In a small rented kitchen, a mini countertop dishwasher is best suited to situations where floor space is limited and there isn’t much washing up. If there’s room for a freestanding appliance, a 45 cm model offers more capacity for everyday use. Its narrower width doesn’t mean you can skip checking the depth and connections, though. Before choosing, check the model’s instructions and get your landlord’s written permission if installation involves altering the property or its fittings.
Your choice depends first and foremost on the space available and how much washing up you have, not simply on whether a model is described as “compact”.
A mini dishwasher on the worktop can be a good fit if you don’t have much washing up. Que Choisir describes models with 2 or 3 place settings, some of which have a water tank. Check the water supply and drainage requirements for the specific model.
If your kitchen can accommodate a floor-standing appliance, it’s worth considering a 45 cm freestanding model. Que Choisir says a 9-place-setting model can suit a small family, even for everyday use.
A freestanding appliance means you don’t need to plan for a furniture door. If you intend to put it under an existing worktop, check that its top panel is removable and there’s enough clearance; get your landlord’s written permission before making any changes to the property or its fittings.
Worth considering: when there’s no room for a floor-standing appliance and you don’t have much washing up.
Bear in mind: capacity is limited, and you’ll need to check how each model is filled and drained.
Worth considering: if you have space for a floor-standing appliance and your household regularly has more washing up.
Bear in mind: a narrower width doesn’t necessarily mean less depth or less space in front of the open door.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth, and allow room for the hoses and the door to open. If placing it under a worktop, only assume the top panel can be removed if the manufacturer says so. | I need to be able to open the appliance without blocking the way, not just fit it into the space width-wise. |
| Capacity | Compare the number of place settings and the interior layout with the dishes you usually use. Que Choisir describes mini models with 2 or 3 place settings and 45 cm models with 9 place settings that can suit a small family. | A mini model may be enough for a few plates and glasses. If pots and pans and the household’s daily washing up need to go in too, I’ll also look at a 45 cm model. |
| Water supply and drainage | Que Choisir points out that a standard dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste-water outlet. For a mini model, check the instructions to see how it’s filled and drained. | My chosen spot needs to work for waste water as well as for supplying the appliance. |
| Fitting under a worktop | Check for a “removable top” and confirm the height once it’s removed, as well as the installation diagram. Bosch says removing the top can reduce the height of some models from 84,5 to 81,5 cm. | If I might want to move the appliance under an existing worktop later, I need a model that’s specifically designed for this type of installation. |
A narrower width doesn’t guarantee a shallow appliance: Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm for the SPS4EMW61E.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and check how much room the hoses and open door will need, too.
Que Choisir features mini models that work with a water tank, but this doesn’t tell you how each version is filled or drains water.
Read the instructions for the model you choose and check that its drainage setup will work in your intended location.
For a furnished rental, ANIL says that making changes to the property or its fittings requires the landlord’s written permission.
If installation involves building work or changing the rented fittings, explain what you plan to do to your landlord and get their written permission before you start.
According to ANIL, in some cases, making changes without this permission could lead to a request to restore the property to its original condition.
Whether the top panel can be removed depends on the model; the available height and installation instructions still matter.
Check the instructions to confirm the top panel is removable, then compare the dimensions after removal with the space under your worktop.
These examples show the different sizes available, but their features won’t necessarily apply to every model from the same brand.
Que Choisir features the Bob by Daan Tech among its mini countertop dishwashers.
Bosch Electroménager France describes the SPS4EMW61E as a 45 cm freestanding model with 9 place settings, measuring 845 × 450 × 600 mm.
Electrolux France describes the ESA63200SX as a 45 cm freestanding model with 10 place settings, designed to fit under a worktop with its removable top panel.
These options are for anyone choosing a countertop appliance because floor space is limited. Compare the stated capacity with the amount of washing up you have, then check the dimensions and installation instructions for each version.
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Worth considering when there’s no room for a floor-standing appliance. The product name lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles; check the instructions for the space required and how the waste water is drained.
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The stated capacity of 3 place settings is suited to a small amount of washing up. The product name lists a width of 34 cm; check all three dimensions, along with the water supply and drainage requirements in the instructions for this version.
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This 3-place-setting model is worth considering if you don’t have much washing up. Before deciding where to put it, check its dimensions and the filling and drainage arrangements in the instructions.
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The stated capacity of 6 place settings may appeal if you find mini models with 2 or 3 place settings too small. The product name lists 7 programmes; check the dimensions and required water connection before choosing where to put it.
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This Bob version is worth comparing with other countertop appliances for a small kitchen. If you’re counting on a particular accessory in the pack, check that it’s included; also check the filling and drainage instructions.
No. Que Choisir points out that a standard dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste-water outlet. You’ll also need to measure the space for the appliance, hoses and open door.
Installing a movable appliance doesn’t in itself involve building work. If you need to alter the property or its fittings, ask your landlord for written permission first. ANIL notes that this is a requirement for a furnished rental.
Not for every kitchen. A mini model is suited to a small amount of washing up when floor space is limited. If there’s room for a floor-standing appliance, Que Choisir says a 45 cm model with 9 place settings can suit a small family for everyday use.
Yes, if the model is designed for this type of installation and the dimensions allow it. Check that the top panel is removable, the height once it’s removed, the depth and the clearances specified in the instructions. For example, Electrolux says the ESA63200SX can be fitted under a worktop.
No. ANIL lists a dishwasher as an optional item in a furnished rental. If one is provided, check its condition and make sure it’s listed in the inventory when you complete the check-in inspection.