Tired of hand-washing dishes after every meal? Do you dream of sparkly clean plates without the endless scrubbing? You’re not alone! Many people face the same dilemma, especially when a full-sized dishwasher just won’t fit.
Counter top dishwashers seem like a perfect solution for small kitchens or apartments. But when you start looking, the choices can feel overwhelming. Which one cleans best? How much space do they really take up? And are they worth the money? These questions can make choosing feel like a chore itself.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best features, compare popular models, and give you the facts you need. By the end, you will know exactly which counter top dishwasher fits your life and budget.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect compact cleaning machine for your kitchen!
Top Counter Top Dishwasher Recommendations
No. 1
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, Black
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and has a plate size of up to 10 inches in diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- Simple Installation- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Depending on your needs, it can be flexibly placed on the table or fitted in the cupboard.
- 8 Washing Cycles- Most of the cleaning cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, helped with extra-drying function, and deliver sparklingly cleaned and dried dishes. Three more cleaning options, including Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse, are designed for COMFEE' compact dishwasher, providing high flexibility for you to choose in different situations.
- Heavy Program- Heavily soiled dishes are cleaned evenly with 12 washing nozzles, accompanied with 360° spiral spray wash to ensure complete washing of all the dishes from all angles. Also, high water temperature, which is up to 154℉, together with high water pressure, offer you the best cleaning towards the most stubborn stains.
- Speed Program- Only takes you 45 minutes to get all dishes cleaned, perfect for hurry-up situations, like holding a multi-round party. Accompanied with Energy Star compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.
No. 2
COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 1.32Gal Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 162℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function
- Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" No installation needed: Adding water manually with the water filling guide included in the 1.32Gal built-in water tank, you can put the dishwasher in any suitable place without connecting to tap water. Or it can be hooked to the kitchen faucet directly with the included water hose (Adapter included).Water pressure : 0.04 - 1.0MPa.
- Ultra-compact Design: The ultra-compact design allows the dishwasher to wash 30+ items（Max to 9.5-inch plates) at a time while occupying a small area, which is ideal for small houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.
- 6 Program Options: NORMAL, RAPID, HYGIENE, FRUIT, GLASS washing programs, and AIR REFRESH extra drying mode meet all your daily needs. Note: Use the standard dishwasher powders or detergents because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems. (No detergent is needed for the FRUIT program, and RAPID just needs half of the standard quantity. )
- High-Temp Hygiene: The Hygiene cycle heats the water up to 162℉, making it great for really dirty dishes and even safe for cleaning your little one's dinnerware.
- Extra Drying & Freshness: The Air Refresh mode circulates air to keep both your dishes and the machine dry and fresh. It helps remove moisture and odors, and if you don't need it, you can turn it off anytime.
No. 3
COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher, Portable Dishwasher with 6L Built-in Water Tank, Mini Dishwasher with More Space Inside, 7 Programs, UV Hygiene& Auto Door Open, for Apartments, Dorms& RVs, White
- [ No installation needed ]: Adding water manually in the upgraded 6 Liter built-in water tank, you can put the dishwasher in any suitable place without connecting to tap water. Or it can be hooked to the kitchen faucet directly with the included quick connect water hose (Adapter included).
- [ Upgraded Space Design ]: The Miniplus has a larger capacity inside than a normal mini dishwasher, which allows you to load a 10.5-inch plate at a time while occupying a very small area, which is ideal for small houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.
- [ 5+2 Program Options ]: 5 Washing programs: NORMAL, RAPID, HYGIENE, FRUIT, GLASS, which meets all your daily cleaning needs. Equipped with 2 enhanced functions: AUTO-OPEN provides effective drying performance; UV Hygiene Program ensures there will be no food particles left behind.
- [ 192 ℉ High-Temp Hygiene ]: The Hygiene wash cycle boosts water temperature to 162 ℉ Rinsing and Max to 192 ℉ which can tackle heavily soiled dishes and is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children’s dinner sets.
- [ AUTO-OPEN & FAN ENHANCE DRYING ]: The door opens automatically at the end of each cycle, and the extra built-in turbofan lets out the steam and essentially helps your dishes dry quicker, delivering cabinet-ready dishes even faster.
No. 4
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher, 8 Wash Programs NEW Upgraded Model Portable Dishwasher with Child Lock & Delayed Start Function, 5L Water Tank for Apartments, Dorms, and RVs - No Hookup Needed
- 8 WASH CYCLE OPTIONS: HAVA 2024 NEW Upgrade Model R07 Countertop Dishwasher Supports Normal, Quick, ECO, Strong, Glass, Fruit, Self-Clean, and Dry modes for your various dishwashing needs. After each wash cycle finishes, a Dry mode provides an extra 60 minutes of drying and offers 72-hour ventilated storage to prevent odors and keep your dishes clean.
- UP TO 18-HOUR DELAYED START: HAVA Portable Dishwasher can finish the wash program according to your schedule. A delay of up to 18 hours is available with this new model, so you can be assured of having clean dishes at the desired time. You may also use this feature to run the machine during a non-peak time for a lower electricity bill.
- SELF-CLEAN & CHILD LOCK FUNCTION: The HAVA Mini Dishwasher features a Self-Clean program for thorough cleaning from the inside out, ensuring consistent washing performance. It also includes a child lock function to prevent misoperation.
- NO INSTALLATION NEEDED: Simply add water to the built-in 5L water tank for your washing task, so you can put the dishwasher in any suitable place without connecting to tap water. Also, you can connect the water inlet to a faucet using the included hose (adapter included). A compact design makes it perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.
- LARGE CAPACITY & SAVES ENERGY: HAVA Counter Top Dishwasher can hold up to 4 full-place settings and fit up to 11" dishes loaded at an angle. This dishwasher only consumes 5 L of water per wash cycle, only 1/5 of the amount used by handwashing. Operating at 950 W, this appliance is a great energy-saving choice for every family.
No. 5
MOMOKOVA Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5L Built-in Water Tank,Upgraded 7 Program & 24H Delayed Wash,360° Dual Spray, 167℉ High-Temp & No Hookup Needed for Home,white (white)
- 【7 Programs for Family Members】This countertop dishwasher features Normal, Quick, ECO, Baby Care/Strong, Glass, Fruit, and Dry settings, giving you the flexibility to handle everything from daily plates to delicate glassware and baby items. Once a wash cycle completes, the Dry function delivers 60 minutes of heated drying and supports up to 72 hours of automatic ventilation to minimize moisture buildup and keep dishes fresh.
- 【Compact Size, Surprisingly Large Capacity】Despite its space-saving footprint, this countertop dishwasher holds a generous load—easily managing everyday dishes for a family of 3–4. Its optimized interior layout fits plates up to 12 inches (angled placement recommended) along with bowls, cups, and cutlery, offering efficient cleaning in a mini form. Measuring 17.9 × 16.3 × 16.5 inches, it takes up minimal counter space, making it a smart choice for small kitchens, apartments, dorms, RVs, and camper living.
- 【24H Delayed Start & 30-Min Drying】The upgraded design includes a 24 hour delayed start, allowing you to schedule wash cycles around your routine, along with a 30 minute hot-air drying option that helps quickly remove moisture and keep dishes fresh. Perfect for busy households wanting flexible timing and convenient drying in one compact unit.
- 【No Installation & Water Saving Design】 Our compact dishwasher saves up to 80% water compared to handwashing, 5 L/1.32 gallon of water in the water tank can handle multiple cleaning operations. Plus, we provide a 1-year warranty. For any questions, we're here to help!
- 【High-Temperature Cleaning】This cycle heats water up to 167 ℉ and uses 14 washing nozzles with 360° spiral spray from upper and lower arms to remove tough stains and thoroughly clean heavily soiled dishes. Perfect for baby bottles and children’s tableware, it ensures hygienic results with high-temperature, high-pressure cleaning.
No. 6
AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwashers, 5 Washing Programs Mini Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank and Double-layered Glass Door, No Hookup Needed for Home, Apartments & RVs
- Small Size but Large Capacity - The ultra-compact design allows the mini dishwasher to wash 40+ items (up to 12-inch plates, but needs to be placed at a slight angle), easilymeeting the daily needs for a family of 3-4. Plus, this portable dishwasher measures just 16.75W x 16.86D x 18.05H inches, occupying a small area, perfect for small houses, apartments and RVs/campers.
- Ready to Use, No Installation Required - With a built-in 5-liter water tank, you can place the small dishwasher flexibly anywhere convenient without the need for a water connection. Of course, you can also directly connect it to your kitchen faucet using the included hose.
- 5+2 Program Options - With 5 washing programs including Normal, Speed, Glass, Baby Care and Fruit, it meets all your daily cleaning needs. Equipped with 2 enhanced functions: provides an extra 60 minutes of drying time and offers 72 hours of ventilated storage to keep your tableware hygienic and ready for use.
- Efficient Cleaning - 14 washing nozzles evenly clean heavily soiled dishes, combined with 360° spiral spray from upper and lower spray arms, ensuring complete washing of all the dishes from all angles.Also, high water temperature of up to 167°F and high water pressure offer you the best cleaning towards the most stubborn stains. Ideal for cleaning baby bottles and children's tableware, ensuring your children use the cleanest tableware.
- Easy to Use and Maintain - This countertop dishwasher features simple touch control buttons for easy selection of the desired washing cycle. The LED touch screen display is angled for improved visibility and usability. Also, the transparent double-layer glass door, combined with built-in LED lights, allows you to see food stains on tableware being removed in real-time.And the water tank is easy to refill and clean, ensuring it stays in optimal condition.
No. 7
NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments
- 【SMALL SIZE, LARGE CAPACITY】This portable dishwasher only measures 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches, but holds 4 full place settings and fits up to 12" dishes loaded at an angle, easily meeting daily needs for a family of 3-4; the double-layer design offers enough space for 4 x serving bowls, 4 x cups, 4 x small plates, 4 x dinner plates, 7 x spoons, 7 x forks and 7 x knives; perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs
- 【NO INSTALLATION NEEDED】This countertop dishwasher supports 2 water supply modes, including a faucet mode and water tank mode; a built-in 5 L water tank allows instant use when fully filled. The automatic water level indicator lets you know when the correct water level has been reached; to use the faucet mode, simply connect the water inlet hose to the machine and faucet
- 【BABY CARE MODE】This compact dishwasher offers 5 wash cycles - Normal, Speed, Soft, Baby Care/Heavy, and Fruit; the Baby Care/Heavy mode with 167 °F washing temperature is suitable for baby products and oily tableware, which rinses them thoroughly and gives glassware a sparkling clean finish
- 【3-IN-1 FUNCTION】Featuring a Dry mode, this machine is equipped with the features of a dishwasher, dryer, and cabinet, making taking care of your dishes and glassware a breeze; 60 minutes of hot air drying will automatically start after the wash cycle is finished, keeping your dishes dry and odorless; 72 hours of automatic ventilation stores your tableware in sanitary condition, providing clean dishes whenever you need them
- 【FULLY EQUIPPED】The storage rack and cutlery basket make it easy to clean ''top rack only'' dishwasher safe items such as knives, forks, and spoons, leaving more space for dishes and small pots; lower and upper spray arms give dishes a streak-free deep cleaning, and the included fruit basket stores fruits and vegetables neatly and cleans them
No. 8
EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments & RV, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal Mode
- 𝐍𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 — 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐭, 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭: No permanent setup required. Use the built-in 5L (1.32 gal) tank for true plug-and-play washing, or connect the included hose to your faucet for continuous water supply. Our countertop dishwasher's water-level indicator tells you when it’s ready. No tools, no drilling, no stress—ideal for apartments, rentals, dorms, RVs, and flexible kitchens
- 𝟒𝟎 𝐝𝐁 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 — 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠: Built for apartments and open kitchens, this countertop dishwasher runs at a quiet 40 dB to maintain a peaceful space. Designed for daily comfort and convenience, it lets you wash dishes during work calls, late nights, or your nap time without disrupting your routine
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 — 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝟑𝟎+ 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞: Sized at 16.83 × 16.73 × 18.03 in, this portable dishwasher fits most countertops while holding 30+ items per load. Fits plates up to 10.25 in, plus bowls, cups, glasses, and full cutlery sets—organized with a cutlery holder, fruit basket, and kettle. *Compatible with G3/4-inch faucet connections, please purchase a faucet adapter separately
- 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 — 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞: Optimized as a portable dishwasher countertop for plates, bowls, cups, utensils, baby items, and pet accessories—not bulky pots, baking trays, or oversized cookware. For best results, scrape off heavy grease or burnt-on residue before loading. A practical, honest fit for everyday meals
- 𝟔 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 + 𝟑𝟔𝟎° 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲, 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Choose Normal, Quick, ECO, Baby Care/Heavy, Fruit, and Dry for different needs on this countertop dishwasher. The 29-minute Quick saves time, while Baby Care/Heavy reaches up to 167°F for deeper cleaning. Dual spray arms deliver 360° coverage for dishes, bottles, and pet bowls. *Use dishwasher-specific detergent only for better results
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Countertop Dishwasher
A countertop dishwasher is a small, portable machine. It cleans your dishes without needing permanent plumbing. This makes it perfect for apartments, RVs, or small kitchens. Choosing the right one can save you time and effort. Follow this guide to find your best match.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, you must check what the machine can actually do. These features make your life easier.
Capacity and Size
- Place Settings: Most countertop models handle 4 to 8 place settings. Think about how many people live in your home. A bigger setting means fewer loads.
- Dimensions: Measure your counter space carefully. Ensure the machine fits under cabinets with room to open the lid.
Washing Performance
- Spray Arms: Look for models with multiple spray arms (usually two). More arms mean water reaches every corner.
- Wash Cycles: Good dishwashers offer different cycles. A “Quick Wash” saves time. A “Heavy Duty” cycle tackles baked-on food.
Water Connection
- Faucet Adapter: Most units connect directly to your kitchen faucet using an adapter. Make sure the adapter fits your sink faucet style.
- Water Tank (Optional): Some high-end models have a built-in water tank. You fill this tank manually. This is great if you cannot easily reach your sink.
Important Materials and Durability
The materials used affect how long your dishwasher lasts. Quality matters here.
Interior Tub Material
- Stainless Steel: This is the best choice. Stainless steel tubs dry faster and resist odors better. They are very durable.
- Plastic: Some budget models use plastic interiors. These are cheaper but might stain or hold smells over time.
Exterior Casing
The outside shell is often plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks nicer and resists scratches better. Plastic is lighter if you need to move the unit often.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain features boost performance, while others can cause frustration.
Quality Boosters
- Drying Method: Heat drying is fast and effective. Air drying (where the door pops open) saves energy but takes longer.
- Noise Level (dB): Check the decibel (dB) rating. Lower numbers mean quieter operation. Anything under 60 dB is usually acceptable for small spaces.
Quality Reducers (Things to Avoid)
- Complicated Controls: If the buttons are confusing, you will not use the best settings. Simple, clear controls are preferred.
- Poor Drainage Hose: Make sure the drain hose is long enough to reach your sink comfortably when the machine is stored away.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the machine changes what you should buy.
Best Use Cases
- Small Apartments: These are ideal where space is limited. They let you skip handwashing large pots.
- RVs and Camping: If your RV has electricity, a countertop unit provides home comforts on the road.
- Dorm Rooms: Students can keep their dishes clean without using shared community sinks.
Ease of Use
Loading the dishwasher should be simple. Test how easily the racks slide out. If the machine requires constant fiddling with hoses or adapters, the user experience suffers.
Countertop Dishwasher FAQ
Q: How much water do these machines use?
A: Countertop dishwashers are very efficient. They typically use between 2 to 4 gallons of water per cycle. This is much less than washing the same load by hand.
Q: Do I have to install plumbing for a countertop dishwasher?
A: No installation is required. Most models connect temporarily to your kitchen faucet using a quick-connect adapter for the wash cycle. They drain right into the sink.
Q: Can I wash pots and pans in a countertop dishwasher?
A: It depends on the size. Standard models handle plates, bowls, and cutlery well. Large pots or very bulky items usually do not fit. Check the internal dimensions before buying.
Q: How do I get rid of the dirty water?
A: The dirty water is pumped out through a flexible hose. This hose is usually placed over the edge of your sink so the water drains directly into it.
Q: Are countertop dishwashers energy efficient?
A: Yes, they generally are. Because they are smaller, they heat less water than full-sized dishwashers. Look for the Energy Star rating if efficiency is your main concern.
Q: What kind of detergent should I use?
A: You must use detergent specifically made for dishwashers, usually in tablet or powder form. Never use regular dish soap, as it creates too many suds and can damage the machine.
Q: How long does a normal wash cycle take?
A: A standard cycle usually runs from 60 to 90 minutes. Quick cycles can be as short as 30 minutes for lightly soiled items.
Q: Can I leave the dishwasher connected to the faucet all the time?
A: It is best practice to disconnect the adapter when you are done running a cycle. Leaving it attached can sometimes cause pressure issues or leaks over a long period.
Q: Do these machines require special venting?
A: No. Countertop models do not need special venting. They rely on the heat and air circulation inside the unit for drying.
Q: What is the warranty usually like for these units?
A: Most manufacturers offer a standard one-year warranty covering parts and labor. Read the specific warranty details before purchasing, especially for electronic components.