Renters without a dedicated water supply
A model with a water tank avoids the need to connect to a water supply, but you’ll still need to direct the waste water into a sink or a suitable container.
Who are these formats suitable for?
People with an existing sink and connections
If the water supply and drainage are compatible, a connected countertop appliance means you won’t need to fill it by hand. The Candy Rapidò CP 6E51LS is an example of this format, with 6 place settings, according to Candy France.
Small households mainly limited by space
If the connections are already suitable, compare the footprint of a countertop appliance with that of a slimline freestanding model. The available space and door clearance may help you decide between the two formats.
What to check before you buy
Countertop model with a water tank
Choose this if: there’s no dedicated water supply, but you can drain the waste water into a sink or a suitable container.
Be prepared for: filling it by hand and managing the drain hose. Daan Tech lists both as requirements for its Bob model.
Connected tabletop model
Choose this if: your existing water supply and drainage are compatible and you want to avoid filling the appliance by hand.
Be prepared for: finding a suitable space for the connections and appliance. Candy France gives the dimensions of the 6-place-setting Rapidò CP 6E51LS as 550 × 501 × 443 mm.
Slimline freestanding dishwasher
Consider this if: your studio flat has compatible connections and enough floor space.
Be prepared for: a different footprint from a countertop appliance. Bosch lists a width of 45 cm and a height of 84,5 cm for some slimline freestanding models.
In a studio flat, first check the available water supply and drainage options, then compare the space you have with the amount of washing-up you usually do.
| Concern | What to check | Consumers affected |
|---|---|---|
| No water supply | Confirm that the model you’re considering has a water tank and check the instruction manual for its drainage method. | I can’t connect the appliance to a dedicated water supply, but I can arrange to drain the waste water; around 42 % of consumers put this water-supply constraint first. |
| Drainage and everyday use | Check the route and positioning of the hose, as well as the capacity if you’re considering a connected model. | Near the sink, I mainly need practical drainage and enough capacity without repeatedly filling the appliance by hand; this is a priority for around 33 % of consumers. |
| Space and washing-up | Measure the width, depth and height, and check the door clearance; also compare the basket with your largest dishes. | My kitchenette has very little space and I want to make sure my dishes will actually fit in the appliance; for around 25 % of consumers, the footprint is their main concern. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing no water supply with no drainage
A water tank means you don’t need to connect to a water supply, but it won’t hold the waste water after a wash. Daan Tech says Bob has a hose that needs to be directed into a sink or another drainage system.
Before you buy, work out the hose’s actual route and check the manual for its permitted length and the recommended way to collect the waste water.
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Comparing only the number of place settings
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you whether your plates, pans or dishes will fit in the basket, or whether the door will open in your kitchenette.
Measure the space and your largest piece of crockery, then check the loading limits for the exact model.
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Planning a connection without checking it’s possible
A model’s advertised direct connection to the water supply doesn’t guarantee that it will be compatible with the connections already in your studio flat.
Check that they’re compatible before choosing a connected appliance. If you’re considering making changes in a rented property, first check what’s allowed.
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Assuming the electrical requirements from a brief product listing
The power supply must meet the requirements of the exact model and the socket available in your home.
Check the manual and rating plate for the model being sold; don’t use a connection that the manufacturer hasn’t specified.
Brands and ranges to consider
Daan Tech
Daan Tech describes Bob as a countertop model with either an integrated water tank or a connection to the water supply.
- According to Daan Tech, Bob measures 34 × 49 × 49 cm, has a 3,9 L water tank and can take plates up to 29 cm.
- Even when using its water tank, it needs a 1,50 m drain hose directed into a sink or suitable container, according to the manufacturer.
Comfee'
The CDWMTO201D (W) is a countertop model with a water tank, designed for smaller loads of washing-up.
- Comfee' lists 2 place settings and dimensions of 435 × 435 × 420 mm (H × W × D); the Joybuy France listing mentions a 5 L water tank.
- For this variant, check the manual for the drainage route and electrical requirements before deciding where to put it.
Candy
The Rapidò CP 6E51LS is a connected tabletop model to consider when the water supply and drainage are compatible.
- Candy France lists 6 place settings, a direct connection to the water supply and dimensions of 550 × 501 × 443 mm.
- This type of water supply won’t, on its own, meet the needs of a studio flat without a usable water connection.
A Joybuy tank model for a studio flat
This countertop model with a water tank is worth considering if your studio flat has no dedicated water supply and you can arrange suitable drainage.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5 L water tank, 5+1 cycles
For a studio flat without a dedicated water supply, the 5 L water tank is a key feature to consider. Check the manual for how to direct and secure the drain hose over your chosen waste-water container.
The product title lists 5+1 wash cycles. Before you buy, measure the space, allowing for the door to open, and check the electrical requirements for the variant being sold.
Frequently asked questions
Will a mini dishwasher with a water tank work without a water supply?
Yes. A model designed to be filled by hand can work without being connected to a water supply. Daan Tech lists a 3,9 L water tank for Bob, but notes that the waste water still needs to be drained through a hose into a sink or suitable system.
When should I choose a connected tabletop model instead of one with a water tank?
Choose a connected model if your existing water supply and drainage are compatible and you’d rather not fill the appliance by hand. Candy France lists 6 place settings for the Candy Rapidò CP 6E51LS; also check that its dimensions of 550 × 501 × 443 mm will fit your space.
How can I tell if a dishwasher will fit in a kitchenette?
Measure the available width, depth and height, then check that there’s enough room to open the door, access the basket and route the hoses. If you’re considering a slimline freestanding model, don’t confuse it with a countertop appliance: Bosch lists a width of 45 cm and a height of 84,5 cm for some freestanding models in this format.
What socket do I need for a mini dishwasher?
The socket must meet the requirements of the exact model you plan to buy. Check the manual and rating plate for the model being sold against the socket available in your studio flat, and don’t assume an adaptor or extension lead will be suitable.