In a small kitchen, start by considering the water supply available, how much space you can give the appliance and what you need to wash between cycles. A tank-fed model avoids the need for a fixed water connection, but you’ll need to fill it by hand and provide a way to drain the water. A connected countertop model is suitable if you have the worktop space and the necessary connections. A 45 cm model needs a permanent place on the floor. Whichever you choose, check that the basket fits your plates and utensils rather than relying on the place-setting capacity alone.
Back in 2021, UFC-Que Choisir described the needs of people living alone or as a couple who want to cut down on washing up by hand but don’t have room for a standard appliance. The connections available in your kitchen will help you decide which format to choose.
If you can’t connect a dishwasher to your water supply, a tank-fed model could suit smaller loads. You’ll still need a power socket, and you’ll have to fill the tank by hand and find a practical route for the drain hose. Daan Tech describes how this works with Bob.
A connected table-top appliance is worth considering if you have access to a water supply, a drain and a power socket. You’ll also need to set aside part of your worktop for it permanently. The CP 6E51LS featured by Candy France is an example of this format.
If a small basket fills up quickly, a slimline floor-standing appliance could give you a higher stated capacity. Check the available depth and height, as well as the connections. The 45 cm models described by Candy France and Beko France won’t be suitable if you don’t have a permanent space for one.
Consider it: if you don’t have a fixed water connection, but do have access to a power socket and a drain.
Be prepared to: fill the tank and wash a small load each cycle.
Consider it: if you have the necessary connections but no space for an appliance on the floor.
Be prepared to: give up some worktop space for the appliance.
Consider it: if you have a permanent space on the floor and the necessary connections.
Be prepared to: allow for greater installation depth and height than you would for a table-top model.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check the power socket, how the appliance gets its water and the route for the drain hose. A tank doesn’t remove the need for drainage. | If there’s no fixed water supply, I want to avoid a connection while still being able to fill and empty the appliance easily. This comes first for around 36% of consumers. |
| Load per cycle | Check the basket and the maximum plate diameter against your usual pans, glasses and utensils, rather than relying on the stated place-setting capacity alone. | If I cook regularly, I want my dishes to fit in the basket without having to run extra cycles or finish washing up by hand. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this usable capacity. |
| Space required | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow enough clearance to open the door. Also check how much preparation space will be left. | In a kitchenette, I need enough space to prepare meals or a suitable spot on the floor. Keeping this space is the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Detergent and maintenance | Check the manual for the exact model to find out about detergent, rinse aid, any salt needed and how to clean the filter. | For regular use, I’d like to know what filling and maintenance tasks to expect. These are the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
The tank replaces a fixed water supply, not the power socket or drainage. Daan Tech says Bob drains through a hose. If you can’t position the hose properly, using the appliance every day could be tricky.
Before ordering, check the hose length and how it should be secured in the manual, then measure the route to your sink or a suitable drain.
A stated capacity doesn’t tell you how much room your frying pans, containers or large glasses will take up. For example, Daan Tech lists Bob as holding 2 place settings under the European standard. That figure doesn’t replace checking the basket.
Make a list of what you’d typically wash in one load, then compare it with the loading layout and the maximum dimensions for the specific model you’re interested in.
Candy France gives the dimensions of the CP 6E51LS as 550 × 501 × 443 mm. Even if it fits on your worktop, it could leave too little clear space or get in the way when you open the door.
Measure the space it takes up with the door open, then check how much room you’ll have left for meal preparation.
Choosing a dishwasher isn’t just about loading the basket. UFC-Que Choisir points out that detergent, rinse aid and dishwasher salt may all be part of using an appliance, depending on the model.
Check the manual for compatible products, any water-softener settings and instructions for cleaning the filter.
Bob is a compact countertop model that can run using its integrated tank or a standard water connection.
The models featured by Candy France show two different installation options: a connected table-top appliance and a slimline floor-standing model.
The DVS05024X featured by Beko France is an example of a slimline freestanding dishwasher for a kitchen that already has space on the floor.
These models let you compare two options for a small kitchen: countertop dishwashers for smaller loads, including models that may not need a fixed water connection (check the specific model), and a table-top appliance that connects to your water supply and has a higher stated capacity. Compare the baskets and installation requirements before choosing.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance that doesn’t need a fixed connection to the water supply. Its product title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5 + 1 wash cycles. Check where the waste water will drain and whether the basket fits your usual dishes.
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For a small load on your worktop, Bob can use its tank or a water connection, according to Daan Tech. The manufacturer lists a capacity of 2 place settings under the European standard and plates up to 29 cm. Compare these details with the dishes you plan to wash, and allow for drainage via a hose.
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This table-top model could suit people who wash smaller loads and want to consider an appliance that can be used with or without a water connection. Its product title lists 3 place settings and 7 programmes. Check the manual for filling and drainage instructions, and see how much room the basket offers.
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Consider this model if you have a water connection and would like a table-top dishwasher with a higher stated capacity. Its product title lists 6 place settings and 7 programmes. Measure the available surface, check the connections and compare the basket with the utensils you use.
Yes, if the model supports this type of water supply. Daan Tech says Bob can use its integrated tank instead of a standard water connection. You’ll still need to fill the tank, plug in the appliance and direct its drain hose to a suitable outlet.
No: the Candy CP 6E51LS specifications state that it connects directly to the water supply. Before choosing a connected table-top model, also check that you have the power socket and drainage it needs.
The place-setting figure is a useful starting point, but the basket also needs to fit your plates, glasses and utensils. Daan Tech lists Bob as holding 2 place settings under the European standard; Candy France lists 6 for its table-top CP 6E51LS and 10 for its slimline CF0C7SB0FW. Compare each model’s loading layout with the dishes you use.
Use a suitable detergent and check the manual for information about rinse aid, dishwasher salt and cleaning the filter. UFC-Que Choisir includes these products among the things to consider; what you need will depend on the appliance and the hardness of your water.