Small homes without a usable fixed water supply
A model with a water tank could suit your needs if you can fill it and direct the waste water into a sink or suitable container. HAVA describes how this works for its R09.
Which format is right for you?
Individuals or couples with a water supply available
If you regularly run small loads, a plumbed-in countertop model could be a good fit, as long as you have enough room on the worktop and for the hoses. Candy France describes its CP 6E51LS as a six-place-setting countertop appliance with a direct water connection.
Small households with more washing-up to get through
If you can make space on the floor, a slimline freestanding model is worth considering for its capacity and loading layout. The Electrolux ESA63200SX is listed as having 10 place settings, but its product information rules out installation at height.
What should you check before choosing?
Without a built-in space, there are three installation options to consider: a countertop model supplied by a water tank, a plumbed-in countertop appliance or a slimline freestanding model installed on the floor. Then measure the entire space and check that the capacity suits how often you do the washing-up.
Mini model with a water tank
Consider this if: there’s no usable fixed water supply near the worktop; HAVA says this is an option for its R09.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill it by hand and drain the waste water. The R09 is listed as having 3 place settings.
Plumbed-in countertop model
Consider this if: you have access to a water supply and small, regular loads are enough for you; Candy France lists the CP 6E51LS as having 6 place settings.
Bear in mind: it needs a direct connection and enough space for the hoses.
Slimline freestanding model
Consider this if: you have space on the floor and want to wash more dishes at once; Electrolux lists the ESA63200SX as having 10 place settings.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to allow for the depth as well as the width; this model’s product information rules out installation at height.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply without a fixed connection | Check that the model has a water tank and that the drain hose can reach a sink or container. | I don’t have a usable water supply and want to avoid a permanent connection, even if that means filling the appliance and dealing with the waste water. Around 42% of consumers in this group would prioritise this. |
| Plumbed-in countertop model | Measure the available width, depth and height, then check the water supply and drainage requirements for the exact model. | For my regular small loads, I’d rather keep the appliance on the worktop if the connections are possible there. This would be the priority for around 33% of consumers in this group. |
| Capacity and floor space | Compare the stated place settings, overall dimensions, door clearance and installation restrictions. | The washing-up piles up between cycles, so I can set aside floor space for a larger capacity. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a compact model doesn’t need plumbing
The Candy CP 6E51LS sits on a worktop, but Candy France says it connects directly to the water supply. By contrast, HAVA describes its tank-based R09 as usable without fixed plumbing, although it still needs to drain waste water.
Check where your water supply, drain and power socket are before choosing between a tank and a direct connection.
A plumbed-in appliance may also need connection accessories or alterations to your kitchen, depending on the layout.
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Measuring the width and nothing else
Electrolux lists the ESA63200SX as measuring 850 × 446 × 615 mm and rules out installation at height. So a suitable width alone isn’t enough to confirm that it will fit.
Also measure the depth and height, allow room for the door to open and check where the hoses will go. Make sure you read the installation restrictions for the model you’re considering.
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Underestimating how much washing-up builds up between cycles
Stated capacities vary across these examples: 3 place settings for the HAVA R09, 6 for the Candy CP 6E51LS and 10 for the Electrolux ESA63200SX. Place settings don’t tell you whether there’s enough room for your utensils and pans, so check those too.
Compare what you need to fit in between washes with the basket layout of the exact model.
If the capacity is too small for your routine, you may find yourself loading and unloading the appliance more often.
Brands to consider by format
Candy
Candy France offers countertop dishwashers for smaller loads, as well as slimline freestanding models.
- The CP 6E51LS is listed as a six-place-setting countertop model with a direct connection to the water supply.
- The height details on its product information don’t match up. Check the installation guide for the correct measurements before deciding where to put it.
Electrolux
Electrolux France offers slimline freestanding models designed to stand on the floor.
- The ESA63200SX is listed as having 10 place settings, a width of 446 mm and a MaxiFlex basket.
- Its stated depth is 615 mm, and its product information rules out installation at height.
HAVA
HAVA offers mini countertop dishwashers with a water tank for spaces without a usable fixed water supply.
- HAVA says the R09 has a built-in 5 L water tank and works without fixed plumbing.
- HAVA lists this model as having 3 place settings and says the waste water must drain into a sink or container.
Countertop dishwashers on Joybuy
These countertop models are worth considering for smaller loads when you don’t have a built-in space. Some product titles mention a water tank or no plumbing connection. Before choosing, check how each appliance takes in water, how it drains and how much space it needs.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 5 L water tank
Worth a look if you want to run a countertop appliance without a direct water supply. The title lists a built-in 5 L water tank and 5+1 wash cycles. You’ll also need somewhere for the waste water to drain, and should check that you have enough clearance on your worktop.
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COMFEE CDWMT305WD mini countertop dishwasher, white
Worth considering for smaller loads on a worktop. The title lists 7 programmes and a 24-hour delay-start function. Check that the capacity suits your washing-up and that the drain hose can reach where it needs to go.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Weiss, six-place-setting countertop dishwasher
Worth a look if you want a six-place-setting countertop appliance and have access to a water supply. The title lists 7 programmes. Measure the space and check the connections and hose route before deciding if it’s right for you.
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AIRMSEN countertop dishwasher, 8 programmes
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a countertop model for smaller loads. The title lists 8 programmes and a built-in water softener. Check the water supply method, drainage and dimensions before deciding where to put it.
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GORGENOX DW5-D40A, three-place-setting countertop dishwasher
Worth considering for a small load if you have space on your worktop. The title lists a capacity of 3 place settings. Check the dimensions, water supply and drainage before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can a mini dishwasher work without a fixed water supply?
Yes, if the model is designed to be filled from a water tank. HAVA lists a 5 L tank for its R09, but says the waste water still needs to be directed through a hose into a sink or container.
Does a six-place-setting countertop dishwasher avoid the need for plumbing?
Not necessarily. Candy France says its six-place-setting CP 6E51LS countertop model connects directly to the water supply. Check the instructions for your chosen model to confirm how it drains, too.
Can you install a slimline dishwasher at height?
Not if its product information rules this out: Electrolux explicitly says the ESA63200SX cannot be installed at height. Check the restrictions for the exact model you’re considering, even if the width looks suitable.
What rights do you have in France if the appliance doesn’t conform to its description?
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity for goods is set out in Articles L217-3 to L217-20 of the Consumer Code, published by Légifrance. Keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller to make a claim. An additional commercial warranty does not replace these statutory rights.