Top 5 Best Countertop Dishwashers: Compact Solutions for Your Kitchen

Countertop dishwashers are small appliances that can be placed on a counter or table. Units can provide a hose to draw clean water from the kitchen faucet or utilize a water tank that you fill by hand (or both). They don’t entail any complicated installation, and they are easy to move. At the endриття

Why Choose a Countertop Dishwasher?

If you don’t have a dishwasher in your apartment, home, RV, or vacation place, consider a compact countertop model. They come in two sizes and styles. Countertop dishwashers are best reserved for cases where owning a built-in unit would be impractical. This most often applies in small kitchens or apartments. But if you have a small kitchen, you should consider whether it’s worth sacrificing counter space for a compact dishwasher. If you hate washing dishes by hand and can spare the workspace, a countertop dishwasher is a worthwhile investment. Consumers who own them say they save time and effort and even if you can’t fit all your dirty dishes and cookware inside, having one will cut down on the amount of time you spend washing by hand.

Top 5 Countertop Dishwashers

1. Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher

This compact model was able to clean over 96% of our test stains away, which is an excellent result—one of the best of the bunch, actually. With its extra drying option, this Danby dishwasher managed to do a great job removing excess water from dishes after a wash cycle. This is something most of the countertop dishwashers struggled with a digital display, and a sleek-looking exterior, the Danby DDW631SDB is a great compact countertop dishwasher that takes up a minimal space and can do the job right the first time. Compatible with most kitchen faucets, this six-place setting dishwasher by Danby is a favorite for its super quiet operation and, according to one reviewer, its ability to wash more difficult items like pots and pans. This energy-saving and single-rack dishwasher operates on low water consumption and features wash options ranging from intensive to soak. Buy on Amazon

2. Comfee’ Countertop Portable Dishwasher with 6L Built-in Water Tank

This small, compact machine was our top pick. It’s very easy to use, with no need to attach to a sink (though an included hose gives you that option). Instead, you pour about 1.5 gallons of water into its tank. It was the only model with a door that popped open at the end of the cycle, helping dishes air-dry. The Comfee countertop dishwasher can deliver sparklingly clean and bone-dry dishes in no time. (It took 130 minutes per cycle during my tests.) There’s a built-in UV light for extra sanitization and a variety of specialized settings for glassware, baby bottles, and more. This compact, single-shelf dishwasher by Comfee has six cleaning programs, including an extra drying mode, a sanitizing steam function and a normal mode that utilizes a 360-degree spray for thorough cleaning. Buy on Amazon

3. Black + Decker Compact Countertop Dishwasher (6 Place Setting)

Of these we slightly preferred the easy-grab handle and child-lock feature of the Black + Decker Compact Countertop Dishwasher (6 Place Setting). 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. Buy on Amazon

4. Hava R01 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. We noticed that dishes we cleaned in the Hava came out with fewer water spots than dishes washed in our standard dishwasher (with no hint of food debris either!). We used this dishwasher at home for three weeks, gently pre-rinsing dishes just like we do with our standard dishwasher, and it worked extremely well with all sorts of tableware, flatware, mugs, and glassware. The HAVA Countertop Dishwasher is a stylish and compact appliance perfect for those with limited space. Its sleek black LED touchscreen panel at the top makes it easy to use and understand. At just 50dB, it’s also one of the quietest dishwashers on the market, meaning you won’t be disturbed by the noise. Buy on Amazon

5. Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Countertop Dishwasher

For a dishwasher that you can (literally) use anywhere, you may want to take a look at this Farberware model. This small cube of a countertop dishwasher has a built-in, five-liter water reservoir, so it can run a wash cycle without monopolizing your sink’s faucet. It also makes it a good option for washing dishes while out camping, or on a road trip. The biggest upside of this countertop dishwasher is its cleaning power. The Farberware complete and ultra-compact countertop dishwasher has a 5-liter built-in water tank so it doesn’t require a faucet connection to operate. This washer can go essentially anywhere there’s a power source and a few liters of water; that means it works for car camping and RVs as well as it does for tiny apartments and dorms. Buy on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Countertop Dishwashers

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Countertop dishwashers offer a practical solution, even for those living in an apartment.
• They are significantly more efficient than trying to hand wash all of your dishes.
• Portable dishwashers can get your dishes just as clean as their built-in counterparts, and generally speaking, they’re just as user-friendly.
• Many countertop dishwashers are designed to occupy a somewhat permanent spot on your counter, which may deter some from the appliance. Enter portable models, such as this dishwasher from Novete.

Disadvantages

• Countertop models have smaller capacities than their full-size cousins and often need to be hooked up to a faucet to operate, keeping your kitchen sink largely off-limits while the machine runs.
• Their squat size prevents them from accommodating plates bigger than 10 inches in diameter (without tilting), taller dishes and glasses, and standard-size pots or pans, which we recommend washing by hand anyway.
• At just under 20 inches tall, it may not fit under all upper kitchen cabinets.
• The water hookup process was tricky, especially if you don’t have the right kind of kitchen faucet.

Testing Scenarios and Performance

Test Scenario 1: Cleaning Performance

On our cleaning tests, this compact model was able to clean over 96% of our test stains away, which is an excellent result—one of the best of the bunch, actually. To evaluate each model’s cleaning prowess, our testers apply a consistent amount of starchy goop to 12 white ceramic plates. (The recipe is a secret, but cocoa is involved.) Then they bake each plate until it’s crusty, load the plates into the dishwasher without prerinsing, and run the default cleaning cycle. Afterward, our imaging software compares before and after photos of each plate to precisely analyze how much gunk remains.

Test Scenario 2: Drying Performance

With its extra drying option, this Danby dishwasher managed to do a great job removing excess water from dishes after a wash cycle. This is something most of the countertop dishwashers struggled with. The Comfee countertop dishwasher can deliver sparklingly clean and bone-dry dishes in no time. (It took 130 minutes per cycle during my tests.)

Test Scenario 3: Noise Level

The larger models we tested were very quiet: We had to lean in and listen to check if they were running. Smaller models were a bit more “splashy” sounding: We measured one at 79.8 decibels during a normal cycle, a typical noise level for a dishwasher. By comparison, a larger model was only 60 decibels, equivalent to the sound level of normal conversation.

Buying Guide

Choosing the Right Size

Choosing the best countertop dishwasher is about what matters for your space and needs. Start with Size: If your household is more than two people or you cook a lot, pick a larger model. The roll-out dish racks in small machines were tiny: just 11½ by 13¼ inches (plus a petite, removable shelf). On larger models, dish racks were 18 by 19 inches (plus a long, narrow shelf and removable silverware basket). Small models also have spinning spray arms at the top inside, which shouldn’t be blocked from turning, meaning that plates larger than 10.5 inches might not fit, unless set at an angle.

Water Source Options

As mentioned previously, most countertop dishwashers hook up directly to your kitchen faucet during operation. However, there are some portable models with built-in water tanks, which allow them to be placed further away from a faucet. For this reason, I liked countertop dishwashers with built-in water tanks, as they were self-sufficient.

Maintenance Requirements

Don’t forget to consider the maintenance requirements of each countertop dishwasher. You may need to clean your dishwasher or change filters on a regular basis. Otherwise, you may end up with nasty smells or mold in your dishwasher. “Based on countless repairs and maintenance work I’ve conducted, I cannot stress enough the importance of regular upkeep,” Josh says. “To ensure longevity and efficiency, clean the filter frequently and ensure proper loading of dishes to avoid re-washing. Periodically run a cycle with a cup of white vinegar—with the machine empty—to clean out the interior and prevent odors.”

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. In theory, an Energy Star certified dishwasher can cost about $55 per year to run and save you about 3,850 gallons of water over the course of its service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can countertop dishwashers clean pots and pans?

Some models, like the Danby DDW631SDB, are capable of cleaning pots and pans, but capacity is limited. Larger items may require a separate wash cycle or hand-washing due to space constraints.

Do countertop dishwashers require special detergent?

Most countertop dishwashers use the same detergent as full-size models (powders, gels, or liquids). However, some brands caution against using pods for quick cycles, as they may not dissolve fully.

How much counter space do countertop dishwashers take up?

Most models measure around 17-22 inches wide, 17-22 inches deep, and 17-20 inches tall. Measure your counter space, leaving a few inches around the sides, back, and top for ventilation.

Are countertop dishwashers portable?

Yes, many models are portable, especially those with built-in water tanks, making them ideal for apartments, RVs, or camping. However, they still need a power source and a place to drain water.

Conclusion

Countertop dishwashers are a game-changer for small kitchens, apartments, or anyone looking to save time and effort on dishwashing. With options like the Danby DDW631SDB, Comfee’ 6L, Black + Decker, Hava R01, and Farberware FDW05ASBWHA, there’s a model to suit various needs and budgets. Consider your space, household size, and preferences for features like water tank versatility or Energy Star certification when choosing the best fit. For more insights on kitchen appliances, check out Consumer Reports Dishwasher Guide or Good Housekeeping’s Dishwasher Reviews.