For a kitchenette, start by choosing a dishwasher that fits the space you’ve measured and works with your water supply and waste-water outlet. Then consider how much washing-up you need to do between cycles. A small model with a water tank can spare you a fixed water connection, but you’ll still need to drain it. A higher-capacity tabletop or 45 cm model needs more room and suitable connections. An integrated model is only a sensible choice if the housing and cabinet door are compatible.
If you want to avoid a fixed connection, look for models whose instructions confirm that they can be filled from a tank. You’ll also need a safe way to drain the water: according to Daan Tech, its Bob model can drain waste water into a sink or jerrycan.
If dishes and cooking utensils pile up every day, compare what you actually need to wash with the stated capacity. A 6-place-setting tabletop dishwasher or a 45 cm model can hold more than a mini model with 3 place settings, as long as you have enough space and the right connections.
A 45 cm integrated dishwasher is worth considering if the housing, connections and cabinet door are compatible. Width alone isn’t enough: check the height and depth, as well as the type of cabinet door required for your chosen model.
Consider it: when there’s no usable fixed water supply. Daan Tech states that Bob has a 3.9 L tank and a capacity of 3 place settings.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill it by hand, wash smaller loads and manage the drainage.
Consider it: if you have enough worktop space and the right connections for a higher-capacity model. Candy states that its CP 6E51LS holds 6 place settings.
Bear in mind: the CP 6E51LS takes up permanent worktop space and needs a direct water supply; ‘tabletop’ doesn’t necessarily mean it has a water tank.
Consider it: if you can set aside floor space and want to wash more dishes at once. Candy lists models of this width with a capacity of 10 place settings.
Bear in mind: it takes up floor space, and you’ll need to check the water supply, drainage, socket and clearance for the door.
Consider it: if you already have a suitable housing unit and connections. Bosch states that its fully integrated SPV4EMX17E holds 10 place settings.
Bear in mind: you’ll need precise housing dimensions and a compatible cabinet door; this isn’t the right choice if you want to avoid adapting your cabinetry.
| Factor | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the model is filled and whether the drain hose can reach a suitable outlet. | If there’s no dedicated water supply, I want to minimise changes to the kitchenette while still being able to drain the waste water; around 36% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Worktop space | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow enough clearance to open the door. | When the worktop is also used for food preparation, I can’t give all of it over to an appliance; this would be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Everyday capacity | Compare the stated place settings with the plates, glasses and cooking utensils you usually use. | If I cook often, a small load could mean running more cycles; around 21% of consumers would prioritise capacity. |
| Fitting into an existing housing unit | Compare all three dimensions of the housing unit and confirm the cabinet door and required connections. | With an existing kitchenette, I want to use an existing housing unit without discovering after ordering that the cabinet door won’t fit; integration would be a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Once you’ve settled on the installation and capacity, the energy label can help you compare like-for-like appliances. ADEME and the European Commission say it shows information including energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, the Eco programme duration and noise level.
A tank supplies water to the appliance, but the used water still needs to be drained. Daan Tech says Bob can drain into a sink or jerrycan.
Decide where the water will drain before you buy, and check the hose length and how it should be secured in the instructions.
The number of place settings doesn’t tell you how much room there is for saucepans or large plates. Even in a small household, a mini model may mean running cycles close together.
Make a note of the dishes you use in a typical day and compare them with the loading options for the exact model.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about capacity, water use per cycle, Eco programme duration or the noise level shown on the European label.
Compare these details across models with a capacity that suits the load you usually wash.
A 45 cm appliance may not fit the height or depth of the housing unit, the cabinet door or the available space. Bosch also advises against installing its model beneath a freestanding hob.
Measure the housing unit in all three dimensions and check the manufacturer’s requirements for the cabinet door and installation location.
With Bob, Daan Tech offers a freestanding mini dishwasher that, according to the manufacturer, can be used with either a water tank or a conventional water supply.
Candy’s range includes a tabletop dishwasher with 6 place settings and 45 cm freestanding models with a stated capacity of 10 place settings.
Bosch offers a range of 45 cm integrated dishwashers for kitchens with a suitable housing unit.
Electrolux describes the EES42210L as a 45 cm fully integrated dishwasher with 9 place settings.
These tabletop models are for kitchenettes with a suitable surface available. Some offer tank or manual filling; for each model, check the drainage, overall dimensions and the load that will actually fit inside.
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Worth considering if you want a tabletop dishwasher that doesn’t need a fixed water supply.
The product name states that it has a built-in 5 L tank, 9 programmes and a width of 37 cm. Check its full height, door clearance and drainage requirements before setting aside a space for it.
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Worth a look if manual filling is a better fit for your setup than a fixed connection.
The product name states that it has a built-in 5 L tank and 6+3 programmes. Check the capacity in the listing for the model you order and make sure the drain hose can be secured safely.
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Its tabletop design is worth considering if your worktop space is limited.
The product name states that it has a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 cycles. Before buying, check the full dimensions and how it should be filled and drained in your setup.
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Before choosing a small-capacity appliance, compare its stated capacity of 3 place settings with the washing-up you do each day.
The product name states that it has 7 programmes. Check the instructions to see how it’s filled and drained rather than assuming that its compact size means it has a water tank.
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Worth considering if you want to wash a stated load of 6 place settings in a tabletop dishwasher and have suitable connections.
The product name states that it has 7 programmes and a noise level of 47 dB. Check the full dimensions and water supply and drainage requirements before deciding where to put it.
No. A water tank removes the need for a fixed water supply only on models designed to be filled this way; you’ll still need a safe drainage option. Also check the space needed to open the door, access to a socket and installation instructions. Daan Tech, for example, says Bob can drain into a sink or jerrycan.
Not necessarily. Candy says its CP 6E51LS tabletop model connects directly to the water supply. The tabletop format alone doesn’t tell you how the appliance is supplied with water, so check the instructions for the specific model.
For appliances suited to a similar load, compare capacity, energy use per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level. ADEME and the European Commission explain these details; they don’t replace checking the dimensions and connections.
No. Compare the exact dimensions of the housing unit with the model’s requirements, then check that the cabinet door fits and that the connections are accessible. Bosch advises against installing a dishwasher beneath a freestanding hob, in particular, because of the risk of overheating or condensation.