Renters without a dedicated water supply
A model with a water tank can save you from connecting to a water supply, as long as you can fill the appliance and direct its drain hose to a suitable waste outlet.
Who are these formats suitable for?
Single people or couples with smaller loads
If you wash up every day, check that the basket can accommodate the plates and utensils you use regularly. A smaller capacity may mean running more frequent cycles.
Small households with a permanent space for an appliance
A connected countertop model or a slimline 45 cm appliance could be an option if there’s enough room and the water supply and waste outlet are genuinely suitable for installation.
How do the formats compare?
First, check where the water will come in and drain away. Then compare the appliance’s footprint and capacity with the washing up you do each day. ADEME says the energy label also lets you compare factors such as water and energy consumption, capacity and noise levels for dishwashers.
| Factor | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and drainage | Access to a water supply, the route for the drain hose and whether the appliance can be installed without altering the property. | Without a dedicated water supply, I want to keep alterations to a minimum while draining wastewater safely, without improvising an installation. Around 36% of consumers would put installation requirements first. |
| Usable capacity | Whether the basket can fit plates and bulky utensils, beyond the stated number of place settings. | If several meals a day mean more washing up, I want a basket that fits my needs so I don’t have to run extra cycles. Capacity would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Available space | Width, depth, height, door clearance and room for the hoses. | When I also use the worktop to prepare meals, I need to choose between putting the appliance there and making space for it on the floor. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this trade-off. |
| Noise and consumption | Decibels and noise class; water per cycle and energy per 100 cycles on the label, using a comparable reference programme. | In a single living space, I want to be able to run a cycle without overlooking noise or the stated consumption. Around 14% of consumers would put these factors first. |
What mistakes should you avoid before buying?
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Assuming ‘water tank’ means ‘no drainage needed’
A water tank removes the need for a dedicated water supply, but not for wastewater drainage. Daan Tech’s Bob documentation specifies drainage through a hose.
Check the route to the sink or another suitable waste outlet, and make sure the hose will stay in place during the cycle.
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Choosing based only on the number of place settings
This figure doesn’t guarantee that your plates, bowls and bulky utensils will all fit together. Daan Tech lists Bob as holding 3 place settings; Candy lists 6 for the Rapido CP 6E51LS. These figures alone don’t tell you whether either model will suit your usual load.
Check the basket and the maximum item dimensions against the washing up left after a typical meal.
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Measuring only the width of a 45 cm appliance
The Bosch SPS2HMI02E measures 845 × 450 × 600 mm, so its depth and height matter too when you’re finding a place for it on the floor.
Measure the space, door clearance and hose route before settling on this format.
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Comparing consumption figures for different programmes
A figure for the reference cycle won’t necessarily reflect a quick programme. Make sure you’re comparing the same thing across the appliances you’re considering.
Compare the litres per cycle and kWh per 100 cycles on the energy labels, then look at programme duration and noise separately.
Brands to consider
Daan Tech
The Bob range is designed for kitchens where a particularly compact appliance needs to fit on the worktop.
- Daan Tech says Bob can be filled from its tank or connected to a water supply. It holds 3 standard place settings and drains through a hose.
- Electroguide’s review of the Bob found its capacity more limited than its other assessed features. This finding relates to the model tested, not all water-tank dishwashers.
Candy
The Rapido CP 6E51LS is a connected countertop option if you have more worktop space available.
- Candy lists 6 place settings and dimensions of 550 × 501 × 443 mm for this model.
- As it connects directly to the water supply, you’ll need to check that your home’s connections and drainage are suitable.
Bosch
The SPS2HMI02E is an example of a slimline floor-standing model, if your home can accommodate a connected appliance.
- Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm and water consumption of 8.9 L per Eco cycle for this model.
- It needs a permanent space and suitable connections. Bosch recommends having a professional install its AquaStop system.
Dishwashers for small kitchens on Joybuy
These countertop models are designed for smaller loads, with a water tank or the option to connect to a water supply, alongside a countertop model intended for a mains water connection. Compare where each one will go and how it drains before choosing. A 45 cm appliance needs its own space on the floor.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5 L water tank
Worth considering for smaller loads if you don’t have a dedicated water supply. The product title specifies a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles; you’ll also need a suitable waste outlet. Check the energy and noise figures for the specific variant before comparing its day-to-day running costs.
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Bob mini dishwasher, 3 place settings, metallic grey and white
This format is worth considering if you often have smaller loads and have measured the available worktop space. Daan Tech lists a 3.9 L tank and hose drainage for Bob. Check that the basket, drain hose route and the plates you use will all suit your set-up.
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COMFEE CDWMT305WD, white mini dishwasher
The manual filling option listed for this model may suit a kitchen without a dedicated water supply. The product title mentions 7 programmes and an energy rating of D. Check the instructions to plan the drain hose route and make sure your dishes will fit in the basket.
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Heinrich's HTG 8855, mini dishwasher, 3 place settings
Worth comparing if you’re deciding between a water tank and a direct connection for smaller loads. The product title lists 7 programmes. Check the external dimensions, drain hose route and noise rating for this variant before making room for it.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, 6 place settings
This countertop model is designed for kitchens where a water connection is an option and a capacity of 6 place settings better suits your mealtimes. The product title mentions 7 programmes. Measure the available surface and check the connections, drainage and noise figures for this variant.
Frequently asked questions
Does a mini dishwasher with a water tank need drainage?
Yes. The tank on the Bob described by Daan Tech removes the need for a dedicated water supply, but wastewater still needs to drain through a hose into a suitable waste outlet. Check the hose route and make sure it can be secured before buying.
Does a 6-place-setting countertop model need to be filled by hand?
Not necessarily. Candy describes the Rapido CP 6E51LS as connecting directly to the water supply. Check that your tap and waste outlet are compatible with the specific model you’re considering.
Which energy label details should you compare in a studio flat?
Compare kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per reference cycle, capacity, the Eco programme duration, decibels and the noise class. ADEME presents these as separate points of reference: consumption alone won’t tell you how noisy an appliance will be in your living space.
Should you ask your landlord before installing an appliance in a rented home?
In France, Article 7 of the law of 6 July 1989, published on Légifrance, requires the landlord’s written consent for alterations to the rented property or its fixtures. A particular connection doesn’t automatically count as an alteration. Check what the proposed installation involves and get written consent before drilling or making any permanent changes.
How should you factor in repairability?
For a dishwasher covered by the repairability index scheme, check its score out of 10 as well as its dimensions and usage information. The French ministries responsible for the ecological transition say the index takes factors such as ease of dismantling, documentation and parts availability into account.