Start by checking the space and connections you actually have. A mini dishwasher with a water tank avoids the need for a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need a way to drain the wastewater. A plumbed-in compact model takes up worktop space, while a slimline 45 cm model needs a permanent spot on the floor. Then compare these types against the amount of washing-up you have, and check that your plates and utensils will fit inside.
If connecting an appliance to the tap isn’t straightforward, a model with a water tank is worth considering. You’ll still need a safe route for the wastewater and a stable surface for the appliance.
If plates, pans and other utensils pile up every day, consider whether a low-capacity appliance would mean running multiple cycles. A compact 6-place-setting model or a slimline option may be better suited to your needs, depending on the space available.
If you have access to a water supply, a drain and a socket, the main decision is how much space you can give the appliance: part of the worktop for a compact model, or a permanent floor space for a 45 cm model.
First check where the water can enter and drain away, then compare the space available with the amount of washing-up you want to do regularly. If no type will fit properly, or you rarely have much washing-up, continuing to wash by hand is still an option.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the exact model is supplied with water and whether its drain hose can be routed as required. | If I can’t use a fixed water supply, I look for a tank, but I still need a way to drain the wastewater. Around 36% of consumers rank installation options as their top priority. |
| Daily capacity | Compare the stated place settings with the usable basket dimensions and the size of your largest utensils. | When I cook often, I want to avoid running multiple cycles or washing my pans separately. Capacity is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space taken up | Measure the width, depth and height, as well as door clearance, whether the appliance will go on the worktop or the floor. | I need to be able to carry on preparing meals and moving around once the appliance is installed. Keeping this space clear takes priority over other criteria for around 21% of consumers. |
| Whether a permanent appliance is worthwhile | Think about how often you do the washing-up and how much space the appliance would take up when not in use. | If I have little washing-up to do, I’d rather keep the space than leave an appliance there that I rarely use. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this trade-off. |
According to the brand, the Daan Tech Bob’s tank means it doesn’t need a fixed water supply, but wastewater still has to drain through a hose. Without a suitable drain route, this way of supplying water won’t solve the installation problem.
Before ordering, work out where the hose will drain and check the instructions for the exact model.
A stated place-setting capacity doesn’t guarantee that your large plates, frying pans or dishes will fit in the baskets. You may need to run more cycles or continue washing some items by hand.
Measure your bulkiest items and compare them with the usable dimensions and interior layout of the model you’re considering.
A worktop appliance also needs space for its door and hoses. A slimline model, on the other hand, frees up worktop space but needs a floor space with enough depth.
Measure the full space available and check that the door can open without getting in the way of food preparation or blocking your route through the kitchen.
The Bob is a low-capacity worktop model, worth considering when space is very limited.
Two Candy models let you compare a plumbed-in worktop compact with a slimline freestanding appliance.
Bosch offers both worktop and slimline models. Check the specific model number rather than relying on the word “compact” alone.
These worktop models are for kitchens where you can set aside space on a suitable surface. Some are listed with a tank, while others are plumbed-in compact models. Always check the water supply and drainage requirements for the specific model you choose.
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Worth considering if a fixed water supply is difficult to use and you can set aside worktop space. The product name specifies a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles; you’ll also need a suitable drainage route.
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Worth considering for a small amount of washing-up when width is limited. The Bob model listed by Joybuy is stated to hold 3 place settings. Check the instructions for this variant to see whether it can run from a tank, and to confirm its connection and drainage requirements.
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Worth considering if you want a 6-place-setting worktop appliance and can make provision for its connections. The title lists seven programmes; measure the space available and check that your larger utensils will fit in the baskets.
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Worth considering for a small kitchen if you’re happy to fill the tank by hand. The title lists seven programmes; before buying, check the usable capacity and drainage instructions for this model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a worktop model with several wash programmes. The title lists eight programmes and three functions; check the dimensions and the exact water supply and drainage options before choosing this model.
Yes, if the model is designed to be filled by hand. Daan Tech says the Bob has a built-in 3,9 L tank. You’ll still need to drain the wastewater through a hose. Also check how the specific variant you’re planning to buy works.
It may be, if the amount of washing-up you have fits its capacity and your utensils fit in the baskets. The Candy CP 6E51LS is listed at 6 place settings, but compare the interior layout with your plates and pans, then consider how often you’d be happy to run a cycle.
A plumbed-in model needs a power supply, a water supply and a drain. Before choosing where to put it, check the instructions, the reach of the hoses and the space needed to open the door without trapping them.