No dedicated water supply
You want to avoid a permanent installation, while still being able to fill the appliance and arrange drainage near a sink, in line with the instructions. Daan Tech describes these features for Bob.
Who are these solutions for?
Very limited worktop space
You need to preserve useful worktop space and check the dimensions, door clearance and strength of the surface before choosing. Daan Tech specifies Bob’s dimensions and support requirements.
Couples who cook often
You want to cut down on the number of loads for everyday dishes and utensils, so usable capacity matters more than the stated number of place settings alone. UFC-Que Choisir featured mini dishwashers with two or three place settings in its hands-on review published in 2021.
What should you check before choosing?
Mini dishwasher with a water tank
Worth considering: if you can’t arrange a fixed water supply and have a stable place for the appliance, a socket and a suitable drainage route.
What to bear in mind: you’ll need to fill the appliance and deal with wastewater after every cycle; capacity varies by model.
Compact model with a plumbing connection
Worth considering: if you can confirm that the required water supply, drainage, socket and space are suitable for the specific model and property.
What to bear in mind: placing the appliance on a worktop doesn’t make it self-sufficient when it comes to water; you’ll still need to arrange the connections.
A better-organised hand-washing routine
Worth considering: if you don’t have space or a practical drainage option, or if you already wash small amounts quickly after meals.
What to bear in mind: washing up remains a manual task, but you won’t have to give up worktop space for an appliance.
For a one- or two-person household, start by checking the water supply and drainage, then look at the available space and capacity for the dishes you use.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Distinguish between a tank, water supply, drain hose, route to the sink and electrical socket. For Bob, Daan Tech specifies a 3.9 L tank and drainage via a hose. | If I can’t arrange a fixed water supply, I want to know how to fill the appliance and where the water will drain. Around 33% of consumers prioritise water supply and drainage. |
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the clearance needed to open the door; also check that the surface can support the appliance. For installation at height or on a wall shelf, Daan Tech requires a surface that can support at least 25 kg for Bob. | I want to keep space for cooking and be able to open the door without moving the appliance; available space is the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the baskets and permitted dimensions with your plates, bowls and pans. Daan Tech states that Bob holds three standard place settings, but that doesn’t guarantee all your dishes will fit in one load. | If I want to reduce the number of cycles, I check that the interior suits my household’s meals and utensils. Capacity and the number of loads are priorities for around 20% of consumers. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise levels for the exact models and consider how close the kitchen is to your living space. UFC-Que Choisir lists noise as one of the factors to consider, particularly in an open-plan kitchen. | When my kitchen is close to my living space, I want to be able to choose when to run a cycle without disturbing the room too much. Around 13% of consumers put perceived noise first. |
| Use and maintenance | Check the energy label to compare the information on a consistent basis, including energy use per 100 Eco cycles and water per cycle. The European Commission explains what information the label covers. | I want to understand the running costs and maintenance beyond the initial purchase, without comparing different cycles or amounts of washing-up. Around 7% of consumers prioritise managing use and maintenance over time. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘no plumbing connection’ means ‘no drainage’
For Bob, the tank avoids the need for a fixed water supply, but the manufacturer still specifies a drain hose.
Before choosing, check the route from the appliance to the sink or another drainage system permitted by the instructions. Then check the hose length and access to a socket.
Filling the appliance and handling the hose add extra steps every time you use it.
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Choosing based only on the number of place settings
This figure alone won’t tell you whether your large plates, bowls and pans will fit together. If the interior is too small, you may need to run more cycles.
Check the permitted dimensions and basket layout for the exact model against the dishes you usually use.
Extra loads can make everyday use more of a chore.
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Assuming every model in a range has the same water supply
The Klarstein Amazonia 6 has inlet and outlet hoses, while another model in the Amazonia range is described as connecting to a tap. The range name alone doesn’t tell you whether the appliance has a water tank.
Note down the full model number and check the water supply and drainage separately in its instructions.
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Confusing glasses or cups with place settings
A Joybuy listing for Bob pairs ‘3 place settings’ with ‘up to 16 place settings’. Daan Tech distinguishes between three standard place settings and up to 16 glasses or cups under specific conditions, using an accessory and a particular programme.
To assess the appliance’s capacity, check what the stated number means and the conditions it applies to, rather than treating glasses or cups as place settings.
Brands to consider
Daan Tech
Bob is worth looking into if you’re after a mini dishwasher with a water tank.
- Daan Tech states that Bob has a 3.9 L tank, holds three standard place settings and is 34 cm wide.
- You’ll still need to fill the tank and arrange wastewater drainage in line with the instructions.
Moulinex
The Studio MINID3SL is a compact model worth considering if you’re comparing smaller-capacity appliances.
- UFC-Que Choisir featured a three-place-setting Moulinex model alongside Bob in a hands-on review published in 2021.
- This older review doesn’t confirm the connections or availability of every model currently on offer. Check the instructions for the exact model.
Klarstein
The Amazonia 6 is a six-place-setting compact model worth considering if plumbing connections are possible.
- Klarstein specifies inlet and outlet hoses and a stated noise level of 49 dB for the Amazonia 6.
- Don’t assume this model has a water tank: check its water supply and drainage in the model documentation.
VALBERG
The 6S47 D WAD929C V2 is a compact freestanding model worth considering when capacity matters and connections are possible.
- It could be a useful comparison if you need a larger load than a mini model can handle.
- Its suitability for installation without a fixed water supply isn’t established here; confirm the connections required for the exact model.
Bosch
The brand’s freestanding compact models can help you compare a plumbed-in design with a model that has a water tank.
- Bosch lists water, electrical and drainage connections among the installation steps.
- Bosch states that the SKS2ITW00E is no longer available on its website, so don’t treat it as a current purchase option on that basis alone.
Joybuy products related to this topic
This selection mainly features countertop mini dishwashers with water tanks, as well as a plumbed-in compact model to consider if the connections are possible in your kitchen.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 4 place settings, 9 programmes, 5 L tank, 37 × 50 cm, energy rating D
Worth considering if you’re looking for a tank-fed countertop model for a small amount of washing-up.
The listing states that it holds up to 4 place settings and has a built-in 5 L tank, 9 programmes, dimensions of 37 × 50 cm and energy rating D.
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AIRMSEN A01 countertop dishwasher with a 5 L tank and two-tier basket
Worth considering if you want a tank-fed countertop appliance with a two-tier basket.
The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank, a two-tier basket, three wash arms and a 12-hour delay start. Check that its dimensions and capacity suit your worktop.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5+1 cycles, 5 L tank, glass door
Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance with a tank rather than fixed plumbing.
The title lists a built-in 5 L tank, 5+1 cycles and a double-glazed tempered glass door. The stated capacity is 4 place settings.
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Heinrich’s HTG 8855, 3 place settings, 7 programmes, 56.3 dB, energy rating C
Worth considering for small loads if its water supply and drainage requirements suit your set-up.
The name lists 3 place settings, 7 programmes, a noise level of 56.3 dB and energy rating C. The listing also mentions a drain hose: check the instructions for how the appliance is used.
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Heinrich’s HTG 8840 Schwarz, 6 place settings, 7 programmes, 47 dB, energy rating D
Worth considering if you need a larger load and can confirm the connections required.
The name lists 6 place settings, 7 programmes, a noise level of 47 dB and energy rating D. Its suitability for installation without a fixed water supply isn’t established: check the hoses and instructions for this model.
Frequently asked questions
Does a water tank also remove the need for a drain hose?
Not for Bob: Daan Tech says the water drains through a hose into the sink or another suitable drainage system. Check the instructions separately for any other model.
Can I install an appliance in a rental property without asking the landlord?
If your plans involve altering the rented property or its fittings, check whether this counts as an alteration before starting work. Regarding Article 7 f of the law of 6 July 1989, ANIL reminds tenants that they must not alter rented premises or fittings without the landlord’s written consent.
Which figures should I compare to estimate water use, energy use and noise?
Compare figures for specific models on a like-for-like basis. The European energy label for dishwashers includes energy use per 100 Eco cycles, water per cycle, capacity and noise emissions; the European Commission explains this information.
How do you maintain a mini dishwasher?
Follow the instructions for your model for detergent, the filter and cleaning. For Bob, Daan Tech describes washing cassettes and a separate cassette for maintenance; this doesn’t mean these products are essential for every appliance.
What legal guarantee applies when buying from a business in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that you have two years to claim under this guarantee; it is separate from any paid-for commercial extended warranty.