In a studio flat or rented home, start by checking what water supply and drainage options are available. A mini dishwasher with a water tank avoids the need for a dedicated water connection, but you’ll need to fill it by hand and drain the wastewater. A plumbed-in countertop model avoids manual filling if the connections are suitable. A slimline 45 cm model is worth considering if you have more dishes to wash, provided you have enough space and compatible connections.
A model with a water tank can save you from having to connect the appliance permanently to the water supply. You’ll still need to fill it, place it on a suitable surface and direct its drain hose to a waste outlet.
A plumbed-in countertop model avoids manual filling if the water supply, socket and waste outlet are within reach. Check the connections and hose route for the model you’re considering.
A slimline 45 cm model may suit you if your dishes are piling up and your kitchen already has the space and connections it needs. If you’re considering an integrated appliance, check the dimensions of the housing space too.
First rule out any options that aren’t compatible with your home, then compare the space they take up and their capacity with your everyday washing-up.
Consider this if: there’s no dedicated water supply and you don’t have a large amount of washing-up.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill it by hand and direct the drain hose to a waste outlet.
Consider this if: there’s a compatible connection within reach of your worktop.
Bear in mind: the appliance and hoses need to be positioned so they don’t get in the way while it’s in use.
Consider this if: you have more washing-up and a permanent space for the appliance.
Bear in mind: an integrated model needs a suitable housing space and compatible connections; it isn’t designed to sit on a worktop.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check whether the model uses a water tank, a mains water connection or both. Locate the socket and waste outlet, and plan the hose route: a water tank doesn’t remove the need for drainage. | I want to avoid a dedicated water connection without having to improvise a way to drain the water every time I use it. |
| Space while in use | Measure the space, then check the manual for the room needed to open the door, load the dishwasher, fill it and route the hoses. The appliance’s dimensions when closed aren’t enough. | I need to be able to use the worktop and access the sink once the appliance is in place. |
| What you need to fit inside | Compare the stated capacity with the diameter of your plates and the basket layout. Daan Tech says Bob can take plates up to 29 cm; Beko lists a capacity of 10 place settings for its 45 cm integrated DIS35020 model. These figures refer to different appliances. | My pans, plates and glasses need to fit in line with how often I wash up, not just match a stated number of place settings. |
| Noise and energy use | For a fair comparison between similar appliances, check the noise level and the energy label figures. The ADEME states that electricity use is shown in kWh per 100 standard cycles and water use in litres per standard cycle. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to take noise, water use and electricity consumption into account. |
A water tank means you don’t need to connect the appliance to a water supply, but the wastewater still needs somewhere to go.
Before you buy, check where you can position and secure the drain hose, and plan the route it needs to take to reach the waste outlet.
This figure doesn’t tell you on its own whether your larger plates, pans and glasses will all fit in the basket at the same time.
Measure your largest items and compare them with the dimensions the exact model can accommodate and its basket layout.
An open door, access for filling or the hoses may take up space you need for the sink or walkway.
Mark out the dimensions in the space you’ve chosen and check the installation diagram to make sure there’s enough clearance when the appliance is in use.
An integrated 45 cm model needs a permanent space, a suitable housing unit and compatible connections.
Check the installation type and dimensions before choosing one for a small kitchen or rented home.
Bob is a freestanding mini dishwasher. Daan Tech’s product details give you two ways to supply water: use the integrated tank or connect it to a conventional water supply.
Bosch distinguishes between its countertop dishwashers and compact appliances designed for built-in installation.
Beko’s DIS35020 is an example of a 45 cm integrated model to consider if you have a permanent space for an appliance.
These compact models offer manual filling as an option for a studio flat or small kitchen. Compare their capacity and check the drainage arrangements and space needed to use each one.
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The integrated 5 L tank means you can fill this model by hand without a dedicated water connection. Check that the drain hose can reach a suitable waste outlet and that the door can open in your chosen space.
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At 34 cm wide, this model is worth comparing with the space available on your worktop. Daan Tech says Bob can be supplied from its tank or connected to a conventional water supply. Either way, you’ll need to plan for drainage and check that the door has enough clearance.
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Its 5 L tank makes this model worth considering if you want to fill it by hand in a small kitchen. The title lists 6+3 programmes and a D energy rating. Check the manual for suitable drainage options and the space needed in front of the appliance.
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If you don’t have much washing-up, compare its stated capacity of 3 place settings with the size of your plates and pans. The title mentions 7 programmes and a 24-hour delay start. Also check how to fill and drain it, and whether there’s enough room to open the door where you plan to put it.
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The integrated 5 L tank makes this model worth considering if you don’t have a dedicated water connection. The dimensions listed for this version don’t match, so confirm them before measuring your space. Then check the drainage point and door clearance.
No. The tank replaces a dedicated water supply, not the need for drainage. For Bob, Daan Tech provides a hose to direct wastewater to a sink or another waste outlet. Check the drainage set-up for any other model you’re considering.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check the manual for the exact model to see how much room you’ll need to open the door, load the dishwasher, fill any water tank and route the hoses. The dimensions of the appliance when closed don’t show how much space you’ll need when using it.
Yes, if you have a permanent space for it and compatible connections. Beko lists a capacity of 10 place settings for its 45 cm integrated DIS35020 model. Check the housing dimensions and installation type before choosing this option instead of a countertop appliance.
Compare the energy label figures for similar appliances. The ADEME states that these include electricity use in kWh per 100 standard cycles and water use in litres per standard cycle. If your kitchen opens onto your living space, take the noise level into account too.