If you don’t have a permanent water supply, a mini dishwasher with a water tank may suit you, as long as you also plan how to drain the wastewater into a sink or suitable container. If a connection is possible, compare compact and freestanding models based on the space available, the connections required and how much washing-up you need to do.
If you don’t want to alter the plumbing, a model with a water tank can save you from needing a fixed water supply. You’ll still need to plan for drainage and, if you’re renting a furnished property, check the rules for making any changes to the accommodation. ANIL explains that you need your landlord’s written consent to alter the property or its fittings.
Your choice depends on the space you actually have, how the door opens and how easy it is to access the sink. The dimensions published by Daan Tech, Bosch and Beko show that ‘compact’ can mean different sizes.
If you want to avoid running several cycles, check the stated capacity and whether there’s room for your larger plates or saucepans. A larger appliance may need a suitable space and the right connections.
For shoppers looking for a mini dishwasher for a studio flat or small kitchen, the water supply and drainage options will determine which models are suitable. The percentages below show what consumers in these situations prioritise.
Consider this if: you don’t have a fixed water supply and can fill the tank and drain the wastewater.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to organise filling and draining every time you use it.
Consider this if: you have compatible water and drainage connections, and can spare some worktop space for an appliance.
Bear in mind: check the connections and space required before installation.
Consider this if: you have floor space and suitable connections, and need more capacity than a mini model offers.
Bear in mind: a narrow width doesn’t mean you can skip checking the height, connections and door clearance.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the exact model is filled, whether it has a drainage hose and where it runs, as well as where the wastewater can be drained. | If you don’t have a permanent water supply, you’ll want to avoid plumbing work while still knowing where the wastewater will go. Around 36% of consumers in this situation prioritise water supply and drainage without a fixed connection. |
| Actual footprint | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the clearance needed to open the door and access the filling point and drain. | In a narrow kitchenette, you need to leave enough room for other uses and be able to reach the appliance. Around 29% of consumers in this situation prioritise available space. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings for the exact model with the size of your larger items and the basket layout. | If your everyday washing-up quickly fills a small appliance, you’ll want to cut down on cycles without choosing a model that won’t fit in your home. Around 21% of consumers in this situation prioritise usable capacity. |
| Noise and consumption | Compare the energy label figures: noise level, litres per standard cycle and kWh per 100 cycles. Bear in mind the stated capacity and reference programme. | In a single-room living space, noise can matter just as much as the stated consumption. Around 14% of consumers in this situation prioritise quiet operation and consumption figures. |
A water tank solves the filling question, but the wastewater still needs to be drained. Daan Tech and HAVA describe a drainage hose for their tank models.
Decide where the hose will drain during the cycle, then check that it can be routed safely and securely in line with the model’s instructions.
If you’re not using the sink, you may need to collect the wastewater in a suitable container and empty it after use.
An appliance’s width doesn’t determine how it gets its water supply. The Beko DVS05030W is a freestanding model; its stated width doesn’t make it suitable for a home without the required connections.
Compare the width, capacity and water supply separately, then check the space and connections needed.
Consumption per cycle can’t be compared directly with a figure for a different programme or unit. On a Joybuy listing for a Bob pack, the stated capacity was contradictory, so the figures don’t clearly identify which variant they refer to.
Check the exact model and compare energy label figures using equivalent cycles and units. ADEME explains, in particular, the units used for water and energy on reference cycles.
Bob is an example of a tank model for a narrow worktop when there’s no fixed water supply.
The R01 is another tank option for small spaces, with the manufacturer stating that it can be filled manually or supplied from a tap.
The SKS51E32EU is an example of a compact countertop model that needs connecting when water supply and drainage can be installed.
The DVS05030W is an example of a narrow freestanding dishwasher for homes with the required floor space and connections.
This selection features countertop dishwashers with built-in water tanks, designed for small kitchens and situations where a permanent water supply isn’t available.
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Worth considering if you’d prefer to fill a water tank manually rather than rely on a fixed water supply.
The product description lists dimensions of 420 × 435 × 435 mm, capacity for up to 4 place settings and a 5 L water tank. A tap connection is also listed as an option.
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This option may suit you if you don’t have a permanent water supply and can direct the drain hose into a container.
The product description lists capacity for 4 place settings, dimensions of 45,8 × 42,8 × 42,5 cm and a 5 L water tank. If you’re using it without a nearby sink, wastewater drains through a hose into a container.
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Worth considering for a small load if filling the tank or connecting directly to a tap suits your setup.
The product name lists capacity for 3 place settings, 7 programmes and a noise level of 56,3 dB. The product description states that it has a 5 L tank or can connect directly to a tap, with water consumption of 4,2 L per cycle.
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This model may be worth considering if you want to fill it manually without connecting it to a tap.
The product description lists dimensions of 420 × 436 × 465 mm. The product name states that it holds 3 place settings, has 7 programmes and an energy rating of D.
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Worth considering if you’d like the option of filling the tank manually or connecting directly to a tap.
The product description lists a 5 L tank, dimensions of 420 × 435 × 435 mm and an included drain hose. The product name states that it has 6+3 programmes and an energy rating of D.
No, you’ll still need to drain the wastewater. Daan Tech states that Bob drains through a hose and recommends a container of at least 5 L if you’re not using the sink; HAVA also says the R01 can drain into a sink or bucket. Check the instructions for your exact model and plan the hose route.
If your plans involve altering the property or its fittings, ANIL states that you need your landlord’s written consent when renting a furnished property. This applies to alterations, so check what work you’re actually planning and the terms of your tenancy agreement.
Compare the energy label figures on a like-for-like basis. ADEME lists, among other things, kWh per 100 reference cycles, litres per reference cycle, capacity and noise level. A figure for a quick cycle isn’t a substitute for the figure for the reference cycle.
Find the instructions and maintenance information for the exact model before you buy. In France, when a business sells goods to an individual, the legal guarantee of conformity is provided by the seller and is separate from any commercial warranty offered by the manufacturer.