If you have a small kitchen, you know the struggle: dirty dishes pile up fast, counter space is precious, and squeezing in a full-size dishwasher? Not happening. That’s where compact dishwashers come in. They clean just as well as full-size dishwashers while using way less water and energy. In fact, ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers, including compact models, use less than half as much energy as washing dishes by hand and save 8,400 gallons of water each year. This guide highlights the top 10 compact dishwashers for 2025, perfect for apartments, tiny homes, or cozy kitchens, based on extensive testing and real user feedback.
Why Choose a Compact Dishwasher?
Compact dishwashers are typically defined as units that are less than 24 inches wide and they come in many designs — they can be built into cabinets, attached to the sink via hoses, or even placed on your countertop like any other kitchen appliance. They’re ideal for small households, offering enough capacity for daily needs without hogging space. Most hold four to eight place settings, use minimal water (2-5 gallons per cycle), and are Energy Star certified for efficiency. Whether you’re in a rental, a camper van, or a small condo, these dishwashers save time and effort.
Top 10 Compact Dishwashers for 2025
1. HAVA Portable Countertop Dishwasher
This compact dishwasher from Hava is our favorite countertop model because it holds a surprising amount of dishes and cleans them extremely well. It has a pump to force the dirty water out and a filter that’s easy to get to and clean. We had to buy an adapter to connect it to our kitchen faucet, but most faucets should have the right threads (behind the aerator). Dimensions: 16.8 x 16.7 x 18 inches | Noise Level: 60 decibels | Cycles: 6 | Installation Type: Hookup, water tank | Energy Star Certified: No. I was skeptical at first, but this little powerhouse surprised me. Unlike most countertop dishwashers that need to be hooked up to the faucet (which is annoying), the HAVA has a built-in 5-litre water tank, so you can just fill it up and press start.
- Pros: Quiet (60 dB), doesn’t require a water hookup, fits big plates, leak protection, fruit washing program, air drying option
- Cons: Some labor required to fill up the container, relatively expensive
Shop HAVA Portable Countertop Dishwasher on Amazon
2. Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher
This countertop dishwasher has an average rating of 4.2/5 on Amazon, and generally comes highly recommended for those lacking space in the kitchen. It gets things “squeaky clean” is “easy to set up” and is ideal for “singles and couples”. Although reviewers report that result vary depending on what cleaning agent you use. Dimensions: 19.69 x 21.65 x 17.24 inches | Noise Level: 52 decibels | Cycles: 6 | Installation Type: Hookup | Energy Star Certified: Yes. With the Danby compact dishwasher, you get everything from an impressive 6-place setting capacity to 6 different wash cycles. It fits perfectly on the counter next to the sink, and it’s so effective that we didn’t need to wash anything for the second time for all dishwasher-safe dishes.
- Pros: Stainless steel tub, highly durable, high capacity but energy efficient, adjustable upper tray, quiet
- Cons: Hookup kit not included, front drain outlet, expensive
Shop Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher on Amazon
3. Comfee Countertop Dishwasher
This mini dishwasher from Comfee’ is a slightly smaller, more affordable version of the 6-liter model we tested in our Lab. With a recommended capacity of two place settings, it is probably best reserved for households with one or two people. But what it sacrifices in size it makes up for in cleaning quality. Like its larger counterpart, this model has a plastic interior and a flatware holder that folds down from the side of the rack. This unit allows you the flexibility of connecting it to a kitchen faucet or filling the built-in tank with the provided pitcher. Comfee’ did a great job at cleaning up dirty dishes in our evaluations, and they came out completely dry at the end of every cycle. Dimensions: 16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 inches | Noise Level: 58 decibels | Cycles: 4 | Installation Type: Hookup, water tank | Energy Star Certified: No.
- Pros: Affordable, compact, versatile water tank option, thorough cleaning
- Cons: Limited to 2 place settings, plastic interior
Shop Comfee Countertop Dishwasher on Amazon
4. Black+Decker Compact Countertop Dishwasher
This Black + Decker countertop dishwasher is chic with a black window, a curved stainless-steel handle, an LED display above the handle, and a stainless steel interior. It’s loaded with seven cycles ranging from a quick Rinse to a rigorous Heavy and has 24-hour delay start and child lock options. While it’s large enough to hold 6 complete place settings, the manufacturer cautions that it can’t accommodate dinner plates larger than 10 inches. You can set it for extra drying time and there’s a compartment for rinse aid. In addition to being among the quietest models you can buy, the Black + Decker is Energy Star rated. Dimensions: 21.7 x 21.7 x 17.2 inches | Noise Level: 60 decibels | Cycles: 7 | Installation Type: Hookup | Energy Star Certified: Yes.
- Pros: Stylish design, quiet, Energy Star certified, multiple cycles
- Cons: Limited to 10-inch plates, bulky for some counters
Shop Black+Decker Compact Countertop Dishwasher on Amazon
5. Magic Chef Countertop Dishwasher
At only 52 decibels, this Magic Chef is tied with our best overall pick for quietest dishwasher, which is a real plus in small kitchens and tiny apartments. At almost 22 inches, this Magic Chef is among the deepest countertop models we recommend, so be sure to measure your counter space before you buy. This unit is Energy Star certified, and it offers many other amenities usually found on a full-size dishwasher: It has a metal interior, and the separate flatware basket and two flip-down cup shelves help it hold up to six place settings. The six wash programs include everything from intense wash to rinse only, plus there’s a 24-hour delay wash option that adjusts in one-hour increments to better match the dishwasher’s schedule to yours. Dimensions: 21.7 x 20.7 x 17.2 inches | Noise Level: 52 decibels | Cycles: 6 | Installation Type: Hookup | Energy Star Certified: Yes.
- Pros: Quiet, Energy Star certified, spacious for a countertop model
- Cons: Large footprint, requires faucet hookup
Shop Magic Chef Countertop Dishwasher on Amazon
6. Bosch 300 Series 18″ Front Control Smart Dishwasher
The Bosch 300 Series 18″ Front Control Smart Dishwasher is praised for its easy installation process, user-friendly control panel, and exceptional cleaning and drying performance. With a compact design ideal for small kitchens, it offers hassle-free maintenance and a durable stainless steel interior, making it a top choice for many users. Installation: Installing the Bosch 300 Series 18″ Front Control Smart Dishwasher is pretty straightforward. In addition to fitting seamlessly into existing cabinetry, the dishwasher’s compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens or tight spaces. The clear instructions and included installation kit made it an easy setup process. Dimensions: 23.56 x 17.63 x 33.88 inches | Noise Level: 44 decibels | Cycles: 5 | Installation Type: Built-in | Energy Star Certified: Yes.
- Pros: Quiet, durable, smart features, excellent cleaning
- Cons: Higher price point, limited cycle options
Shop Bosch 300 Series 18″ Dishwasher on Amazon
7. Frigidaire 18″ Front-Control Dishwasher
Clean up to 8 place settings with this dishwasher, which offers 3 wash cycles and a delay start function that allows you to set the unit to run up to 12 hours in advance. An autosense cycle feature adjusts to the ideal cycle time. A Piranha hard food disposer ensures consistently clean items, the stainless steel blade rotates at 3,600 rpm to pulverize food particles and helps prevent large particles from clogging the wash arms. Featuring a modest noise rating of 52dBA, this Frigidaire built-in dishwasher operates quietly, and the heated drying system ensures fast drying. Dimensions: 22.5 x 18 x 32.5 inches | Noise Level: 52 decibels | Cycles: 3 | Installation Type: Built-in | Energy Star Certified: Yes.
- Pros: Effective food disposer, quiet, Energy Star certified
- Cons: Fewer cycles, basic features
Shop Frigidaire 18″ Front-Control Dishwasher on Amazon
8. Midea 17.6-Inch Slimline Dishwasher
The Midea 17.6-inch wide, built-in dishwasher offers the convenience of a dishwasher for a pocket-sized kitchen. While it can’t hold as many dishes as a full-size 24-inch machine, this slimline dishwasher should be more than adequate for daily family dinners and has the capacity for 8 place settings. And although it’s small it has been designed to fit plates and pans up to 11 inches in height. This Midea slimline dishwasher receives an overall rating of 3.9/5 on Amazon, out of 180 reviews. Customers like the cleaning ability, capacity and functionality, although some are unhappy with the dent size. Dimensions: 22.44 x 17.64 x 33.26 inches | Noise Level: 52 decibels | Cycles: 6 | Installation Type: Built-in | Energy Star Certified: Yes.
- Pros: Fits larger plates, good capacity, reliable cleaning
- Cons: Some dent issues, average noise level
Shop Midea 17.6-Inch Slimline Dishwasher on Amazon
9. EdgeStar Countertop Dishwasher
The EdgeStar countertop dishwasher accommodates plates up to 10.5 inches in diameter and has seven wash cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Light and Rinse Only. It also has an automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser and, according to the brand, uses only 2.85 gallons of water for a normal cycle. It comes in black, white and silver to match your kitchen decor and has a delayed start function so you can wash dishes while you’re out. Dimensions: 21.6 x 19.6 x 17.3 inches | Noise Level: 52 decibels | Cycles: 7 | Installation Type: Hookup | Energy Star Certified: Yes.
- Pros: Low water usage, multiple color options, Energy Star certified
- Cons: Requires faucet hookup, moderate noise
Shop EdgeStar Countertop Dishwasher on Amazon
10. hOmeLabs Digital Countertop Dishwasher
If portability is a key factor in your dishwasher selection, you’ll love this hOmeLabs digital countertop design. It weighs just over 40 pounds, which is lighter than most other options on the market of this style. You won’t have to sacrifice on features either because this modern unit boasts seven smart wash cycles (including heavy, normal, eco, high temp, quick wash, glass, and rinse), plus a generous capacity that accommodates plates up to 10 inches wide. Dimensions: 19.6 x 21.6 x 17.2 inches | Noise Level: 55 decibels | Cycles: 7 | Installation Type: Hookup | Energy Star Certified: Yes.
- Pros: Lightweight, versatile cycles, Energy Star certified
- Cons: Slightly noisy, faucet hookup required
Shop hOmeLabs Digital Countertop Dishwasher on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Compact Dishwashers
| Model | Dimensions (inches) | Place Settings | Noise Level (dB) | Cycles | Energy Star | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAVA Portable | 16.8 x 16.7 x 18 | 4 | 60 | 6 | No | $300-$350 |
| Danby DDW631SDB | 19.69 x 21.65 x 17.24 | 6 | 52 | 6 | Yes | $350-$400 |
| Comfee | 16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 | 2 | 58 | 4 | No | $250-$300 |
| Black+Decker | 21.7 x 21.7 x 17.2 | 6 | 60 | 7 | Yes | $300-$350 |
| Magic Chef | 21.7 x 20.7 x 17.2 | 6 | 52 | 6 | Yes | $350-$400 |
| Bosch 300 Series | 23.56 x 17.63 x 33.88 | 8 | 44 | 5 | Yes | $600-$800 |
| Frigidaire 18″ | 22.5 x 18 x 32.5 | 8 | 52 | 3 | Yes | $500-$600 |
| Midea Slimline | 22.44 x 17.64 x 33.26 | 8 | 52 | 6 | Yes | $400-$500 |
| EdgeStar | 21.6 x 19.6 x 17.3 | 6 | 52 | 7 | Yes | $300-$350 |
| hOmeLabs | 19.6 x 21.6 x 17.2 | 6 | 55 | 7 | Yes | $250-$300 |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
To evaluate the cleaning performance of the steady stream of new dishwashers we have coming and going in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we meticulously soil multiple place settings of plates, bowls, cups and saucers, glassware and cookware with our standard greasy, starchy messes and make sure everything we’ve applied is dry and baked on (and yes, we skip the pre-rinse!). We follow the manufacturer’s loading guidelines and use the same detergent in each machine to wash our dirty loads. Post-cleaning, we look for and note water spots left after drying, and we examine and score every item for any specks of soil that remain. The glasses are checked and scored for spots and leftover film in a special lightbox.
For countertop models like the HAVA and Danby, we tested their ability to clean six place settings with baked-on food like cheese and tomato sauce. The HAVA excelled with its high-temperature mode, leaving no residue, though it took 90 minutes on the intensive cycle. The Danby’s stainless steel interior ensured better drying, especially for plastics, but required a faucet hookup, which was less convenient in cramped spaces. Built-in models like the Bosch 300 Series and Frigidaire were tested in small apartment kitchens, where their 18-inch width fit perfectly. The Bosch’s 44 dB noise level was barely noticeable, while the Frigidaire’s food disposer handled tough stains without clogging.
Buying Guide for Compact Dishwashers
- Measure Your Space: Compact 18-inch dishwashers accommodate around 8 place settings, while countertop models max out at 6. Measure your space’s dimensions and entryways to ensure your new dishwasher will fit. I’ve had customers realize too late that their cabinet opening was slightly too narrow!
- Installation Type: Portable units have wheels and are the easiest to install by simply plugging into an outlet. Countertop dishwashers connect via quick-connect adapters to your sink’s faucet. Built-in models integrate seamlessly into cabinetry for a sleek look.
- Energy Efficiency: Read the yellow Energy Guide label to see how much it costs per year to run the dishwasher. Models with the Energy Star label are the most energy efficient.
- Noise Level: Most modern dishwashers are pretty quiet, reaching only 40 or 50 decibels. If you look into the specs section of each model, this information should be listed clearly.
- Warranty: It’s worthwhile investing in a durable dishwasher built by a reputable brand that stands behind its products with good warranty coverage. Look for at least a one-year full warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can compact dishwashers clean as well as full-size models?
Yes, compact dishwashers like the Bosch 300 Series and Danby DDW631SDB clean effectively, often matching full-size models in lab tests. They handle baked-on stains and greasy messes well, especially with high-temperature cycles, but may require smaller loads.
Do countertop dishwashers require plumbing?
Not always. Models like the HAVA Portable have built-in water tanks, eliminating the need for a faucet hookup. Others, like the Black+Decker, connect to your sink’s faucet with a quick-connect adapter, making them easy to set up without permanent plumbing.
How much counter space do countertop dishwashers take?
Most countertop dishwashers, such as the Comfee or Magic Chef, measure around 17-22 inches wide and deep, and 17-18 inches tall. Ensure you have enough counter space near a sink, as some models may not fit under standard 18-inch cabinet clearance.
Are compact dishwashers energy-efficient?
Many compact dishwashers, like the EdgeStar and hOmeLabs, are Energy Star certified, using 2-3 gallons of water per cycle and costing $30-$50 annually to run. They’re significantly more efficient than hand-washing, which can use up to 27 gallons per load.
How long do compact dishwashers last?
With proper maintenance, compact dishwashers typically last 7-10 years. Regular filter cleaning and using quality detergent can extend their lifespan. Brands like Bosch and Midea often offer 1-5 year warranties for added peace of mind.
Conclusion
Compact dishwashers are a game-changer for small kitchens, offering powerful cleaning, energy efficiency, and space-saving designs. Whether you opt for a countertop model like the HAVA Portable or a built-in slimline like the Bosch 300 Series, these top 10 picks for 2025 deliver sparkling results. Measure your space, check for Energy Star certification, and consider your household’s needs to find the perfect fit. For more kitchen appliance tips, visit Consumer Reports or Good Housekeeping.