob's tank means you don't need a dedicated water supply, but Daan Tech still requires a way to drain wastewater. A hose that's poorly positioned or secured can make the appliance difficult to use and may cause a leak.
Before deciding where to put it, work out how the hose will reach the sink or waste outlet and check how to secure it in place.
A stated capacity doesn't guarantee that your large plates and serving dishes will fit in the rack at the same time. For example, Daan Tech states that the Bob can take plates up to 29 cm in diameter.
Measure your largest plate and check how the rack will fit the dishes you use for a typical meal.
You can't compare two appliances by their energy rating alone. The amount of crockery loaded, water use per cycle, electricity use per 100 cycles, Eco programme duration and noise level all matter too. ADEME highlights the importance of noise levels when choosing an appliance.
First compare formats that suit your dishes, then look at all the figures given for each model.
Daan Tech's Bob is an example of an extra-small countertop dishwasher, with an integrated tank or the option to connect it to a water supply.
The Studio MINID3SL is another example of a mini countertop model. Darty lists it as 43 cm wide, with a capacity of three place settings.
The DVS05024X is an example of a slim, freestanding 45 cm model, designed to sit on the floor rather than on a worktop.
These countertop models are designed for small loads and limited space. Some product titles mention a tank, but you should also consider the space available, water supply and drainage requirements for each appliance.
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Worth considering if you want a countertop appliance with an integrated tank. The product title lists a 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Check the drainage route, available space and noise level before choosing.
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Worth looking at if worktop width is limited and you want a model with a tank. The product title lists dimensions of 37 × 50 cm, nine programmes, a delay start of 1 to 24 hours and a D energy rating. Also check the height, noise level and drainage requirements.
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Worth comparing if three place settings is enough for your dishes. The product title lists seven programmes and a C energy rating. Check the dimensions and noise level, as well as the water supply and drainage requirements for this model.
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Worth considering if you want capacity for six place settings on your worktop. The product title lists seven programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Check these figures against the documentation for the exact model, and confirm its dimensions and connection requirements.
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Worth considering for a very small amount of crockery: Daan Tech states that the Bob holds two place settings. Before choosing this pack, check how it connects to the water supply, how it drains and whether your usual dishes will fit.
Yes, if the model has a self-contained water supply. Daan Tech states that the Bob has an integrated 3.9 L tank. You will still need to drain the wastewater through a hose into a sink or waste outlet.
Check that you can connect the water supply and drainage at your chosen location. Que Choisir states that a freestanding compact model with eight place settings needs a water supply and waste outlet, or a nearby sink depending on the installation, despite its countertop format.
Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise information, as well as the energy rating. ADEME notes that the Eco programme is often used as a benchmark. Also check that the models you're comparing have a capacity suited to your dishes.
It could be a good fit if your everyday dishes fit inside and you have somewhere practical to drain it. Customer reviews on Darty describe the Moulinex Studio MINID3SL as handy for one person, while also mentioning the worktop space it takes up and the need to place it near a sink. These comments relate to this model, not all mini dishwashers.