Living alone or as a couple with limited space
A tabletop appliance can save you from having to set aside 45 or 60 cm of floor space. However, compare the stated capacity with the plates, glasses and utensils you usually wash.
Which size is right for you?
The size of your household matters, but the space available and access to water also determine which format will work for you.
Living somewhere without a fixed water supply
A model with a water tank may suit you if you can fill it by hand. You’ll also need to plan for its electricity supply and a suitable route for draining the waste water.
Small household with 45 cm of floor space
A slimline freestanding dishwasher is worth considering if a tabletop model can’t fit your everyday dishes. Que Choisir says 45 cm freestanding models generally hold 9 to 10 place settings. However, they need a suitable space and the right connections.
What should you check before choosing?
Mini model with a water tank
Consider this if: there’s no fixed water supply nearby and a small load is enough.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill the tank and drain the water through a hose. Daan Tech describes both requirements for its Bob model.
Compact model with 6 place settings
Consider this if: you have space on your worktop near the connections and six place settings suit your usual loads.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to set aside a stable surface and check that your larger items really do fit in the racks.
45 cm freestanding model
Consider this if: you have floor space and regularly wash more dishes than a tabletop model can hold.
Bear in mind: you’ll need suitable water, drainage and electricity connections, as well as enough depth.
| What to consider | What to check | What suits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height of the space you have in mind. Allow room to open the door and, for a tabletop appliance, make sure you have a stable surface to put it on. | I want to be able to open the door without blocking the way or losing all the useful space on my worktop. |
| Connections | According to Electro Dépôt, a conventional dishwasher needs a water supply, a drain and an electricity supply. For a model with a tank, check how it’s filled and where the drain hose will go. Enedis recommends a dedicated circuit with its own protective device for a dishwasher. | If there’s no fixed water supply nearby, I could consider a tank model, but I still need somewhere to drain the waste water and a suitable electrical connection. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the number of place settings with the maximum plate diameter, available height and rack layout. Que Choisir says 45 cm freestanding models generally hold 9 or 10 place settings. | If my pans or large plates quickly fill the rack, the stated number of place settings isn’t enough to make a decision. |
| Energy use and noise | On the energy label, compare figures based on the same reference cycle: ADEME explains that energy use is shown in kWh per 100 cycles and water use in litres per cycle. Also check the noise level listed for each model. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen. If I use the appliance often, I also want to compare water and electricity use on a like-for-like basis. |
What installation mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming “no water supply” means “no drainage”
The tank replaces a fixed water supply, not the drain. Daan Tech says waste water from Bob leaves through a hose.
Check where the hose will drain before you buy, and make sure the appliance can sit flat on a stable surface.
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Relying on the number of place settings alone
A capacity of six place settings doesn’t guarantee that your large plates or pans will fit in the rack at the same time.
Compare the dimensions of your dishes with the maximum plate diameter and the interior layout of the exact model.
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Assuming an existing socket will be suitable
A small appliance still needs the right electrical supply. Enedis says a dishwasher needs a dedicated circuit and its own protective device.
Have the intended circuit checked before installation, particularly if you’re planning to create a new space for the appliance.
Which models show the different formats?
These examples highlight different installation requirements. The features mentioned apply to the specific models listed, not every appliance from each brand.
Daan Tech
The brand describes Bob as a mini dishwasher designed to fit into a small space.
- Daan Tech gives Bob a width of 34 cm and a 3,9 L tank, allowing it to run without a fixed water supply.
- Bob still needs a drain hose, and its small capacity should be compared with your household’s washing-up needs.
Valberg
The 6S47 D WAD929C V2 is an example of a compact tabletop dishwasher, which Electro Dépôt recommends for someone living alone or a couple without children.
- Electro Dépôt lists this model as having a capacity of 6 place settings.
- Before choosing a tabletop appliance, check how much space you have and whether there’s room for your bulkiest dishes.
Bosch
The SPS2HMI02E is an example of a slimline freestanding model for a kitchen with floor space available.
- Bosch lists dimensions of 845 × 450 × 600 mm and water use of 8,9 L per cycle for this model.
- You’ll need to allow for its depth and connections. Its 45 cm width alone doesn’t guarantee it will fit under a worktop.
Tabletop dishwashers available on Joybuy
These tabletop models offer different capacities and water-supply options. Check their dimensions, drainage requirements and your electrical installation before choosing. This selection of tabletop appliances doesn’t replace considering a 45 cm freestanding model if you have floor space available.
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Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W), white tabletop dishwasher
Worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance for a small kitchen and would prefer a water tank to a fixed water supply.
The product name lists a 5 L tank, 6+3 programmes and a D energy rating. Check the available space, drainage and the size of the items you want to wash.
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AIRMSEN, 37 cm tabletop dishwasher with 5 L tank
Its stated width of 37 cm could be useful if your worktop space is limited.
The product name lists 9 programmes and a D energy rating. The descriptions give a depth of 50 and 51 cm, so confirm this measurement before planning where to put it. Also check the drainage arrangements and, if you choose the tap connection, which accessories you’ll need.
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AIRMSEN, tabletop dishwasher with glass door and 5 L tank
The stated tank means you could use this model without a fixed water supply nearby.
The product name lists 5+1 cycles and a tempered glass door. Check where the waste water will drain, how much room the door needs to open and whether the rack suits your dishes.
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Heinrich's HTG 8840 Weiss, tabletop dishwasher with 6 place settings
Worth a look if you’re after six place settings on your worktop and have the necessary connections.
The product name lists 7 programmes and a D energy rating. Measure the space, check the maximum plate diameter and confirm that the water supply and drain are nearby.
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Bob, 34 cm mini dishwasher with 3 place settings, metallic grey and white
This smaller capacity may suit you if your usual loads are light and you have room for the appliance on your worktop.
The product name lists a width of 34 cm and 3 place settings. For this specific listing, check how it’s supplied with water and how it drains before relying on tank operation. Also check the maximum plate size.
Frequently asked questions
Will a mini dishwasher with a water tank work without connections?
No. The tank removes the need for a fixed water supply, but you’ll still have to fill it and drain the waste water. Daan Tech says its Bob model uses a 3,9 L tank and a drain hose. Check the requirements for the specific model you’re considering.
What connections does a standard compact or 45 cm dishwasher need?
According to Electro Dépôt, a conventional dishwasher needs a water supply, a drain and an electricity supply. Check where these are in relation to your chosen spot and make sure the hoses can reach before installation.
Is an existing kitchen socket enough for a dishwasher?
Don’t assume it is. Enedis says a dishwasher needs a dedicated circuit and its own protective device. If you’re unsure whether your planned installation meets these requirements, have it checked.
Can a 45 cm freestanding model be installed under a worktop?
It depends on the available height and the model. Before choosing a 45 cm freestanding dishwasher, check its exact dimensions and whether the manual allows the top to be removed for under-worktop installation.