Start by choosing a dishwasher to suit your available connections and the amount of washing-up you need to do. A countertop model with a water tank may work without a dedicated water supply, while a slimline model needs a suitable space and connections. For cooking, a multi-function appliance can cover several needs, but it won’t wash up. For each appliance, check the dimensions, door clearance, any drainage requirements and the clearances specified in the instructions.
If you need an installation that can be easily reversed, a dishwasher with a water tank is worth considering. The tank means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to fill it and drain the wastewater, as with the Bob described by Daan Tech.
If you have space on the floor and the necessary connections, check whether a slimline dishwasher can accommodate the dishes you use regularly. Bosch’s 45 cm models are still deep, so measure the available space before choosing one for its width.
An appliance with several cooking modes can save you from having multiple countertop appliances. However, the combination microwaves and compact ovens featured by Whirlpool are still cooking appliances: you’ll need to plan for washing-up separately.
When fitting out a small kitchen, first check what you can install, then compare washing capacity and cooking functions with the way you plan to use each appliance. Measure the space they take up during use too, particularly with the doors open.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Connections | Check the socket, water supply, drainage and possible routes for the hoses. A tank doesn’t remove the need to drain wastewater. | In a kitchenette without a dedicated water supply, I want to install a dishwasher without altering the plumbing. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this installation compatibility. |
| Washing capacity | Compare the stated place settings with your plates, pans and dishes; also check the energy-label information described by ADEME. | If I cook often, I want to fit my usual washing-up in without running multiple cycles. Capacity would be the top criterion for around 27% of consumers. |
| Cooking functions | Check the available modes, cavity size and any accessories required. A combination cooking appliance won’t wash up. | With limited cooking space, I’d prefer to combine the functions I use in a single appliance. Nearly 20% of consumers would prioritise this cooking versatility. |
| Everyday space | Measure the footprint, clearances and door opening; for a dishwasher, also compare the noise level shown on the energy label. | In a studio flat, I want to keep the worktop and walkways usable, even when the appliances are running. Around 20% of consumers would put the space appliances take up in everyday use at the top of their concerns. |
A slimline dishwasher may need much more depth and height than its width suggests. For example, Bosch gives dimensions of 45 × 60 × 84,5 cm for its freestanding SPS4EMI11E model.
Measure all the available space, including the area in front of the door and behind the appliance for connections, then check the instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
A tank means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need to fill it and find somewhere to drain the wastewater. A small capacity may also mean more frequent loads.
Compare the stated capacity with your everyday washing-up and check the drain hose route before choosing a countertop model.
The combination cooking models featured by Whirlpool bring together cooking functions, not dishwashing.
Choose your washing-up solution and the cooking functions you need separately, then check that everything will fit in your kitchen.
An installation that blocks existing ventilation or fails to meet the appliance’s clearance requirements could cause problems. Bosch specifically advises against placing a dishwasher under a freestanding hob.
Keep the property’s ventilation unobstructed and follow the instructions for each model. If you’re planning alterations in a rented property, check with your landlord before starting work.
Daan Tech’s Bob is a compact countertop dishwasher with a water tank.
The Bosch models considered here include slimline integrated and freestanding dishwashers, as well as a separate compact cooking appliance.
The Whirlpool models reviewed include a freestanding combination microwave and a compact built-in oven.
These models include tabletop dishwashers and freestanding cooking appliances. Choose a solution for each function you need, taking into account available space, water supply and installation clearances.
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Worth considering if you want to wash a small amount of washing-up without a fixed water supply. The product name states that it has a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles; you’ll also need a practical place to drain the wastewater.
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Its stated manual-fill option may suit you if you don’t have a dedicated water supply. The product name lists 7 programmes; before buying, check that your dishes will fit and work out how the wastewater will be drained.
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This freestanding cooking option may suit you if you’d rather keep your appliances separate. Check the space available and the ventilation clearances specified for this model; the fact that some containers are dishwasher-safe doesn’t mean the appliance can wash dishes.
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If you want a freestanding appliance that combines microwave and grill functions, compare its 20 L cavity with the size of your dishes. The product name states a power rating of 700 W; allow for the ventilation clearances required for installation and plan for a separate washing-up solution.
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If you’re looking for a freestanding microwave with a grill, compare its 25 L cavity with your dishes and the space available. The product name states a power rating of 900 W; also check the model’s ventilation clearances and plan for washing-up separately.
No. The tank means you don’t need a fixed water supply, but you’ll still need a socket, a stable surface and a way to drain the water. For the Bob, Daan Tech says wastewater must be carried through a hose to a sink or another suitable drain.
No. It combines cooking functions, not washing-up functions. The MWF259SG featured by Whirlpool combines microwave and grill functions, for example; you’ll need to choose a separate way to wash your dishes.
Compare the capacity, energy use in kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, eco programme duration and noise level, as advised by ADEME. Then check that the racks can hold the dishes and utensils you actually use.
Don’t block existing ventilation to make room for an appliance. Choose another location if necessary and follow the clearances in the instructions; if you’re renting, check with your landlord before making changes to the kitchenette.
No. In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual, as the Ministry of the Economy explains; an additional commercial warranty is separate.