If you don’t have a dedicated water supply, a mini dishwasher with a water tank may be an option. However, you’ll still need to plan for wastewater drainage and a power supply that meet the model’s requirements. Before you buy, check how much space it needs with the door open, whether it can accommodate your dishes and, for a plumbed-in appliance, whether the connections are feasible.
You want to automate small loads without installing a permanent connection. A water tank means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to arrange wastewater drainage. Daan Tech and HAVA describe the drainage options for their respective models.
Your choice depends on the space available for the appliance and to open its door, as well as the diameter of your plates—not just the advertised place setting capacity. The dimensions given by Daan Tech and HAVA apply to specific models.
You want to cut down on washing-up without overlooking filling, cleaning and limescale. Care recommendations and features vary by model: Daan Tech, for example, publishes specific care instructions for Bob.
Worth considering if: you want to avoid a fixed water supply and can fill the appliance and arrange for the wastewater to drain.
Bear in mind: you’ll still need to fill it manually and direct the wastewater somewhere permitted for that model.
Worth considering if: compatible connections are available in your kitchen.
Bear in mind: a compact size doesn’t remove the need for water, wastewater and electrical connections. Altering a rented property requires separate consideration.
Worth considering if: there’s no suitable spot where the door can open and wastewater can drain, or your dishes won’t fit in the models you’re considering.
Bear in mind: you won’t get the automation you’re looking for. There’s no evidence here to suggest it will use less water or energy for your particular needs.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the exact model is supplied with water, where it drains and what its electrical requirements are. Daan Tech says Bob can drain into a sink or container; HAVA says the R01 can drain into a sink or bucket. | If you don’t have a dedicated connection, you need to know where the water goes in and out before you choose. Around 29% of consumers in this situation prioritise an installation that doesn’t require a dedicated connection. |
| Available space | Measure the appliance with the door open and make sure you can access the water tank. Daan Tech’s FAQs state that Bob needs 83 cm with the door open; HAVA’s give 74 cm for the R01. | When worktop space is limited, you need to be able to load and unload the appliance without blocking the kitchen. Around 24% of consumers in this situation prioritise available space. |
| Compatible dishes | Compare your plates with the loading dimensions given for the model: Daan Tech says Bob accommodates plates up to 29 cm; HAVA says the R01 accommodates plates up to 26 cm upright or 27.94 cm at an angle. | If you want to fit all your usual plates and utensils, their shape and arrangement matter just as much as the advertised capacity. Around 23% of consumers in this situation prioritise compatibility with their dishes. |
| Routine and maintenance | Check the cleaning instructions and any consumables. Daan Tech recommends running a maintenance cycle for Bob every 3 months or every 90 cycles; HAVA says the R09 has a built-in water softener. | If you want to cut down on chores without adding a hard-to-follow maintenance routine, look at the steps and accessories required for each appliance. Around 12% of consumers in this situation prioritise ease of use and maintenance. |
| Noise and consumption | Compare the stated noise level and the consumption for the programme you’ll use. Boulanger states 58 dB for the ELVM-582b, while HAVA says the R01 uses 5 L per cycle. ADEME recommends checking the energy label. | In a studio flat, noise may matter when the appliance is running near your living space. When comparing consumption, make sure you’re looking at equivalent usage. Around 12% of consumers in this situation prioritise low noise and consumption. |
A water tank means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but the appliance still needs to drain wastewater. The manufacturers describe a hose outlet for Bob and the HAVA R01.
Plan the hose route before choosing, and only use the drainage destinations and methods approved for the model in question.
If the outlet can’t drain straight into the sink, you’ll need a container and will have to handle the wastewater yourself.
The open door increases the space needed in front of the appliance: Daan Tech and HAVA’s FAQs state that Bob needs 83 cm and the R01 74 cm, respectively.
Mark out the space the appliance takes up with the door open on your worktop or floor, then check that it’s still practical to load.
For the R01, HAVA’s FAQ describes two full place settings, while its product information says two to four. Plate diameter and how you arrange your dishes still matter.
Compare your dishes with the loading information, rather than assuming the appliance will automatically handle a certain number of meals or people.
Large dishes may mean you have to run extra loads or continue washing some items by hand.
A commercial warranty is optional and doesn’t replace your statutory rights. The DGCCRF distinguishes between these protections for purchases covered by French law.
Check who the seller is, keep your receipt and review the terms of any optional commercial warranty separately before buying it.
An optional extended warranty or insurance policy may duplicate some of the protection you already have.
Bob is a manually filled countertop model to consider if you’re short on width.
The R01 and R09 are countertop models with water tanks, documented on the brand’s French-language European website.
The ELVM-582b, sold by Boulanger, is an example of a mini countertop appliance advertised for 3 place settings.
The SKS51E32EU is an example of a compact appliance that needs separate connections.
This selection includes countertop dishwashers described as having a water tank or operating without a plumbing connection, as well as a model whose product listing mentions water inlet and drain hoses. Check how each appliance is installed and how it handles wastewater before choosing.
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Its water-tank mode may suit you if you want to avoid a permanent water supply, provided you can manage the wastewater drainage.
Built-in 5 L water tank; two-tier basket advertised to hold more than 40 items; plates up to 300 mm with the top basket removed; five advertised wash cycles.
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Its portable design and advertised operation without a plumbing connection may suit smaller kitchens, provided you check the drainage and make sure your dishes will fit.
Eight advertised programmes; seven-level built-in water softener; advertised capacity of four place settings and 31 items; plates up to 26 cm.
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The water-tank mode is described as operating without a direct water supply. The product listing says wastewater drains through a hose into a container, which you’ll need to plan for.
5 L water tank; advertised capacity of four place settings; plates up to 26 cm; stated dimensions of 45.8 × 42.8 × 42.5 cm; five advertised programmes and automatic drying.
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This tabletop model may be worth considering if you want to automate washing-up, but the hoses listed don’t prove that it’s suitable for a kitchen without dedicated connections.
Advertised capacity of six place settings and seven programmes; 6.5 L per cycle; the listing specifies a 1 500 mm water inlet hose and a 1 720 mm drain hose.
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Manually filling the water tank and the advertised plumbing-free operation may suit a kitchen without a dedicated water supply. You’ll still need to plan where the wastewater will drain.
Advertised capacity of three place settings and seven programmes; plates up to 270 mm; stated dimensions of 420 × 436 × 465 mm.
Yes, if the manufacturer allows this for the model in question and you can collect or drain the wastewater. HAVA says the R01 can drain into a sink or bucket; Daan Tech says Bob can drain into a container of at least 5 L and specifies a maximum pumping height of 1.5 m. These instructions don’t apply to other appliances.
No. The R01 manual requires a properly earthed socket, with a voltage and frequency that match the rating plate. HAVA states that the European version is 220–240 V. If you’re unsure whether your socket is earthed, the manual recommends consulting a qualified electrician.
Compare your plates and utensils with the dimensions and loading information for the exact model. For Bob, Daan Tech recommends using saucepans or frying pans without handles to make the most of the available space. The R01 manual says to remove large food scraps before loading.
For alterations to rented premises or equipment, ANIL says written permission from the landlord is required under Article 7 f of the law of 6 July 1989. This doesn’t mean that every freestanding appliance needs permission. Check what applies to your situation before carrying out any work.
No. For a purchase covered by French law and made from a professional seller, the DGCCRF distinguishes between statutory guarantees and optional commercial warranties. It states that, for covered goods, you have two years from delivery to take action under the legal guarantee of conformity.