In a rented kitchen without existing plumbing connections, first check the available space, power socket and how you’ll drain the wastewater. A compact dishwasher with a water tank may avoid the need for a fixed water supply, but it still needs to drain; a standard appliance requires usable plumbing connections. If your chosen solution involves altering the rented property’s fixtures, clarify what’s permitted and what work is needed before choosing a model.
You’d like to spend less time washing up by hand without altering the water supply. A compact model with a water tank may be worth considering if you can also arrange suitable drainage, a stable surface and an appropriate socket.
You may have space near the sink or in an alcove. Before choosing a freestanding or integrated appliance, check the water supply, waste outlet, socket and dimensions separately.
Your preferred option may require a permanent installation to be created or altered. In France, Article 7 of the law of 6 July 1989 requires the landlord’s written consent before altering the rented property or its fixtures; ask a professional to specify the work required too.
Start by checking what your kitchen can accommodate: a compact model needs a tank and a practical way to drain the water, while a standard appliance needs existing plumbing connections. If these connections need to be created or altered, look into the work involved before deciding on the appliance size.
Worth considering: when there’s no fixed water supply, but you can still drain the wastewater as instructed in the manual.
Limit to bear in mind: a water tank doesn’t remove the need to drain wastewater or check the capacity of the model you choose.
Worth considering: when the space, water supply, waste outlet and socket are all suitable.
Limit to bear in mind: freestanding appliances still need plumbing connections; an integrated model also needs a suitable housing unit and, depending on the model, compatible cabinetry.
| Priority | What to check | Relevant consumers |
|---|---|---|
| No dedicated water supply | Check how the exact model is supplied with water and whether its manual allows your planned drainage setup. | When there’s no water supply, I want to wash my dishes without altering the kitchen; this is the top priority for around 46% of consumers. |
| Capacity and size | Once you’ve confirmed the plumbing connections, compare the space available, door clearance and capacity. | If the installation is suitable, I want a capacity that meets my needs without choosing an appliance that takes up too much space; around 27% of consumers prioritise size and capacity. |
| Permission and building work | Find out what needs to be altered and get the landlord’s written consent if the work would change the rented property’s fixtures. | If the kitchen needs altering, I want to know whether the work can be approved and carried out before choosing an appliance; around 27% of consumers prioritise confirming that the installation is suitable. |
A water tank can replace a fixed water supply, but the wastewater still needs to follow the manufacturer’s specified drainage route. Daan Tech explains this for its Bob model.
Before buying, check where the hose can run, which drainage points the manual allows and whether you have a stable surface.
‘Freestanding’ describes where the appliance sits, not whether it needs connections. Whirlpool France says this type of installation requires a water supply and a waste outlet.
Measure the space and have the existing connections checked rather than relying on an unverified adaptor.
An unprepared housing unit may require carpentry work or alterations to the plumbing connections. Bosch recommends using a professional to install an integrated dishwasher.
Confirm the dimensions and the scope of the work. If the rented property’s fixtures need altering, get the landlord’s written consent first.
Knowing an appliance can be installed doesn’t tell you whether its capacity, noise level or energy and water use will suit your needs. UFC-Que Choisir also points out that cleaning products are part of using a dishwasher.
Compare the energy labels of the models you’re considering and check which consumables their manuals specify.
One option to look at if you’re considering a compact model with a water tank.
A brand to consider for an integrated model in a kitchen that’s already set up for one.
Freestanding and integrated models to consider once you’ve confirmed your installation is suitable.
Freestanding models to compare if the plumbing connections are already in place.
This model with a water tank is an option if you’re looking for a compact countertop dishwasher and don’t have a dedicated water supply. Whether you can use it still depends on the drainage, stable surface and power supply available in your home.
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Worth considering for a kitchen without a dedicated water supply, provided you can drain the wastewater in line with the manual.
The product name specifies an integrated 5 L tank and 5 + 1 washing programmes. Before buying, check the permitted drainage setup, that you have a stable surface and the model’s electrical requirements.
Confirm that there’s enough space, and that the water supply, waste outlet and socket are suitable for the model. For an integrated appliance, also check the housing unit, cabinetry and installation requirements in the manual.
Yes, if the model is designed to be filled from a tank. Daan Tech says Bob can be used this way with its 4 L tank, but you’ll still need to manage drainage according to its instructions.
In France, Article 7 of the law of 6 July 1989 requires the landlord’s written consent before altering the rented property or its fixtures. If the work would permanently alter the installation, get consent before it begins and ask a professional to specify what needs to be done.
Don’t assume that an installation service includes this work. Electrolux France says its installers don’t carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work, so check the difference between connecting the appliance and creating the installation it needs.
Compare the capacity and energy label details of each model you’re considering. ADEME says the label provides information about energy, water and noise; also make sure the capacity suits the amount of washing up you need to do.