If you don’t have access to a water supply, a mini dishwasher with a water tank could suit a small load, provided you have somewhere to drain the waste water. If you can connect an appliance, compare a 6-place-setting countertop model with the amount of washing-up you usually have; a slimline 45 cm model offers more space if you also have a suitable floor-standing spot.
A model with a water tank avoids the need for a permanent water connection when you have a small load. You’ll still need to fill the tank and drain the waste water: Daan Tech specifies both requirements for its Bob mini dishwasher.
A 6-place-setting countertop model is worth considering if you have access to a water supply, a drain and a plug socket. Before choosing, check its capacity against the plates and utensils you use regularly, as well as the space you actually have available.
If you can install a floor-standing appliance and connect it up, a slimline model gives you more room for washing-up between cycles. Electrolux lists a capacity of 9 place settings for its ESG42310SW; check the full dimensions of the space, not just its width.
Worth considering: if you don’t have a permanent water supply and you only have a small amount of washing-up.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill it by hand and drain the waste water. The tank doesn’t eliminate the need for a drain hose, as Daan Tech specifies for Bob.
Worth considering: if your worktop can accommodate and connect an appliance that offers more space than a small model with a water tank.
Bear in mind: a model without a tank needs a water supply, a drain and a plug socket. You’ll also need to check that your dishes will fit.
Worth considering: if you have space on the floor for a connected appliance with a larger capacity, such as the 9 place settings listed by Electrolux for the ESG42310SW.
Bear in mind: it takes up space as a floor-standing appliance. Consider its consumption per cycle alongside its capacity and how often you wash up.
| What to consider | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, then check how much room is needed to open the door. Compare the number of place settings and the maximum plate size with the dishes you actually use. | My large plates, bowls and pans need to fit without making me run extra cycles. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check the plug socket, water supply or tank-filling method, and the route for the drain hose. Daan Tech says Bob’s tank removes the need for a permanent water supply, but not for drainage. | If there’s no water supply near the appliance, I can fill a tank; I’ll still need a suitable place to drain the waste water. |
| Eco programme use | ADEME states that reference energy consumption is given in kWh per 100 cycles. Before comparing different sizes, also look at water use per cycle, capacity and the length of the Eco programme. | I want to choose between frequent small loads and less frequent cycles, rather than relying on the energy rating letter alone. |
The tank replaces a permanent water supply, not the drain. Daan Tech says Bob’s drain hose must be directed into a sink or drain.
Before you buy, identify the plug socket, where you’ll fill the tank and the route the hose can take to a suitable drain.
If there’s no suitable sink or drain nearby, you’ll need to find an appropriate drainage solution.
A standardised capacity doesn’t tell you whether your large plates, frying pans or bowls will fit in the basket. You may need to wash some items separately.
Measure the items you use regularly and compare them with the loading dimensions given for the model you’re considering.
A mini appliance and a 45 cm model won’t necessarily wash the same amount of crockery per cycle. ADEME notes that reference energy consumption is expressed in kWh per 100 cycles.
Compare the Eco programme figures with the capacity and the number of cycles your household is likely to run.
Daan Tech’s Bob is a compact, freestanding mini dishwasher with a water tank or the option to connect it to a water supply.
Bosch offers a range of freestanding 45 cm dishwashers for floor-standing spaces with suitable connections.
Electrolux’s range includes slimline freestanding dishwashers, worth considering if you have room for a 45 cm appliance.
This selection is made up mainly of small countertop models, along with a 6-place-setting tabletop appliance. Before choosing, compare how each model is supplied with water and drained with the options available in your space.
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The product name specifies an integrated tank, making this model worth considering if you don’t have a permanent water supply. Check that its hose can drain the water into a container suitable for your setup, then compare the interior space with the dishes you usually use.
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The product name specifies a 5 L tank and 9 programmes. Before making space for it on your worktop, check its exact depth and make sure the drainage route and setup are suitable for your home.
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This tabletop model lists 7 programmes and a manually filled water tank. To decide whether it’s right for your small daily load, check the interior space, drainage method and installation instructions for the CDWMT305WD.
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The listed capacity of 6 place settings may suit a small household with a worktop that can accommodate the connections. The product name specifies 7 programmes and 47 dB; check the appliance dimensions and make sure the water supply, plug socket and drain are suitable for the space.
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Its listed capacity of 3 place settings is suited to a small load. Don’t assume it works without a connection: check how this model is supplied with water, its dimensions and how it drains the waste water.
Yes, if the model is specifically designed to use a fillable water tank. Daan Tech says Bob’s tank holds 3,9 L, but notes that its drain hose must still lead to a sink or another suitable outlet.
No. For a model that connects to a water supply rather than using a tank, check that you have access to water, a plug socket and a drain. You’ll also need a level surface, enough room to open the door and a suitable route for the hoses.
Compare their Eco programme figures, taking capacity and how often you wash up into account. ADEME says reference energy consumption is expressed in kWh per 100 cycles; also look at water use per cycle rather than judging by the energy rating alone.
Work out how much washing-up builds up between cycles, then measure your large plates, bowls and pans. Place settings are based on a standardised load: for example, Electro Dépôt lists 25 cm plates and 12 cm glasses for its 6-place-setting VALBERG compact model, but that doesn’t guarantee all your items will fit.