In a small kitchen, start by considering the space available, the water supply and drainage. A model with a tank avoids the need for a permanent water connection, a plumbed-in countertop appliance works well near a sink, and a slimline model needs a low-level space. If you can't position and drain an appliance properly, hand washing is still an option. Then compare its capacity with the amount of washing-up you produce between cycles, rather than relying on the appliance's width alone.
A mini dishwasher with a tank can save you from needing a permanent water connection. You will still need to fill the tank, place the appliance on a suitable surface and direct its hose to a drain. Daan Tech makes this distinction for its Bob model.
If the water supply and drainage are accessible but you don't have floor space, compare plumbed-in countertop dishwashers. Candy France's CP 6E51LS is an example of this format, with a stated capacity of 6 place settings. Make sure its dimensions will fit your worktop.
A slimline dishwasher can hold more washing-up if you also have the necessary connections. Candy France offers models measuring 448 mm wide with a capacity of 10 place settings, either freestanding or fully integrated. Check the height and depth, and, for an integrated model, make sure it fits the available space.
First rule out any sizes that won't work with your setup, then compare capacity and usage information. If you can't find a suitable place for an appliance with an appropriate drainage option, stick with hand washing.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow room for the door to open. If you plan to place it at a height, check that the surface can support its weight: Daan Tech requires a support that can hold at least 25 kg for Bob in this position. | I want to leave enough room to prepare meals and open the appliance without blocking a cupboard or walkway. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check how the appliance gets its water, the route for the drain hose and where it will drain to. Daan Tech says Bob's tank removes the need for a permanent water supply, but not for wastewater drainage. | If a water supply isn't conveniently located, I can fill a tank, provided I can drain the water after the cycle. If the connections are accessible, I'd rather avoid filling it by hand. |
| Capacity | Compare the stated number of place settings with the plates and utensils you need to wash between cycles. Candy France lists a capacity of 6 place settings for its CP 6E51LS countertop model and 10 for its slimline CDPH 2D1047S and CDIH 2L1047 models. | If washing-up builds up quickly in my home, a small tub may mean running more frequent cycles; a larger tub also needs more space. |
| Energy use and noise | When the labels are available, compare capacity, kWh per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, Eco programme duration and noise on a like-for-like basis. ADEME states that the reference energy figure is given in kWh per 100 cycles. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters to me as much as the space the appliance takes up. I also want to compare consumption figures for the programme listed, rather than infer how it will perform from its energy rating alone. |
Filling the appliance by hand avoids the need for a permanent water supply, but wastewater still needs to drain out. Daan Tech supplies Bob with a drain hose.
Before buying, work out where the hose will go and check its length and how it can be secured for your planned setup.
A countertop appliance also takes up depth, while a slimline model may need almost the full height of a low-level space. For example, Candy France lists dimensions of 448 × 605 × 846 mm for its freestanding CDPH 2D1047S.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, then check that the door can open and that the surface is strong enough if the appliance will be raised.
Two appliances with the same rating can differ in capacity or reference consumption figures. ADEME gives electricity consumption in kWh per 100 cycles, for example.
Look at the energy and water figures, capacity, Eco programme duration and noise together, then choose based on how often you wash up.
These examples show different sizes to compare; they don't guarantee that the models featured below are available.
The brand describes Bob as a mini dishwasher that can use either a tank or a plumbed-in water supply.
Candy France offers both a countertop appliance and slimline models, designed for different types of space.
Bosch Home Appliances France offers the freestanding SPS2HKI58E, among other models. It can serve as a reference when measuring a low-level space.
These Joybuy options are countertop dishwashers for small kitchens. They don't include 45 cm slimline models or hand washing, so start by choosing a size that suits your space and connections.
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Worth considering if a permanent water supply is a problem: the product title lists a built-in 5 L tank and 5+1 wash cycles. Check the dimensions, the strength of the supporting surface and the drainage route in your kitchen.
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This countertop model lists 7 programmes and an automatic door-opening feature. Before choosing it for a studio flat, confirm the capacity in place settings, how it drains and the instructions in the manual for the CDWMT305WD.
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Consider this model if you want a capacity of 6 place settings on your worktop and have accessible connections. The product title lists 7 programmes; measure the space and check the water supply and drainage before choosing it.
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This countertop model lists 3 place settings, 7 programmes and the option to use it with or without a mains water connection. Check exactly how it is filled and drained, and how much space it needs, before planning your installation.
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This compact model lists 8 programmes and a built-in water softener. To check whether it suits your kitchen, confirm its dimensions and how it is filled and drained. The claim that it can be used without a connection doesn't explain these steps on its own.
It can work without a permanent water supply, but wastewater still needs to drain away. Daan Tech supplies Bob with a drain hose, so check that it can reach and connect to a suitable drain in your home.
Choose according to how much washing-up you produce between cycles and how much space you have. As examples for these particular models, Candy France lists 6 place settings for its CP 6E51LS countertop appliance and 10 for its slimline CDPH 2D1047S and CDIH 2L1047 models. These slimline models need a suitable low-level space.
Compare figures measured on the same basis, as well as each appliance's capacity. ADEME states that the reference energy figure is given in kWh per 100 cycles. Check the water used per cycle too, and don't compare these figures with those for a different wash programme.
Measure the appliance, allow for the door to open and check that the support can take its weight when the appliance is full. For an elevated installation of Bob, Daan Tech requires a support that can hold at least 25 kg. Check the route of the drain hose as well.
No. Don't assume it uses the same amount of energy as the reference cycle. Use the Eco programme figures to compare appliances on a like-for-like basis, then check the quick cycle's specifications separately if its duration matters to you.