In a studio flat without a dedicated water supply, a mini dishwasher with a water tank can handle small loads, as long as you plan for filling and draining it. If you have floor space and the right connections, a 45 cm model gives you more room for dishes. A 60 cm model is worth considering mainly if you genuinely have the space and regularly fill a larger tub.
In a small kitchen, the number of people in your household matters less than the amount of washing-up and the space you actually have.
A tabletop appliance with a water tank can save you from having to connect it to a fixed water supply. You’ll still need space to put it, and a way to fill the tank and drain the wastewater. Daan Tech describes how this works for its Bob mini dishwasher.
If you have access to a water supply, a drain and a suitable electrical connection, a slimline appliance can take a larger load than a mini model. For example, Beko states that its 45 cm BDFS26040X holds 10 place settings. Be sure to check how much space you’ll need to install it.
A standard-size model could be a good choice if you often have large loads and already have room for one. Whirlpool states that the WH2FD14BN70 holds 14 place settings and measures 60 × 85 × 59 cm. Measure your available space before opting for this capacity.
Consider it if: you have space on your worktop but no fixed water supply, and can find a tank model that suits the dishes you wash.
Bear in mind: it handles a small load per cycle, needs to be filled manually, and still needs a wastewater outlet even without a fixed water supply.
Consider it if: you have floor space and the necessary connections, but not enough width for a 60 cm appliance.
Bear in mind: this size needs to be plumbed in, and the exact capacity and dimensions vary by model.
Consider it if: you already have the space and regularly produce enough washing-up to fill a larger tub.
Bear in mind: an appliance this wide takes up a significant amount of space in a small kitchen. The extra capacity is only useful if it suits the size of your loads.
Start with your usual load, then check the space and connections before comparing the figures on the energy labels.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the size of your plates, dishes and pans. Daan Tech says Bob holds 2 place settings and takes plates up to 29 cm; Beko states that the BDFS26040X holds 10 place settings, while the WH2FD14BN70 from Whirlpool holds 14. | I’d like to wash several meals’ worth of dishes without running cycles too often, or I only have a small load to deal with each day. |
| Space and connections | Measure the space and clearances specified in the instruction manual. Check the water supply, drainage route and electrical connection. Daan Tech says Bob’s 4 L tank means it doesn’t need a fixed water supply, but it still needs a drain hose. | I can set aside space on a worktop or on the floor in my home, without assuming that a tank means no installation is needed at all. |
| Water and energy | The ADEME states that energy consumption is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water consumption in litres per reference cycle. Compare these figures with the capacity and how often you wash, rather than looking at the energy rating alone. | I want to compare appliances on a like-for-like basis while taking into account how many cycles my dishes would need. |
| Maintenance | Check the manual for the products you’ll need and the settings for your model. UFC-Que Choisir recommends allowing for detergent, rinse aid and dishwasher salt. If the appliance has a water softener, its setting depends on the hardness of your water. | Maintenance and consumables also matter to me, beyond the space the appliance takes up. |
Daan Tech says Bob’s tank means it can be used without a fixed water supply, but wastewater still needs to be drained through a properly installed hose.
Find a suitable drain and check the manual for the hose route and how to secure it before deciding where to put the appliance.
The number of place settings alone won’t tell you whether your large plates or pans will fit in the rack. For example, Daan Tech specifies a maximum plate size of 29 cm for Bob.
Make a note of the dishes you use in a typical day, then compare the dimensions of your bulkiest items with the specifications of the model you’re considering.
The energy rating doesn’t tell you everything about capacity or water use per cycle. The ADEME also gives figures in kWh per 100 reference cycles and litres per reference cycle. UFC-Que Choisir notes that consumables are part of using the appliance.
Compare the labels of models that can actually fit your dishes, then factor in the products you’ll need to use them.
You’ll need detergent and, depending on the appliance, rinse aid and dishwasher salt while you use it.
For an appliance with a water softener, UFC-Que Choisir says the setting determines how much dishwasher salt is dispensed, depending on the hardness of your water.
Check your water hardness and follow the manual when setting up and maintaining your model.
These models illustrate three different sizes and installation types. Their specifications won’t apply to every model from each brand.
The Bob mini tabletop dishwasher is an example of a tank model for when there’s no fixed water supply.
The BDFS26040X is an example of a slimline freestanding model for a kitchen with floor space and the necessary connections.
The WH2FD14BN70 is an example of a 60 cm freestanding model for when you have the space and enough washing-up to justify a larger tub.
These tabletop models are worth considering if you have a studio flat or a kitchen with limited space. Compare their stated capacities and check that you can arrange a water supply and drainage for each one in your home.
Image unavailable
The built-in tank could suit a kitchen without a dedicated water supply, as long as you have a suitable way to drain it. The title states that it has 5+1 wash cycles. Check the dimensions and installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
Image unavailable
The built-in 5 L tank is worth considering if you don’t have a fixed water supply. The title states that it has 6+3 programmes and a D energy rating. Check that the rack suits your dishes, and find out which accessories and drainage arrangements you’ll need.
Image unavailable
The stated capacity of 3 place settings is designed for a small load, so check that it suits your plates and utensils. The title states that it has 7 programmes and a D energy rating. Check the manual for the water supply method and the drainage solution that will work in your kitchen.
Image unavailable
The stated capacity of 3 place settings means you’ll want to check that your everyday load fits in the rack. The title states that it has 7 programmes and can be used with or without a water connection. Measure the space and check the manual to see how it should be supplied with water and drained.
Image unavailable
The stated capacity of 6 place settings could suit a small household with a larger load than a 3-place-setting mini model can handle. The title states that it has 7 programmes and a D energy rating. Check the dimensions, clearances and water supply method before choosing this tabletop appliance.
Yes, if it’s designed for this purpose. Daan Tech says Bob can be supplied with water from its built-in 4 L tank. You’ll still need to connect its drain hose and check the manual for how to dispose of wastewater in your kitchen.
Measure the whole space, not just the width, then check the clearances and connections required in the manual. Beko states that the BDFS26040X is 45 cm wide and holds 10 place settings, but this freestanding model needs floor space, a water supply and suitable drainage.
Compare the energy consumption in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water consumption in litres per reference cycle, as explained by the ADEME. Consider these figures alongside the capacity: the energy rating alone won’t tell you whether the rack fits your dishes or how many cycles you’ll run.
Check that the electrical supply is suitable for the appliance and its location. Promotelec states that a dishwasher socket should be on a dedicated circuit and near the necessary water supply and drainage connections. If the installation needs to be added or changed, have the setup in your home checked.
You’ll need detergent and, depending on your model’s requirements, rinse aid and dishwasher salt. UFC-Que Choisir says that the water softener in appliances equipped with one should be set according to your water hardness. Follow the manual for the products and settings specific to your model.