In a small kitchen, a model with a water tank is best suited to situations where there’s no convenient water supply, provided a small load is enough for you and you have a way to drain the water. If you have the right connections and worktop space, a 6-place-setting compact model can handle a larger standard load. If you have a suitable floor space, a slimline 45 cm appliance is another option for larger loads. Measure the available space and check the connections required for your chosen model before ordering.
A model with a water tank means you don’t need a permanent connection to the water supply. You’ll still need a stable place for it, a way to fill the tank and somewhere to direct the waste water. Its small capacity is best suited to you if your plates and utensils fit in the load it can handle.
A plumbed-in, 6-place-setting compact model is worth considering if you have access to a water supply, drainage and a socket. Its stated capacity is greater than that of a 3-place-setting model, but it will take up worktop space permanently.
If small loads would mean running too many cycles, compare them with a slimline freestanding model. The 10-place-setting models listed by Candy France and Bosch Electroménager France measure around 45 cm wide, 60 cm deep and 85 cm high. Check the full space available and the connections, not just the width.
Start by considering the size of the load and the space available, then check how the appliance will be supplied with water and drained.
Consider this if: you don’t have a water supply and a small load suits your everyday washing-up.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to fill the tank and arrange drainage, even though there’s no connection to the water supply.
Consider this if: a 6-place-setting countertop model better suits the amount of washing-up you have, and you have access to the necessary connections.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to set aside worktop space and install the water supply and drainage specified in the manual.
Consider this if: your washing-up regularly exceeds the capacity of a small tub and you have floor space available.
Bear in mind: you’ll also need to allow for the depth, height and connections of a floor-standing appliance.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the stated capacity of 3, 6 or 10 place settings with the plates, glasses and utensils you use. Check the maximum size of larger items and the layout of the racks in the exact model you’re considering. | I want to wash my usual dishes without having to run lots of cycles or always leave the pans out. |
| Space | Measure the width, depth and height, then allow enough room to open the door and route the hoses. According to the product specifications from Daan Tech and Candy France, the countertop models listed range from Bob at 34 × 49 × 49 cm to the Candy CP 6E51LS at 550 × 501 × 443 mm. | I need to keep my worktop usable. If I can make floor space available for the appliance, I can also consider a 45 cm model. |
| Water supply and drainage | Check whether the model fills from a tank or connects to the water supply. In either case, check the drainage route and which connections are permitted in the manual. | Without an accessible water supply, I can fill a tank, but I’ll still need a stable way to drain the water. |
| Electrical supply | Check the socket and electrical installation required for a dishwasher. Legrand states that NF C 15-100 provides for a dedicated circuit protected by a circuit breaker rated at no more than 20 A. If you’re unsure, have the installation checked. | I’d rather sort out the electrical connection before choosing the appliance’s permanent position. |
| Cycles and consumption | Check which programme the stated cycle time, water use and energy consumption relate to. Don’t compare figures for a quick cycle with those for an Eco cycle as if they describe the same use. | I want to compare programmes that reflect the loads I’ll actually run, based on how often I do the washing-up. |
A water tank replaces the connection to the water supply, but not the electrical connection or drainage. A poorly positioned drain hose can cause a leak or overflow.
Before buying, decide where the appliance will go and check the route the hose will take to the sink or drainage point, following the manual.
A stated capacity in place settings doesn’t guarantee that your large plates, tall glasses and pans will all fit in the rack at once.
Measure the items you wash most often and compare them with the maximum dimensions and tub layout of the model you’re considering.
A figure for a quick cycle and one for an Eco cycle don’t describe the same conditions of use.
Make a note of the programme linked to each water, energy and cycle-time figure before comparing two product specifications.
These models illustrate different formats; their specifications don’t apply to every model from each brand.
With Bob, Daan Tech offers a countertop appliance that can use either its built-in tank or a water supply connection.
Two models from Candy France let you compare a countertop appliance with a slimline freestanding one.
The SPS2HMI02E is a useful example of a slimline freestanding dishwasher rather than a countertop model.
These Joybuy options are countertop dishwashers for small kitchens. They include models described as having a water tank, as well as a 6-place-setting model to consider if the connections are suitable. Check the available space and drainage requirements for each one.
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The built-in tank is worth considering if a permanent water supply isn’t practical. The title lists 5 + 1 wash cycles; check that your plates will fit in the tub and that you can route the drain to the intended point.
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Its stated capacity of 3 place settings is designed for small loads, provided your usual items fit in the rack. The title lists 7 programmes and a D energy rating; check the manual for how to drain the tank.
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Its stated capacity of 3 place settings is worth considering if you’re happy to wash small loads. The title lists 7 programmes and says it can be used with or without a water connection; measure the space and check the manual for how to set up the drainage.
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Compare its stated capacity of 6 place settings with the amount of washing-up you have if 3 place settings would be too restrictive. The title lists 7 programmes and a D energy rating; check the space required and make sure the water supply and drainage connections are compatible.
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It’s worth comparing this countertop model with the space you have available. The title lists 8 programmes and a built-in water softener; before choosing it, check its dimensions, how it takes in water and the route for draining it.
It can work without a connection to the water supply, but it still needs drainage. Daan Tech says Bob can run from its tank or a water supply connection; before choosing where to put it, plan a drainage route that follows the manual.
A 3-place-setting model may be enough if your everyday dishes fit in the tub and you’re happy with the number of cycles that entails. If you often wash more items or larger utensils, compare the rack in a 6-place-setting compact model, then consider a 10-place-setting 45 cm model if you have space to install it.
Before buying, check the water supply, drainage, electrical socket and available space. Electro Dépôt’s installation guide highlights these three connections; then check the model’s manual for the permitted connections and hose route.
Legrand states that the NF C 15-100 standard provides for a dedicated dishwasher circuit protected by a circuit breaker rated at no more than 20 A. If you’re unsure about your installation or need a new circuit, ask an electrician to check it.
Yes, if you buy the dishwasher as a private individual from a professional seller. The French Ministry of the Economy states that this statutory guarantee covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Keep your receipt and the model description so you can provide details if the product doesn’t conform to its description.