If there’s no usable water supply, a model with a tank could work, provided you can also position its drain hose safely. If the water supply and drainage are compatible with your home, a plumbed-in model saves you having to fill it by hand. In either case, choose the capacity and dimensions to suit your crockery and the space available.
You’re looking for an installation that can be reversed and are happy to fill a tank, but you’ll also need to decide where the water will drain. Ouest-France Shopping explains that choosing between a tank and a plumbing connection depends on the options available in your home and how often you’ll use the appliance.
You want to avoid frequent refills and repeated cycles, so usable capacity and compatibility with your plumbing matter just as much as a compact design. Ouest-France Shopping also notes that the right choice depends on how often you use the appliance and what you need to wash.
You need to keep some worktop space free for cooking and consider noise levels if the appliance is close to your living area. UFC-Que Choisir lists noise as one of the factors to consider in an open-plan kitchen.
A tank means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to plan for drainage. You should also check the space available, usable capacity and noise levels in your studio flat.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the appliance is supplied with water, as well as the hose route and how it is secured. Daan Tech says Bob drains water through a hose into the sink or another suitable outlet. | If I can’t use a fixed water supply, I can fill a tank, but I’ll also need to work out where to drain the wastewater; around 33% of consumers prioritise water supply and drainage. |
| Space actually available | Measure the surface in all three dimensions, and check the door clearance and hose route. Bosch Électroménager France recommends measuring the intended space. | If I also use my worktop for cooking, I want to know how much space will be left once the appliance is installed; around 27% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
| Usable capacity and usage | Compare the basket layout with the crockery you usually use, especially larger dishes and utensils, rather than relying only on the stated number of place settings. | If I cook often, I want my dishes to fit in a practical load without running extra cycles; around 27% of consumers put capacity and frequency of use first. |
| Noise and energy and water use | For the exact model, compare the noise level, water use per Eco cycle and energy use per 100 Eco cycles. The European Commission provides this information on dishwasher energy labels. | If my kitchenette opens onto my living area, noise and running costs also matter when I choose an appliance; around 13% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
An appliance supplied by a tank still needs to drain wastewater, and its hose may take up space around the sink.
Check where the hose will run and where it will drain, then follow the instructions for securing and draining the model you choose.
Allow space for the hose and the steps needed to drain the water after use.
The stated capacity doesn’t guarantee that your plates, dishes and bulky utensils will all fit in the basket at once.
Check the basket dimensions and compare them with the crockery you use most often.
If the load doesn’t suit your dishes, you may need to run extra cycles.
‘Countertop’ describes the format or installation, not necessarily how the appliance is supplied with water; some models connect to the tap.
Check how the exact model is supplied with water and whether its fittings are compatible with your home.
A tap connection may require an adaptor or a change to how you access the sink.
According to Daan Tech, Bob is an example of a very compact countertop model available with either a tank or a water supply connection.
The Rapidò CP 6E51LS is a countertop model rated for 6 place settings and supplied by a direct connection, according to Candy France.
The Aquatica is an example of a small countertop appliance that connects to the tap, according to Klarstein France.
The SKS62E32EU is an example of a compact countertop model, but Bosch Électroménager France notes that this model is no longer available.
This selection features countertop dishwashers with built-in tanks, worth considering if you don’t have a dedicated water supply.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance supplied by a tank; you’ll also need to plan where the water will drain.
The product description states that it has a 5 L tank, is 37 cm wide and has capacity for 4 place settings.
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Consider this if you’d like to compare a tank-fed appliance rated for 5 place settings; check that the basket suits the crockery you use.
The product description states that it has two levels and capacity for 5 place settings. It says that plates up to 300 mm can fit when the upper basket is removed; an adaptor may be needed to connect it to the tap.
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Worth considering for a small kitchen if the stated capacity suits the dishes you use between cycles.
The product description states that it has a 6 L tank, capacity for 4 place settings, an LED display and a drying function.
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Compare this if you’re looking for a countertop model rated for 3 place settings; check the space and drainage before installation.
The product description states dimensions of 43 × 43 × 46 cm and 7 programmes. It also mentions an alternative water supply via the tap.
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The product description presents this model as suitable for households of 2 to 3 people; check that its dimensions and capacity suit your kitchen.
Stated 5 L tank, dimensions of 420 × 435 × 435 mm and 6 + 3 programmes according to the product title. The drain hose must be secured properly.
No: a tank-fed model still needs to drain wastewater. Daan Tech says Bob uses a hose to drain into the sink or another outlet specified in its documentation; check which solution is approved for the model you’re considering.
In France, Article 7 of the law of 6 July 1989 requires the landlord’s written consent to alter rented premises or equipment. Simply placing and plugging in an appliance without making alterations is not automatically the same as carrying out such work. If your plans involve changing the equipment, check your tenancy agreement and ask your landlord for permission.
Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965 requires authorisation from the general meeting for work by a co-owner that affects shared areas or the external appearance of the building. First, identify which pipe is involved and check the applicable regulations with your landlord. Don’t assume that the connection affects a shared area.
Compare the water used per Eco cycle and the electricity used per 100 Eco cycles, as stated on the European label, while taking capacity and programme into account. This information isn’t enough to calculate your personal bill without knowing how often you’ll use the appliance and which tariffs apply.