People without a fixed water supply connection
If you can’t alter the plumbing, a tank model means you won’t need a permanent connection to a water supply. You’ll still need to fill and empty it, and provide a suitable socket.
Who are these options suitable for?
Small households that cook often
If 3 place settings aren’t enough for your usual washing-up, compare compact models with a larger capacity, provided you have the necessary connections.
People with limited worktop space
If the appliance might get in the way when you’re preparing meals, measure the space with the door open and the hoses in place. Also check that the surface can support your chosen model.
What should you check before buying?
Tabletop model with a water tank
Consider this: when there’s no usable fixed water supply connection, but you can arrange a route for draining the water.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill it manually, and check that its capacity suits the washing-up from each meal.
Plumbed-in compact model
Consider this: if you have access to a water supply and waste connection that allow installation as described in the manual.
Bear in mind: it still needs these connections, even if it sits on a worktop.
Slimline built-in model
Consider this: if mini models don’t offer enough capacity and a more permanent installation is possible.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the space and connections required. This option won’t get around the need for a fixed water supply connection.
| Factor | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the appliance is filled, then consult the manual for the drainage route and hose limitations. | Without a tap I can use for the appliance, I want to avoid a permanent connection, but I still need somewhere for the wastewater to go. Around 36% of consumers put this practical consideration at the top of their list. |
| Available space | Measure the space with the door open and the hoses in place; check that the surface is sturdy enough. | In a kitchenette, I don’t want an appliance blocking the worktop every day. Available space is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the actual space for your largest plates and dishes. | If I cook several meals before running a cycle, I need my dishes to fit in the basket without having to run multiple loads. Around 21% of consumers prioritise capacity. |
| Noise and everyday use | Compare the stated noise level and, on the energy label for the exact model, the water and energy used by the Eco programme. Check which consumables are required. | In a room I also use to live or work in, I want to take noise and replacement products into account. For around 14% of consumers, everyday comfort comes first. |
According to the European Commission, a dishwasher’s energy label includes details such as capacity, noise, water consumption per cycle and energy consumption per 100 cycles. Use the figures for the exact model to compare programmes on a like-for-like basis.
Mistakes to avoid
-
Confusing no water supply connection with no drainage
A tank replaces the water supply from a tap, not the wastewater outlet. A hose that’s too short or an unsuitable location could prevent you from installing the appliance as intended.
Work out where the wastewater will go, measure the route and check the manual for the hose length and permitted pumping height.
-
Relying on the place-setting count alone
A stated capacity in place settings doesn’t guarantee that your larger plates, pans or tall dishes will fit in the basket.
Measure the items you use most often and compare them with the basket and opening dimensions given for the model.
-
Assuming a small appliance will be quiet
Size alone doesn’t tell you how noisy an appliance is. For example, Darty lists 58 dB for the Kitchen Move WASH CLEAN, while the Comfee TD602E-W specifications state 47 dB. These are the stated figures for two different models.
Check the noise level of the model you’re considering, especially if the dishwasher will be used in your living space.
-
Forgetting the products needed for washing
The consumables required vary from one appliance to another. Daan Tech, for example, says that a Bob washing cassette lasts for 30 cycles and needs replacing depending on use.
Before choosing, check the manual to see which detergents and care products are compatible with the model.
Brands to compare
Daan Tech
Bob is a mini dishwasher designed, among other things, to fit into a small space.
- For Bob, the Daan Tech guide states that the drainage hose is 1,50 m long and the pump can lift wastewater up to 1,20 m.
- Daan Tech offers a dedicated washing cassette rated for 30 cycles. Check whether this replenishment system suits you.
Moulinex
The Studio MINID3SL is a 3-place-setting tabletop model to consider if you have access to a water supply.
- Darty lists this model as 43 cm wide, so you can check it against the space you have available.
- The Studio MINID3SL manual says to connect its water supply hose to a 3/4-inch threaded connector. It’s not a tank model.
Comfee
The models mentioned here are designed for different installations: the TD602E-W is plumbed in, while the CDWMTO201D(W) is described as having a water tank.
- Darty lists the TD602E-W as holding 6 place settings; the Joybuy listing for the CDWMTO201D(W) states that it has a 5 L water tank.
- Don’t assume that one model has the same capacity or drainage requirements as another. Check the manual for the model you choose.
Kitchen Move
The WASH CLEAN is a mini dishwasher with a water tank, designed for smaller spaces.
- According to its Darty listing, its integrated 7,5 L tank means it doesn’t need a water supply connection.
- The same listing states that it holds 3 place settings and operates at 58 dB. Check that these figures suit your dishes and the room where you’ll use it.
Joybuy models to suit your installation
These tabletop models include tank options that don’t need a fixed water supply connection, as well as a compact model to plumb in if your kitchen has the necessary connections. For all of them, make sure you can drain the water as described in the manual.
Image unavailable
AIRMSEN tabletop dishwasher with a 5 L water tank
Worth considering if you don’t have a fixed water supply connection, provided you can fill the tank and arrange a way to drain the wastewater.
The product description states that it holds 4 place settings, measures 45,8 × 42,8 × 42,5 cm and can fit dishes up to 26 cm. Check that the drainage hose can reach your chosen location before you decide where to put it.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HTG 8855, 3 place settings
According to the product description, this tabletop model can be filled using its tank or connected directly to a tap.
The listing states that it has a 5 L tank, 7 programmes and a 1 500 mm drainage hose. Check where the hose can drain and measure the appliance before deciding where to put it.
Image unavailable
White Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W), 5 L water tank
Its stated manual-fill function makes this model worth considering if you don’t have a usable fixed water supply connection.
The listing gives dimensions of 420 × 435 × 435 mm and says a drainage hose is included. Check that the basket suits your dishes and make sure the hose can reach your chosen drainage point before buying.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, 6 place settings
This higher-capacity option is for a small kitchen where the water supply and waste connections can be connected. It isn’t a substitute for a tank model if you don’t have a water supply connection.
The listing states that it has 7 programmes and operates at 47 dB. Measure the space and check that your connections are compatible with those specified for this model.
Image unavailable
White COMFEE CDWMT305WD, 3 place settings
Its stated manual-fill function means you can avoid a permanent connection to the water supply, provided you can arrange suitable drainage.
The stated dimensions are 420 × 436 × 465 mm. Before choosing a spot for it, check the manual for instructions on filling the tank and draining the water.
Frequently asked questions
Can a tank model work without a water supply connection?
Yes, if the manual says it can be filled by hand: it won’t need to be connected to a tap. The Darty listing for the Kitchen Move WASH CLEAN describes this type of operation, but you’ll still need to drain the wastewater according to the model’s instructions.
Can I put a mini dishwasher anywhere?
No. Check that the surface is stable, there’s a suitable socket nearby, the door can open and the drainage hose can reach. For Bob, Daan Tech specifies a 1,50 m hose and says that a wall shelf must support at least 25 kg. These limits don’t apply to other models.
How can I check the electrical socket before buying?
Don’t assume that a socket is suitable for the appliance and its location just because one is available. Promotelec says a dishwasher socket should be on a dedicated circuit. If you’re unsure about your installation, ask a professional to check it before plugging in the appliance.
How can I compare energy use and noise?
Check the figures for the exact model and compare them on a like-for-like basis, including water and energy use on the Eco programme. The European Commission says a dishwasher’s energy label includes details such as kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle, capacity and noise.
Do all mini dishwashers use the same products?
No. Check the manual for compatible products for each appliance. Bob uses a dedicated washing cassette, which Daan Tech says lasts for 30 cycles. If you’re considering this model, factor in the need to replace it.