If you don’t have a floor-level space for a dishwasher, a mini countertop model can cut down on washing up by hand, provided you’re happy with a smaller load and can arrange wastewater drainage, even if the model has a tank. If you have a suitable space and permanent connections, a slimline 45 cm model frees up your worktop, but needs more height and depth. In either case, make sure the capacity suits your dishes and compare the Eco programme specifications for each model.
A model with a tank can save you from needing a permanent water connection. You’ll still need to position its drain hose so it can empty into a sink or suitable drain. A model that connects temporarily to a tap, meanwhile, requires the tap to remain accessible during the cycle.
A mini model is worth considering if your everyday plates, glasses and utensils fit inside. If you often cook with dishes or pans, check what you can fit inside before committing to the idea of running several cycles.
A slimline appliance can keep your worktop clear if you also have enough height and depth, as well as the necessary connections. The width of the space alone isn’t enough to confirm that a model will fit.
Consider it: if you don’t have a fixed water supply and a small load is enough for you.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill the tank and find a safe route for the drain hose.
Consider it: if the worktop is the only available space and you can supply the appliance from a tap.
Bear in mind: the tap needs to be accessible during the cycle, and you’ll need to drain the wastewater.
Consider it: if you have a suitable space and permanent connections, leaving your worktop free.
Bear in mind: the height, depth and door clearance needed for a floor-standing appliance.
Consider it: if you already have the space and connections, and smaller tubs would limit your load too much.
Bear in mind: it needs more installation space; the format alone doesn’t predict energy consumption.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the appliance is supplied with water and where the drain hose can go, including for a model with a tank. | If I can’t install a dedicated water supply, I need to be able to fill the appliance without losing a reliable way to drain the wastewater. Around 36% of shoppers concerned place this practical consideration at the top of their list. |
| Load size and cycle frequency | Compare the manufacturer’s loading examples with your plates, glasses and utensils, rather than looking only at the number of place settings. | When I cook for two, a tub that can’t fit my usual dishes may mean I have to run extra cycles. Usable capacity comes first for around 29% of shoppers concerned. |
| Space required | Measure the width, height and depth, and check the door clearance. Make sure you’ll still have usable preparation space or a suitable gap for the appliance. | I’d rather keep my worktop clear if I have a suitable space, or put an appliance on it if there’s no room on the floor. This space-related decision is a priority for around 21% of shoppers concerned. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Compare capacity, noise, litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles on the energy labels of the models you’re considering. | In an open-plan living space, I want to know how noisy a model is and how much energy and water it uses before choosing a format. For around 14% of shoppers concerned, these figures are the top priority. |
For Bob, Daan Tech distinguishes between the water supply and drainage: the tank means you don’t need a fixed water connection, but wastewater still leaves through a hose. Without a suitable route to a sink or drain, your chosen location may not work.
Before ordering, work out where the hose will go and check the manual for its length and how it should be secured.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you on its own whether your large plates, tall glasses or a pan will all fit in the tub together.
Compare the dishes from a typical meal with the dimensions the model can accommodate and the loading examples for the version you’re considering.
A compact model isn’t automatically quieter or more economical to run. The European Commission’s energy label includes indicators such as water use, capacity and noise; ADEME recommends using the Eco programme as a benchmark for comparison.
Compare the labels for specific models on the same basis, then look separately at a quick programme if you expect to use one.
A slimline appliance still needs plenty of height and depth: Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm for its freestanding SPS4EMI17E model. So even a space that’s wide enough may not be suitable.
Also measure the height and depth, allow for the door to open, and check there’s room for the hoses behind the appliance.
Bob is an example of a mini countertop dishwasher with a tank, designed for smaller households without a dedicated water supply.
Aquatica and Amazonia Nano are examples of countertop models for kitchens without space for a built-in appliance.
The 45 cm range is an option for households that can install a floor-standing appliance rather than use up worktop space.
These countertop models are aimed at smaller kitchens where a floor-level space isn’t the preferred option. Some list a tank or manual filling, while others connect to a water supply. For each one, check that the water supply and drainage are compatible with your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a model that doesn’t need a fixed water supply, provided you can drain the wastewater to a suitable location.
The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Check that your everyday dishes will fit inside.
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Consider this model if you can connect a countertop appliance to a water supply and route its drain hose to a suitable outlet.
The product name lists a width of 34 cm and 3 place settings. Compare this stated capacity with the size of your plates and the loading information for this version.
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The manual filling option listed for this model may suit a household without a fixed water supply. Before setting aside space for it, check where its wastewater needs to drain.
The product name lists 7 programmes and a D energy rating. Also check that there’s enough room for your usual dishes.
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This portable format is worth considering if you don’t plan to install an appliance permanently. Before choosing a spot for it, though, confirm how it’s supplied with water, how it drains and its overall dimensions.
The product name lists 8 programmes and a built-in water softener.
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Worth considering if you want a model listed for 6 place settings and have connections nearby. Check that the surface, location and hose routing are all suitable for installation.
The product name lists 7 programmes and a D energy rating; make sure the stated capacity suits your dishes.
Yes, if the model is designed for manual filling, but it still needs a way to drain. Daan Tech lists a built-in 3.9 L tank for Bob and a hose that carries wastewater to a sink or another outlet. Check both details in the manual for the version you choose.
No. You’ll need a suitable space for its height and depth, as well as room to open the door and connect the appliance. As a guide for this specific model, Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm for the freestanding SPS4EMI17E.
Compare the figures on the energy labels for the models you’re considering, including kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity and noise emissions. The European Commission explains this information for household dishwashers; ADEME recommends using the Eco programme as the reference cycle. If you’ll mainly use another programme, check its figures separately.