Start by choosing a model that suits the space available and your options for water supply, drainage and an electrical connection. A water tank means you don’t need a dedicated water inlet, but you’ll still need to drain the waste water. Then compare the basket with the dishes you usually wash: a very small appliance takes up less space but may need to be loaded more often, while a slimline model needs a suitably sized space.
You want to cut down on some of the washing up without a permanent connection. Check where the waste water can go and where you can plug in the appliance. Daan Tech describes Bob’s water tank and drain hose; Bosch explains the connections its appliances require.
You have plates and utensils to wash after meals, so check the usable capacity and how many loads you’ll need—not just the appliance’s external width. Que Choisir Ensemble features 45 cm and 55 cm models with different capacities.
You need to choose between a freestanding appliance, a slimline space and the room left for food preparation or drying dishes. Bosch distinguishes between worktop models and built-in appliances.
Measure the space and check what connections are available before comparing capacities. Then see how the basket dimensions match the dishes you wash most often.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check the manual to see whether the appliance accepts a water tank or needs a water inlet, and where to secure the drain hose. Daan Tech specifies that Bob drains water through a hose, even when using its water tank. | I don’t have a dedicated water inlet, but I still need suitable drainage and an electrical socket. Around 33% of consumers prioritise an installation they can manage. |
| Space actually taken up | Measure the width, height, depth and clearance needed to open the appliance, then check how much usable surface will remain. Daan Tech states that Bob is 34 cm wide; Que Choisir Ensemble also describes 45 cm models designed for a built-in space. | With an already crowded worktop, I want to keep enough room for food preparation or drying dishes. Around 27% of consumers prioritise usable surface space. |
| Basket capacity | Compare the dimensions of your plates and utensils with the basket layout. Daan Tech gives Bob a capacity of 3 place settings; Que Choisir Ensemble describes 45 cm models with a capacity of 9 place settings. | If I cook often, I want to know whether my pans and everyday dishes will fit without needing lots of loads. Around 27% of consumers prioritise usable capacity. |
| Running costs | Compare the label figures on a like-for-like basis. ADEME explains that energy is shown in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water in litres per reference cycle. Also consider how many cycles you’re likely to run. | I want to compare the stated consumption with how often I’ll run the appliance. Around 13% of consumers prioritise keeping usage under control. |
A water tank can eliminate the need for a dedicated water inlet, but Bob still drains waste water through a hose.
Before choosing this type of water supply, check where the hose can be secured and where the waste water will go, following the instructions in the manual.
You’ll need to plan the route for the drain hose and find a suitable place for the discharged water.
Standard place settings don’t tell you on their own whether your pans, bowls or large plates will fit.
Measure your bulkiest items and compare them with the basket layout, then estimate how many loads you’ll need on a typical day.
Items that don’t fit may need to be washed by hand or in a separate load.
The Electrolux ESL2500RO is a fully integrated model supplied without a furniture door, not a freestanding appliance designed for a worktop.
Check the installation type, space required, door panel and connections before comparing capacities.
An integrated model may need a door panel and an installation to suit the available space.
The Joybuy listing mentioned for Bob shows A+, while Daan Tech gives F under EU standard 2017/1369. These ratings don’t match and shouldn’t be confused.
For the version you’re considering, ask for the energy label that applies to it and check separately that the product listing matches the item being sold.
Bob is a compact worktop dishwasher, available with a water tank or a connection to a standard water inlet.
The MDWTT0602MW-WE is a 6-place-setting worktop appliance to consider if the space and connections suit your kitchen.
The ESL2500RO is a 55 cm fully integrated compact dishwasher with a capacity of 6 place settings.
Bosch distinguishes its small worktop models from compact built-in dishwashers.
This selection features compact worktop dishwashers for smaller spaces where installing a standard appliance is difficult.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact worktop appliance with a water tank.
The product title specifies a built-in 5 L water tank and 9 wash programmes.
If you want to connect it directly to a tap, you may need an adapter, depending on the product description.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact worktop model with a built-in water tank.
The product name specifies a 5 L water tank and a double-glazed tempered glass door.
The description states a capacity of 4 place settings; compare this with the plates and utensils you use every day.
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Worth considering if you have small loads and want a worktop appliance.
The title specifies 3 place settings, 7 programmes, a digital display, a 24 h delay start, 56,3 dB and energy class C.
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Worth considering if you want a basket advertised for 6 place settings and have enough room on your worktop.
The title specifies 7 programmes, a 24 h delay start, automatic door opening for drying, 47 dB and energy class D.
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Worth a look if you want a compact worktop appliance with a stated capacity of 4 to 6 place settings.
The title specifies 0,58 kWh per cycle and water consumption of 3,5 to 5 L.
The description states that assembly is required before use.
Bob can be filled using its 3,9 L water tank without being connected to a water inlet, but it drains waste water through a hose. Direct and secure the hose as instructed, towards a sink or suitable drain; you’ll still need an electrical socket. These specifications apply to Bob.
Check the manual for the exact model and make sure you can reach a suitable socket. Bosch lists water, electricity and drainage among the connections required for its appliances; the requirements for a Bosch model don’t automatically apply to other brands.
Follow the instructions for your model, particularly for cleaning the filters and running the maintenance cycle. For Bob, Daan Tech recommends cleaning every three months or every 90 cycles; this schedule is specific to the manufacturer’s recommendation for this model.
ADEME states that the label shows energy consumption in kWh per 100 reference cycles and water consumption in litres per reference cycle. It also gives the capacity and the Eco cycle duration. Compare these figures on a like-for-like basis, then consider how many cycles your dishes will require: they won’t, on their own, predict your bill.
The statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies, among other things, to new goods sold by a trader to a private individual. The Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that you have two years to make a claim; this statutory guarantee is separate from an optional commercial extended warranty.