For a rented home without dedicated plumbing, a mini dishwasher with a water tank is the easiest option to remove again, provided you can place it on a stable surface, connect it as instructed and drain the wastewater. A compact model that connects to the mains needs a usable water supply and waste outlet; creating new connections means having the installation assessed and getting your landlord’s written permission if the work alters the property. If you’re only staying for a short time or your kitchen is too cramped, not buying an appliance may be the simplest choice.
If being able to remove the appliance easily matters more than capacity, a model with a water tank is worth considering. The HAVA R01 is an example of a model that doesn’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need a suitable socket, a stable surface and somewhere to drain the water, such as a sink or container.
A compact countertop model may suit you if you need more capacity, provided the required water supply, waste outlet and socket are genuinely accessible. Bosch says that a connected dishwasher needs all three; then check the requirements for the model you’re considering.
If a larger appliance would mean altering the property’s fittings, have the plans assessed before you buy. The ANIL advises that changes to rented premises or equipment require the landlord’s written permission. Agree with them what will happen to the installation when you move out.
Without dedicated plumbing, start by considering what your kitchen can realistically accommodate and which routine tasks you’re happy to repeat.
Consider this if : you want to avoid a fixed water supply and are happy to fill the tank by hand.
Be prepared for : limited capacity and having to arrange drainage every time you use it.
Consider this if : the water supply, waste outlet and electricity are already accessible without altering the property.
Be prepared for : relying on these connections, even if the appliance sits on a worktop.
Consider this if : you need the extra capacity enough to justify a permanent installation.
Be prepared for : a less reversible project that should be assessed by a professional and, if it alters the property, approved in writing by your landlord.
Consider this if : you’re only staying for a short time or don’t have a suitable space.
Be prepared to : keep washing up by hand or make other arrangements.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to remove | Check how the appliance is filled and plan a stable drainage route without altering the property. | I want to take the appliance with me when I move, without touching the kitchen fittings. Around 36 % of consumers put this flexibility first. |
| Existing connections | Check the water supply, waste outlet and socket required by the instructions, as well as the route for the hoses. | I have usable connections near the sink and want more capacity than a small tank can offer. For around 29 % of consumers, using existing connections takes priority over other criteria. |
| Long-term capacity | Measure the space and have the proposed connections assessed; get written permission before making any alterations. | I need to wash a lot of dishes, so I’m considering a larger appliance and may be able to make an approved alteration. Long-term capacity is the priority for around 21 % of consumers. |
| Whether it’s worth buying | Consider the space available, how long you’ll be living there, and the steps involved in filling and draining the appliance. | In a small kitchen or for a short stay, I’d rather avoid an appliance that makes everyday life more complicated. Around 14 % of consumers prioritise not buying one. |
A model with a water tank still needs to drain wastewater. HAVA says the R01’s hose can empty into a sink or bucket, so where you place it matters just as much as where you put the appliance.
Before ordering, identify a drainage point and check how to keep the hose in place during the cycle.
A socket on its own won’t run a model that also needs a water supply and waste outlet. If installing these would alter the rented property’s fittings, the ANIL advises that you need the landlord’s written permission.
Compare all three connection requirements with your actual kitchen before choosing a model or arranging an assessment for any work.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you whether there’ll be enough room to open the door or whether your dishes will fit inside. Plate and dish sizes also matter for everyday use.
Measure the width, depth, available height and clearance in front of the appliance, then compare these with the dimensions of the model you’re considering.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about capacity or how a cycle works. The ADEME explains that the stated water consumption is for a reference cycle.
Also compare litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles, the Eco programme’s duration and noise levels, choosing models suited to the amount of washing up you have.
The R01 is an example of a countertop mini dishwasher with a water tank.
The Aquatica is a mini countertop model available with a water tank or mains connection.
The 6S47 D WAD929C V2 is a compact countertop model for kitchens with the necessary connections.
Bosch’s guidance can help you check what a connected dishwasher needs.
These countertop models are mainly relevant if you’re looking for an installation without a permanent connection. Before choosing, distinguish between models listed with a water tank and those where you’ll need to check the instructions for how they take in water and drain it.
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Worth considering if you want to fill the appliance without a fixed water supply. The model name indicates a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. You’ll also need a suitable space, and should check the instructions for how to drain wastewater and connect the appliance.
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Worth considering for a small amount of washing up in a kitchen where space is limited. The model name indicates capacity for 3 place settings and 7 programmes. Before deciding where to put it, check the instructions for filling, drainage and connection requirements.
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Worth considering if filling a tank suits your home better than having a fixed water supply. The model name indicates a built-in 5 L tank and 6+3 programmes. Check the instructions for the drainage route and connection requirements.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop model advertised as needing no permanent connection. Its name indicates 8 wash programmes. Before buying, check the instructions to find out how water enters and leaves the appliance, as well as its dimensions and electrical connection requirements.
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Worth considering for a small amount of washing up if your kitchen can accommodate a countertop appliance. The model name indicates capacity for 3 place settings. Check the instructions for the water supply, drainage, dimensions and electrical requirements.
Placing a portable appliance doesn’t in itself mean you need to create a fixed connection. However, check your tenancy agreement and inventory: if your plans involve drilling, fixing the appliance in place or altering the rented property’s fittings, the ANIL advises that you need the landlord’s written permission for any changes.
Yes : wastewater needs to leave the appliance. For the HAVA R01, HAVA says the outlet hose can direct water into a sink or bucket. Check that you can position and secure the hose properly.
For the Bosch dishwashers concerned, the brand’s guidance is to plug the appliance directly into a mains socket, without an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor. For other models, follow the instructions and check that the available socket meets the requirements.
First compare the dimensions and connection requirements with your kitchen, then look at the figures that matter for everyday use. The ADEME explains that the stated litres are for a reference cycle. Where the label includes them, also check kWh per 100 cycles, the Eco programme’s duration and the noise level.