Without a direct water supply, a mini dishwasher with a water tank is the first option to consider if you want to automate the washing-up. However, you’ll need to be able to fill the appliance, dispose of the waste water and provide a suitable space and electrical connection. A plumbed-in model only makes sense if there’s a usable water supply; if you have little washing-up or these requirements aren’t met, washing by hand may be simpler.
A tank-fed appliance can avoid the need for a mains water connection if you can fill it and direct its drain hose into a sink or suitable container. Daan Tech’s Bob works on this principle.
A plumbed-in model could be an option if the water supply, waste outlet and available space are suitable. If installation involves altering rented fixtures or fittings, ANIL advises that you’ll need the landlord’s written consent.
Compare the time needed to fill and empty the appliance with the amount of washing-up you usually have. If you only use it occasionally, the space it takes up all the time may matter more than automating a few cycles.
Consider it: if there’s no direct water supply, but you can fill the appliance and arrange for it to drain.
The trade-off: you’ll still need to fill it by hand, and capacity varies by model; Daan Tech states that Bob holds three place settings.
Consider it: if the studio genuinely has a usable water supply and waste outlet.
The trade-off: it won’t solve the problem if there’s no water supply. Any alteration to rented fixtures or fittings requires the landlord’s written consent, as ANIL advises.
Consider it: if you have very little washing-up, or if the appliance can’t be positioned, connected and drained properly.
The trade-off: you’ll still need to wash up by hand, but no appliance will take up your worktop space.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Filling and draining | Check that the appliance has a water tank, then make sure the drain hose can reach a sink or suitable container and stay securely in place. | If there’s no usable tap, I want to run a cycle without plumbing the appliance in, while still having a way to get rid of the dirty water. Around 37% of consumers would make this independence their priority. |
| Washing capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the dishes you usually wash, particularly the size of your plates and the space needed for containers. | When washing-up builds up between meals, I’d rather not have to run lots of cycles. This capacity would be a priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and electricity | Measure the space with the door open and check that you can access the filling point. Also make sure the electrical circuit is suitable for a dishwasher. | In a narrow kitchenette, I need to be able to open and use the appliance without blocking the way or improvising its electrical connection. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise how well it fits. |
| Whether you need the appliance | Assess how much washing-up you have and how much handling you’re happy with. If you rent, get the landlord’s written consent before making any alterations to rented fixtures or fittings. | If I don’t have much washing-up, I don’t want to give up my worktop space for a small benefit. For around 9% of consumers, avoiding the appliance would be the main concern. |
A tank removes the need for a mains water connection, but you’ll still need to fill the appliance and drain it. Daan Tech, for example, specifies a 1.50 m drain hose for Bob.
Before buying, work out where the hose will go and check that it can follow a practical, secure route throughout the cycle.
The depth, height and door opening can make a model difficult to use, even if it fits on your worktop.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, allow room for the door to open and check that you can reach the filling point. Also compare the size of your plates with the maximum size the model can take.
Promotelec states that a dishwasher must be supplied by a dedicated circuit. So having an accessible socket isn’t, by itself, enough to confirm that the electrical installation is suitable.
If you’re unsure, get the existing circuit checked. Don’t use an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor to get around this check.
According to ANIL, alterations to rented premises or fixtures and fittings require the landlord’s written consent. Being able to buy a plumbed-in model doesn’t mean you have permission to alter the installation.
Check whether your plans affect the taps, waste outlet or rented furniture, and get written consent before making any alterations.
With Bob, Daan Tech offers a freestanding mini dishwasher that can use either its built-in tank or a standard water supply.
Klarstein’s Oceana is an example of a compact tabletop dishwasher to consider if you can connect it to a tap.
Candy’s CP 6E51LW is an example of a tabletop dishwasher to consider if your home has suitable connections.
These tabletop models have a water tank, making it possible to wash up without a direct water supply. Before choosing one, check how to fill it, where the waste water will go, how much space it needs and what electrical installation it requires.
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Worth considering if you’d rather use a tank than connect directly to the water supply. The model name lists nine programmes and dimensions of 37 × 50 cm; also measure the space needed to open it. Check where the drain hose can go and whether your studio’s electrical circuit is suitable.
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Its built-in tank means you could place it somewhere without a direct water supply, as long as you can fill it. The model name lists a tempered-glass door and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Check the drain hose route, the clearance in front of the door and the required electrical supply.
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Worth considering for a studio where filling the appliance by hand is manageable. The model name lists seven programmes and a 24-hour delay start. Before choosing it, confirm how it’s filled, where the waste water will go and what electrical connections are available in your home.
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The built-in tank means you can consider this model without a direct connection to the water supply, although you’ll need to fill it each time you use it. The model name lists 6 + 3 programmes. Check where the waste water will go, and make sure you have the necessary space and electrical circuit.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a model described as usable with or without a water connection. The HTG 8855 model name lists three place settings and seven programmes. To use it with the tank, check how to fill it, where it can drain, its dimensions and its electrical connection.
No. The tank means you don’t need to connect the appliance to the water supply, but you still need to get rid of the waste water. For Bob, Daan Tech provides a hose that should be directed into a sink, waste outlet or suitable container. Check the recommended drainage method for the model you’re considering.
Capacity varies by model and how you load it. Daan Tech states that Bob holds three place settings under the European standard. Compare this with the plates and containers you usually use rather than assuming it applies to all mini dishwashers.
Not if the model needs a direct connection and there’s no usable water supply. Candy states that the CP 6E51LW holds six place settings, but also specifies that it connects directly to the water supply. So check your installation before choosing based on capacity alone.
If the installation involves altering rented premises or fixtures and fittings, ANIL advises that you’ll need the landlord’s written consent. Check exactly what your plans would change and get consent before altering taps, a waste outlet or rented furniture.
The presence of a socket alone doesn’t confirm that the connection is suitable. Promotelec states that a dishwasher needs a dedicated circuit. If you’re unsure about the electrical installation in your studio, have the circuit checked rather than using an extension lead or multi-socket adaptor.