Introduction
Countertop dishwashers are compact appliances designed to save space and make life easier in small kitchens and apartments. In this 2025 guide, we highlight the best countertop dishwashers for tight spaces like studio apartments, tiny homes, and RVs. These plug-and-play machines typically hook up to your kitchen faucet or use an onboard water tank, requiring no permanent installation. Whether you’re fed up with hand-washing or just looking to cut down on clean-up time and water usage, a good countertop model can make a big difference. Manufacturers like Comfee, Danby, HAVA, and Magic Chef offer a range of models; for example, reviewers note that the Comfee unit cleans dishes “perfectly” and operates quietly, while a larger Danby model can wash three times as many dishes with great water efficiency. Read on to compare features, capacity, energy usage, and more, to find the compact dishwasher that fits your home and lifestyle.
Why Choose the Best Countertop Dishwasher?
Not everyone has the space or budget for a full-size dishwasher, and for some living situations, a built-in unit isn’t feasible. Countertop dishwashers provide nearly all the cleaning power of a built-in in a much smaller package. They are especially handy in rentals, dorms, or tiny homes where permanent installation isn’t allowed or possible. These appliances can save a ton of effort and water – for example, countertop models use as little as 2–3 gallons of water per cycle, compared to up to 27 gallons by handwashing. In short, if you frequently hand-wash dishes and have even a small section of free counter, adding a compact dishwasher can significantly reduce your chore time and water bill.
How Countertop Dishwashers Work
When shopping for a countertop dishwasher, keep these features in mind:
Key Features to Consider in Best Countertop Dishwashers
- Size & Capacity: Countertop models are generally about 16–22 inches wide and 17–20 inches tall, so be sure your counter has enough room. Most units hold roughly 4–6 place settings (plates, cups, and utensils) and can fit dinner plates up to 10–12 inches across.
- Installation Type: Check whether the dishwasher connects to your sink faucet or has a built-in water tank. Faucet-connect models drain into the sink via a hose, while tank models let you pour water in manually. If you lack a nearby faucet, a dishwasher with a built-in 5L tank is a good choice.
- Wash Cycles & Programs: Look for versatile cycles such as Normal, Heavy (pots and pans), Quick Wash, and Sanitize. Premium countertop dishwashers may even have specialty cycles for items like glassware, baby bottles, or produce.
Performance, Efficiency & Convenience
- Drying Capability: Many countertop units include a heated dry or fan-assisted drying option. Higher-end models may auto-open the door at the end of the cycle to let steam escape, leaving dishes fully dry.
- Noise Level: These machines are typically in the 50–60 decibel range. Quieter units (around 50–52 dB) are no louder than a standard conversation or microwave. (Remember, they run out in the open, so noise can be more noticeable than with a built-in dishwasher.)
- Energy & Water Efficiency: If possible, pick an Energy Star certified model. Even uncertified countertop dishwashers use surprisingly little water – often just 1–3 gallons per cycle – making them very efficient overall.
- Ease of Use: Features like a clear digital display, delay-start timer, adjustable racks, and a removable filter make loading and maintenance simpler. A filter that can be easily removed and cleaned is a plus (goodhousekeeping.com).
Countertop Dishwashers Comparison Table:
| Model | Place Settings | Dimensions (W×D×H, in) | Wash Cycles | Noise (dB) | Energy Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danby DTC266D1WDD | 6 | 19.7 × 21.6 × 17.2 | 6 | 52 | Yes |
| Comfee’ WQP4-2601 (5L) | 2 | 17.1 × 16.5 × 17.2 | 6 | 62 | No |
| HAVA R01 Compact | 4 | 16.9 × 16.8 × 18.0 | 5 | 60 | No |
| Magic Chef MCA0880 | 6 | 19.7 × 21.7 × 17.2 | 6 | 52 | Yes |
Table: Specifications of popular countertop dishwasher models (capacity, size, cycles, and noise). Data from manufacturer specs and expert reviews.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Saves significant time and effort versus hand-washing (and uses much less water).
- Compact and portable – great for apartments, dorms, RVs, or offices.
- No installation hassles; just plug in, attach the hose, and go.
- Many models include sanitizing or high-temp cycles for germ-killing performance.
- Cons:
- Limited capacity (typically 4–6 place settings) – not suitable for large families.
- Takes up valuable counter space (larger units can dominate a countertop).
- Can be noisy (50–60+ dB) since they lack full insulation (blogs.extension.iastate.edu).
- Long cycle times (often 1–2 hours per wash) compared to a quick hand rinse.
- Most models are not Energy Star certified (though they are generally very efficient).
Maintenance and Care for Countertop Dishwashers
Keeping a countertop dishwasher running smoothly is easy. After each cycle, scrape large food scraps off dishes and check that the filter is clean (most units have a removable filter). If your model has a manual drain, empty and rinse it to prevent mildew. Running a vinegar rinse or dishwasher cleaner once a month can help remove mineral deposits. Always use dishwasher-safe detergent and avoid adding too much – with a small water supply, over-sudsing can cause leaks (searshomeservices.com). Finally, periodically inspect the inlet and drain hoses for any kinks or leaks. With simple upkeep, your mini dishwasher will stay fresh and efficient for years to come.
Conclusion
Countertop dishwashers offer a space-saving way to keep dishes clean without the hassle of a full-size unit. They can dramatically cut down on dishwashing time and water use – often running on just a couple of gallons per wash – while fitting neatly on your counter. While they have smaller capacity, the convenience they provide is huge for small kitchens, apartments, RVs, and other space-limited situations. If you find yourself constantly washing a few dishes by hand, a countertop dishwasher could be a real game-changer. Ready to upgrade your kitchen cleanup routine? Check out our recommended models and deals (insert your link here) to find the perfect compact dishwasher for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many dishes can a countertop dishwasher hold?
A: Most countertop dishwashers are sized for 4–6 place settings (dishes, glasses, and flatware). They can usually accommodate dinner plates up to about 10–12 inches, though you may need to load larger plates at an angle. (By comparison, a full-size built-in dishwasher holds 12+ place settings.)
Q: How do I hook up a countertop dishwasher?
A: Countertop models usually connect to your kitchen faucet with a special adapter hose. Simply screw the adapter onto the faucet and attach the inlet hose. The machine drains into the sink through another hose. If you don’t have a nearby faucet or prefer not to connect each time, look for a model with a built-in water tank – you can fill the tank manually and let it drain afterwards. No permanent plumbing or electrical work is needed; it’s essentially plug-and-play.
Q: Are countertop dishwashers worth the money?
A: They can be, especially in the right situation. If you live in an apartment, tiny home, or RV, a countertop dishwasher can save a lot of time and effort. These machines clean more thoroughly than hand-washing and use far less water (often around 2–3 gallons per cycle). For people who have to hand-wash a few dishes every day, a compact dishwasher can pay for itself by saving time and water. However, if you rarely need to wash many dishes or already have a built-in dishwasher, a countertop unit might not be necessary.
Q: Do I need to pre-rinse dishes before using a countertop dishwasher?
A: Generally, no. Countertop dishwashers are designed to wash away stuck-on food, so pre-rinsing isn’t strictly necessary. You should, however, scrape off large bits of food to prevent clogging the filter. Most manufacturers recommend simply loading dirty dishes (with solids discarded) and letting the machine do the work. In fact, reviewers note that pre-rinsing can be skipped and the dishwasher still gets dishes clean.
Q: What kind of detergent should I use in a countertop dishwasher?
A: You can use standard dishwasher detergent (gel, powder, or pods) in most models. Because these machines use a small amount of water, use a light detergent dose – too much soap can cause oversudsing and leaks. Some compact dishwasher manuals suggest gel or powder for optimal dissolving. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions; a few units caution that some tablets might not dissolve fully in a smaller drum.
Q: Are countertop dishwashers noisy?
A: They do make some noise since they lack the full insulation of built-in models. Typical countertop units run in the 50–60 decibel range. In practice, 52 dB (quiet as a library) or 60 dB (background conversation) are common. Many users find this acceptable in a kitchen or small apartment, but keep in mind that sound may be more noticeable than a built-in dishwasher hidden under cabinets.
Q: Will dishes come out dry?
A: Some countertop dishwashers have built-in drying: either a heating element or a fan. For example, certain models automatically pop open the door after the cycle so steam escapes and dishes air-dry completely. Others rely on the heat of the final rinse, which may leave dishes slightly damp. If fully dry dishes are important to you, choose a model with a good drying option (heated dry or auto-door).
Q: Can I use a countertop dishwasher in an RV or camper?
A: Yes. Many countertop dishwashers are popular with RV and boat owners. Look for a model with a built-in 5L water tank, or simply use the faucet adapter on your RV sink. They run on standard 110–120V power, so you’ll need access to shore power or an inverter. A compact dishwasher can be a game-changer in an RV by saving water and providing easy clean-up without resorting to hand-scrubbing.
Q: How long does a countertop dishwasher cycle last?
A: Cycle times vary by model and program. Quick or light cycles can be as short as 30–60 minutes, but a thorough normal or heavy cycle may take 90–130 minutes. For example, one reviewer reported that the Comfee countertop dishwasher took about 130 minutes (over 2 hours) on a standard wash cycle. If time is a concern, check if the model has a “Speed Wash” or express cycle for less soiled loads.