Tired of staring at a sink full of dirty dishes? Living in a small apartment, dorm room, or RV often means sacrificing the convenience of a full-sized dishwasher. But what if we told you there’s a solution that fits perfectly on your counter and handles your dishwashing woes? Enter the compact countertop dishwasher – a game-changer for anyone with limited space.
These clever appliances are designed to give you all the benefits of a dishwasher without the need for extensive plumbing or a dedicated cabinet space. They’re super convenient, surprisingly efficient, and can free up precious time you’d otherwise spend scrubbing. In this article, we’ve rounded up the 7 best compact countertop dishwashers on the market, each offering unique features to fit various needs. Let’s dive in and find your perfect fit!
Our Top 7 Compact Countertop Dishwashers
EUHOMY Mini Portable Dishwasher Countertop Compact
The Euhomy Mini Portable Dishwasher stands out for its exceptional versatility in water supply and impressive capacity for its compact footprint. Whether you have a convenient faucet nearby or prefer the ultimate flexibility of a built-in water tank, this model has you covered. It’s designed to maximize internal space, making it a surprisingly roomy option that can handle over 30 dishes in a single go, including plates up to 10.25 inches.
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Key Features:
- Compact size (16.83 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches) ideal for small spaces.
- Dual water supply modes: 5-liter built-in tank (no installation needed) or direct faucet connection.
- 6 versatile wash programs: Normal, Quick, ECO, Baby Care/Heavy Duty, Fruit, and Dry.
- Baby Care/Strong mode operates at 167°F for thorough sanitization.
- Dual spray arm system provides 360° deep cleaning.
- Enhanced drying function: 60 minutes hot air drying + 73 hours automatic ventilation.
- Eco-friendly, saving up to 80% water compared to handwashing.
- ETL and DOE certified for safety and quality.
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Pros:
- Extremely flexible with two water input options.
- Excellent drying and ventilation system keeps dishes fresh and odor-free.
- High-temperature wash ensures superior hygiene, especially for baby items.
- Good capacity for its size, fitting a decent load of dishes.
- Significant water and energy savings.
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Cons:
- Requires dishwasher-specific detergent.
- May need a faucet adapter for direct connection if your home’s size doesn’t match.
- Not suitable for washing BPA plastics with high heat.
User Impressions: Users frequently praise this model for its fantastic cleaning power and the convenience of its dual water supply. Many appreciate the hot air drying, noting dishes come out spotless and dry. It’s a popular choice for small apartments and RVs due to its portability.
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable
The COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher is an Energy Star certified powerhouse, perfect for couples or small families. It balances a modest footprint with a robust cleaning system, boasting 12 washing nozzles and a 360° spiral spray wash for comprehensive coverage. Its impressive array of 8 washing cycles means you’ll always find the right program for any load, from delicate glass to heavily soiled pots.
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Key Features:
- Compact size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) with 6 place settings capacity.
- Energy Star compliant, consuming as little as 2.77 gallons of water per cycle.
- Simple faucet direct connection (adapter may be needed).
- 8 washing cycles: Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse.
- Heavy Program features 12 washing nozzles and 360° spiral spray for intense cleaning.
- High water temperature up to 154℉ for stubborn stains.
- Speed Program cleans dishes in just 45 minutes.
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Pros:
- Excellent energy and water efficiency, saving on utility bills.
- Comprehensive spray system ensures thorough cleaning from all angles.
- Wide range of wash cycles caters to diverse dishwashing needs.
- Effective high-temperature cleaning for tough messes.
- Quick wash option is ideal for busy lifestyles.
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Cons:
- Primarily designed for faucet connection, lacking a built-in water tank option.
- Plate size limit of 10 inches might be restrictive for some larger dinner plates.
User Impressions: Customers love the COMFEE’ for its efficient cleaning and the sheer variety of wash cycles. The quick wash feature is a definite highlight for many, making it perfect for quick turnarounds after meals or small gatherings. Its Energy Star rating is also a big plus for eco-conscious users.
COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L
This COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher is the ultimate solution for true portability, as it requires absolutely no installation thanks to its built-in 5-liter water tank. Just fill it up, and you’re ready to wash! Beyond its installation-free design, it offers a powerful 192°F high-temp hygiene wash, making it an excellent choice for sanitizing baby bottles and heavily soiled items. The “AIR REFRESH” feature keeps your dishes and machine fresh and dry, even long after the cycle ends.
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Key Features:
- No installation needed: 5L built-in water tank or direct faucet connection (adapter included).
- Ultra-compact design, washes 30+ items (max 9.5-inch plates).
- 6 program options: NORMAL, RAPID, STEAM, FRUIT, GLASS washing, and AIR REFRESH extra drying.
- 192°F HIGH-TEMP HYGIENE cycle for superior sanitization.
- Extra Drying & Stay Fresh function (AIR REFRESH) removes moisture and odor.
- Ideal for small houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.
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Pros:
- True plug-and-play operation with no plumbing required for tank mode.
- Exceptionally high-temperature wash provides excellent sanitization.
- AIR REFRESH function is great for long-term storage and odor prevention.
- Very small footprint fits almost anywhere.
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Cons:
- Max plate size is 9.5 inches, which might be too small for some larger dinner plates.
- Requires standard dishwasher powders or detergents; regular liquid dish soap can cause issues.
User Impressions: Reviewers frequently highlight the incredible convenience of not needing a water hookup, making it ideal for rentals or temporary living situations. The high-temperature wash is a consistent favorite for effective cleaning, especially for baby items. Its quiet operation is also a common compliment.
NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers
The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher offers a surprising amount of capacity for its small size, comfortably holding 4 full place settings and even fitting 12-inch dishes when loaded at an angle. What truly sets it apart is its 3-in-1 functionality, serving as a dishwasher, dryer, and cabinet, complete with 72 hours of automatic ventilation. The transparent dual-layer glass door and built-in LED lamp also add a modern touch, allowing you to easily monitor the wash progress.
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Key Features:
- Small size (16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches) with large capacity (4 place settings, fits 12″ dishes angled).
- 2 water supply modes: faucet mode and 5L built-in water tank mode.
- 5 wash cycles: Normal, Speed, Soft, Baby Care/Heavy, and Fruit.
- Baby Care/Heavy mode with 167°F washing temperature for sanitization.
- 3-in-1 Function: dishwasher, dryer (60 mins hot air), and cabinet (72 hrs auto ventilation).
- Fully equipped with storage rack, cutlery basket, fruit basket, and dual spray arms.
- Speed wash in just 29 minutes.
- User-friendly LED touch panel and transparent door with LED lamp.
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Pros:
- Excellent capacity for a compact model, accommodating larger plates.
- Versatile water input options cater to different living situations.
- Advanced drying and long-term storage features keep dishes pristine.
- The transparent door and LED light allow for easy monitoring.
- Comprehensive accessory kit enhances usability.
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Cons:
- 12-inch plates need to be loaded at an angle.
- A note about residual water from factory testing may initially concern some users.
User Impressions: Users are consistently impressed by this dishwasher’s ability to fit a significant amount of dishes despite its small size. The drying feature receives high marks, and the option to see inside the machine during operation is a unique and appreciated detail. Many find it incredibly user-friendly.
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Programs Portable Dishwashers
The HAVA Countertop Dishwasher (Model R01) is a champion of water efficiency, using only 5 liters of water per wash cycle – a mere quarter of what handwashing typically consumes. Beyond its eco-friendly nature, it features an advanced 14-water-port spray arm system that ensures 360° cleaning coverage, leaving no dish unsparkled. It combines convenience with powerful performance, making it a stellar choice for any small living space.
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Key Features:
- 2 water supply modes: 5L built-in water tank or faucet connection.
- Compact size (16.9″ L x 16.8″ W x 18.1″ H) with large capacity (4 place settings, fits 11″ dishes).
- 6 program options: Normal, Speed, Soft, Heavy/Baby Care, Fruit, and Dry.
- 14 water ports on spray arms for 360° cleaning coverage.
- Extremely water-efficient: 5L per wash cycle (75% less than handwashing).
- Energy-saving 950 W operation.
- Heavy/Baby Care mode washes at 167°F for sanitization.
- Drying mode provides 60 minutes hot air drying and 72 hours automatic ventilation.
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Pros:
- Exceptional water savings, great for eco-conscious users and lower utility bills.
- Superior 360° cleaning ensures spotless results every time.
- Flexible installation with both tank and faucet options.
- Effective high-temperature wash and comprehensive drying system.
- Good capacity for a compact unit.
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Cons:
- Requires dishwasher-specific detergent.
- A note about residual water from factory testing is included.
User Impressions: Customers love the HAVA for its quiet operation and the surprisingly large amount of dishes it can clean. The water efficiency is a frequently cited positive, along with the powerful spray arms that leave dishes thoroughly cleaned. It’s seen as a reliable and space-saving solution.
Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5-Liter
The Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher truly embodies simplicity and speed. With its built-in 5-liter water tank, it’s ready to go anywhere – no hookup needed! Its standout feature is an incredibly quick 40-minute wash cycle, perfect for those moments when you need clean dishes in a hurry. From a trusted brand known for quality kitchenware, this mini dishwasher offers a straightforward, efficient solution to everyday dishwashing.
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Key Features:
- Compact and portable, ideal for small kitchens, apartments, RVs, and boats.
- Built-in 5-liter water tank means no water hookup required.
- Fits 12-inch diameter dishes.
- 5 different wash cycles: baby care, glass, and fruit wash included.
- Time-saving 40-minute quick cycle for fast results.
- User-friendly LED display and simple controls for ease of use.
- Easy to refill and maintain the water tank.
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Pros:
- Ultimate portability and no-fuss setup with the built-in water tank.
- Very fast wash cycle gets dishes clean quickly.
- Accommodates larger plates up to 12 inches.
- Simple and intuitive operation, great for everyday use.
- Reputable brand name.
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Cons:
- Appears to only offer tank mode, no direct faucet hookup option mentioned.
- Lower wattage (750W) compared to some competitors, which might affect drying performance.
- Less extensive feature list than some other models.
User Impressions: Users rave about the Farberware’s “no installation” convenience and its super-fast wash cycle. It’s a go-to for many who live in small spaces or frequently move, appreciating its straightforward functionality and reliable cleaning for light to moderate loads.
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher, 8 Wash Programs NEW Upgraded
The HAVA 2024 NEW Upgraded Model R07 is designed for the modern user, packed with advanced features like 8 wash programs, including a convenient Self-Clean mode, and an impressive 18-hour delayed start option. This allows you to schedule your wash cycles to fit your busiest days or take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. Plus, the added Child Lock function provides peace of mind for families. This new model takes the popular HAVA design and elevates it with even more thoughtful functionalities.
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Key Features:
- NEW 2024 Upgraded Model with enhanced features.
- 8 wash cycle options: Normal, Quick, ECO, Strong, Glass, Fruit, Self-Clean, and Dry.
- Post-wash Dry mode (60 minutes) and 72-hour ventilated storage.
- Up to 18-hour delayed start function for flexible scheduling.
- Self-Clean program for easy maintenance and consistent performance.
- Child Lock function prevents accidental operation.
- No installation needed (5L built-in water tank) or faucet connection (adapter included).
- Large capacity: 4 full-place settings, fits 11″ dishes.
- Highly water-efficient (5L per wash cycle) and energy-saving (950 W).
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Pros:
- Advanced features like delayed start and self-clean offer superior convenience.
- Child lock is a valuable safety addition for families.
- Excellent drying and long-term storage capabilities.
- Extremely water and energy efficient, reducing running costs.
- Flexible installation options for any setup.
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Cons:
- A note about residual water from factory testing is included.
- Slightly larger machine size than some ultra-compact options, though still small.
User Impressions: Early adopters of the HAVA 2024 upgrade are particularly excited about the delayed start function, finding it incredibly useful for managing their time. The self-clean mode and child lock are also highly praised additions, making it a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Compact Countertop Dishwashers
Q1: What exactly is a compact countertop dishwasher?
A: A compact countertop dishwasher is a smaller, portable version of a traditional dishwasher designed to sit on your kitchen counter. It’s perfect for small living spaces like apartments, dorms, RVs, or even small offices where a full-sized dishwasher isn’t feasible. They usually hold 4-6 place settings.
Q2: Do compact dishwashers require plumbing installation?
A: Many compact countertop dishwashers offer two primary water supply options:
* Built-in Water Tank: You manually fill a water tank (typically 5 liters) for each wash cycle, meaning no permanent plumbing is needed. This offers maximum portability.
* Faucet Connection: You connect a hose to your kitchen faucet, diverting water to the dishwasher. This usually requires a quick-connect adapter but is still considered “portable” as it’s not a permanent install.
Q3: How much water and electricity do they use compared to handwashing?
A: Compact countertop dishwashers are surprisingly efficient! Most models use significantly less water (often 75% or more less) than handwashing a similar load of dishes. They are also energy-efficient, using less electricity than running a full-sized unit and generally saving on hot water costs compared to prolonged handwashing. Many are Energy Star certified.
Q4: Can they wash large plates or pots?
A: While compact, many models are cleverly designed to fit standard dinner plates. Some can accommodate plates up to 10-12 inches, sometimes requiring them to be angled. Larger pots and pans might be a tight squeeze or require handwashing, but these units are fantastic for everyday dishes, glasses, and cutlery.
Q5: Are compact dishwashers loud?
A: Most modern compact countertop dishwashers operate at a relatively low noise level, comparable to or even quieter than many full-sized models. Manufacturers often list the decibel (dB) level; generally, anything below 60 dB is considered quiet for a kitchen appliance.
Q6: What kind of detergent should I use in a compact countertop dishwasher?
A: Always use detergent specifically designed for dishwashers (pods, tablets, liquid, or powder). Do NOT use regular liquid dish soap, as it produces too many suds and can damage the machine or cause leaks.
Q7: How often do I need to clean my compact dishwasher?
A: It’s a good practice to run a self-clean cycle (if available) or a hot wash with a dishwasher cleaner every month or so to prevent mineral buildup and odors. You should also regularly wipe down the interior, clean the filter, and check the spray arms for blockages.
Q8: What are the benefits of owning a compact countertop dishwasher?
A: The main benefits include saving time and effort from handwashing, conserving water and energy, freeing up sink space, and providing a more hygienic clean (especially with high-temperature wash cycles). They also offer incredible convenience for those in small living spaces who can’t accommodate a traditional dishwasher.
Final Thoughts
A compact countertop dishwasher is more than just a convenience; it’s a lifestyle upgrade for anyone navigating the challenges of a small kitchen. These powerful little machines are designed to save you time, effort, and even water, making daily chores a breeze. From tankless portability to advanced drying and sanitizing features, there’s a perfect model out there to fit your needs and counter space.
So, go ahead, reclaim your evenings, and say goodbye to dishpan hands. Investing in one of these top-rated compact countertop dishwashers is a small step that can make a huge difference in your daily routine!
