A countertop dishwasher offers to provide hands-free cleaning power for plates, glasses, silverware, and other items despite having a smaller form factor than other dishwasher kinds. These devices clean your dishes to a shining finish using hot water from internal spray arms mixed with dishwasher detergent (and, in certain cases, the force of steam).
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These specialty machines can be a terrific helper for people or small families who need to ease the weight of duties, but they can’t accomplish all that a larger dishwasher can, like wash a dinner party’s worth of dishes or clean up oversized pots and pans.
The majority of countertop dishwashers can accommodate up to six place settings of dishes and glassware, and like their full-size counterparts, they come standard with fold-down cup shelves, flatware baskets, touch controls, detergent dispensers, pull-out racks, and other features in addition to multiple cleaning cycles and heating elements. To achieve the finest cleaning results, just make sure to use the same cautious loading methods as you would with any full-size dishwasher.
Portable Countertop Dishwasher, 5 Washing ProgramsBest overall
AIRMSEN Portable Countertop DishwasherBest expensive
COMFEE’ Countertop DishwasherBest price
Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Farberware FCDMGDWH Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
6 Best countertop dishwasher
These are seven of the top countertop models that are deserving of your consideration if you’re ready to stop washing dishes with your own hands.
1. Portable Countertop Dishwasher, 5 Washing Programs
The KAPAS Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a versatile, affordable appliance that offers a ton of features, performance, and flexibility.
The demand for portable dishwashers has skyrocketed in recent years, and models like the KAPAS Portable Countertop Dishwasher are now almost as popular as traditional dishwashers due to their cost and versatility.
Some compact countertop dishwashers, like the KAPAS Portable Countertop Dishwasher, offer the flexibility of connecting to the faucet or using the built-in 1.3-gallon water tank. This feature opens up a whole world of options, including taking it camping, in an RV, a vacation cabin, or a worksite. They also often use less water and energy.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- High performance
Cons
- No energy rating
- Warranty lackage
2. AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Portable dishwashers may help you clean up your mistakes so you don’t even have to lift a finger, whether you’re preparing a dinner in a small apartment, an RV, or an older home without a built-in dishwasher. This device is a huge time saver, prevents dermatitis on your hands, and lets you relax after preparing a pasta meal.
You’re in luck since the Airmen AE-TDQR03 Countertop Dishwasher is just over 18 inches tall, has a number of features, including a dry mode, and is designed to be placed on a tabletop. Although this machine has hoses to attach to your kitchen faucet, its built-in five-liter water tank makes it unique because it allows you to use it without interfering with your faucet. You’ll regularly be rewarded to gleaming pots and grime-free spoons once one is installed in your area.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Extra drying function
Cons:
- Internal storage tank may not be sturdy enough
3. COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
Compared to portable or built-in dishwashers, countertop dishwashers have a more compact form factor, though model-specific dimensions might vary greatly. Every appliance in a small space needs to be worth its weight in gold because there is so little counter space available. Our choice for a small countertop dishwasher keeps things small and is the Comfee Small Portable Dishwasher. It’s a terrific option for kitchens with little counter space or other compact living spaces, such as an RV or tiny house. Moreover, this model features a built-in water tank, providing you extra places to use the dishwasher.
When compared to larger versions, this compact countertop dishwasher may free up 5 inches or more of countertop space because it is only 16.5 inches wide. Because of its modest size, you may only anticipate to wash roughly two place settings in each load. While small, this mini dishwasher has a wide variety of wash cycles. Six options are available, including modes for washing fruit and veggies, steaming, and glasses. At the end of the cycle, an air-circulation feature aids in drying dishes more effectively.
Pros:
- Small dimensions
- Built-in water tank
- Variety of cycle options
Cons:
- Only holds two place settings
- Plastic interior may be prone to wear
4. Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher
If you’re seeking for high-end aesthetics, this fully equipped Danby with its stainless steel-look body, LED display, and simple controls is as near as a compact model can go to the appearance and feel of a built-in. It accommodates six place settings and has numerous wash cycles, cup shelves, and a flatware basket like previous models, but it also includes unique features. If you are unfamiliar with Danby, it is a company that has a long history of producing small appliances.
An eco-cycle to conserve electricity, a “mini-party” option to refresh glassware in 20 minutes, and a “baby care” cycle with an extra-hot rinse are some of the model’s specialty features. A kid lock on the controls and programs for extra drying, extra cleaning, and quick washing are impressive bonuses. The controls appear to be simple to understand even if they just employ symbols rather than words.
Pros:
- Energy Star certified
- It has 8 wash cycles
- Includes extra options and cycles
Cons:
- Not as quiet as some
- Could be heavy to move
5. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
This Black + Decker compact dishwasher was an easy choice for our best value option due to its low price, elegant appearance, and high-end functions. It says that at 21.5 inches wide, it can accommodate dinner plates up to 10 inches in diameter and six place settings.
Seven wash options—from intensive to speedy to rinse-only—are available, as well as a 24-hour delay start option that allows you to fill the machine and start the cycle when you’re not using the kitchen. The child lock ensures that small fingers cannot mistakenly start the detergent and rinse aid dispensers, which look and function exactly like those of full-size models.
Despite being the largest dishwasher among our choices, it can fit in with your other kitchen appliances because to its black glass window and curved stainless steel handle, which is probably large enough to carry a dish towel.
Pros:
- 2 folding cup shelves
- Dedicated flatware basket
- Energy Star certified
Cons:
- Control panel uses icons instead of words
- Large footprint
6. Farberware FCDMGDWH Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
This small dishwasher from Farberware can be a wonderful choice if you don’t like the notion of permanently giving up valuable counter space for a portable dishwasher. With its rounded corners and light weight, it may just be portable and simple enough to get out of the way when you no longer need or want it. It has the smallest footprint of our selections at little over 18 inches wide. Remember that it only purports to support two location settings, therefore it works best with 1 or 2 users.
Yet, it makes up for its physical shortcomings with features. Five wash programs are available, one of which has a high-temperature sanitizing rinse. Other features include LED touch controls, a see-through door window, a kid lock on the controls, and a delay start option. Instead of using the typical basket, a compact fold-down shelf is used to store flatware and silverware. There is a small well on the door where detergent is placed, but there is no dispenser for rinse aid.
Also, there is a cycle specifically designed for washing fresh fruit, a basket that is provided, and a water tank that you can manually fill to avoid using the faucet connection.
Pros:
- Requires little counter space
- Has in-built water reservoir
- Uses only 1.3 gallons of water per cycle
Cons:
- May be a bit loud
- Holds only two place settings
What to consider when choosing a countertop dishwasher?
Compact dishwashers are large enough to fit on a kitchen countertop but share many features with built-in machines. The choice, however, might be significantly impacted by important technological and practical distinctions. In order to make an informed decision when looking for the machine that will best suit their needs, buyers should familiarize themselves with the critical elements and characteristics listed below.
Size and Capacity
There are no set sizes for these appliances, even though they are sometimes referred to as “countertop” or “tabletop” dishwashers. Thus, dimensions ought to be verified at all times. The model’s weight is also important to consider, especially if the dishwasher is likely be moved frequently.
There are wide variations in capacity. Although alternative machines are said to be appropriate for 3 or 4 people, and more than one of the little dishwashers we looked at could only hold two place settings, six place settings is the standard. Even with such specifications, it is still wise to inspect the flatware trays and racks to understand how the machine can be configured with its various components. Although this is by no means widespread, some manufacturers provide a thorough explanation of the kinds and sizes of products that will fit.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of a countertop dishwasher should be taken into account by those trying to reduce their utility costs. Users can influence this to some extent by reducing temperatures or shortening programs when it makes sense to do so. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has independently recognized Energy Star-qualified countertop dishwashers as satisfying specific standards, which should enable consumers to save money. These levels of efficiency may also be attained by non-Energy Star items, but there is no reliable means for consumers to confirm this.
Noises
Noise levels are likely to be very important when choosing a dishwasher for a small kitchen or apartment. Fortunately, many countertop dishwashers are relatively quiet at around 50 to 55 decibels, which is the decibel scale used to measure the noise produced by household appliances like these.
To put that into perspective, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that a motorcycle engine is around 95 decibels loud, a whisper is about 30 dB, and regular conversation is about 60 decibels. Another contrast that is frequently made is the noise level of a modern, high-quality refrigerator and the majority of countertop dishwashers.
Installation
Building in a dishwasher might be pricey if the plumbing and electrical work isn’t done by experts. For the majority of countertop dishwashers, this is not the case. Typically, only a power source, a faucet to which the input hose can be attached, and a location for the water to drain are needed (usually into the sink).
Some portable dishwashers don’t even need to be connected to a faucet because they contain an integrated water tank that can be loaded from a jug. Each of the machines we examined in this category included a hose and connections so they may be used in faucet mode if desired, despite the fact that these models often have a smaller capacity.
LED display
Also, it advised searching for a device with an LED display that shows current cycles, running duration, and offers good illumination.
Controls and Cycles
Countertop variants of dishwashers can also be equipped with the kind and range of controls often found on large built-in dishwashers. Nearly all have touch-sensitive panels or push buttons. Although digital displays are widespread, the quantity of information they provide can vary greatly. Some machines contain kid locks and delayed-start or timer features, but the value of these features should be weighed against the overall cost.
Although most give five or six cycles, the number of wash cycles also varies. These cycles can offer everything from a light rinse to a program specifically designed for glass to removing heavy grease. Moreover, drying cycles can vary or perhaps not be used.
FAQ
Are countertop dishwashers efficient?
The tiny size of countertop dishwashers is another benefit. They often fit on top of any flat surface and don’t take up any more space than microwaves. Small spaces are ideal for most models because they can even fit immediately underneath the cabinets. Because of its small size, the dishwasher may be hidden in a cupboard or moved away on a kitchen cart while it’s not in use.
Countertop dishwashers are quite cost-effective and effective, using a lot less water than either hand-washing dishes or a conventional full-sized dishwasher. For each wash cycle, which can accommodate 4-6 place settings, 3 gallons of water are used.
What’s the best type of detergent for a countertop dishwasher?
Dishwasher detergents come in a wide variety of brands and manufacturers, which can be confusing, especially for someone who has recently purchased a countertop dishwasher and is unfamiliar with its operation.
Choosing the best dishwashing detergent, though, is not difficult because there are so many various kinds and varieties on the market. The countertop dishwasher detergent that uses environmentally friendly, natural ingredients—i.e., one that uses ingredients that don’t harm the environment—is the best.
There are other chemical-based dishwashing detergents that are also highly good at removing particularly stubborn stains, but it has been established that these sorts of detergents aren’t long-term healthy or safe.
Are Portable Dishwashers As Good As Built-In?
The same types of racks and cycle options are available on portable dishwashers as on low- to mid-range built-ins, and they can clean and dry your dishes just like a built-in dishwasher can. You should be aware that these are genuine dishwashers, not simply cheap imitations.
