Start by checking the space and connections you actually have available. A model with a water tank can do away with a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to plan for drainage and an electrical supply. A connected compact model or a slimline freestanding appliance may hold more dishes, provided you have room for it. Then compare usable capacity, full dimensions and the figures on the energy label rather than relying on the word ‘mini’ alone.
If you want to wash a small load without making permanent changes to the plumbing, consider the water supply and drainage separately. The tank on the Bob described by Daan Tech means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but this model drains wastewater through a hose. The ANIL also points out that alterations to rented premises or equipment require the landlord’s written consent.
Check that your usual plates, pans and cutlery fit inside the dishwasher: the stated place setting capacity doesn’t tell you on its own how much room there is for each item. Choose a capacity that suits the load you want to wash regularly.
If the connections are accessible, a slimline appliance may offer more capacity than a mini countertop model. As a guide, Candy describes the CDPH 2D1047W-01 as a freestanding model with a capacity of 10 place settings. Its depth and height must also suit the space available.
For a kitchenette, installation is what sets the three formats apart: a tank affects the water supply, a connected compact model needs space near the connections, and a slimline model needs a place on the floor.
Worth considering: if you don’t have a fixed water supply and a very small load is enough. Daan Tech describes Bob as having a built-in tank and hose drainage; check these features on the version you choose.
The trade-off: you’ll still need to fill it manually and arrange drainage. Daan Tech lists a capacity of 2 to 3 place settings, depending on the product information.
Worth considering: if your worktop can accommodate the appliance near a water supply, drain and socket, but you don’t have room for a floor-standing model.
The trade-off: a countertop format doesn’t remove the need for the connections required by a connected dishwasher, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Worth considering: if you have space on the floor and suitable connections, and your dishes regularly exceed the capacity of a countertop mini dishwasher.
The trade-off: a narrow width doesn’t necessarily mean a small overall footprint: the Candy CDPH 2D1047W-01 measures 448 × 605 × 846 mm.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Reversible installation | Water supply method, route for the drain hose and suitable socket; nature of any work required in a rented property. | In a rented home, I want to avoid altering the kitchenette while still being able to fill and drain the appliance easily. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this reversible installation. |
| Everyday capacity | Stated place setting capacity and the actual room available for large plates or pans. | If my usual dishes mean I need to run several loads, a very small appliance won’t save me as much time as I’d hoped. Everyday capacity would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise and consumption | Capacity and noise level; litres per Eco cycle, kWh per 100 cycles and the duration of the Eco cycle shown on the label. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I want to be able to run a cycle without overlooking noise or comparing consumption figures calculated on different bases. Around 21% of consumers would put these criteria first. |
| Capacity with space on the floor | Width, depth, height and door clearance, followed by access to the connections. | I have space on the floor and would be happy with a connected appliance if it meant washing a larger load. This extra capacity would be a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
ADEME recommends looking at the capacity, water and energy consumption, noise and Eco cycle duration shown on the energy label together. Compare these figures across models and capacities that genuinely suit the dishes you need to wash.
On the Bob described by Daan Tech, the tank replaces a fixed water supply, but wastewater still drains through a hose. You’ll need to find a drainage route that follows the instructions and have a suitable socket.
Before ordering, identify the sink or permitted drainage point and check the usable length of the hose on the model you’ve chosen.
You’ll also need to spend time filling it by hand every time you use it.
A narrow appliance can still be deep and tall: Candy lists the CDPH 2D1047W-01 as 448 mm wide, 605 mm deep and 846 mm high. You’ll also need to allow room to open the door.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, the route into the kitchen and the door clearance, then check the diagram for the exact model.
A single figure isn’t enough if the programmes or capacities differ. As ADEME points out, the energy label includes consumption figures and the Eco cycle duration.
Compare like-for-like figures and check that the capacity is suitable for your usual load.
If the tub is too small for that load, you may have to run several cycles.
According to the ANIL, alterations to rented premises or equipment require the landlord’s written consent. A temporary connection and work on taps or furniture aren’t automatically treated in the same way.
Check what the planned installation involves before drilling or making any permanent changes, and ask for written consent if it means altering the property.
Bob is an example of a countertop mini dishwasher designed for very small loads, particularly where using a fixed water supply is difficult.
Candy’s slimline freestanding range is a useful reference if your kitchenette has space on the floor and suitable connections.
Bosch’s compact countertop models offer a point of comparison for a connected format between a very small tank-fed appliance and a slimline floor-standing model.
These countertop models let you explore options for small loads and different water supply methods. Before choosing, check the instructions for your preferred version to confirm how it is installed and drained, and how much room you’ll need for your dishes.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance that can be filled from a tank. The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Before comparing its consumption, check how it drains, how much space is available and the figures on the energy label.
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Worth considering for a small load on a worktop. The name of this version lists a capacity of 3 place settings and a dimension of 34 cm. Check the full dimensions, water supply method and drainage instructions for this version.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance with a stated capacity of 6 place settings. The product name lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and an energy rating of D. Measure the space and check the connections and energy label details for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you want a small countertop appliance that you can fill by hand. Its name lists 7 programmes and an energy rating of D. Check the instructions for the loading capacity, where the wastewater should go and any model-specific safety guidance.
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Worth considering if a fixed water supply is inconvenient in your kitchenette. The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank, 6+3 programmes and an energy rating of D. Check the loading capacity, drainage route and consumption figures for the exact model.
No. A tank can replace a fixed water supply, but not drainage or an electrical supply. Daan Tech describes Bob as draining through a hose. Check the instructions for your chosen model to see how to fill it and where to direct the wastewater.
You’ll need a water supply, drainage and an electrical supply. UFC-Que Choisir identifies these three connections as necessary for a connected dishwasher; the model’s instructions explain the installation requirements and which hoses to use.
If the installation would alter the rented premises or equipment, ask your landlord for written consent first, as the ANIL points out. Whether an adaptor or temporary connection is suitable depends on the specific installation, so check before changing taps, drainage or furniture.
Compare the figures on their energy labels, taking account of capacity and Eco cycle duration: litres per cycle, kWh per 100 cycles, noise level and noise rating. According to ADEME, an increase of three decibels almost doubles the noise, which is worth bearing in mind in an open-plan living space.
Follow the instructions for your model to find out which products to use and how to adjust any water softener. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking your local water hardness into account when adjusting it. Check the reservoirs and instructions before choosing your dishwasher products.