Renters without a water supply
You’d rather avoid a permanent connection. A tank-fed model could work if you can place it on a stable surface, plug it in safely and direct the waste water into a sink or container.
Who are these formats for?
A couple doing the washing-up every day
You could consider an appliance near the sink to reduce manual filling. However, check that the rack can fit your plates, bowls and the utensils you actually want to wash in it.
A small household with floor space to spare
If small loads mean running too many cycles, a slimline dishwasher may be worth considering. You’ll need a suitable space, water supply, drainage and electrical connection.
How do the options compare?
First, work out what your kitchenette can accommodate and connect; then compare the rack with the dishes you use every day. Whether a tank, a connection or a larger appliance is more convenient depends on these two factors.
Tank-fed countertop model
Consider this if: there’s no water supply, but you can provide a stable surface, a suitable socket and a route for draining the water.
The trade-off: you’ll still need to fill it by hand, and the small rack may mean running several cycles.
Connected countertop model
Consider this if: the model can connect to your water supply while sitting on the worktop.
The trade-off: where you can place it depends on the connection, and you’ll still need a way to drain the water.
45 cm dishwasher
Consider this if: you have floor space and the necessary connections, and your daily load regularly exceeds the capacity of a small rack.
The trade-off: this format isn’t a substitute for a countertop appliance if your kitchenette has no floor space for one.
| Factor | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the available space, including with the door open, and check the route for draining the water. Check the power supply and the clearances specified in the instructions for the exact model. | Without a water supply, or with very limited worktop space, I want to know whether the appliance can work in that spot without an improvised installation. This would apply to around 42% of consumers who put installation feasibility first. |
| Everyday capacity | Compare the rack with your largest plates and the utensils you need to wash, then estimate how many cycles you’d be happy to run. | If I cook every day for one or two people, I want my usual dishes to fit without running lots of cycles. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this usable capacity. |
| Daily routine | Consider how often you’d need to fill a tank and whether you can keep a 45 cm appliance in a permanent spot. | When dishes pile up, I have to choose between keeping my floor space and reducing the amount of handling or the number of cycles. This would be a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before installation
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Assuming no water supply means no drainage
For the tank-fed models described by Daan Tech and HAVA, waste water still needs to be directed through a hose into a sink or container. A worktop far from a suitable drainage point could therefore be a problem.
Measure the route to the drain point, and check the hose length and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
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Relying on the place-setting capacity alone
This figure doesn’t guarantee that your large plates or pans will fit in the rack. For example, Daan Tech states that the Bob described in its product information can take plates up to 29 cm; this doesn’t apply to other models.
Measure the items you plan to wash and compare them with the usable dimensions and loading guidance for the model.
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Treating a 45 cm appliance like a countertop model
A slimline dishwasher takes up floor space and needs a suitable water supply, drainage and electrical connection. Its width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit in your kitchenette.
Before choosing this format, also check the depth, height, door clearance and position of the connections.
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Improvising the electrical connection
Legrand and Promotelec specify a dedicated circuit for installing a dishwasher. An extension lead or multi-socket adaptor isn’t a solution to an unsuitable installation.
If a circuit needs to be installed or altered, ask a qualified professional to assess your electrical installation and the appliance’s requirements.
Brands and ranges to consider
Daan Tech
The Bob is a countertop model to consider if you’re particularly short on width.
- According to Daan Tech, the Bob measures 34 × 49 × 49 cm and can use its 3,9 L tank or a water supply; the product information states that it drains through a 1,50 m hose.
- Daan Tech states that it holds 2 place settings under the European standard. Compare the rack with your dishes and check the exact model version.
HAVA
The R01 and R09 countertop models can be filled from a tank or connected to a water supply, according to their respective product information.
- HAVA states that the R01 has a 5 L tank, measures 43 × 43 × 46 cm and holds 2 to 4 place settings; the brand gives the R09 a capacity of 3 place settings.
- For the model you choose, check the connections, drainage route, required clearances and applicable service conditions.
Klarstein
The Aquatica is designed for small loads on a worktop and can use a tank or a connection, according to its listing on Darty.
- Darty lists the Aquatica as holding 2 place settings, with a 5 L tank and dimensions of 43,5 × 43,5 × 42 cm.
- The same listing gives a depth of 75 cm with the door open. Measure the space in front of the appliance and check that 2 place settings are enough for your needs.
Moulinex
The Studio MINID3SL is a countertop mini dishwasher to consider if you need the stated capacity of 3 place settings.
- Darty’s listing for the Studio MINID3SL gives a width of 42,8 cm and six programmes.
- Check the instructions for this model to find out how it takes in water, how it drains and how much clearance it needs before deciding where to put it.
Countertop models available on Joybuy
These countertop models let you compare tank-fed appliances with models that connect to a water supply. For each one, check the available space, how it takes in water and the route for draining it before you choose.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5 L tank, 5+1 cycles
Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance without a fixed water supply. The product name states that it has a built-in 5 L tank; check the instructions for where to position the drain and how much clearance to leave around the appliance.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Black, 6 place settings
Compare this model if you have a water supply and want to consider a rack stated to hold 6 place settings. The product name lists 7 programmes; check the appliance dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the connections required.
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GORGENOX DW4-D30A, countertop dishwasher, 3 place settings
Worth considering for a small load if you can place the appliance near a tap and a drain point. The product name states that it holds 3 place settings; check the dimensions, required connections and exact method of supplying water.
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COMFEE CDWMT305WD, white countertop dishwasher
Worth considering if manually filling a countertop model suits your setup. The product name states that it has 7 programmes; check the instructions for the rack capacity, drainage route and required clearances.
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AIRMSEN 37 × 50 cm countertop dishwasher, 5 L tank
Compare this model if worktop width is your main constraint. The product name states that it is 37 cm wide, 50 cm deep and has a 5 L tank; also check its height, door clearance and drainage route.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tank-fed mini dishwasher work without drainage?
Not the tank-fed models described by Daan Tech and HAVA: their waste water needs to be carried through a hose to a sink or container. Before buying, check the route, hose length and installation instructions for the specific model.
What type of socket do you need for a dishwasher in a kitchenette?
The socket must be suitable for the appliance and the existing electrical installation; you can’t tell whether it is from proximity alone. Legrand and Promotelec specify a dedicated circuit for a dishwasher. If a circuit needs to be installed or altered, ask a qualified professional to assess the installation.
Can a 45 cm model replace a mini countertop dishwasher?
Yes, if you have suitable floor space as well as an appropriate water supply, drainage and electrical connection. Que Choisir’s comparison of 45 cm dishwashers presents this format as an option for a small household; it won’t solve a lack of floor space.
Can you put a mini dishwasher in a very tight space?
Only if the space meets the instructions for the exact model. Measure the door clearance and check the specified clearances and ventilation requirements before planning to place the appliance in a cabinet or between two walls.