Studio flat without a fixed water supply
You can fill a tank by hand, but you’ll also need a suitable way to drain the water. Daan Tech describes both water-supply options for its Bob model; check how the exact model you’re considering works.
Who are these formats for?
Small household that cooks often
A compact model with 6 place settings could handle larger loads if you have enough space and the necessary connections. Darty’s listing for the Comfee TD602E-W gives a width of 55 cm. Be sure to measure the depth too, as well as the space needed to open the door.
Small kitchen with floor space to spare
If you can set aside a permanent spot, compare slimline models with tabletop appliances too. Darty lists a 45 cm-wide Proline model with 10 place settings, for example; its height, depth and connections will need to suit your kitchen.
What should you check before choosing?
First, check where the appliance will go and how you’ll supply and drain the water. Capacity and energy label details can then help you compare models that can actually be installed in your home.
| What matters | What to check | What shoppers are looking for |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check the instructions for filling, the drain hose route and how it should be secured, as well as the required electrical supply. | Without a fixed water supply, I want to install the appliance without having to improvise a way to drain it. Around 31% of shoppers put connection requirements at the top of their list. |
| Load capacity | Compare the stated place settings with your largest plates and utensils. | If I cook often, a machine that’s too small could leave dishes waiting to be washed. Capacity is the top priority for around 25% of shoppers. |
| Space in the kitchen | Measure the width, depth and height, and allow room to open the door, whether you’re placing it on a worktop or on the floor. | In a kitchen where every surface is in use, I need to keep access to the sink and be able to open the door. Available space comes first for around 25% of shoppers. |
| Noise and usage indicators | For the exact model, compare the noise level, kWh per 100 cycles, water per cycle and Eco programme duration on its energy label. | In an open-plan living space, I want to know when to run a cycle and compare figures measured on the same basis. Around 19% of shoppers prioritise this kind of everyday convenience. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming no fixed water supply means no drainage is needed
Daan Tech says Bob can be filled using its tank, but it still needs a hose to drain the wastewater.
Find a suitable drainage point before you buy, then check the instructions for the permitted hose route and how to secure it.
-
Choosing based on place settings alone
Three or six place settings won’t tell you whether your plates, bowls and pans will fit in the rack.
Compare the dimensions accepted by the exact model with your bulkiest items. Daan Tech, for example, says Bob can accommodate plates up to 29 cm.
-
Forgetting to allow room to open the door
An appliance might fit on your worktop but still block access to the sink or a cupboard when its door is open.
Measure the space in every direction and check the clearance required in the instructions for your chosen model.
-
Comparing figures for different variants
Similar models can have different advertised specifications. A figure for a quick programme shouldn’t be confused with a standard Eco rating either.
Note down the full model number and compare the details on its energy label. ADEME, for example, shows energy use per 100 cycles and water use per standard cycle.
Brands to consider
Daan Tech
Bob is a worktop model worth considering if the main challenge is having no fixed water supply.
- According to Daan Tech, Bob can use either a tank or a mains water connection and holds 3 standard place settings.
- You’ll still need to arrange drainage using a hose. Check that its capacity suits your dishes too.
Comfee
The TD602E-W is an example of a 6-place-setting tabletop model for kitchens with enough space and the necessary connections.
- Darty’s listing for the TD602E-W gives a capacity of 6 place settings, a width of 55 cm and a height of 43.8 cm.
- Check the full model number and its energy label: these specifications don’t apply to every Comfee model.
Candy
The CP 6E51LS and CP 6E51LW are two 6-place-setting tabletop models to compare for a small kitchen.
- The idealo France comparison site lists a capacity of 6 place settings for these models.
- Before choosing a variant, check its instructions, energy label and connection requirements.
Brandt
The DFC6519S is a compact model with 6 place settings to consider if a width of around 55 cm suits your space.
- Darty’s page for the DFC6519S gives a width of 55 cm and a height of 43.8 cm.
- These dimensions are for this particular model. Check its instructions to make sure it can be installed in your chosen spot.
Tabletop dishwashers on Joybuy
These worktop models suit two different needs: smaller loads, with manual filling available on some models, or a stated capacity of 6 place settings with a water connection required. Before you buy, check drainage, available space and the electrical requirements for each one.
Image unavailable
AIRMSEN tabletop dishwasher, 5 L water tank
Worth considering if you want to fill the appliance without a fixed water supply. The product name lists a 5 L tank and 5+1 cycles. Make sure you have a safe way to drain the water and check the electrical requirements for the model on sale.
Image unavailable
COMFEE CDWMT305WD, white mini dishwasher
Designed for smaller loads on a worktop, this model is listed for 3 place settings, with 7 programmes and a tank that can be filled by hand. Check that your utensils fit in the rack and consult the instructions for drainage details.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, 6 place settings
Worth a look if you prefer a load of 6 place settings and have an accessible water supply. The product name lists 7 programmes; measure the space and check the water supply and drainage requirements in the instructions.
Image unavailable
Bob mini dishwasher, 3 place settings, metallic grey and white
At 34 cm wide, this tabletop model is designed for smaller loads and has a stated capacity of 3 place settings. Daan Tech describes Bob as having a water tank, but check the water supply method for the variant sold here: its listing describes a water connection.
Image unavailable
Comfee' CDWMTO201D(W), 5 L water tank, white
Worth considering if manual filling is important for your setup. The product name lists a 5 L water tank; check the internal capacity against your dishes, then confirm where the water drains and review the electrical requirements for this model.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a mini dishwasher without a fixed water supply?
Yes, if the model is designed to be filled using a tank. Daan Tech says Bob can be used this way, but it still needs a drain hose. Check the instructions for your chosen appliance to find out where and how to drain the wastewater.
Can you put a model with a water tank anywhere?
No. It needs a suitable surface, an electrical supply and drainage that meets the requirements in its instructions. Before choosing a spot on your worktop, allow enough space to open the door too.
What should you check about the electrical supply in France?
Check the appliance’s electrical requirements and your existing installation before plugging it in. Promotelec recommends a dedicated circuit for a dishwasher and advises against using a multiway adaptor. If the installation needs altering, ask a professional to assess it.
How can you compare water and energy use between two models?
Compare the energy labels for the exact models on a like-for-like basis. ADEME says energy use is shown in kWh per 100 standard cycles and water use in litres per standard cycle. Also check the capacity and the duration of the Eco programme.