As a home appliance expert with over ten years of experience, I have tested many kitchen gadgets. I have used and reviewed many countertop dishwashers.
In this article, I’ll share my insights on the best countertop dishwashers based on rigorous testing and real-world use.
Countertop dishwashers are a game-changer for small kitchens, apartments, dorms, and RVs. These compact appliances offer the convenience of a dishwasher without the need for permanent installation or large floor space. They are designed to save time, water, and energy while ensuring your dishes come out sparkling clean. Countertop dishwashers are fantastic for many needs. They come in portable options and high-capacity models.
Why Trust Our Review
Before we dive into the reviews, let me explain our testing process. At witsengineer.com, we purchase each countertop dishwasher and put it through a series of tests in our lab.
Our team evaluates cleaning performance, energy efficiency, noise levels, and ease of use.
We also consider user feedback and long-term reliability reports. We are committed to providing you with the most accurate and helpful information possible.
Best Overall Cleaning Performance Countertop Dishwasher
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher
The HAVA Countertop Dishwasher is a compact, portable solution for small households, apartments, dorms, RVs, and boats. It measures 16.8″ x 16.7″ x 18″. It has a built-in 5-liter water tank. This means you do not need to install it permanently. Users can fill the tank by hand or connect the dishwasher to a faucet. The included hose makes this easier.
This dishwasher offers six wash programs: Normal, Speed, Soft, Heavy/Baby Care, Fruit, and Dry modes. The Heavy/Baby Care mode uses hot water (up to 167°F) to clean baby bottles and greasy dishes well. The drying function offers 60 minutes of hot air drying.
It also has up to 72 hours of automatic ventilation. This keeps dishes clean and free of odors. and up to 72 hours of automatic ventilation to keep dishes clean and odor-free. During testing, the dual spray arms with 14 water ports ensured thorough cleaning with 360° coverage, even for stubborn stains.
The spacious interior accommodates four place settings and fits plates up to 11 inches at an angle. The fruit basket is a thoughtful addition to cleaning produce efficiently. The HAVA dishwasher has a small design. It uses only 5 liters of water per cycle. This is 75% less than handwashing. This makes it a good choice for the environment.
Operating at a noise level of 60 dB, it is slightly louder than some competitors but not disruptive. While its drying performance is reliable for most items, larger dishes may retain minor moisture depending on placement.
| Pros: Flexible installation options. High-temperature sanitization mode. Compact design with efficient cleaning. |
| Cons: Slightly louder operation. Minor moisture retention on larger items. |
| Overall Rating: 4.5/5 |
Most Convenient Setup
Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher
The Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a compact and versatile appliance designed for small kitchens, apartments, RVs, and boats. It measures 17.3″ x 16.5″ x 17.3″. It has a built-in 5-liter water tank.
This lets users operate it without needing a direct water hookup. This makes it an excellent choice for spaces with limited plumbing access. It can also accommodate plates up to 12 inches in diameter, making it suitable for various dishwashing needs.
The dishwasher offers five wash programs: Baby Care, Glass, Fruit Wash, Normal, and Rapid. These cycles cater to cleaning requirements, from delicate glassware to heavily soiled dishes.
During testing, the Baby Care cycle effectively sanitized baby bottles and utensils with high-temperature cleaning. The Fruit Wash cycle is a unique addition, allowing users to clean fruits and vegetables efficiently. The Rapid cycle completes a wash in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for quick cleanups.
Operating the Farberware dishwasher is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly LED display and touch controls. The water tank is easy to refill and clean, ensuring hassle-free maintenance. While the drying performance is reliable for most items, some larger dishes may retain slight moisture depending on placement. At a noise level of approximately 50 dB, it operates quietly enough for most environments.
This dishwasher is highly portable and energy-efficient but requires regular draining and cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Its compact design makes it perfect for individuals or small households seeking convenience without sacrificing functionality.
| Pros: Built-in water tank for flexible installation. Multiple wash programs for varied needs. Compact and portable design. |
| Cons: Requires frequent draining. Slightly damp drying results on larger items. |
| Overall Rating: 4.3/5 |
Budget-Friendly Dishwasher Countertop
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
The Comfee Countertop Dishwasher, a compact and innovative cleaning solution, is a standout option for small kitchens. Measuring 17.25 x 16.5 x 18.35 inches, it offers versatility with two installation options-a built-in water tank or a direct faucet hookup. This compact design, coupled with its innovative features, makes it a perfect fit for small kitchens.
The Comfee boasts seven wash cycles, including a quick-wash option. It includes a quick-wash option for lightly soiled dishes. There is also a special steam-clean function for tough, baked-on food.
In our tests, the steam-clean function proved highly effective, efficiently removing stubborn stains that other models struggled with. The quick-wash cycle completes a wash in just 40 minutes, which is ideal for busy households needing clean dishes in a hurry.
A bright internal light enhances visibility during loading and unloading, a feature many users find particularly helpful. It runs at 62 decibels. The comfee is a bit louder than the best models but quiet enough for most kitchens.
The Comfee is not Energy Star certified but uses water and energy well. It has a great mix of features and price. Users consistently praise its compact size, versatile installation options, and effective cleaning performance. The internal light is often mentioned as a standout feature. If you want a strong and easy-to-use countertop dishwasher that saves space, the Comfee is an excellent option.
| Pros: Quick-wash option for light loads. Steam-clean function for tough stains. Bright internal light for easy loading. |
| Cons: Slightly noisier than top models. Not Energy Star certified. |
| Overall Rating: 4.5/5 |
Best Versatility & Top Rated Countertop Dishwasher
Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher
The Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher is a small and compact appliance. It is made to fit easily in small kitchens, apartments, dorms, or RVs.
Measuring 20.08″ x 14.61″ x 17.83″, its slim design allows it to fit in many kitchen layouts, like U-shaped and linear ones. Despite its compact size, it accommodates up to five place settings, including plates up to 10.25 inches at an angle.
This dishwasher features six wash programs: Normal, ECO, Strong, Fast, Fruit, and Super Strong. After each cycle, an additional drying function ensures clean, dry, and odor-free dishes. The drying mode uses hot air that can reach 167°F. It also provides 72 hours of automatic ventilation for clean storage.
During testing, the dual Y-head spray arms gave great cleaning coverage. They washed in 360° and removed tough stains and grease.
The Hermitlux uses advanced waste heat recycling technology. This keeps the water tank dry and free of odors. It solves common problems like bacterial growth and moss in traditional tanks.
It operates at a noise level of 61 dB—slightly louder than other models but not disruptive for most users. Installation is easy with two water supply options. You can use a built-in 5-liter water tank or connect it directly to a faucet.
The Hermitlux is great at cleaning and has a space-saving design. However, its small water tank may need frequent refills while in use. Additionally, larger dishes may need careful placement to ensure proper cleaning.
| Pros: Slim and compact design. Effective dual Y-head spray arms. Advanced waste heat recycling. |
| Cons: Smaller water intake capacity. Slightly louder operation. |
| Overall Rating: 4.5/5 |
Budget-Friendly Countertop Dishwasher
Novete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
The Novete Portable Countertop Dishwasher is affordable for small households or individuals. It features four wash cycles, including regular, rapid, fruit, and baby care modes. This small dishwasher is made to fit in tight spaces.
It measures 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches. This makes it perfect for apartments or dorms. It can be connected to a faucet or operated with its built-in water tank, offering installation flexibility.
During testing, the Novete performed well on lightly soiled dishes but struggled with baked-on residue without pre-rinsing. The drying cycle was efficient for smaller items like cups and plates, leaving larger items slightly damp. Its capacity is limited to two place settings, which may not be sufficient for larger households.
The dishwasher is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move around when not in use. It does not have advanced features like Energy Star certification. However, its low price makes it a good choice for users on a budget who need basic dishwashing.
| Pros: Affordable price. Compact and portable design. Flexible installation options. |
| Cons: Limited capacity. Struggles with heavy-duty cleaning. |
| Overall Rating: 4.5/5 |
Best Design with Modern Features Countertop Dishwasher
Black+Decker Compact Dishwasher
The Black + Decker Compact Countertop Dishwasher offers a well-balanced combination of features, energy efficiency, and modern design. This Energy Star-certified model boasts seven wash cycles, providing versatility for various cleaning needs.
Black and Decker’s smooth design has a stainless steel handle and an LCD control panel. It adds style to any kitchen. While the manufacturer doesn’t provide specific dimensions, the compact design suits most countertop spaces.
The Black + Decker demonstrated excellent cleaning capabilities across all cycles in our performance tests. The energy-efficient operation is a standout feature, consuming less water and electricity than many competitors.
This efficiency translates to lower utility bills and a reduced environmental impact. The different wash cycles meet various needs. They range from quick rinses for lightly soiled items to heavy washes for pots and pans.
One limitation is that this model can only hold plates up to 10 inches wide. This may be a problem for some users. The LCD control panel enhances ease of use, providing clear information on cycle selection and progress. This dishwasher offers good value, especially for those prioritizing energy efficiency and modern features.
Users consistently appreciate the intuitive controls and cleaning performance, though some mention the plate size limitation as a drawback. The Black + Decker Compact model is a good option for families wanting a stylish and energy-saving countertop dishwasher.
| Pros: Stylish design with stainless steel handle. Energy Star certified. Quiet operation. |
| Cons: Limited plate size compatibility. Slightly bulky design. |
| Overall Rating: 4.2/5 |
High-Temperature Sanitization Dishwasher
AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher
The AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a feature-packed appliance for small households, apartments, and RVs. It has a compact design with dimensions of 16.86″ x 16.75″ x 18.05″. When placed at an angle, it can hold over 40 items, including plates up to 12 inches.
This dishwasher has a built-in 5-liter water tank, eliminating the need for permanent installation. Alternatively, users can connect it directly to a faucet using the included hose.
The dishwasher provides five wash programs: Normal, Speed, Glass, Baby Care, and Fruit. It also has two improved options. One is an extra-drying function that adds 60 minutes to drying time. The other is a ventilated storage mode that keeps dishes clean for up to 72 hours.
During testing, the AIRMSEN showed excellent cleaning power. It has 14 washing nozzles and dual spray arms. These features help it clean thoroughly in all directions. The high-temperature rinse (up to 167°F) is particularly effective for sanitizing baby bottles and children’s tableware.
The LED touch control panel is intuitive, and the angled display enhances usability. The double-layered glass door and built-in LED light allow users to monitor the cleaning process in real time. The dishwasher uses just 5 liters of water for each cycle. This cuts water use by up to 80% compared to handwashing. At a noise level of just 50 dB, it operates quietly.
| Pros: Compact and portable design. Built-in water tank for flexibility. High-temperature cleaning for effective sanitization. |
| Cons: Limited capacity for larger families. Requires careful placement of larger dishes. |
| Overall Rating: 4.6/5 |
Best Countertop Dishwasher for Families
Danby Countertop Dishwasher
The Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher impresses with its energy efficiency and quiet operation, making it an eco-friendly choice. It measures 19.69 x 21.65 x 17.24 inches. This size is larger than some competitors.
It has a spacious interior that can hold up to six place settings. This Energy Star-certified model uses less water and electricity than many other dishwashers we tested. This helps its eco-friendly profile.
The Danby runs at only 52 decibels. This makes it very quiet, which is great for open living spaces or small apartments where noise matters. The dishwasher features six wash cycles, catering to various cleaning needs, from light rinses to heavy-duty washes.
The Danby consistently delivered spotless dishes across all cycles in our performance tests. Its energy efficiency is a standout feature, with noticeable savings on utility bills over time.
The Danby is only available with a hookup installation, which may limit its placement options for some users. However, this direct connection contributes to its excellent water and energy efficiency.
It offers good value, especially for those prioritizing energy savings and quiet operation. Users often praise its cleaning ability and silent operation.
However, some say its size can be a problem in small kitchens. Overall, the Danby DDW631SDB is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance of performance, efficiency, and quiet operation.
| Pros: Very quiet operation. Energy-efficient. Spacious interior holds six place settings. |
| Cons: Larger footprint than some competitors. Only available with hookup installation. |
| Overall Rating: 4.2/5 |
Best countertop portable dishwasher for Small Kitchens
Magic Chef Countertop Dishwasher
The Magic Chef Countertop Dishwasher is designed for small spaces, offering a compact solution without compromising cleaning power. It has six wash programs. These include an intense wash, a rinse-only mode, and a 24-hour delay start option for more flexibility.
This Energy Star-certified dishwasher uses less water and energy than traditional models. This makes it good for the environment and saves you money. With dimensions 19.7 x 21.7 x 17.2 inches, it accommodates up to six place settings, including cups, plates, and silverware. The stainless steel interior enhances durability and resists stains over time.
The dishwasher performed well on regular cycles during testing but required pre-rinsing for heavily soiled dishes.
Its quiet operation at 52 decibels ensures minimal disruption in small apartments or office kitchens. However, its depth may require more counter space than other models in this category.
Overall, the Magic Chef offers reliable performance with advanced features suitable for compact living spaces.
| Pros: Energy Star certified. Quiet operation. Multiple wash programs. |
| Cons: Requires deep countertops. Pre-rinsing is recommended for tough stains. |
| Overall Rating: 4.3/5 |
Comparison Table for Top Products
| Product Name | Dimensions (W x D x H) | Capacity | Noise Level | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAVA Countertop Dishwasher | 16.8″ x 16.7″ x 18″ | 4 Place Settings | 60 dB | Built-in water tank, Baby Care Mode |
| Farberware Countertop Dishwasher | 16.5″ x 17.3″ x 17.3″ | 2 Place Settings | ~50 dB | Built-in water tank, Fruit Wash Mode |
| COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher | 21.7″ x 19.7″ x 17.2″ | 6 Place Settings | 49 dB | Energy Star certified, Steam Clean |
| Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher | 14.61″ x 20.08″ x 17.83″ | 5 Place Settings | 61 dB | Slim design, Dual Y-head spray arms |
| Novete Countertop Dishwasher | 16.9″ x 16.8″ x 18.1″ | 2 Place Settings | ~50 dB | Budget-friendly, Quick Wash Cycle |
| Black+Decker Dishwasher | 21.7″ x 21.5″ x 17.2″ | 6 Place Settings | 60 dB | Stylish design, LCD controls |
| AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher | 16.86″ x 16.75″ x 18.05″ | 4 Place Settings | 50 dB | High-temp cleaning, Ventilated storage |
| Danby Countertop Dishwasher | 19.69″ x 21.65″ x 17.24″ | 6 Place Settings | 52 dB | Energy Star certified, Quiet |
| Magic Chef Countertop Dishwasher | 19.7″ x 21.7″ x 17.2″ | 6 Place Settings | 52 dB | Compact, Multiple wash programs |
Why Choose a Countertop Dishwasher?
Countertop dishwashers provide several benefits that make them an excellent choice for modern kitchens:
- Space-saving design: Perfect for homes with limited counter space.
- Easy installation: Some models have built-in water tanks, so you don’t need plumbing. Others connect directly to a faucet.
- Water and energy efficiency: Use significantly less water and electricity compared to full-sized dishwashers.
- Convenience: Simplifies dishwashing and saves time compared to handwashing.
- Versatility: Many models include specialized wash cycles for baby bottles, glassware, and even fruits and vegetables.
How We Tested the Best Countertop Dishwashers
To identify the top countertop dishwashers of 2025, we evaluated models based on the following:
- Cleaning performance: Ability to remove stubborn stains and food residue.
- Capacity: Number of place settings each unit can accommodate.
- Noise levels: Quiet operation suitable for small spaces.
- Additional features: Drying cycles, energy efficiency, compact design, and ease of use.
Each dishwasher was tested on various dish types, including heavily soiled plates, delicate glassware, and utensils. We also assessed drying performance and ease of installation.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Countertop Dishwasher
Key Factors to Consider:
- Size & Capacity: Ensure the unit fits your counter space and accommodates your dishwashing needs (two to six-place settings).
- Installation Type: Decide between faucet hookups or models with built-in water tanks based on your kitchen setup flexibility.
- Noise Levels: Look for quieter models under 50 decibels if noise is a concern.
- Energy Efficiency: Opt for Energy Star-certified units to save on utility costs.
- Cycle Options: Choose dishwashers with versatile wash modes like quick-wash or high-temperature sanitization.
Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance ensures your countertop dishwasher remains efficient and lasts longer:
- Regularly clean filters to prevent clogs.
- Use appropriate detergents designed for countertop dishwashers.
- Inspect spray arms periodically for blockages.
- Run a vinegar rinse monthly to remove mineral deposits from hoses or tanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water do countertop dishwashers use?
Most models use about five liters per cycle, making them more water-efficient than handwashing.
Can countertop dishwashers handle pots and pans?
Larger units like the Danby can accommodate small pots; smaller models may struggle.
Are countertop dishwashers noisy?
Noise levels vary; quieter models operate below 50 decibels.
What is the lifespan of a countertop dishwasher?
With proper maintenance, these appliances can last five years or more.
Conclusion
After extensive testing and real-world use, the “Hava Countertop Dishwasher” emerges as our top pick for 2025. Its versatility, cleaning performance, and unique features make it stand out in a competitive field. However, each model on this list offers distinct advantages, catering to different needs and preferences.
Remember, the best dishwasher for you depends on your specific requirements, kitchen space, and budget. Think about the factors we talked about. Don’t hesitate to buy a suitable appliance. It will save you time and energy in the long run.
Have you used any of these countertop dishwashers? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
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Hi, I’m Engineer Hm Jamal, founder of Green Mark Engineering. With 13 years in the home improvement industry, I’m passionate about creating sustainable, high-quality solutions for homes. My focus is on making your home improvement experience smooth and successful. Whether it’s a renovation or a new project, I’m here to ensure it’s done right.
