If you only have space on your worktop, compare a mini model’s footprint, door clearance, actual loading capacity and drainage requirements. If you have a suitable spot on the floor, a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher may hold more place settings, depending on the stated capacity, but you’ll need to check all its dimensions and connections. The number of place settings doesn’t guarantee that your plates and pans will fit in together: compare the basket layout with the crockery and cookware you use every day.
Measure the surface area and height you can genuinely spare for a tabletop appliance: the word “compact” doesn’t tell you its dimensions. UFC-Que Choisir discusses mini dishwashers for people living alone or couples who are short on space.
A model with a water tank may avoid the need for a water inlet where you want to place it, but you’ll still need to plan for drainage and an electrical socket, in line with the instructions. Daan Tech says Bob’s drain hose must be connected or positioned to carry water away.
Check whether you have room for your pans and how often you’ll need to run a cycle before choosing between a tabletop model and a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher. UFC-Que Choisir notes that stated capacity is just one of the factors to consider.
Worth considering: if you have a stable worktop surface but no nearby water inlet, and can arrange drainage.
Bear in mind: a water tank doesn’t eliminate the need for a drain hose or an electrical connection. Daan Tech lists Bob’s dimensions as 34 × 49 × 49 cm and its capacity as 3 standard place settings.
Worth considering: if your worktop can accommodate the appliance and the water inlet, drainage and socket are suitable for the model you choose.
Bear in mind: check the dimensions rather than assuming one tabletop model is narrower than another. Candy lists the CP 6E51LS as 550 mm wide, with a capacity of 6 place settings.
Worth considering: if you have a suitable spot on the floor that can accommodate the width, depth and height, with enough clearance for the door to open.
Bear in mind: these appliances still need plenty of height and depth. Beko lists the DVS05030W as holding 10 place settings, but that doesn’t guarantee all your larger items will fit in together.
The guidance below is for people living alone or as a couple, with limited space and a small amount of washing-up.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Actual footprint | Measure the available width, depth and height, and allow room for the door to open; also check where the hoses will run. | If my worktop is already full, I want to know how much space the appliance will really take up before I make room for it. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s footprint. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check the instructions for the water supply method, drain hose route and electrical connection requirements. | If there’s no water inlet where I want to put it, I check whether a tank is an option and where the waste water can drain. Around 29% of consumers put connection requirements at the top of their list. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the size of your plates, glasses and utensils with the basket dimensions and the model’s layout. | If I cook often, I want to avoid my pans taking up all the space or having to wash some items by hand. Around 21% of consumers prioritise how well their everyday dishes fit. |
| Everyday use | For the models you’re considering, compare the energy label information, noise level, eco programme duration and maintenance requirements. | Once I’ve checked the installation and loading, I look at the ongoing requirements of the cycles and maintenance. Around 14% of consumers prioritise ease of use and running costs. |
With Bob, the tank can avoid the need for a water inlet, but Daan Tech still requires a drain hose.
Before choosing where to put it, work out where the drain hose and cable can go, then follow the model’s instructions.
For Bob, Daan Tech distinguishes its capacity of 3 standard place settings from its description of an everyday load. The basket shape and size of your utensils affect which items can fit in together.
Before deciding, compare the basket with your largest plate and the pans you use regularly.
If the load doesn’t fit, you may need to run extra cycles or wash some items by hand.
Width alone won’t tell you whether an appliance can be installed. Electrolux lists the ESA63200SX as measuring 850 × 446 × 615 mm.
Measure all three dimensions of the space, allow for the door to open and check access to the connections before choosing a model.
Bob is an example of a mini tabletop dishwasher that can use a water tank or a connected water supply, designed for a space-constrained spot.
The CP 6E51LS is an example of a tabletop model that connects directly to the water supply.
The DVS05030W is an example of a slimline freestanding dishwasher for a home with room for an appliance on the floor.
The ESA63200SX is another 45 cm freestanding model to compare based on the space available and its interior layout.
Bosch’s documented 45 cm freestanding models can be useful for comparison when you have a suitable spot on the floor.
This selection features compact tabletop dishwashers for kitchens without room on the floor for a standard-sized appliance.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a tabletop model and want to compare its dimensions with the space you have.
The title lists a built-in 5 L water tank, 9 programmes, dimensions of 37 × 50 cm and an energy rating of D.
When using the tank, you’ll need to plan for waste water to drain through a hose into a suitable container.
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Worth considering if you’re comparing tabletop appliances and want to check the basket layout before choosing.
The title lists a two-tier basket and a built-in 5 L water tank.
Check the instructions for the water supply method and drainage set-up that’s right for your chosen location.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a tabletop size and want to compare the water supply options.
The title mentions a built-in 5 L water tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles.
When using the tank, check where the hose can drain the waste water.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a tabletop appliance with specifications suited to a small load.
The title lists 3 place settings, 7 programmes, a 24 h delay start, a noise level of 56,3 dB and an energy rating of C.
The title mentions use with or without a water connection and a 1 500 mm drain hose; check the installation requirements in the instructions.
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Worth considering if you’re comparing tabletop models and want to check the stated capacity and available programmes.
The title lists 6 place settings, 7 programmes, a 24 h delay start, a noise level of 47 dB and an energy rating of D.
Check the model information for the dimensions and connection method that will suit your kitchen.
Not the Bob model documented by Daan Tech: the tank can replace a connected water supply, but the drain hose still needs to carry the water to a drain or suitable container. Follow the instructions for the version you choose.
Check the model’s rating plate, instructions and the socket available. Daan Tech specifies a 220–240 V, 50–60 Hz socket for Bob; don’t assume this applies to another model without checking.
The European energy label includes information such as energy use per 100 eco programme cycles, water use per cycle, the duration of that programme, capacity and noise level. Compare models on a like-for-like basis: these figures don’t necessarily cover every programme.
Check the filter and spray arms in line with your appliance’s instructions. Bosch recommends regular cleaning for its dishwashers, but this doesn’t set a universal cleaning schedule for all models.
For a purchase made by an individual from a professional seller, the French Ministry of the Economy says the statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods, and can be claimed for two years. The Ministry also states that the repairability index applies to dishwashers in France; check the information and terms relevant to the sale in question.