First, choose a dishwasher that will fit in your kitchen and can be connected up. Then check that its interior has enough room for the dishes you produce between washes. A mini model with a water tank avoids the need for a fixed water supply, but you’ll need to fill it and drain the wastewater. A connected countertop model offers more capacity, while a 45 cm model is suitable if you have floor space and the necessary connections. In a studio flat, compare the noise levels and consumption figures for each model too.
If changing the plumbing in your studio flat isn’t an option, a mini dishwasher with a water tank could save you from needing a fixed water supply. You’ll still need to be able to fill it, drain the wastewater and connect it to electricity. Daan Tech describes how this works for Bob; ANIL advises that you need your landlord’s written permission to make changes to your home or its fittings.
A countertop appliance could handle the everyday dishes of a small household, provided its interior is large enough and you have access to a water supply, drainage and electricity. Six-place-setting models sit on a worktop, as UFC-Que Choisir points out, so check how much space they’ll take up before choosing one.
If pots and dishes from several meals would quickly fill a small interior, consider a freestanding 45 cm model. UFC-Que Choisir puts the capacity of this size at around 9 to 10 place settings, depending on the model. You’ll need floor space and the connections required for a standard dishwasher.
Consider this if: there’s no usable fixed water supply and a small interior will hold enough between washes.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill it manually and drain the wastewater; the tank doesn’t mean the appliance can run without an electrical socket.
Consider this if: you have a clear worktop and the necessary connections near the sink.
Bear in mind: it will take up part of your worktop permanently, even if it holds just 6 place settings.
Consider this if: you have floor space and your household’s washing needs justify a capacity of 9 to 10 place settings.
Bear in mind: it needs standard connections and takes up floor space; the width alone won’t tell you how noisy it is.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Check the water supply, socket and drainage route. With a model that has a tank, also work out where the wastewater will go. | If I can’t change the plumbing in my home, I want to avoid needing a fixed water supply without later finding that draining the water is impractical. Around 33% of consumers put this need first. |
| Space required | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow room for the door to open. Then check how much space will be left on the worktop or floor. | In a kitchenette, I want to keep using my worktop once the appliance is installed. For around 27% of consumers, preserving usable space is the main concern. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings with the dishes you produce between washes. Also check whether there’s room for large plates and pans. | When I cook often, an interior that’s too small would mean running very frequent cycles or leaving dishes unwashed. This daily capacity comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
| Noise and running costs | Compare the noise level in dB(A), kWh per 100 cycles, water used per cycle and the duration of the Eco programme on the product specifications. | If my kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to factor in the noise while keeping an eye on water and electricity use. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this comfort and these costs. |
UFC-Que Choisir highlights how important noise levels can be in an open-plan kitchen. When comparing consumption, ADEME points out that the reference cycle is often the Eco programme: its figures don’t necessarily reflect a quick programme.
The tank in Daan Tech’s Bob can replace a fixed water supply, but wastewater still needs to flow out through a hose into the sink or another suitable container.
Before buying, plan the hose route and make sure manual filling suits your washing routine.
A countertop dishwasher can take up a large part of your worktop, while the number of place settings alone won’t tell you whether your pans or large plates will fit.
Measure the space and allow for the door to open, then check the dishwasher basket specifications against your bulkiest items.
According to ANIL, you need your landlord’s written permission to make changes to your home or its fittings. So arranging a connection involves more than simply choosing an appliance that fits in your kitchen.
If installation requires a change, get permission before work begins and check the rules that apply if shared facilities are involved.
ADEME explains that reference consumption figures often relate to the Eco programme. They don’t automatically reflect other programmes or all the costs of running the appliance.
Compare water and electricity figures on the same basis, then factor in consumables, maintenance and any installation work required.
The brand describes Bob as a mini countertop dishwasher that can use either a water tank or a standard water supply.
The range includes countertop dishwashers for small kitchens, including the Rapidò CP 6E51LS.
The range includes freestanding 45 cm dishwashers, including models listed as having 10 place settings.
Bosch offers compact models for smaller households, as well as freestanding 45 cm dishwashers.
These countertop models are for kitchens where you’re considering placing the appliance on an available surface. They don’t all use the same water supply method or have the same capacity, so check the drainage, space required and the dishes you need to wash before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want a countertop appliance that doesn’t need a fixed water supply.
The title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 programmes. Even with the tank, you’ll need a suitable route for wastewater. Check the noise level too if your kitchen opens onto the living area.
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Worth considering for a small amount of washing up, once you’ve checked how much worktop space is available.
The title lists 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay start and a D energy rating. Check the drainage requirements before planning where to install it.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for 6 place settings on your worktop and have suitable connections.
The title lists 7 programmes, a D energy rating and a noise level of 47 dB. Check the overall dimensions and the water supply and drainage requirements for your chosen location.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop model with the programmes and features listed in its title.
A delay start is also listed. Before relying on the « no connection required » claim, confirm how it gets its water, how it drains and what dimensions your kitchen can accommodate.
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Worth considering if you have limited space for a countertop dishwasher.
Check that the interior can fit your plates and bulkier items. For this All-Options Pack variant, also confirm how it gets its water and how it drains before deciding where to put it.
A connected model needs a water supply, drainage and electricity, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. Some mini models do have a water tank, though: Daan Tech says that Bob can run without a fixed water supply this way, but the wastewater still needs to be drained.
You could connect it to existing fittings, but ANIL says you need your landlord’s written permission to make changes to your home or its fittings. If installation involves adding or altering a connection, get permission before any work begins.
Make sure the appliance can be powered by a suitable electrical installation, and don’t improvise any electrical modifications. Promotelec says that new or fully renovated installations should include dedicated circuits for large appliances, including dishwashers. If you’re unsure about an existing home’s installation, have it checked.
Compare water and electricity use on the same basis, taking each appliance’s capacity into account. ADEME points out that the reference cycle is often the Eco programme, so don’t automatically apply its figures to a quick cycle.
No, it doesn’t replace the legal guarantee of conformity. In France, the Ministry of the Economy says consumers can claim under it for two years on new or second-hand goods bought from a professional seller. Before choosing an additional commercial warranty, check what it actually covers and what exclusions apply.