For one or two people, a mini dishwasher with a water tank may be a good fit if a fixed water supply is the main obstacle, as long as you have somewhere to drain the waste water. A compact model with 6 place settings needs enough worktop space, while a 45 cm model offers more capacity if you have a suitable floor space and the usual connections. In each case, check that your dishes will fit and compare the Eco programme figures on the energy label.
The right size depends as much on the space and connections available as it does on the dishes you need to wash.
A model with a water tank is worth considering if you have a stable worktop, a plug socket and a suitable way to drain the waste water. The tank does not remove the need to drain the water after use.
A compact model with 6 place settings may suit a small amount of everyday washing-up. However, check that your larger plates and dishes will fit: the number of place settings alone does not tell you everything about what you can load.
If you have space for a 45 cm model and the usual connections, a slimline dishwasher can offer more room than a countertop appliance. Check its depth, how far the door opens and whether you can access the hoses.
Start by checking what you can install in your kitchen, then compare the stated capacity with the dishes you actually use.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the size of your plates, glasses, dishes and saucepans. Electro Dépôt says that the 6 place settings for the VALBERG 6S47 D WAD929C V2 are based on plates measuring 25 cm and glasses measuring 12 cm. | I want to wash my usual dishes without always having to leave larger items out. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check the water supply, plug socket and route for the drain hose. Daan Tech says Bob’s 4 L tank means it does not need a fixed water supply, but the drain hose still needs to be connected. | Without a dedicated water supply, I need to be able to fill the appliance and drain the waste water in line with the instructions. |
| Dimensions | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed for the door. A countertop appliance needs a stable surface; a 45 cm model needs a suitable space on the floor. | The appliance needs to fit in my kitchen while leaving the door and connections accessible. |
| Water and energy use | The European Commission says the energy label includes figures such as kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle, Eco programme duration, capacity and noise level. Compare these figures for the specific models you are considering. | I want to compare cycles on a like-for-like basis, without assuming that a smaller appliance necessarily uses less. |
Daan Tech requires a drain hose for Bob, even when you fill it using the water tank. The brand says that drained water can reach 70 °C.
Work out where to secure or connect the hose, then follow the instructions before deciding where to put the appliance.
A standardised capacity does not guarantee that your larger plates, frying pans and dishes will all fit at once. For the VALBERG 6S47 D WAD929C V2, Electro Dépôt gives a reference plate size of 25 cm.
Measure your largest items and check the interior layout and door opening of the model you are considering.
There is little value in comparing two different-sized appliances by width alone: capacity and Eco programme figures matter too.
Check the energy label for kWh per 100 cycles and water use per Eco cycle, bearing in mind how many dishes you will be washing.
A narrower width does not remove the need to open the door or connect the appliance. Que Choisir points out that a conventional dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a drain.
Measure the space with the door open and make sure every connection will still be accessible after installation.
These examples show different configurations; their features do not necessarily apply to other models from the same brand.
Daan Tech describes Bob as a countertop mini dishwasher with a built-in 4 L water tank.
Electro Dépôt describes the VALBERG 6S47 D WAD929C V2 as a countertop appliance with 6 place settings, suitable for someone living alone or a couple without children.
Beko offers freestanding 45 cm dishwashers, including the BDFS26041XQ, which is listed with 10 place settings.
The models below are countertop options for smaller amounts of everyday washing-up, with capacities and water supply options that you should check for each model. If you are considering a 45 cm appliance instead, available floor space and connections are still the first things to consider.
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The stated water tank capacity may suit you if you need an appliance that does not rely on a fixed water supply. Check the instructions for where and how to drain the water, then make sure the interior can accommodate your dishes.
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This countertop size is designed for smaller amounts of washing-up. For this version, check the instructions for its water supply and drainage requirements; do not assume that it uses a tank.
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This tabletop model is worth considering if worktop space is limited. Check the instructions for its drainage requirements and interior space before deciding how to install it.
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The stated capacity of 6 place settings may suit a household with more washing-up than a mini model can handle. The title lists 7 programmes and 47 dB; measure the space and check access to the water supply and drain.
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This countertop size is worth considering for smaller amounts of washing-up. Check the instructions for this version to confirm its water supply and drainage requirements, and what is included in the pack, before deciding where to put it.
Yes, if the model is designed for it: Daan Tech says Bob can be supplied with water from its built-in 4 L tank. You still need to arrange drainage as set out in the instructions; the tank does not mean the appliance can drain waste water by itself.
Que Choisir says that a conventional dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a drain. Make sure these connections will be accessible where you plan to put it, and follow the model’s instructions.
They may be enough if your everyday dishes fit inside, but the figure does not guarantee there will be room for larger items. Electro Dépôt says the stated capacity of the VALBERG 6S47 D WAD929C V2 is based on plates measuring 25 cm and glasses measuring 12 cm; compare these dimensions with your own dishes.
Compare the Eco programme figures for the specific models you are considering. According to the European Commission, the energy label includes details such as kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle, programme duration, capacity and noise level. Also bear in mind how many dishes each appliance can hold.