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The 9 Best Countertop Dishwashers of 2024

Say goodbye to washing your dishes by hand.

An open countertop dishwasher with dishes inside over a tan patterned background.

Better Homes & Gardens / David Hattan

Countertop dishwashers are a great solution for small families and individuals looking for a little help in the kitchen, or even people who need a portable cleaning solution to take with them in their RV or vans when they hit the open road. 

Like a full-size dishwasher, countertop dishwashers use hot water, detergent, and even steam to clean dishes, glasses, and flatware. “Countertop dishwashers are versatile, easy to use and small enough to sit on your counter,” says Jessica Thomas, a merchant for The Home Depot. 

To run these appliances, all you need is access to an outlet and to a water source. “They connect to your sink using a quick connect adapter and use less water and detergent than standard dishwashers,” she explains. Some countertop dishwashers even have built-in tanks, so you can run them without connecting to your faucet.

What We Researched

Dishwasher Settings: Typical settings include heavy, normal, light, baby care, ECO mode, glassware, and rinse. 

Connectivity: Some countertop dishwashers require access to your kitchen faucet as both a water supply and drainage spot. Others have reservoir tanks that allow them to be placed anywhere in your space. Most countertop dishwashers require access to an outlet for electricity.

Best Overall

Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher

Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • It’s compact, but can wash six place settings and has eight different settings. 

Keep in Mind
  • This dishwasher hooks up to your faucet, so you have fewer options for where to place it.

The Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher holds up to six place settings at a time, which is an impressive number for a small family, couple, or single person. It also has a silverware basket and a small shelf for smaller items or mugs. 

The stainless steel exterior also gives it a sleek appearance that can easily fit into any kitchen decor. If you already have full-sized stainless steel appliances, it’s a seamless addition to your space. If you don’t have stainless steel appliances, you also have the option to get it in white. The interior is also stainless steel, making it durable and easy to keep clean

The dishwasher has eight wash cycles to choose from, including settings you’d find on a standard dishwasher. You can choose between heavy or normally soiled loads, a baby care mode, an ECO setting, a glassware setting, a rinse setting, and speed and mini-party settings, which are quick cycles for lightly soiled loads.

It also has a delayed start setting, letting you set and forget your dishwasher. It also only uses 3.1 gallons of water per normal cycle. 

Keep in mind, to connect the dishwasher you’ll have to hook it up using a hose to your faucet. This means that there will be limited options for placement in your space, because it needs to be placed close enough to both the sink and an outlet. Luckily, it has a quick connect feature, which makes it compatible with most kitchen faucets. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 19.69 x 21.65 x 17.24 inches | Number of Settings: Eight | Capacity: Six place settings

Key Terms to Know

Decibels: A measurement of sound that is abbreviated as dBA. A whisper is typically measured at about 30 decibels, while a normal conversation can be around 55 to 60 decibels. 

Portable v. Countertop: While portable dishwashers can be used on a countertop, not all countertop dishwashers are portable. Many countertop dishwashers must be connected to a faucet and drain into the sink, so they are not considered portable. 

Dishwasher Capacity: The amount of dishes, glasses, and flatware that can be washed in the dishwasher at a time.

Best Budget

Comfee Countertop Portable Dishwasher

Comfee WQP6-3602H Countertop Portable Dishwasher

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • It has eight different settings and is quiet. 

Keep in Mind
  • It only fits dishes 10 inches or smaller in diameter.

The Comfee Countertop Portable Dishwasher is the best countertop dishwasher for anyone on a budget, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on features or the number of dishes that can be washed. 

This dishwasher measures 20.6 inches deep, 21.6 inches wide, and 17.2 inches high. It’s not as compact as other dishwashers on our list, but its size means that it can fit six place settings, making it a good choice for couples or small families. 

This countertop dishwasher has eight settings, including options for cycles for heavily and normally soiled dishes, speed and mini-party cycles, a baby-care setting, a glassware setting, a rinse-only setting, and an ECO setting. It also has an extra-drying function that makes sure you’re not opening up your dishwasher to find damp dishes. 

We love that you can choose between three colorways for this appliance. It comes in all-white (with a small black control panel), all-black, and black and white, so you can choose what fits best with your kitchen decor

With only a 49-decibel noise rating, this countertop dishwasher is the best countertop dishwasher for someone looking to keep the noise to a minimum. There’s also a childproof lock to keep any little ones from getting into the appliance. 

If you have larger dinner dishes, this countertop dishwasher only fits dinnerware that is under 10 inches in diameter, on an angle, which does limit your options for what you can wash. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 20.6 x 21.6 x 17.2 inches | Number of Settings: Eight | Capacity: Six place settings

Best Splurge

Jeremy Cass Portable Countertop Dishwasher

Home Depot IAGREEA Portable Countertop Dishwasher

Home Depot

Why You Should Get It
  • It can be purchased as top- or front-loading, and it can also be used for fruit and vegetable soaking.

Keep in Mind
  • It’s only available in a white finish.

The Jeremy Cass Countertop Dishwasher is our pick for the best countertop dishwasher to splurge on because of its organization and ease of cleaning. As a bonus, it can even wash fruits and vegetables. 

This countertop dishwasher is compact, but you have the option to purchase either a front-loading or top-loading model. The front loading model has a small shelf for mugs, while the top-loading model has a basket for cutlery. The organization makes it easy to utilize as much space as possible. 

This countertop dishwasher has seven wash programs. Heavy mode is intended for heavily soiled dishes, while normal, ECO, and speedy settings are used for moderately spoiled dishes. There is also an infant setting, a glass setting, and a fruit setting, which allows you to soak and wash fruit.  It washes dishes using a 360-degree spray arm, so that water reaches all the way around, and it uses high temperature drying in order to kill bacteria.

If you’re not ready to take your dishes out right away, you can leave them in the dishwasher without fear of them developing a scent of mold or mildew thanks to its 72-hour ventilated storage. You will need to turn it on yourself, however, as this mode does not turn on automatically. We appreciate that this countertop dishwasher functions at just 55 decibels, which is about the sound level of a conversation. 

You can access water directly from the faucet via a connector, or you can use the provided tank, which allows the dishwasher to function without direct sink access. This dishwasher also has anti-leak technology that keeps any water from escaping during the wash cycles. 

Keep in mind that it’s only available in a white finish, so it won’t match stainless steel appliances.

Product Details: Dimensions: 16.54 x 16.93 x 16.93 inches | Number of Settings: Seven | Capacity: Four place settings

Best with Water Tank

Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher, 5 Washing Programs

Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher, 5 Washing Programs

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • It’s super compact, but doesn’t skimp in settings or features, like heated drying. 

Keep in Mind
  • It only comes in white, so it may not match your appliances.

The Hermitlux Countertop Dishwash’s built-in water tank makes it possible to use without having to hook it up to your kitchen faucet. You can also choose to hook it up, should you want to. Having the built-in tank means you can place your dishwasher anywhere in your kitchen—simply fill up the 5-liter tank and your dishwasher is ready to wash.

The countertop dishwasher measures at 16.73 inches deep, 16.85 inches long, and 18.5 inches high. Even with its compact size, it holds four dishes (under 11 inches in diameter), two wine glasses, four bowls, three mugs, and seven sets of utensils (which is comparable for four place settings).

This dishwasher has five wash cycles to choose from. Standard wash, quick wash, strong wash, plus an environmentally-friendly and fruit washing option. The dishwasher comes with a fruit basket, should you decide to use it for cleaning your fruits and vegetables. It also has a heated drying function for a complete clean.

Keep in mind that this countertop dishwasher only comes in white, so it may not be a match for your appliances. It does, however, come with the option of a glass door versus a solid one, should you want to keep an eye on your dishes while they’re being clean.

Product Details: Dimensions: 16.73 x 16.85 x 18.03 inches | Number of Settings: Five | Capacity: Four place settings

Best Small

Farberware Countertop Dishwasher

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher

 Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • It not only has its own water tank, it’s also super compact, making it easy to place wherever you’d like. 

Keep in Mind
  • It only holds two place settings per wash.

If you’re looking for the best countertop dishwasher for a small space, the Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher is our pick. Measuring in at 17 inches deep, 16 inches long, and 17 inches tall, this model is perfect for small kitchens with limited space.

Though compact, this dishwasher has five settings that make it the ideal countertop companion. Along with normal, rapid and glassware settings, this model also has a fruit wash setting and a baby care setting, so it’s possible to wash more than just your dishes. The baby care style uses steam that sanitizes the baby bottles. It also has automatic air circulation and dries your dishes after washing. 

While some countertop dishwashers require that you hook them up to your kitchen faucet to function, this model has a 5-liter tank so that you have the option of not using a water hookup. Don’t worry, it still comes with the hose, should you decide you’d rather use the connection. Keep in mind that it does not, however, come with the adapter. 

What sets it apart from other countertop dishwashers with a water tank is that it has space for dishes that are up to 12 inches in diameter when loaded in on an angle. Most other models don’t have the space or capacity. 

This countertop dishwasher only has the capacity for two place settings, so it’s best for someone living on their own, or with a partner, versus a larger family.

Product Details: Dimensions: 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3 inches | Number of Settings: Five | Capacity: Two place settings

Best Large

Magic Chef Electronic Countertop Dishwasher

Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 21 in. Electronic Countertop Dishwasher

Walmart

Why You Should Get It
  • It has room enough to efficiently clean smaller pots and pans. 

Keep in Mind
  • Though it’s large, it can only hold six place settings.

The Magic Chef Countertop Dishwasher is our pick for the best large countertop dishwasher because, on top of being big enough to fit six place settings, it has an organization system, optimizing the number of dishes you can fit into it.

We love that it has a wine glass holder that doubles as a cup shelf, as well as a cutlery basket for your forks, spoons, and knives. While some portable dishwashers don’t have the capacity to hold (or efficiently clean) pots and pans, this model does. 

The dishwasher has six standard wash programs: one for heavily soiled dishes, pots and pans, a speed setting, glass setting, rinse-only setting, as well as options for normal or lightly soiled dishes. It also has hygienist drying that avoids using air outside the dishwasher. You can also delay start for up to 24 hours, in one hour increments. 

This dishwasher also has a few features that make cleaning the appliance easier. It has anti-flood protection, which ensures you don’t experience any leaks when the water level is too high. It also has an easy-to-clean filter, which keeps any kind of residue or remnants from getting into its pump and a stainless steel interior that is also easy to keep clean, on top of being long lasting. 

Keep in mind that this countertop dishwasher, while large and effective, can only hold six place settings, which is standard among smaller models. However, unlike other models, you can fit small pots and pans in this appliance.

Product Details: Dimensions: 19.7 x 21.7 x 17.2 inches | Number of Settings: Six | Capacity: Six place settings

Best Portable

Novete Portable Countertop Dishwasher

NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • Though compact and portable, it holds dishes up to 12 inches. 

Keep in Mind
  • It can only hold four place settings while other countertop dishwashers can hold up to six.

Clocking in at just 17 inches by 17 inches by 18 inches, the Novete Portable Countertop Dishwasher may be small, but it still manages to hold four place settings. It’s ideal for a small family of three to four, even despite its size. 

While it is still capable of being hooked up to your kitchen faucet, it also has a water tank that holds 5 liters of water, which makes it possible to use anywhere. It’s perfect for people who are on the go in a van or RV.

This compact dishwasher has five settings to choose from. There’s a setting for a normal soil level, a speed setting for a quick wash (it only takes 29 minutes), a soft setting for your more fragile glasses and plates, and even a fruit washing setting.

It also has a baby care/heavy mode that washes at a higher temperature to make sure that baby bottles and products are sanitary and clean. There’s also an air-dry mode. 

You’ll have to refill the water tank after every wash—it only holds 5 liters (1.9 gallons) and it uses that much water per wash. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 16.8 x 16.9 x 18.1 inches | Number of Settings: Five | Capacity: Four place settings

Best Settings

Farberware Countertop Portable Dishwasher

Farberware Professional Countertop Dishwasher

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • It includes seven settings, including one specifically for glassware and another for baby bottles.

Keep in Mind
  • It can only fit dishes that are 10 inches or less in diameter.

The Farberware 21-inch Portable Countertop Dishwasher is our pick for the best countertop dishwasher with settings, thanks to its seven wash programs, which allow for customizable, reliable cleaning. 

On top of the typical settings for a dishwasher—heavy, normal, and light—this countertop dishwasher impresses with a speed setting that gets your dishes clean and dry in just 45 minutes. There’s also a glass function, which leaves a streak-free clean on drinkware. Parents will appreciate the baby care setting makes it so that you can effectively wash baby bottles and products using steam to kill bacteria.

On top of the wash modes, it also has an extra drying function, which can be used with heavy, normal, light, glass, and baby care settings, and adds extra heat to the final rinse cycle in order to make drying even more efficient. Additionally, it has a self-clean function, which adds even more ease to the user experience.

We also like the spaciousness and organization of this small but powerful dishwasher. Able to wash up to six place settings, it has a cutlery basket and folding down rack shelves to create more space. There’s also a child lock to keep your little ones from accidentally starting the dishwasher. It’s made with stainless steel, which is a strong and durable material that can stand up to the frequent use of this appliance. 

Keep in mind that, though this countertop dishwasher fits up to six place settings—enough for a small to medium sized family—it can only fit dishes that are 10 inches in diameter or less. Many dinner plates are at least 12 inches in diameter, so you may want to check your cabinet before purchasing. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches | Number of Settings: Seven | Capacity: Six place settings

Best Sink Combo

Fotile In-Sink Dishwasher Combo with Waterproof Touchscreen in Stainless Steel

FOTILE In-Sink Dishwasher Combo with Waterproof Touchscreen in Stainless Steel

Home Depot

Why You Should Get It
  • This combo appliance doesn’t take up any counter space. 

Keep in Mind
  • It requires installation, and you may need to call a plumber.

The Fotile 2-in-1 Sink and Dishwasher Combo is the best countertop dishwasher for those who are looking to save space. The dishwasher unit is compact at only 15 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and 12.5 inches high. Though space-saving, this dishwasher can still hold up to four sets of dishes.

This dishwasher has five standard wash and rinse settings, and uses a 360-degree cleaning system to get an all over clean for your dishes. During each of these cycles, the dishwasher heats up the water to 158°F, eliminating bacteria. It also has convection drying.

Unlike the other countertop dishwashers on this list, this sink and dishwasher combo carries a hefty price tag. Additionally, you’ll have to buy a faucet with this sink. Keep in mind that this dishwasher does require installation, whereas other countertop dishwashers typically either have a water tank or hook up to the faucet.

The countertop dishwasher needs to be connected to both a power and water source. While it does come with detailed instructions for installation, you may want to call a plumber to install it in order to be sure your appliance functions properly.

Product Details: Dimensions: 19.31 x 35.25 x 21.68 inches | Number of Settings: Five | Capacity: Four place settings

The Bottom Line

Our best overall pick is the Danby Countertop Dishwasher, because it fits up to six place settings per wash, and it has eight wash settings. It is also compact, so it won’t take up too much countertop space.

What to Know About Countertop Dishwashers Before Shopping

Dimensions

When looking for the best countertop dishwasher for your space, it’s important to take into consideration the dimensions of the appliance. You should measure not only the depth and width of the appliance to ensure there’s enough room on your kitchen countertop, but you should also measure its height to ensure it has clearance underneath your cabinets.

Typical countertop dishwashers measure in at about 20 inches deep, 21 inches long, and 17 inches high. Compact options, like the Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher, are as small as 17 inches deep, 16 inches long, and 17 inches tall. The Magic Chef Countertop Dishwasher, our pick for the best large countertop dishwasher, is 19.7 inches by 21.7 inches by 17.2 inches.

Number of Settings

When looking for the best countertop dishwasher for your home, you should consider the number of settings. Like full-sized dishwashers, their countertop counterparts have a variety of settings. Rapid, heavy, normal, and eco-friendly washes are the most common.

We love that there are dishwashers like the Hava R01 Compact Countertop Dishwasher that have multiple settings for a variety of situations so you can customize the appliance to your lifestyle.

Capacity 

The capacity of your countertop dishwasher is typically measured in the number of place settings it will hold. Traditional place settings include five pieces of dinnerware, so it’s possible for your dishwasher to hold anywhere from two to six settings. The Magic Chef Countertop Dishwasher can hold up to six settings, so it’s the best countertop dishwasher for someone who entertains or has a medium-sized family. 

Another factor to consider when it comes to your dishwasher’s capacity is the diameter of the plates that can fit inside. Typically, countertop dishwashers have a clearance from around 10 inches to 12 inches so you may want to buy plates that you know will fit. Our pick for the best budget countertop dishwasher, the Comfee Countertop Dishwasher, can only fit dishes that are 10 inches or less in diameter.  

Like many traditional dishwashers, countertop models typically include a basket for cutlery as well as smaller shelves for items like coffee mugs. The Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher even has a basket for fruits and vegetables, so you can easily clean them in the dishwasher. 

Your Questions, Answered

Do countertop dishwashers use more electricity than standard dishwashers?

Though they “can be a great option for small homes or for those who need an elevated dishwasher for accessibility reasons,” Thomas explains that countertop dishwashers “tend to use more energy and water to wash fewer dishes than standard or slim dishwashers.”

Countertop dishwashers tend to use about 1,800 watts per cycle, and while there are some full-sized dishwashers that use up to 2,400 watts per cycle, on average they use about the same amount of energy as a countertop dishwasher to wash more dishes. There may be exceptions to this, of course, with many models being Energy Star certified.

How loud are countertop dishwashers?

The noise-level of your countertop dishwasher is measured in decibels. According to the CDC, a whisper is measured at 30 decibels, a refrigerator hum is 40 decibels, and a normal conversation or air conditioner is 60 decibels.

Countertop dishwashers tend to be between 45 to 60 decibels, so you won’t notice it too much if you’re used to the sound of your appliances running. If you’re looking for a model that’s very quiet, our pick for the best budget, the Comfee Countertop Dishwasher, has a noise rating of only 49 decibels.

Can you use detergent pods in a countertop dishwasher?

“Countertop dishwashers use less detergent than a full-size dishwasher,” Thomas says. Because of the size of countertop dishwashers, it’s not necessary to use a detergent pod since they are designed to be used with a bigger dishwasher. Use a powder or liquid dishwasher detergent instead.

Who We Are

Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. For this story, she spent several hours researching the best countertop dishwashers. She also spoke with appliance expert and merchant, Jessica Thomas, from Home Depot, about what customers should look for in a countertop dishwasher, important features, and more. 

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