Renters without a dedicated water inlet
You need an appliance for smaller loads without installing a permanent water connection, but you’ll still need to plan for drainage.
Who are these options for?
People with a narrow kitchen
You’ll need to choose between using your available worktop space and finding floor space for a 45 cm appliance.
Households that build up a pile of washing-up
Capacity is a priority, and you’ll need to check that a freestanding appliance can be positioned, connected and opened in your kitchen.
What to check
Compact model with a water tank
Choose this if: you don’t have a dedicated water inlet and can fit a small appliance on a stable worktop.
Keep in mind: you’ll need to fill the tank and arrange drainage. Daan Tech states that Bob holds three standard place settings.
Connected compact model
Choose this if: you have worktop space and the necessary connections, but would rather not use up floor space.
Keep in mind: the Candy CP 6E51LS is an example of a countertop model rated for six place settings and connected to a water inlet.
45 cm freestanding model
Choose this if: a 60 cm appliance won’t fit, but you have floor space and the necessary connections.
Keep in mind: check the height, depth, hoses and door clearance for the exact model.
60 cm freestanding model
Choose this if: your kitchen has enough floor space and the connections are accessible.
Keep in mind: this size takes up more width than a 45 cm model. Choose the capacity to suit the dishes you usually wash.
Renting
Consider this if: how long you’ll be staying or the services included in the agreement are important to your decision.
Compare: the contract term, total amount payable, services and return conditions with the cost of buying.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installing without making changes | Check how the water is supplied, how it drains and whether any changes to the property may be needed. | I want to avoid altering my rental property, but I still need a way to drain the water. Around 36% of consumers prioritise an installation that requires no alterations. |
| Making sure the appliance fits and the door opens | Measure the space, the depth with the door open and the clearance needed for the hoses. | When every centimetre counts, I want to keep the kitchen easy to move around in and preserve usable worktop space. Around 29% of consumers put the appliance’s footprint first. |
| Choosing the right capacity | Compare the place settings stated for the exact model and check that your plates and pans will fit comfortably. | I want to know whether the appliance will hold the dishes I usually wash, rather than relying on its size alone. Around 21% of consumers prioritise everyday capacity. |
| Comparing buying and renting | Calculate the total amount payable over the period you expect to need it, then compare the services and return conditions. | When I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying, I want to compare the total cost and services before committing. Around 14% of consumers prioritise the cost over the time they expect to live in the property. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a water tank means you don’t need drainage
An appliance with a water tank can save you needing a fixed water inlet, but it still needs to drain the waste water.
Before buying, work out where the hose will sit throughout the cycle. Daan Tech says Bob drains through a hose into a sink or another suitable outlet.
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Choosing a 45 cm model by measuring its width alone
The depth, height, hoses and door clearance can all affect whether the appliance will fit in the available space.
Measure the full space for the model you’ve chosen, then check its dimensions in the product specifications and instruction manual.
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Assuming a low monthly payment makes renting cheaper
The monthly payment alone doesn’t tell you the full cost of the agreement; some contracts may also require an upfront payment.
Compare the total amount payable over the period you expect to need it, and the services actually included, with the cost and services of buying.
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Confusing freestanding installation with permission to alter the property
Installing an appliance and making changes to a rented property or its fixtures are two different things. Article 7 of the Act of 6 July 1989 covers alterations to rented property.
Before making any changes, ask the landlord for written permission. If the work affects communal areas or the exterior of the building, also check with Légifrance which permissions apply to the co-ownership.
Brands to consider by size and style
Daan Tech
According to Daan Tech, Bob is an example of a freestanding mini dishwasher that can use either its water tank or a water inlet.
- Filling the tank can be useful when there’s no dedicated water inlet.
- Daan Tech states that it holds three standard place settings, and drainage is still required.
Candy
The CP 6E51LS is an example of a countertop model connected to a water inlet, according to Candy France.
- Candy states that this model holds six place settings and measures 550 × 501 × 443 mm.
- The product description also gives a different height. Check the measurement in the documentation for this model before installation.
Bosch
The range includes examples of 45 cm and 60 cm freestanding dishwashers, according to Bosch Électroménager France.
- Bosch states that the SPS2HKI58E measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm.
- Whether the property has water, electricity and drainage connections depends on the property. Check the model’s requirements and installation instructions.
Beko
The BDFS26040X is an example of a slimline freestanding dishwasher, according to Beko France.
- Beko states that this model is 45 cm wide and holds ten place settings.
- These specifications apply to the BDFS26040X. Check the dimensions and capacity of any other model separately.
Joybuy products to suit your needs
These products include compact countertop dishwashers and freestanding models for kitchens without a space for an integrated appliance.
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AIRMSEN, countertop dishwasher, 5 L tank, 37 × 50 cm
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact countertop appliance with a built-in water tank.
The title lists a 5 L tank, 9 programmes and a 37 × 50 cm size.
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AIRMSEN, portable countertop dishwasher, 5+1 cycles
Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop model described as not needing a permanent connection.
The title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. The drainage hose needs to run into a sink or container.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, countertop dishwasher, 6 place settings
Worth considering if you have a suitable worktop and want a compact model rated for six place settings.
The title lists 7 programmes, a noise level of 47 dB and energy rating D. The description says a water connection is required.
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Hotpoint H3FFD636X, 60 cm freestanding dishwasher, 14 place settings
Worth considering if you have enough floor space and suitable connections for a freestanding model.
The title lists a width of 60 cm, 14 place settings and energy rating D. Check you have enough space before installation.
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COMFEE CDWMT305WD, compact countertop dishwasher
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact countertop appliance for a kitchen without a space for an integrated model.
The title lists 7 programmes and a 24-hour delay start.
Frequently asked questions
Can a compact dishwasher with a water tank work without any drainage?
No, not the Bob model described by Daan Tech. The tank means you don’t need a dedicated water inlet, but a hose still has to direct the water into a sink or another suitable outlet. Check the instructions for the model you choose and make sure the hose is secure.
Can I alter the plumbing or kitchen units in my rental property?
If the work amounts to altering the rented property or its fixtures, Article 7 of the Act of 6 July 1989 requires the landlord’s written consent. Simply installing an appliance doesn’t determine whether work counts as an alteration, so check what changes are involved before going ahead.
Do I ever need permission from the co-ownership?
If work affects communal areas or the exterior of the building, Article 25 of the Act of 10 July 1965 requires authorisation from the general meeting for the co-owner concerned. This doesn’t mean that simply placing an appliance in the kitchen requires a vote; check exactly what work is planned.
What should I compare on the energy label and for installation?
ADEME says the label provides information including water and energy use, capacity and noise. Noise may also matter in an open-plan kitchen. Follow the instructions for the exact model when it comes to connections and maintenance.
What should I check when renting an appliance, and what about the guarantee after buying?
If you’re renting, add up the total amount payable over the period you expect to need the appliance, and check which services are included and the return conditions. If you buy from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity is subject to its own terms and shouldn’t be confused with an extended commercial guarantee.