If your kitchenette has no fixed water supply, a mini dishwasher with a water tank could work, provided the worktop space and compact interior suit your needs; you’ll still need to plan for drainage. If you have floor space and the necessary connections, consider a slimline 45 cm model instead. A combined hob, oven and dishwasher is best suited to a kitchen where you’re also updating the cooking area.
A mini dishwasher with a water tank can save you from needing a permanent water connection. You’ll need to be able to fill the tank, position the appliance and secure its drain hose during the cycle, as Daan Tech specifies for Bob.
A slimline 45 cm model is worth considering, provided the height, depth and door clearance also work for your space. Bosch notes that a standard dishwasher needs a water supply, drainage and an electrical connection.
If you’re also replacing your cooking appliances, a combination unit can bring all three functions together in one space. If you’re fitting a suitable cabinet, a compact built-in model can free up worktop space. Either way, check the connections required for the model you choose.
First, measure the space and check which connections are available. Then compare the interior with the dishes you actually use.
| Consideration | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the overall width, height and depth, then check the door clearance. For a tabletop appliance, consider how much food preparation space will remain; for a built-in model, check the cabinet. | I want enough worktop space left for cooking, or a floor space for the appliance that won’t get in the way of the cabinets. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check whether the model needs a water supply or has a tank, and where its drain hose will discharge wastewater. Also check the electrical supply and the connections required for the exact model. | If there’s no dedicated water supply, I can consider a tank model as long as I can fill it and set up safe drainage. |
| Dishware that will fit | Compare the dimensions of your plates, bowls and utensils with the instructions and loading examples. The place setting capacity alone won’t tell you whether a saucepan will fit. | My large plates or serving dishes need to fit inside; if they don’t, I know I’ll still have to wash some items by hand. |
| How often you’ll use it | Consider how much washing-up you produce between cycles, the stated capacity and, for a tank model, how much water you’ll need to add each time. Check the duration of the programmes you plan to use. | If I cook often, I’d rather check how many meals will really fit inside before choosing a very small model. |
| Kitchen plans | For a combination unit, check which cooking functions it replaces, the hob’s energy supply and the connections required for your chosen model. Rosières describes its Trio range as combining a hob, oven and compact dishwasher in a 60 cm depth. | I’d only consider a combination unit if I also want to replace my hob and oven, rather than simply add a dishwasher. |
Width alone doesn’t guarantee that an appliance will fit in your kitchen: Bosch lists the SPS2HKI58E as measuring 845 × 450 × 600 mm, before allowing for door clearance and space for the hoses.
Measure the full space and the clearance in front of the appliance before comparing models.
A tank means models that have one don’t need a fixed water supply, but wastewater still needs somewhere to go. For Bob, Daan Tech specifies that the hose should lead to a sink or another drainage system.
Decide where you’ll secure the hose during each cycle and check the drainage instructions for the model you choose.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you whether your larger dishes and utensils will fit in the basket. Electrolux recommends making sure the spray arms can rotate freely once the dishwasher is loaded.
Compare your largest items with the limits and loading examples given for the exact model.
Rosières’ Trio combines a hob and an oven as well as a dishwasher, so choosing one also affects how you set up those two appliances.
Consider a combination unit if replacing the hob and oven is part of your plans, and check the cooking configuration and connections required.
These models show different ways to fit a dishwasher into a small kitchen. Their features apply to the specific models mentioned, not every model from each brand.
Bob is a mini dishwasher designed to sit on a worktop.
The SPS2HKI58E is an example of a 45 cm slimline freestanding model.
Candy France’s range includes tabletop and slimline models.
The Trio range is designed for kitchens combining a hob, oven and dishwasher.
The ESL2500RO offers another option: a fully integrated compact dishwasher.
These options are designed to sit on a worktop. Before choosing, compare the space available, how they’re supplied with water and the dishes they can hold. If your kitchen is better suited to a floor-standing or combination model, you’ll still need to consider those options.
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Worth considering if you don’t have a fixed water supply: the title specifies a built-in 5 L tank. Before installation, check the space on your worktop, which dishes will fit and how to direct the wastewater.
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This tabletop model offers a 24-hour delay start according to its title. If you plan to use its tank, check how much water it needs, where the drain hose will go and whether your dishes will fit.
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Its stated width of 37 cm could make it worth considering for a narrow worktop; the title also lists 9 programmes. Check the exact depth and height before setting aside space, and plan for wastewater drainage.
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The title lists a capacity of 6 place settings and 7 programmes. Check the overall dimensions and whether there’s room for your utensils, as well as access to the water supply and drainage connections required for this model.
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For this Bob version, check how it’s supplied with water before planning an installation without a fixed connection: the descriptions mention both use without permanent plumbing and a tap connection. Also check that the interior will suit your dishes.
Yes, if the model has a tank designed for this purpose. Daan Tech says Bob can be used this way with its 3.9 L tank. You’ll still need to fill the appliance and arrange for wastewater to drain through its hose.
No: measure the height, depth and door clearance too. For example, Bosch lists the SPS2HKI58E as measuring 845 × 450 × 600 mm. Also check the hose route and required connections.
No. Compare your largest items with the limits and loading examples for the model you’re considering. Once the dishwasher is loaded, the spray arms must be able to rotate freely, as Electrolux points out.
No: although it combines the appliances, your plans still need to work for the hob and oven it replaces. For Rosières’ Trio range, check the cooking configuration and connections for the exact model before making changes to your kitchenette.