If you can’t use a fixed water supply, a mini dishwasher with a tank could suit a small load, provided you can fill it, drain the waste water and give it a stable spot near a socket. If a tap can be used during every cycle, a countertop model that connects temporarily will save you from filling it by hand. A compact, plumbed-in appliance is only worth considering if a water supply and drainage can be arranged. Whatever you choose, check that your dishes fit in the basket before you buy.
In a studio flat, kitchenette or temporary home, you could consider a tank model if you have a stable surface, a socket and a suitable place to drain the waste water. The tank doesn’t remove the need for drainage.
If you live alone or as a couple, compare the basket with the plates, glasses, bowls and small saucepans you use regularly. The stated capacity in place settings won’t tell you on its own whether everything will fit in one cycle.
If you want to avoid permanent plumbing work and can keep a tap available while the dishwasher runs, compare a tap-connected appliance with a tank model. Klarstein describes the Aquatica and Oceana, in particular, as models that connect directly to a tap.
Choose this if: you can’t use a fixed water supply and your washing-up load is limited.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill the tank and direct the waste water to a suitable drain. Daan Tech lists both tank filling and drainage options for Bob.
Choose this if: a compatible tap can supply the appliance during the cycle, without the need for a dedicated fixed connection.
The trade-off: you won’t need to fill it by hand, but the tap must remain available. Klarstein describes the Aquatica and Oceana as models that connect directly to a tap.
Consider this if: a permanent water supply and drain are available, and the amount of washing-up makes it worth comparing a larger format.
The trade-off: this option no longer meets the requirement for an appliance without a fixed connection. Check the space available and the requirements of the model you choose.
| What to consider | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Tank or tap connection; whether waste water can be directed to a sink or suitable drain. | Without a fixed water supply, I need to be able to fill the appliance and then drain the water after each cycle. Around 40% of consumers rank installation options as their top priority. |
| Usable capacity | Basket dimensions and the maximum diameter allowed for the plates and utensils you use regularly. | If my dishes or large plates mean I have to run several cycles, the stated place-setting capacity isn’t much help. The actual space available in the basket is a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Space and consumption | Overall dimensions with the door open; litres per reference cycle and kWh per 100 cycles on the energy label. | In a kitchenette, I want to be able to access the appliance without taking over the worktop, and compare consumption on a like-for-like basis. These are the main considerations for around 30% of consumers. |
ADEME explains that the energy label shows electricity use in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. These figures may not reflect the programme you use most often, so check the appliance manual too.
An integrated tank supplies the wash water, but the waste water still needs to be directed to a suitable outlet. Daan Tech says Bob can drain through a hose into a sink or another drain.
Before ordering, measure the space, check access for filling, make sure the door can open and plan the hose route.
A stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your large plates, frying pans or dishes will fit in the basket. The size of your crockery may mean you need to run several cycles.
Measure the items you use every day, then compare them with the maximum diameter allowed and the basket layout of the specific model.
The figures on the energy label don’t automatically describe the other programmes. ADEME explains that water and electricity use are shown for defined reference cycles.
First compare energy labels on a like-for-like basis, then check the manual for the programmes you plan to use.
A temporary connection avoids permanent installation, but you still need a tap that can be used while the dishwasher is running. It isn’t the right solution if you can’t use any water supply.
Before buying, work out whether you can fill a tank, connect a tap temporarily or install a permanent connection.
Daan Tech makes Bob, a freestanding mini dishwasher which, according to the product information, has an integrated 3,9 L tank or can be supplied by a standard water inlet.
Klarstein describes its Aquatica and Oceana countertop models as connecting directly to a tap.
In France, Midea offers 45 cm freestanding dishwashers, worth considering if a plumbed-in appliance is an option.
These countertop models suit two different situations: filling a tank when you can’t use a fixed water supply, or connecting a tap temporarily during the cycle. For every model, make sure you have a suitable way to drain the waste water.
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Worth considering if you can fill a tank rather than connect a fixed water supply, then direct the drain hose into a suitable container.
The product name lists 5 + 1 wash cycles and a double-layer tempered glass door. Check the available space and drainage route in your kitchen.
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Worth a look if you’re after a tank model with a two-level basket for arranging your dishes.
The product name lists three spray arms and a 12-hour delay start. Before buying, check the overall dimensions, as well as the hose and drainage point you’ll need.
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Worth comparing if you can fill the appliance by hand in a small kitchen without connecting it to a tap.
The product name lists 7 programmes and a 24-hour delay start. Check the dimensions of the dishes it can take and how you’ll drain the waste water.
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Worth considering if you’d like to compare tank filling with the option of a temporary tap connection.
The product name lists 9 programmes, a 1–24-hour delay start and a D energy rating. Check all the dimensions needed for its location, the size of plates it can take and the drainage route.
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Only worth considering if you can connect the appliance to a tap temporarily while it runs; it won’t replace a tank model if that isn’t possible.
The product name mentions washing and drying functions. Check that your tap is compatible, what connection accessories you’ll need and where the appliance will drain.
No. A tank can remove the need for a fixed water inlet hose, but you still need to drain the waste water. For Bob, Daan Tech says the hose should be placed in a sink or another drain. Check the manual for the model you’re considering.
No. A model connected temporarily to a tap saves you from filling it by hand, but it needs a tap that can be used during the cycle. Klarstein describes the Aquatica and Oceana as appliances that connect directly to a tap; check that your intended connection is compatible.
Compare the figures for the same reference programme, then check each manual for the programmes that suit your needs. ADEME says the energy label shows electricity use in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. Also take the stated capacity of each model into account.