In a rented kitchen, only choose a standard dishwasher, even a slimline model, once you’ve confirmed that the necessary water supply, drainage and electrical connection are available: Bosch says these connections are required for installation. A tank-fed model may avoid the need for a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need a suitable socket and a safe way to drain the water, and you’ll have to accept a limited capacity. If you can’t confirm that a compatible installation is possible, it’s better to put off buying than to rely on unauthorised alterations.
If you’re not sure whether there’s a water supply or drainage outlet, look at tank-fed models, but don’t forget that they still need to drain. If there’s no safe way to dispose of the water, put off buying rather than planning to alter the kitchen from the outset.
If the necessary water supply, drainage and socket are already available, a 45 cm freestanding model may be an option for a narrow kitchen. Also measure the depth and the space needed in front of the open door.
Once you’ve confirmed that the installation is compatible, compare appliances with a capacity suited to your washing-up. ADEME says the energy label lets you check details including energy and water use, capacity and noise level.
In a rented kitchen, being able to install and drain the appliance comes before choosing its capacity or programmes. The following options suit different situations, but none removes the need to check the space you actually have.
Consider this if : there’s no confirmed fixed water supply, but a suitable socket and a safe way to drain the water are available, as with the tank-fed models described by Daan Tech and HAVA.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to fill the tank and manage the waste water, and the capacity is designed for smaller loads of washing-up.
Consider this if : the water supply, drainage, electricity and required space are already confirmed. Bosch says its dishwashers need to be connected to the designated supplies and drainage.
Bear in mind : a narrower width doesn’t remove the need for connections.
Choose this if : you can’t confirm that drainage or a compatible installation is possible, or if the only option involves altering the property without written permission.
Bear in mind : you’ll still need to wash up by hand for now.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation compatibility | Check the socket, any water supply and the drainage route. Before making any alterations to a rented property or its equipment, check the requirements for the written permission mentioned by ANIL. | If I can’t confirm the connections, I want to avoid buying an appliance I can’t use or carrying out unauthorised work. Around 36 % of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Capacity and size | Measure the space and door clearance ; compare the stated capacity with the amount of washing-up you produce. | With limited space but washing-up every day, I need enough capacity without blocking the way. Capacity would come first for around 29 % of consumers. |
| Noise | Check the decibel rating and noise class for the exact model, rather than relying on a claim that it’s “quiet”. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I want to minimise disruption during a cycle. Noise would be the top priority for around 21 % of consumers. |
| Water and energy | Compare litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles for the stated reference programme, taking capacity into account. | If several appliances suit my installation, I want to compare their consumption for a similar amount of washing-up. Around 14 % of consumers would put this first. |
A tank can avoid the need for a fixed water supply, but the models described by Daan Tech and HAVA still drain waste water through a hose.
Before ordering, check where the hose can go and how it can be kept in place. Also make sure you can access the socket and open the door.
A narrower width doesn’t change the need for the water, electricity and drainage connections highlighted by Bosch.
Check what’s already in place before buying. If you’re considering altering a rented property or its equipment, ANIL says you’ll need the landlord’s written permission.
An energy class doesn’t tell you everything about water use, capacity or noise. Appliances in different sizes may also need different numbers of cycles to wash the same amount of dishes.
Check the labels of the models you’re considering for kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and capacity, then compare like with like.
Bob is a compact countertop dishwasher worth considering if a fixed water supply hasn’t been confirmed.
The R01 is a countertop model to consider if manual filling would make installation easier in a small space.
45 cm freestanding models are designed for narrow kitchens where the necessary connections are already available.
The 45 cm freestanding range offers a slimline option if your existing installation is compatible.
If you’re looking for a dishwasher for a kitchen without a confirmed fixed water supply, this tank-fed countertop model is worth considering. Before deciding whether it’s right for your home, check how it drains and what electrical supply it needs.
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The built-in 5 L tank makes this model worth considering if you don’t have a confirmed fixed water supply. Before buying, check the instructions for where to direct the waste water and whether the electrical requirements are compatible with your installation.
No : the tank-fed models described by Daan Tech and HAVA need to drain waste water through a hose. Check that the hose can reach a sink or another outlet specified in the instructions and stay securely in place.
In France, ANIL says tenants must not make alterations to the rented property or its equipment without the landlord’s written permission. Check the nature of the proposed work and the terms of your tenancy agreement before starting.
For dishwashers suited to the same use, compare details including kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity and noise level. ADEME says the energy figures are based on a reference cycle, so check which programme is specified for each model.
No : the surface must be suitable for the appliance’s dimensions and stability requirements. Also check that there’s enough room to open the door, fill the tank, plug in the appliance and position the drainage hose.