Renters without a dedicated water supply
If you want to wash a small amount of dishes without making permanent changes to your kitchen, consider a model with a water tank. You’ll still need to fill it and find somewhere for the wastewater to drain.
Which set-up is right for you?
Small households with an accessible sink
If you have access to a suitable water supply, drainage and power socket, a plumbed-in worktop model saves you having to fill a tank. Check how much room it needs both in front of and behind the appliance.
Households with more washing-up each day
If you’re short on width but have floor space, compare a 45 cm model with worktop dishwashers. Electro Dépôt lists models in this size that hold nine to ten place settings; check the capacity of the model you’re considering.
How do the different sizes compare?
Start with the constraints in your kitchen, then compare the stated capacity with the plates and utensils you use every day. A narrow appliance isn’t necessarily shallow or easy to install.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply | Water tank or plumbing connection; where to position the drain hose. | In a rented home without a dedicated water supply, I want to avoid altering the kitchen while still having somewhere to drain the water. Around 42% of consumers put this use without a dedicated water supply first. |
| Usable capacity | Number of place settings; room for the plates and utensils you actually use. | When washing-up from several meals builds up, I want a tub that suits my routine rather than a compact model at any cost. This everyday capacity is the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Floor space | Full dimensions and clearance in front of the door; access to water and a power socket. | If I have room for a floor-standing appliance but lack width, I want more capacity without blocking the way. Around 25% of consumers therefore prefer a narrower model with a larger capacity. |
What should you watch out for before buying?
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Assuming “no water supply needed” means “no drainage needed”
A water tank means you don’t need a permanent connection to the water supply, but you’ll still need to fill it and drain the wastewater. So access to the sink can matter just as much as the size of the appliance.
Before buying, work out where you’ll fill the tank and position the drain hose during a cycle, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Choosing based on place settings alone
This figure won’t tell you whether your large plates, bowls and saucepans will all fit at once. Daan Tech states that Bob holds three place settings, while Candy says the Candy Rapidò CP 6E51LS holds six.
Measure your bulkiest items and check the maximum plate diameter and basket layout.
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Measuring the width but forgetting the depth
A worktop model needs room behind and in front of it too. Candy gives the CP 6E51LS a depth of 501 mm, not including the clearance needed to open the door.
Measure your worktop, the space in front of the appliance and the route for the hoses before ordering.
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Altering a rented kitchen without permission
In France, Article 7 of the law of 6 July 1989, published by Légifrance, states that tenants must not alter rented premises or equipment without the landlord’s written permission.
If your installation involves changing a tap, drain, cabinet or fixed appliance, get permission before carrying out any work.
Brands to consider
Daan Tech
Bob is a compact, freestanding dishwasher designed, in particular, for narrow worktops.
- Daan Tech states that Bob is 34 cm wide, holds three place settings and can be used with either a 3,9 L water tank or a mains water connection.
- When using the tank, you’ll need to fill the appliance and arrange somewhere for the wastewater to drain. Three place settings may not be enough for your usual washing-up.
Candy
The Rapidò CP 6E51LS is a compact worktop model that connects to the water supply, for kitchens with accessible plumbing.
- Candy states that this model holds six place settings and measures 550 × 501 × 443 mm.
- It connects directly to the water supply, so you’ll also need suitable drainage. Check your connections before choosing this type of model.
Bosch
Bosch offers compact, plumbed-in dishwashers. Check the specifications of each model individually.
- Bosch says the SKS51E38EU is no longer available. Don’t assume its specifications apply to another model: check the product details for the one you’re considering.
HAVA
The R09 is a worktop model with a built-in water tank, designed in particular for kitchens without a dedicated water supply.
- HAVA states that the R09 has a 5 L tank, holds three place settings and can also be used with a water inlet hose.
- Before buying, check the route for the drain hose and the dimensions of this model in your kitchen.
Worktop models on Joybuy
These worktop appliances are particularly suited to small kitchens where a water tank can come in handy. For each model, compare its capacity and dimensions with your dishes and available space. Also check the drainage arrangements and that the version on offer is compatible with your electrical installation.
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AIRMSEN worktop model, 5 L tank, 5+1 cycles
Worth considering if you want an appliance on your worktop and the option of filling a tank rather than relying solely on a mains water supply. The title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 cycles. Check the drainage route, any accessories you’ll need and whether the plug is compatible with your electrical installation.
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COMFEE CDWMT305WD, white worktop dishwasher
For a small kitchen, compare this worktop model with the amount of washing-up you do each day. The title lists seven programmes and a D energy rating. For this model, confirm how it fills and drains, and check that the plug is compatible with your installation.
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Bob, 3 place settings, 34 cm, metallic grey and white
Consider this model if worktop width is your main concern and you don’t have much washing-up. This version is listed as holding three place settings and measuring 34 cm wide. Before choosing the tank mode described by Daan Tech for Bob, confirm how this version is supplied with water, how it drains and whether it is compatible with your electrical installation.
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AIRMSEN worktop model, 5 L tank, 9 programmes
Worth comparing if you want a water tank and the depth of your worktop matters as much as its width. The title lists nine programmes and a 5 L tank. Check the exact depth, drainage arrangements and electrical compatibility before deciding where to put it.
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Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W), 5 L tank, white
For a small kitchen, compare the available space and the size of your plates with this worktop model’s usable capacity. The title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 6+3 programmes. Check what you can fit inside, how it drains and whether the plug is compatible with your installation for this version.
Frequently asked questions
Can a mini dishwasher with a water tank work without a mains water supply?
Yes, provided the model has a tank that can be used without a plumbing connection. Daan Tech describes this option for Bob, and HAVA for the R09. You’ll still need to fill the tank and direct the wastewater to a drain as instructed by the manufacturer.
What capacity should you choose for one or two people?
Choose based on your meals and the items you need to wash, not just the number of people in your household. Daan Tech states that Bob holds three place settings, while Candy says the Rapidò CP 6E51LS holds six. Above all, check that your plates and saucepans will fit in the load.
Can you install a dishwasher in a rented home?
A removable installation and alterations to the property raise different issues. In France, Article 7 of the law of 6 July 1989, published by Légifrance, requires the landlord’s written permission to alter rented premises or equipment. Get permission before making any changes to taps, drainage or kitchen furniture.
Which energy and water figures should you compare?
Compare appliances with similar capacities by checking their energy labels. ADEME states that energy use is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. These figures may not reflect the use of other programmes.
Does an extended warranty replace the legal guarantee?
No. In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity and a commercial extended warranty are separate. According to economie.gouv.fr, you have two years to claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity for both new and second-hand goods. Check the cover and exclusions of any extended warranty separately.