If you don’t have a permanent water supply, a tank-fed dishwasher such as the Bob by Daan Tech can suit small loads of two place settings, as long as you’re prepared to fill it and drain it. If you have access to a water supply and drainage, a plumbed-in worktop model may offer more capacity; a slimline 45 cm appliance, on the other hand, needs floor space. In every case, measure the space and check that your dishes will actually fit inside.
In a studio flat where a permanent connection is difficult, a tank-fed appliance may work if its small capacity is enough for you. The Bob by Daan Tech holds two place settings under the European standard. You’ll also need to fill its tank and position its drain hose.
A plumbed-in worktop model is worth considering if you can make room for it on your worktop and have access to a water supply and drainage. The Candy Rapido CP 6E51LS, rated for six place settings, is one example. Check how much room it would leave for preparing meals.
A freestanding slimline dishwasher could be a good fit if you have a 45 cm-wide space, the necessary connections and enough depth. Bosch lists the dimensions of the SPS2HKW55E as 845 × 450 × 600 mm, so also check how much room you’ll need in front of the door.
Worth considering: if a permanent water supply isn’t possible and a capacity of two place settings, as listed for the Bob by Daan Tech, is enough.
Consideration: not needing a mains water connection doesn’t mean you can skip filling the tank or draining the wastewater.
Worth considering: if you have access to a water supply and drainage near a suitable surface; the Candy Rapido CP 6E51LS is rated for six place settings.
Consideration: it takes up worktop space, and its compact size doesn’t remove the need for a water connection.
Worth considering: if you’d rather keep your worktop clear and have floor space with access to a water supply and drainage.
Consideration: a 45 cm width alone doesn’t tell you whether it will fit: Bosch lists the SPS2HKW55E as 60 cm deep.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the door clearance and space for the hoses. To compare specific sizes, Daan Tech lists the Bob as 34 × 49 × 49 cm, while Bosch gives the dimensions of its slimline SPS2HKW55E as 845 × 450 × 600 mm. | I want enough worktop space left for cooking, or room to put the appliance on the floor without blocking the way. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check whether the model has a tank, connects to a tap or needs a water supply. Also decide separately where the drain hose will go. | Without a permanent connection, I can fill a tank, but I’ll still need somewhere suitable to drain the wastewater. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the size of your plates and the space you need for pans. Daan Tech lists the Bob as holding two place settings under the European standard, compared with six for the Candy Rapido CP 6E51LS, according to Candy. | My plates and the items I wash every day need to fit inside; the number of place settings alone doesn’t tell me how much I can load. |
| Energy, water and noise | The ADEME says the label includes details such as kWh per 100 cycles, litres of water per reference cycle, the duration of the Eco cycle and noise level. Compare these figures between appliances with similar capacities. | In an open-plan kitchen or studio flat, I’ll pay as much attention to the stated noise level as to energy use, rather than assuming a smaller appliance uses less. |
The tank on the Bob means you don’t need a permanent water supply, but Daan Tech says you’ll still need to fill it and direct the drain hose into the sink or another drain.
Before buying, decide where you’ll fill the appliance and where you’ll keep the hose during the cycle. Also check that your worktop has a suitable surface for it.
A worktop appliance and a slimline model don’t take up the same kind of space. Bosch lists its 45 cm-wide SPS2HKW55E as 845 mm high and 600 mm deep.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then allow for the door and hoses.
Candy describes the Rapido CP 6E51LS as a tabletop model, but also states that it connects directly to the water supply.
For the specific model you’re interested in, check whether it has an integrated tank, connects to a tap or needs a water supply. Also check how it drains.
The rating alone won’t tell you whether the capacity suits your dishes or how noisy the appliance is. The ADEME notes that the label also gives reference consumption figures and the Eco cycle duration.
Start by choosing a usable capacity, then compare the label figures on a like-for-like basis.
These models illustrate different ways to fit a small dishwasher into your kitchen. Their specifications apply to the models named, not every range from each brand.
The Bob is a tank-fed worktop model worth considering if the main obstacle is the lack of a permanent water supply.
The Rapido CP 6E51LS is an example of a plumbed-in worktop dishwasher for kitchens with an accessible water supply.
Bosch offers worktop models as well as the freestanding slimline SPS2HKW55E. The right choice depends on whether you have space on your worktop or on the floor.
The Aquatica is another worktop option if you have access to a tap; Klarstein says it doesn’t need a fixed water supply.
These worktop models are designed for smaller kitchens. Before choosing, check the space available for each one, how it takes in water and how to drain the wastewater.
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The integrated 5 L tank may suit a kitchen without a permanent water supply. You’ll need to fill it, and check where to drain the water and how much worktop space the appliance requires.
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This tabletop model may be worth considering if you have limited space for it. The product name lists seven programmes and an energy rating of D. Check the dimensions, usable capacity and drainage arrangements before choosing.
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Its stated capacity of six place settings may suit a larger daily load than a two-place-setting appliance. The product name lists seven programmes, 47 dB and an energy rating of D. Measure the space and check access to a water supply and drainage.
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This model is described as a worktop appliance with eight programmes. If you want to avoid a permanent connection, check exactly how it takes in water, how it drains and what its dimensions are: the product title’s claim that no connection is needed doesn’t explain these details.
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The stated capacity of three place settings may suit a small load of dishes. Check that your plates fit inside, then confirm the external dimensions and how the appliance takes in and drains water.
Yes, if the model is designed to be filled by hand. Daan Tech says its Bob has an integrated tank, but the drain hose still needs to be placed in a sink or another drainage system.
Not necessarily: Klarstein says the Aquatica connects directly to a tap without fixed plumbing. Before buying, check that it’s compatible with your tap, that the hoses can be positioned properly and that you have somewhere to drain the water.
Look at energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per reference cycle, the Eco cycle duration and noise level. The ADEME lists these as key details on dishwasher energy labels. Also consider capacity when comparing appliances suited to your dishes.
Yes, particularly if the appliance will run close to your living space. Check the noise level in dB and the noise rating shown on the label, rather than assuming a compact model will be quiet.