If you don’t have a fixed water supply or a dedicated space, a mini dishwasher with a water tank could work for you, provided you plan for drainage and check that your crockery fits in the basket. A six-place-setting countertop model may be an option if you have a stable spot for it and the necessary connections. A 45 cm appliance only makes sense if you can give it a permanent home.
You’re short on space and can fill a water tank, but you’ll also need to arrange safe drainage. Que Choisir Ensemble has also covered the needs of people living alone or as a couple who want to avoid washing up by hand but can’t install a standard dishwasher.
You can set up an appliance near the sink and want to know whether its basket will hold the dishes you use for meals, not just the number of place settings stated. Que Choisir Ensemble’s test protocol takes everyday crockery into account, including plates, glasses, cups, serving dishes and saucepans.
You may be able to make room on the floor for a 45 cm model if the dimensions and connections work for you. Candy France distinguishes this type of appliance from countertop models, which suit a different kitchen set-up.
If your kitchen has no permanent space for an appliance, first compare the water supply and drainage options, then check the usable capacity and the space you actually have.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check the filling options, hose route and how it should be secured, as well as the drainage point specified in the instructions. | If I don’t have a water supply nearby, I can fill a tank, but I’ll also need to arrange for the wastewater to drain away. Around 36% of consumers in this position would make water supply and drainage their top priority. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the basket layout and plate size with a load that also includes bowls, glasses and saucepans. | For the dishes from a meal for two, I want to know whether the items I use will fit together, rather than relying on the stated number of place settings alone. Around 29% of consumers in this position would prioritise usable capacity. |
| Size and installation | Measure the width, depth and height, then allow for the door to open and make sure you can access the connections. | If my worktop is already full, I need to check how much space I’ll need before choosing a compact appliance or a 45 cm model. Around 21% of consumers in this position would put size at the top of their list. |
| Use and maintenance | Compare energy and water use for the same programme, and check the model’s maintenance instructions and repairability index. | If I want to assess how it will perform over time, I’ll also look at consumables, maintenance and repair options. Around 14% of consumers in this position would make these their top priorities. |
The EU energy label shows, among other things, the water used per Eco cycle and the electricity used per 100 Eco cycles. The European Commission recommends comparing these figures with their respective units and programmes in mind.
A water tank can remove the need for a fixed water supply, but the used water still needs to drain out of the appliance.
Check the drainage route before choosing where to put it, and follow the model’s instructions.
A standardised capacity doesn’t guarantee that your plates, serving dishes and saucepans will all fit together in one cycle.
Check the basket diagram and measure the largest items in your crockery collection.
If some items don’t fit, you may need to run more cycles or wash them by hand.
A slim appliance still needs somewhere to go: its height and depth matter too.
Only consider this size if you can set aside a suitable space and arrange the connections.
The energy label shows electricity use per 100 Eco cycles and water use per Eco cycle.
Compare appliances using the same programme and units, and take your expected usage into account.
The brand’s Bob is a mini countertop dishwasher with a water tank. It can also be connected to the water supply, depending on your set-up.
The R09 is another mini countertop dishwasher with a water tank to consider if you’re happy to fill it manually.
Candy offers both a countertop model and a 45 cm freestanding model. They’re designed for different installation needs.
The brand is one to compare when looking for a compact countertop dishwasher.
This selection features countertop dishwashers for small kitchens, rather than slim 45 cm models. For each appliance, check whether it can be filled manually, what connections it needs and how the water drains away.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance with a built-in tank; check how it needs to be filled and drained.
The title lists 9 programmes, dimensions of 37 × 50 cm and energy class D.
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This countertop model is worth comparing for a small kitchen; check the basket’s usable capacity and the planned installation.
The title lists a 5 L tank, a two-tier basket, three spray arms and a 12-hour delay start.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a mini dishwasher; check the installation and drainage requirements before choosing.
The title lists 8 programmes, a built-in water softener, a delay start and a child lock.
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Worth considering for a small load if the filling and connection requirements suit your kitchen.
The title lists 3 place settings, 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay start, 56.3 dB and energy class C.
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Consider this if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 6 place settings and have enough space for a countertop appliance.
The title lists 7 programmes, a 24-hour delay start, 47 dB and energy class D.
No. A water tank can remove the need for a fixed water supply, but the wastewater still needs to drain away. Daan Tech says Bob’s hose should be directed into the sink or another suitable drainage point. Also check the power supply details on the rating plate of the model you receive.
Compare the basket with a real load that includes plates, bowls, glasses and, if needed, saucepans. The stated number of place settings is a guide to capacity, not a guarantee that every item will fit together in one cycle.
Compare the figures on the energy label for the same programme and in the same units: the European Commission distinguishes, among other things, water used per Eco cycle from energy used per 100 Eco cycles. Also allow for consumables and check the model’s instructions for maintenance guidance.
The French Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that the repairability index is compulsory for the dishwashers covered by the rules (18 August 2026). For goods sold to an individual by a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity applies; the Ministry says you have two years to invoke it (9 September 2026). This guarantee is separate from a commercial warranty.