If you’re short on floor space, choose a mini or compact tabletop dishwasher based on the space available, door clearance and how you can drain the water. A water tank can save you from needing a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need a way to drain the wastewater. If you have floor space and more washing up, a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher generally offers greater capacity. Check the model’s full dimensions and connections before you decide.
You’re considering a countertop appliance. Measure the surface it will sit on and the clearance needed to open the door, and plan how to drain the wastewater. Daan Tech says Bob’s tank means it doesn’t need a fixed water supply, but it still needs a drain hose.
You have floor space and are comparing a 45 cm freestanding appliance with a compact model to avoid running it too often. Gifam generally describes 45 cm models as holding 9 to 10 place settings, compared with 6 for a compact tabletop model.
You need to choose between a model with a water tank and one supplied directly from the mains, then check how wastewater will be drained in either case. Daan Tech explains how Bob’s tank works; Bosch’s installation guidance reminds you to check the water, electricity and drainage connections required for the appliance in question.
Worth considering: if you’re short on floor space and don’t have a dedicated water supply.
Bear in mind: manual filling, limited capacity and wastewater drainage.
Worth considering: if you can give the appliance more worktop space and supply it as described in its instructions.
Check: the water supply, drainage and exact dimensions. A Candy product listing consulted gives two conflicting heights for the CP 6E51LS.
Worth considering: if you have floor space and a compact model won’t handle the amount of washing up you produce.
Check: the height, depth, door clearance and connections, as well as the width.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting the appliance in | Measure the width, height and depth. Check the available surface and the door clearance for the specific model. | If the worktop is your only available space, you’ll also need to allow for the door opening and wastewater outlet. Around 31% of consumers prioritise where the appliance will go. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check the model’s water supply method, drain hose route and electrical supply separately. | If your water supply is limited, you’ll need to know whether a tank meets your needs and plan how to drain the water. Around 31% of consumers put connections first. |
| Capacity and cycle frequency | Compare the stated number of place settings with the size of your plates, pans and other items. | If washing up piles up quickly, you’ll want a capacity that suits your loads and the space available. Around 25% of consumers prioritise capacity and cycle frequency. |
| Noise and energy and water use | Compare the stated noise level, kWh per 100 Eco cycles, water used per Eco cycle and the programme duration. | If you have an open-plan kitchen or a nearby living area, you may want to pay particular attention to noise and Eco figures. Around 13% of consumers make quiet operation their priority. |
A model with a tank may not need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to arrange drainage. Daan Tech says Bob uses a drain hose; Candy lists the CP 6E51LS as connecting directly to the water supply.
Before choosing, check the water supply and drainage requirements separately in the model’s instructions.
Depending on your setup, the water supply or drainage may require a suitable accessory or installation work.
Width alone won’t confirm that the appliance will fit. Its height, depth and door clearance matter too.
Measure the space and the clearance needed, then check the full dimensions and connections for the model you’ve chosen.
The number of place settings doesn’t tell you by itself whether your pans or largest items will fit. Daan Tech says Bob holds 3 standard place settings.
Compare your cookware with the interior dimensions and basket layout before choosing a model.
If capacity is too limited, you may have to wash some items by hand or run an extra load.
Bob is an example of a tank-fed mini tabletop dishwasher for smaller loads.
The Rapidò CP 6E51LS is a 6-place-setting compact tabletop model; the Brava range also includes a 10-place-setting freestanding model.
The SPS4EMW61E is an example of a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher to consider if you have floor space but no built-in space.
The WSFO3T223P is another 45 cm freestanding model to consider for floor installation.
These tabletop appliances are designed for smaller loads and kitchens without dedicated space for a built-in model. Check the overall dimensions and drainage options. A water tank doesn’t mean the appliance works without drainage.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a tabletop appliance with a built-in tank. You’ll still need a way to drain the wastewater.
The product name lists a 5 L tank, 9 programmes and dimensions of 37 × 50 cm.
The description notes that an adaptor may be needed to connect it directly to a tap.
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Worth considering for a worktop installation, with the option of using the tank or connecting it to a tap. You’ll still need to arrange drainage.
The product name lists 5 + 1 wash cycles, a built-in 5 L tank and a double tempered-glass door.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 6-place-setting tabletop model and have a suitable water supply.
The product name lists 6 place settings, 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay start and a noise level of 47 dB.
The description specifies water inlet and drain hoses. Check that they’re compatible with your setup.
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Worth considering for smaller loads on a worktop. Compare the stated capacity with the size of your dishes.
The product name lists 4 to 6 place settings, energy use of 0,58 kWh per cycle and 3,5 to 5 L of water.
The product mentions a fruit and vegetable cleaning programme.
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Worth considering if you want the choice of using a tank or connecting the appliance to a tap, while still planning for drainage.
The product name lists 4 place settings, a 6 L tank and 5 programmes.
The product mentions a dedicated fruit programme.
It depends on the model. Daan Tech says Bob can be supplied from its tank, while Candy lists the CP 6E51LS as connecting directly to the water supply. In either case, check how the wastewater will be drained.
For Bob, Daan Tech describes a hose that can drain into a sink, a trap or a dedicated waste outlet. The manufacturer also mentions using a container of at least 5 L in some setups. Follow the instructions for the hose route, securing it and its height, and don’t assume the same options apply to every model.
Check the instructions for the exact model before moving or cleaning any parts. Check the hose route and any user-serviceable parts specified by the manufacturer. A drainage problem alone isn’t enough to diagnose a faulty pump.
The EU energy label shows, among other things, the kWh per 100 cycles of the Eco programme and the litres of water used per Eco cycle. Compare appliances on the same basis, then consider how many cycles you’ll need for the amount of washing up you have and your usual habits.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new goods sold by a retailer to a private individual and can be claimed for two years, according to information from the Ministry of the Economy published on 9 September 2026. A commercial warranty does not replace this legal guarantee.