Tenants with a small kitchen and few dishes
You want to cut down on washing up by hand without taking over the worktop. A countertop appliance is worth considering if its capacity suits your usual loads and it can be installed in your kitchen.
Who is this choice for?
Tenants with space on the floor
You have room for an appliance that’s 45 cm wide, but not necessarily for a 60 cm model. Before choosing a freestanding dishwasher, also check its depth and height, how far the door opens and whether you can access the connections.
Tenants whose connections haven’t been confirmed
Before choosing a capacity, work out how the appliance will be supplied with water, drained and connected to the electricity supply. If this means altering the rented property’s fittings, you’ll need the landlord’s written permission first.
What should you check before buying?
The connections you have available may rule out a format before capacity even comes into the picture. Once you know installation is possible, compare the space it takes up with the features that matter to you in everyday use.
Compact countertop model
Consider it: for smaller loads, if the worktop and connections are suitable for the specific model.
Be prepared for: limited capacity. Compact doesn’t mean the appliance works without a water supply or drainage.
45 cm freestanding model
Consider it: if you have a suitable space on the floor and more dishes than a countertop appliance can comfortably hold.
Be prepared for: the floor space it takes up, and the need to connect it and take it with you when you move out.
No appliance
Consider it: if there isn’t enough space or suitable installation is impossible, and you’re not allowed to alter the property.
Be prepared for: washing up by hand, without buying or installing an appliance that isn’t right for your kitchen.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Connections and reversibility | Check the model’s instructions against the kitchen’s water supply, drainage and electrical connection options. According to ANIL, altering a rented property or its fittings requires the landlord’s written permission. | If I have to alter the kitchen to install the appliance, I’d rather sort that out before ordering. Around 36% of consumers would put installation compatibility first. |
| Size and capacity | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the space needed to open the door. Then compare the place settings with the dishes you usually wash. | In a kitchen where every surface matters, I want an appliance that fits without leaving me to wash lots of dishes by hand. Around 29% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Water, energy and noise | Compare models with a capacity that suits your needs. ADEME says the energy label shows kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, the Eco programme duration and the noise level. | If my kitchen is close to my living space, I want to consider noise as well as consumption. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise these factors in everyday use. |
| Moving out | Check that the appliance can be disconnected and removed without damaging the rented fittings. Make sure there’s enough space to get it through when you move. | If I might move soon, I’d choose an appliance I can remove without leaving any alterations behind. For nearly 14% of consumers, ease of removal would come first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a compact model needs no connections
A countertop model may need a direct water supply: Candy specifies one for the CP 6E51LW. The word ‘compact’ alone also doesn’t tell you how the water is drained.
Read the installation instructions for the exact model and check the water supply, drainage and electrical connection separately.
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Measuring only the width
A 45 cm-wide space doesn’t guarantee that a freestanding model will fit. For example, Bosch lists the SPS4EMI11E as 845 × 450 × 600 mm, so its height and depth matter too.
Measure the available space, the door clearance, access to the connections and the room needed to bring the appliance in and take it out.
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Altering the kitchen without written permission
According to ANIL, tenants must not alter a rented property or its fittings without the landlord’s written permission. Unauthorised alterations can cause problems when you move out.
Get written permission before creating or altering any connections, sockets or furniture as part of the installation.
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Overlooking everyday running conditions
Two appliances that fit in your kitchen can differ in capacity, consumption, Eco programme duration and noise level.
Once you’ve identified compatible formats, use the energy label details described by ADEME to compare models that suit the amount of washing up you do.
Brands and ranges to know
Candy
The range includes countertop dishwashers and 45 cm freestanding models, so there are two formats to consider depending on the space available.
- Candy lists a capacity of 6 place settings and dimensions of 550 × 501 × 443 mm for its CP 6E51LW countertop model.
- Candy says this model connects directly to the water supply. Check the drainage and the space available too before choosing it.
Beko
Its 45 cm freestanding models are an option for kitchens with floor space and suitable connections.
- Beko lists a capacity of up to 11 place settings and a noise level of 41 dB(A) for the BDFS26041XQ.
- A width of 45 cm doesn’t mean you can skip checking this model’s depth, door clearance and installation requirements.
Bosch
The 45 cm freestanding range is worth considering if a countertop appliance doesn’t have enough capacity.
- Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm and water consumption of 8,7 l per Eco cycle for the SPS4EMI11E.
- These figures apply to this specific model. Its depth and height need to suit the space you have available.
Compact dishwashers available on Joybuy
These countertop appliances are compact dishwasher options for a poorly equipped rented kitchen. Before choosing between them, check the space required, water supply, drainage and electrical connection for each model.
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COMFEE CDWMT305WD, white countertop dishwasher
Its countertop design suits kitchens where floor space is limited. The title lists 7 programmes and an energy rating of D. Check the instructions to confirm the water supply and drainage requirements for your kitchen.
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Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W), white countertop dishwasher
The advertised built-in tank may appeal if you want to explore a water supply option that doesn’t need a fixed connection. The title lists a 5 L tank, 6 + 3 programmes and an energy rating of D. Check how the water is drained before buying.
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AIRMSEN A01, two-level countertop dishwasher
Its two levels are worth considering if your usual dishes need more loading space on the worktop. The title lists a built-in 5 L tank. Measure the space required and check the drainage and connections needed.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Weiss, 6-place-setting countertop dishwasher
This countertop model is for anyone looking to compare an advertised capacity of 6 place settings without giving up floor space. The title lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and an energy rating of D. Check the dimensions and connections in the instructions.
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GORGENOX DW5-D40A, 3-place-setting countertop dishwasher
Compare its advertised capacity of 3 place settings with the smaller loads you usually wash. Check the dimensions, whether it can connect to a tap and how the water will be drained in your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Does a compact dishwasher always work without a water supply?
No: the compact format doesn’t determine how it’s supplied with water. For example, Candy specifies a direct water connection for the CP 6E51LW. Check the instructions for your chosen model to confirm its water supply, drainage and electrical connection requirements.
Do you need the landlord’s permission to install a dishwasher in a rented home?
According to ANIL, you need the landlord’s written permission if the installation involves altering the property or its fittings. Before creating or changing any connections, sockets or furniture, ask for permission in writing. The fact that an appliance is freestanding doesn’t mean you can assume alterations are allowed.
What should you compare on a dishwasher’s energy label?
First, compare appliances with a capacity that suits the dishes you wash. For these models, ADEME recommends checking the energy rating, kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise level.
Is a 45 cm freestanding model always a better choice than a compact one in a rented home?
No: a 45 cm model may offer more capacity, but you’ll need enough floor space for its depth and height. For example, Bosch lists the SPS4EMI11E as 845 × 450 × 600 mm. Measure the space and check the connections before choosing this format over a countertop appliance.