Renters without a dedicated water supply
You’d like to cut down on washing up by hand without immediately arranging plumbing work. A water tank can solve the water supply issue, provided you also have a suitable way to drain the wastewater.
Who are these options for?
Small households with daily washing-up
You’re looking for a capacity that suits your routine. Before considering a plumbed-in appliance, check the water supply, drainage, available space and any conditions that apply to your rented home.
Renters without a confirmed spot for an appliance
If you’re unsure whether you have a stable surface, a suitable socket or somewhere to drain the wastewater, start by checking these points. They’ll determine whether you can install an appliance without improvising any alterations.
What should you check before choosing?
In a rented home with no obvious dedicated plumbing connection, drainage and placement matter more than the appliance format: a water tank alone won’t take care of the whole installation.
Tank-fed model
Consider it: if you can fill it manually, position it and arrange drainage in line with the instructions, without a fixed water supply.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill the tank and deal with the wastewater every time you use it.
Plumbed-in model
Consider it: if you’ve confirmed that the water supply, drainage and space required for the model are all available.
Bear in mind: installation depends on those plumbing connections. If any alterations are needed, you’ll have to contact your landlord first.
Put off buying
Best if: you can’t confirm the drainage, socket, supporting surface or conditions for carrying out work in the property.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to keep washing up by hand for now while you clarify what installation is possible.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | How the model is filled; where the drain hose goes and how it is secured, as set out in the instructions. | I don’t have a dedicated water supply and want to avoid a fixed connection, without finding out after buying that there’s nowhere for the wastewater to go. Around 38% of consumers would put the option of installing a model without a fixed water supply first. |
| Space and capacity | Dimensions, required clearances and place-setting capacity, considered alongside the items you use. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to position the appliance without giving up the space I need for my usual washing-up. For around 25% of consumers, size and capacity would be the top priority. |
| Regular use | Whether the required plumbing connections are actually available and what conditions apply to any work in the property. | If I have more washing-up to do, I’d rather consider a plumbed-in model than refill a tank each time. Ease of use would come first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Installation feasibility | A stable, dry surface, a suitable socket and no unapproved alterations. | I don’t want to order an appliance before I know where it can go and how to use it without improvising an installation. Around 12% of consumers would be most concerned with checking that installation is possible before buying. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming a water tank means no drainage is needed
A water tank removes the need for a fixed water supply on models that have one, but the wastewater still needs to be drained. Daan Tech’s Bob, for example, comes with a drain hose.
Find a suitable drainage point before you buy, then check the instructions for the hose length, positioning and how to secure it on your chosen model.
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Buying a plumbed-in model before checking what work is involved
Adding a new plumbing connection may involve work on the property. ANIL points out that alterations to rented premises or fittings require the landlord’s written consent; whether a particular project counts as an alteration depends on what it involves.
Check your tenancy agreement and inventory, explain the proposed work to your landlord and get a written response before arranging it.
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Taking the word ‘compact’ at face value
A countertop appliance still needs a suitable surface. Its stated place-setting capacity may also not suit the pans and other items you want to wash.
Measure the space and clearances required in the instructions, then compare the stated capacity with your usual washing-up.
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Improvising the electrical supply
Altering an installation or using a damaged appliance to make it fit can create a hazard. INRS points out that working on electrical equipment carries risks.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting the appliance, and ask a competent person to check any installation or repair issues.
Brands to compare
Daan Tech
The Bob is an example of a small countertop dishwasher that can be filled from a water tank.
- According to Daan Tech, the Bob has a 3,9 L tank or can be connected to a standard water supply; its stated capacity is 3 place settings.
- Its 1,50 m drain hose still needs a suitable drainage point. Check that you also have enough space and a suitable surface.
Comfee'
The CDWMTO201D(W) is an example of a tank-fed countertop model to consider for a small amount of washing-up.
- The Joybuy product listing gives this model a 5 L tank and a capacity of 3 place settings.
- Check the instructions to find out how to position the drain hose and confirm the requirements for connection and placement.
Bosch
Bosch compact models offer a point of comparison if you can confirm that the necessary plumbing connections are available.
- For the freestanding compact SKS51E36EU, Bosch gives dimensions of 450 × 551 × 500 mm and a stated consumption of 8,0 L per Eco cycle.
- These specifications don’t show that it will suit a space without plumbing connections: check the installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
Tank-fed dishwashers available on Joybuy
These two tank-fed countertop models are options if you want an appliance that doesn’t need a fixed water supply. You’ll still need a suitable surface, a socket that meets the instructions and a way to drain the water in your home.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher with a 5 L water tank
Worth considering if you want a countertop appliance that doesn’t need a fixed water supply, provided you can arrange drainage.
- Integrated 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles, as stated in the product name.
- If you plan to drain the water into a container, check the instructions for the hose length and how to secure it, as well as the positioning and connection requirements.
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White Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W), 5 L water tank
Worth comparing for a small amount of washing-up if you can fill the tank manually, after checking where the wastewater can go.
- The Joybuy listing gives this model a capacity of 3 place settings, a 5 L tank and a D energy rating.
- Before choosing a spot, check the instructions for where the drain hose should go and how it should be positioned, as well as the dimensions and electrical requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a water supply or drainage connection in a rented home?
It depends on the work involved, so don’t assume it’s allowed. ANIL points out that alterations to rented premises or fittings require the landlord’s written consent. Check your tenancy agreement and inventory, then explain the project clearly to your landlord before arranging any work.
Will a tank-fed dishwasher work without drainage?
No. The tank supplies water; it doesn’t get rid of the wastewater. Daan Tech says its Bob can be filled from a tank, but it still comes with a drain hose. Before choosing a model, check where the water can drain and how the hose should be positioned.
What should I check before putting a mini dishwasher on a worktop?
Check the dimensions and clearances required by the manufacturer, then make sure the surface is stable and dry and that there’s a suitable socket nearby. Follow the model’s instructions; INRS highlights the risks of working on electrical equipment.
How should I factor repairability into a comparison between two models?
Compare the repairability information shown for the specific models you’re interested in, but don’t let it replace your installation checks. ADEME includes dishwashers among the appliances covered by the repairability index.