In a studio flat, start by checking what water supply and drainage are available. A model with a water tank does away with the need for a fixed water connection, while a plumbed-in model needs suitable connections. Then measure the space and check that the interior can fit your dishes. To compare noise and energy use, look at the same figures on each energy label.
A model with a water tank is worth considering if you don’t have a fixed water connection. You’ll still need to plan for wastewater drainage, an electricity supply and a suitable surface, in line with the instruction manual.
If your water supply and drainage are suitable, a plumbed-in compact model may be a good choice if you need to wash more dishes at once. The Candy CP 6E51LS, for example, is listed by Candy France as holding 6 place settings. Make sure its dimensions also suit the space you have.
If your kitchen shares space with your work or living area, measure the space the appliance will occupy, including the area in front of it when the door is open. ADEME recommends checking the energy label, which includes the dishwasher’s noise level and noise class.
For a studio flat or kitchenette, start by checking the water supply and drainage. Once you’ve found models that are compatible with your home, capacity and the space they take up become key considerations.
Consider this if: you don’t have a usable fixed water supply and are happy to fill the tank by hand.
Bear in mind: a water tank doesn’t remove the need to plan for drainage or check what will fit inside the appliance.
Consider this if: suitable water and drainage connections are already available.
Bear in mind: the appliance and its hoses need to fit in the space you’ve measured. According to Candy France, the 6-place-setting Candy CP 6E51LS measures 550 × 501 × 443 mm.
Consider this if: you have floor space, room for the door to open and suitable connections.
Bear in mind: this format takes up floor space and won’t solve the problem if you don’t have the necessary connections.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation without alterations | Whether the model has a water tank or needs a water supply; drainage requirements in the instruction manual. | There’s no usable water supply in my kitchenette, so I want to avoid altering the plumbing while knowing where the wastewater will go. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise installation without alterations. |
| Everyday capacity | The stated number of place settings and the maximum plate diameter for the exact model. | When dishes pile up every day, I want an interior that can fit my plates and help me avoid running extra cycles. Around 36% of consumers would put capacity first. |
| Space and ease of use | Dimensions with the door open; noise level and class, followed by water and energy use for the reference cycle. | In a single-room home, I need to keep my worktop usable and take noise and running costs into account. Around 28% of consumers would put this balance at the heart of their choice. |
Filling the appliance by hand means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but it still needs a suitable surface, an electricity supply and drainage in line with the instruction manual. In France, ANIL advises that tenants must not alter rented premises or equipment without the landlord’s written permission.
Before you buy, work out where the wastewater will go and read the instructions for the exact model. If installation involves altering your rented home, get written permission first.
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you whether your plates, mugs and saucepans will all fit inside at once. A larger appliance also needs to fit on your worktop with the door open.
Compare the appliance’s dimensions and, if specified in the manual, the maximum plate diameter with the dishes you use every day.
A figure for the reference cycle won’t necessarily tell you how a quick programme performs. According to ADEME, the energy label shows water use in litres per reference cycle and energy use in kWh per 100 reference cycles.
Compare the same energy-label figures across appliances, and keep information about other programmes separate.
A dishwasher placed next to your work or living area is used in different conditions from one in a separate kitchen.
Check the dB level and noise class on the energy label, then think about where to put the appliance and when you’ll use it.
The Joybuy France listing for Bob describes a countertop model measuring 49 × 34 × 49 cm and holding 3 place settings.
Candy France describes the CP 6E51LS as a plumbed-in tabletop dishwasher with space for 6 place settings, measuring 550 × 501 × 443 mm.
HAVA describes the R09 as a countertop model measuring 43 × 43 × 46 cm, with space for 3 place settings and an integrated 5 L water tank.
A Joybuy France listing features a compact Comfee’ model with 6 programmes, described as not requiring permanent plumbing.
These countertop dishwashers include models that you fill by hand and models that connect to the plumbing. Choose one only after checking the space, water supply and drainage requirements for the specific model.
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Worth considering if you want to fill the appliance by hand without a permanent water connection. The listing states that it has an integrated 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. You’ll also need to plan where the drainage hose will go and check the draining instructions in the manual.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a small countertop appliance that you fill by hand. This model is listed as holding 3 place settings and offering 7 programmes. Check the manual to see whether your plates will fit and how to drain the wastewater.
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Worth considering if you have suitable water and drainage connections and need a stated capacity of 6 place settings. The listing mentions 7 programmes. Measure the space and check the connections required for this version before ordering.
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Worth considering if you’d like the option of filling the appliance by hand or connecting it to the water supply. The listing states that it holds 3 place settings and offers 7 programmes. Check the manual for details on fitting the water tank, drainage and the dimensions of this version.
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Worth considering for a countertop space you’ve measured in advance, with access to a cold-water tap and a drain. The instructions for this version specify these connections, so don’t assume it works with a water tank. Check the manual before installation.
In France, ANIL advises that tenants must not alter rented premises or equipment without the landlord’s written permission. If installation involves changing the plumbing, drainage, electrics or a cupboard, ask for permission before starting work. A water tank means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to follow the drainage and electrical instructions.
Compare the same figures on each energy label. ADEME explains that energy use is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water use in litres per reference cycle. These figures don’t necessarily reflect a quick programme.
Not if its dimensions or connections aren’t right for your home. Candy France, for example, lists the CP 6E51LS as holding 6 place settings, with a direct connection to the water supply and dimensions of 550 × 501 × 443 mm. Also compare the size of your dishes with the space available, allowing for the door to open.
Follow the instructions for the model you’ve bought when cleaning the filter and interior, and when using detergent and salt if required. The right cleaning method and frequency depend on the specific model, not just on it being a ‘mini dishwasher’.