Start by choosing according to the connections you actually have available and the space you have measured: a mini dishwasher with a built-in tank can work without a conventional water supply, but you will still need to plan for drainage and accept a smaller load. A 6-place-setting compact model or a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher is a better option if you have the room and the necessary connections. Also check the dimensions, stated place-setting capacity and whether your crockery will fit through the opening.
You want to cut down on hand washing without a fitted kitchen space or conventional water connection. A mini dishwasher with a tank may be suitable if draining into a sink is still possible and two standard place settings match your routine.
You have room for a compact appliance measuring around 55 × 45 × 50 cm and want a larger load than a mini model. First, check how close the connections are and how much space your utensils will actually take up.
You can accommodate an appliance around 45 cm wide and want to leave more time between cycles. In that case, a narrow freestanding model is the format to compare before considering a countertop appliance.
Worth considering: if no conventional water supply is available, but you do have a socket, a stable surface and accessible drainage.
Bear in mind: you will need to fill the tank and the load is limited, especially if you accumulate saucepans, dishes or several meals’ worth of washing-up.
Worth considering: if you can set aside worktop or cupboard space and connect the appliance near a sink.
Check: six place settings do not guarantee that your large dishes, frying pans or plates will fit inside the tub.
Worth considering: if you have floor space, a water supply, drainage and a nearby socket.
Accept that: this format is significantly taller and deeper than a countertop appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Identify a socket and a drainage point. For a conventional model, also check the water supply; a tank does not remove the need for drainage. | I want to install the appliance where it fits, without discovering too late that a hose cannot reach the sink. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated place settings on the same basis, the maximum plate diameter and the basket layout. Check whether dishes and saucepans will fit. | My everyday washing-up needs to fit a load suited to my mealtime routine, not just match a place-setting number. |
| Size and practicality | Measure the width, height and depth, then allow room for the door to open and for the hoses to pass through. Compare noise levels and consumption only for clearly identified programmes. | I need to keep my worktop usable or maintain a clear walkway, particularly in a small kitchen or open-plan room. |
A tank can eliminate the need to connect to a conventional water supply, but wastewater must still be discharged into a sink or compatible drainage system. A conventional dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and drainage.
Before choosing the format, identify an accessible socket and drainage point. For models without a tank, also check the water supply.
An installation may require a separate service if the connections are not already available.
Sizes range from around 34 × 49 × 49 cm for a mini model to 845 × 450 × 600 mm for a narrow 45 cm model. Even a countertop appliance can take up a substantial part of your worktop.
Measure the width, height and depth, then leave the necessary clearance for the door, hoses and socket. Also check that the surface is level.
Standard place settings do not necessarily represent your large bowls, frying pans, dishes or tall glasses. The mini Bob, for example, accommodates plates up to 29 cm and a small saucepan or frying pan in its stated load.
List your largest plate, tall glasses and the utensils you wash most often, then check the size limits and basket configuration of the exact model.
A figure for an Express cycle cannot be compared directly with one for an Eco cycle: programmes, capacities and appliances may differ. The cost of running the appliance also includes consumables and maintenance.
Where the basis is identical, prioritise the Eco programme figures and the energy label. Add detergent, rinse aid and dishwasher salt to your budget according to the model and your local water supply.
A brand focused on the freestanding Bob mini dishwasher, worth considering for very limited spaces and use with either its integrated tank or a conventional water supply.
A narrow freestanding option for a small household with floor space and conventional connections available.
A countertop compact option with six place settings when you want more capacity than a mini model without moving up to a narrow 45 cm appliance.
These Joybuy options mainly cover mini dishwashers and countertop models suited to a small household, with tank-fed or plumbed configurations depending on the model.
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Worth considering for a small space without a conventional water supply, provided you can fill the tank and manage drainage through the hose.
Stated capacity of 4 place settings; dimensions of 45,8 × 42,8 × 42,5 cm; accommodates crockery up to 26 cm.
The 5 L tank still needs to be filled manually. Check the space around the appliance, access to the socket and room for saucepans.
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This tabletop format is aimed at single people or couples with a worktop or cupboard space available.
Stated capacity of 3 place settings, plates up to 270 mm and dimensions of 420 × 436 × 465 mm; tank can be filled manually.
Check the hose, its length and the discharge point before buying, as well as the space needed for the door to open.
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A tabletop option for a couple wanting to leave more time between cycles, provided accessible water and drainage connections are available.
Stated capacity of 6 place settings, 7 programmes, delayed start and declared consumption of 6,5 L per cycle.
Measure the space before buying and check that your large plates, dishes and saucepans can be loaded.
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This model is worth considering for a compact kitchen with a nearby cold-water tap and drainage point.
Stated capacity of 3 place settings; dimensions of 49 × 34 × 49 cm; connects to a cold-water tap and drains into a sink or drainage point.
Check that the adapter is compatible with your tap, the position of the drainage hose and the available space for larger utensils.
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This configuration suits a light daily load and a very restricted space, once the installation requirements have been checked.
Stated capacity of 2 place settings; dimensions of 49 × 34 × 49 cm; five programmes and touch controls specified.
Check the water supply, drainage method, pack contents and the space needed for the door and any hoses.
Yes, but only models specifically designed for this purpose. Daan Tech states that Bob can operate using its integrated 3,9 L tank, but the drainage hose must still reach a sink or another drainage system.
No. You need to check the model’s installation requirements. UFC-Que Choisir states that a conventional dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and wastewater drainage. The appliance must also be placed securely on a stable, level surface.
It may be suitable if your everyday washing-up fits into a 6-place-setting load and your dishes and utensils fit inside the tub. It offers more capacity than a 2-place-setting mini model, but check the internal dimensions and basket of your chosen model before relying on it for large saucepans.
No. The term refers to an appliance with its own finished exterior that does not require a kitchen door panel, but water, electricity and drainage connections are still needed for a conventional dishwasher.