One person in a studio flat or kitchenette
If floor space is limited and there’s no permanent water supply, a countertop model with a water tank could be worth considering for smaller loads. You’ll still need somewhere to drain the waste water.
Which type is right for you?
A couple with access to a sink
A plumbed-in countertop model could work if you have enough worktop space and access to a water supply and drain. Check that its capacity and basket can accommodate the dishes you use for your usual meals.
A small household with floor space to spare
If you have a dedicated space and the necessary connections, you could consider a 45 cm slimline dishwasher instead of a countertop model. Remember to measure the height, depth and door clearance too.
What should you check before choosing?
Model with a water tank
Consider this if: you don’t have access to a permanent water supply and usually wash smaller loads.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill the tank and arrange waste-water drainage for every cycle.
Plumbed-in countertop model
Consider this if: you can access a water supply and drain from your worktop.
Bear in mind: the connections must comply with the instructions; the stated capacity doesn’t guarantee there’s room for larger utensils.
45 cm slimline model
Consider this if: you can set aside floor space and have the necessary connections.
Bear in mind: its narrow width doesn’t mean you can skip measuring the height, depth and door clearance.
| Priority | What to check | What matters to me |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the available space and the route to the drain. Check that the surface is stable, find out how the model gets its water supply and follow its installation instructions. | I don’t have a usable water supply: a tank may suit my needs, but I’ll still need a suitable drain. |
| What will fit | Compare the stated capacity with the basket and the size of your plates, frying pans and saucepans. Daan Tech says Bob can accommodate plates up to 29 cm; this measurement doesn’t apply to other models. | If a saucepan takes up the whole basket, the number of place settings won’t tell me how many items I can wash together. |
| Water, energy and noise | On the EU energy label, compare the energy use per 100 Eco programme cycles, water use per cycle, capacity and noise level for the exact model, as recommended by the European Commission. Don’t confuse these figures with those for a quick programme. | Noise matters to me in a studio flat or open-plan kitchen too, so I’ll check the figures for each model. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming “no water supply” means “no drain needed”
Bob’s tank means you don’t need a permanent water supply, but Daan Tech says you must connect its drain hose and warns that waste water can reach 70 °C.
Before you buy, measure the route to the drain and check how to secure the hose, as well as the instructions in the manual.
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Choosing based on place settings alone
The stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your large plates and bulky utensils will all fit in the basket together. For example, Daan Tech says Bob can accommodate plates up to 29 cm.
Measure the items you wash most often and check the loading diagram for the model you’re considering.
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Mistaking a slimline model for a countertop dishwasher
According to Bosch Électroménager France, the SPS2HKI55E measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm. Its 45 cm width doesn’t mean you won’t need floor space.
Check the available space, door clearance and access to connections before considering this type of model.
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Comparing different programmes
According to the European Commission, the EU energy label gives standardised figures based on the Eco programme. Figures quoted for a quick cycle aren’t directly comparable.
Compare the labels for the models you’re interested in, then look at their other programmes separately.
A few examples from popular brands
These examples show three types of installation. Their features don’t apply to every appliance from each brand.
Daan Tech / Bob
Bob is an example of a compact countertop model that can be used with a water tank or a water supply, depending on your chosen installation.
- Daan Tech says Bob has a 4 L tank, is 34 cm wide and can accommodate plates up to 29 cm.
- A water tank doesn’t remove the need to plan for drainage or check the supporting surface and space around the appliance.
Candy
The Rapido CP 6E51LW is an example of a plumbed-in countertop model with a stated capacity of six place settings.
- Candy France says it connects directly to the water supply, so there’s no need to fill it by hand.
- Your water supply, drain and worktop space must all be suitable for the model. Check its exact dimensions in the documentation before installation.
Bosch
The SPS2HKI55E is a slimline, freestanding dishwasher to consider if you have a dedicated space for it.
- Bosch Électroménager France gives the dimensions as 845 × 450 × 600 mm and the water use as 8.9 L for this model’s Eco cycle.
- This model needs floor space and suitable connections; it isn’t a countertop appliance.
Countertop models on Joybuy
These two appliances are suited to a small kitchen with space on the worktop. Their water supplies are described differently, so choose based on the instructions for each product and whether you have somewhere to drain the water.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher with 5 L water tank
The built-in 5 L tank makes this model suitable if you don’t have access to a permanent water supply. You’ll need to fill it, and check that you have a suitable route for drainage and a stable surface in your kitchen.
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Bob Deep Black eco-compact dishwasher
The Joybuy listing for this version states a capacity of three place settings and dimensions of 49 × 34 × 49 cm. To find out how to supply it with water, check the instructions for this model: the listing describes a cold-water connection and a drain hose.
Frequently asked questions
Can a mini dishwasher with a water tank work without a water supply?
Yes, if the model is designed for this. Daan Tech says Bob can use its built-in 4 L tank without a permanent water supply. You’ll still need to connect the drain hose and take account of the waste water, which can reach 70 °C according to the brand. Check the instructions for the exact model you’re buying.
Can a six-place-setting countertop model be used without a connection?
Not necessarily. Candy France describes the CP 6E51LW as connecting directly to the water supply, without needing to be filled by hand. You’ll therefore need to check that you can connect it to a water supply and drain in line with its instructions.
Which energy and water use figures should I compare?
Compare the energy labels for the exact models rather than figures from different programmes. The European Commission says dishwasher labels show, among other things, energy use per 100 Eco programme cycles, water use per cycle, capacity and noise level.
Do I need to check the instructions for the exact model?
Yes: follow the installation instructions for the model you choose. Bosch recommends reading the warnings in its manual before installation. In particular, check the connections, drainage, supporting surface and clearance around your appliance.