If you don’t have access to a water supply, a mini dishwasher with a tank could suit smaller loads, as long as you plan how to drain it. For larger, regular loads, consider a plumbed-in tabletop compact model. If you have a suitable space and fixed connections, a slimline 45 cm model is another option, provided you measure all the space you’ll need.
If you can’t connect an appliance permanently, a tank-fed model is worth considering. Daan Tech offers this type of water supply on Bob, but you’ll also need to find a stable spot for the appliance and plan where the waste water will drain.
For regularly washing plates, glasses and utensils, a 6-place-setting tabletop compact can offer more capacity than a very small tub. The Candy Rapidò CP 6E51LS is an example of a plumbed-in model in this format. Check that you have enough space and access to the hoses.
If your kitchen has a suitable space and the necessary connections, a slimline dishwasher could handle larger loads. The Bosch SPV4EMX17E is an example of a 45 cm fully integrated model. Its width doesn’t mean you can skip measuring the height and depth.
Consider it: if you don’t have access to a fixed water supply and wash small loads.
Be prepared for: filling it by hand and arranging a way to drain it, despite the tub’s limited capacity. Bob, as described by Daan Tech, is one example, with a stated capacity of 2 place settings.
Consider it: if you have access to a water supply and your regular load is larger than a very small model can handle. Candy describes the Rapidò CP 6E51LS as a 6-place-setting tabletop appliance.
Be prepared for: this format takes up worktop space and needs suitable water and waste connections.
Consider it: if a permanent installation is possible and you want to load more dishes at once.
Be prepared for: a built-in model needs a suitable space, not just 45 cm of width. According to the manufacturer, the Bosch SPV4EMX17E measures 815 × 448 × 550 mm.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply without a fixed connection | Check that the model you choose has a tank and plan a practical route for draining it. | If I don’t have access to a water supply, I can fill a tank, but I still need somewhere to drain the waste water; around 40% of consumers prioritise this independence. |
| Usable capacity | Compare your usual load with the basket and the size of the largest utensils you use, rather than looking at the place-setting count alone. | If I cook often, I want my plates and pans to fit without running several cycles; around 30% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Space for a permanent installation | Measure the height, width, depth and door clearance. Check the connections specified in the instruction manual. | If I have a suitable space, I’d rather set aside a permanent spot for a larger load; for around 30% of consumers, a slimline installation is the priority. |
A tabletop appliance may need a direct water supply. Even a tank-fed model needs to drain waste water: Daan Tech says Bob uses a drain hose.
Before buying, check the water supply and drainage route for your chosen model separately.
A plumbed-in model may also need accessories to suit your plumbing.
The stated figure doesn’t guarantee that your large plates, frying pans and saucepans will all fit in the basket at once. If the tub is too small, you may still have some washing-up to do by hand.
Measure the utensils you use regularly and check the basket layout in the product details or instruction manual.
The 45 cm measurement refers to the width, not the overall dimensions. Bosch says the SPV4EMX17E measures 815 × 448 × 550 mm.
Also check the height, depth, door clearance and hose routing in the instruction manual.
The DGCCRF points out that an optional commercial warranty supplements statutory guarantees; it doesn’t replace them.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare its duration, exclusions and cover with your applicable statutory rights.
These examples show different formats. The specifications listed apply to the models named, not to every appliance from each brand.
Bob is a mini tabletop dishwasher designed for small loads and available with a water tank.
The Rapidò CP 6E51LS is an example of a compact tabletop model with a direct water connection.
The SPV4EMX17E is an example of a 45 cm fully integrated dishwasher for a fitted kitchen with a suitable space.
These freestanding models let you compare smaller capacities and different water-supply options. If you’re considering a slimline built-in dishwasher instead, measure your space and look at models designed for permanent installation.
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Worth considering if you need to fill the appliance without a fixed water supply and have space for it on your worktop.
The product title states that it has a built-in 5 L tank. Check the instruction manual for drainage, load capacity and electrical requirements before installation.
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Worth considering for regular loads if you have access to a water supply and drain near your worktop.
The title states a capacity of 6 place settings. Measure the space and check the hose reach and electrical requirements in the instruction manual.
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Worth considering for a small load if manual filling is a better fit for your setup than a permanent water supply.
The stated capacity is 3 place settings. Before buying, check there’s room for your plates and utensils, as well as the drainage method specified for this model.
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Compare it with other freestanding models if you wash small loads and need to save space in your kitchen.
The title mentions 8 programmes. Before choosing this model, confirm its dimensions, water supply and drainage method. The phrase ‘no connection required’ doesn’t clarify these details on its own.
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Worth considering if your usual washing-up amounts to a very small load and you’ve measured the space on your worktop.
Daan Tech states a capacity of 2 place settings for Bob. Before buying, check what’s included in this specific pack, how it takes in water and where the drain hose can go.
Yes, if it’s designed to be filled from a tank, like Bob, according to Daan Tech. This means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to drain the waste water. Check where the hose can empty.
No, the water supply method depends on the model. Candy describes the Rapidò CP 6E51LS as connecting directly to the water supply. Check the product details and instruction manual for the model you’re considering rather than relying on its tabletop format.
The place-setting count alone won’t tell you. Compare the dimensions of your pans and large plates with the space available and the basket layout of the specific model. Also consider what else you want to load in the same cycle.
Not necessarily. Promotelec says that a dishwasher socket must be on a dedicated circuit. If you can’t confirm the property’s electrical setup, ask a professional to check it before deciding where to install the appliance.