One person in a studio flat or kitchenette
A countertop model is worth considering if you have a stable surface available and filling the machine, if needed, and draining it won’t get in the way of your everyday use of the kitchen.
Which size is right for you?
A couple with permanent connections
If a 45 cm appliance can stay in place, compare its capacity with the dishes that build up between cycles. Also measure the clearance needed to open the door.
A tenant looking for a reversible installation
Choose a stable location, a suitable electrical supply and a practical way to drain the water without altering the kitchen. If your plans involve changes to the plumbing or electrics, check the applicable requirements before you commit.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the space available and the dishes from a typical meal, then check the water connections and the details of the Eco programme.
| Priority | What to check | What suits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, height, depth and clearance needed for the door. Compare the basket layout and maximum plate size with the stated place-setting capacity. Daan Tech gives Bob’s dimensions as 34 × 49 × 49 cm; Bosch gives 845 × 450 × 600 mm for its 45 cm SPS4EMI17E model. | I want to keep enough room for cooking without having to wash the pans separately after every meal. If I’m short on floor space too, I’ll compare a countertop model with a 45 cm model before choosing a spot. |
| Installation | Check the water supply or tank-filling method, drainage point, hose position and access to a suitable socket. A tank doesn’t remove the need for drainage. For a compact built-in model, also measure the housing unit and check the required door front. | In my kitchen, I need to be able to fill the appliance and drain the water without moving things around every cycle. If I’m in temporary accommodation, I’ll also consider how easy it is to remove. |
| Water, energy and noise | The European Commission’s energy label shows energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water use per cycle, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise level. Compare appliances on the same basis and take their capacity into account. | If my kitchen opens onto the living area, noise matters while the appliance is running. I’ll also consider how many cycles I’d actually run, rather than comparing water use per cycle alone. |
| Use and maintenance | Check the manual for access to the filters and maintenance instructions. For a built-in appliance, make sure the connections will remain accessible. If you’ll only have enough dishes for occasional cycles, reconsider whether an appliance is worthwhile. | I’m looking for a solution I can use and maintain in this kitchen, not just an appliance that seems to fit on paper. |
What should you watch out for?
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Assuming no fixed water supply means no manual handling
With a tank-fed model, you still need to add water before the cycle and drain the wastewater afterwards. Daan Tech describes both ways of supplying water for Bob, but drainage is still required.
Before buying, use the chosen model’s manual to check for a stable position, a suitable socket, how to fill it, the hose route and the door clearance.
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Relying on the place-setting figure alone
This figure doesn’t tell you whether your frying pans or large plates will fit in the basket. Daan Tech gives two different standard place-setting figures on pages about Bob, so it’s important to check the exact version.
Compare the dimensions of your usual dishes with the maximum sizes accepted by the basket for the model being sold.
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Comparing consumption figures from different programmes
Figures on the European energy label are for the Eco programme; other programmes may have different durations and consumption levels.
Compare water per cycle, energy per 100 cycles, capacity and noise on the label, then check the manual for the programmes you plan to use.
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Choosing a built-in model for a temporary installation
A fully integrated model, such as the Electrolux ESL2500RO featured by the brand, needs a compatible housing unit and connections in the right place. It will be harder to remove than a freestanding appliance.
Measure the housing unit and check the door front and access to the connections before choosing this type.
What do the brands offer?
These examples illustrate different sizes and installation requirements; their features don’t apply to every model from each brand.
Daan Tech
Bob is a countertop dishwasher designed for smaller spaces.
- According to Daan Tech, Bob measures 34 × 49 × 49 cm and can be supplied by a tank or a water connection.
- Daan Tech’s pages don’t all give the same standard place-setting capacity. Check the version being sold, its basket and its drainage instructions.
Bosch
Bosch offers mini dishwashers as well as 45 cm freestanding models: two different options to compare for your kitchen.
- For the SPS4EMI17E, Bosch gives dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm and water use of 8,7 L per Eco cycle.
- These measurements apply to this specific model. Check its depth with the door open and the connections needed at the chosen location.
Electrolux
The ESL2500RO is a 55 cm fully integrated compact model for a kitchen with a suitably sized housing unit.
- Electrolux lists a capacity of 6 place settings, 49 dB and 61 kWh per 100 cycles for the ESL2500RO.
- Installation depends on the housing unit, door front and connections; a capacity of six place settings doesn’t guarantee room for large dishes.
Countertop models on Joybuy
These models are designed to sit on a worktop. If you’re considering a 45 cm appliance or a compact built-in model instead, first compare the space and connections needed for those types.
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AIRMSEN countertop model, 5 L tank
Worth considering if you’d rather fill a tank than arrange a permanent water connection. The title lists a 5 L tank and 5+1 cycles; check the space needed, basket capacity and drainage position.
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Bob 34 cm, 3 place settings, metallic grey and white
This countertop model is listed for 3 place settings. Before choosing it for a small load, check that the basket can accommodate your plates and consult the manual for this version’s water supply and drainage requirements.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, 6 place settings
Its stated capacity of 6 place settings may appeal to households that quickly fill a mini basket. The title mentions seven programmes; measure the space required and check the connections before choosing this tabletop model.
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Bob, All-Options pack, white and copper
This Bob variant is listed as an All-Options pack. Check what’s included, the capacity, and the water supply and drainage requirements for this version. Don’t assume it has the same features as another Bob model.
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GORGENOX DW5-D40A, 3 place settings
The stated capacity of 3 place settings suggests this model is suited to smaller loads. Check its dimensions, water supply and drainage requirements to see whether it will fit in your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Does a mini dishwasher with a tank need a drain?
Yes. On the Bob described by Daan Tech, the tank removes the need for a fixed water supply, but wastewater still drains through a hose. Check where to position it and how to keep it in place during the cycle.
Which figures should I compare on the energy label?
When comparing two dishwashers, look at the energy efficiency class, kWh per 100 Eco cycles, water use per cycle, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise level. The European Commission lists these details on the label; take capacity into account before comparing water use.
Is a 45 cm dishwasher always better for two people?
No. A 45 cm model needs space and permanent connections; a countertop model takes up a different kind of space, but its basket may fill up more quickly. Compare it with the dishes you usually use, especially larger items, then measure the available space.
Does noise matter in a studio flat?
Yes, especially if the kitchen opens onto the living area. Compare the sound level and noise class of the models you’re considering; ADEME notes that an increase of three decibels corresponds to an almost doubling of noise.
What should I check when it comes to maintaining a compact model?
Check the manual for your chosen model for instructions on cleaning the filters and spray arms, and for access to the seals and baskets. Make sure you’ll be able to carry out these tasks once the appliance is installed.