With compact designs and ingenious features, the best countertop dishwashers are a miracle for small kitchens. These time-saving appliances can change how you clean up at home, making mealtimes and cooking much easier. For homes with little space for a full-sized iteration of the best dishwashers, these countertop models are just the thing that’s needed.
In short, a countertop dishwasher can do almost everything a full-sized, installed model can—except it sits on your counter and is often hooked up to your sink rather than your plumbing. Though smaller, countertop dishwashers aren’t short on features—many can handle your pots, pans, and plates.
There’s no denying that countertop dishwashers are better suited to smaller family homes, with the compact aspect here means that fewer dishes can be crammed in overall. But for two to three people, these appliances can change the game and mean no more arguing about whose turn it is to do the dishes. Instead, all you need to do is find a space where it can live and connect it to your faucet or your water tank - depending on the given design and your preferences.
While we have used a range of dishwashers in our time, we haven't been able to test every model in this guide in person. Instead, we have honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best countertop dishwasher features to make this shortlist. This includes the number of (useful) cycle settings, number of place settings, internal space, whether or not it comes with a built-in water tank, and the overall appearance of the appliance. Keep reading to find out which countertop dishwashers we’ve rated best.
The best countertop dishwashers we recommend
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Top Ten Reviews is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.
While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.
The best countertop dishwasher overall
The HAVA Countertop Dishwasher is a stylish and compact appliance perfect for those with limited space. Its sleek black LED touchscreen panel at the top makes it easy to use and understand.
While it is more expensive, the HAVA Dishwasher comes with an impressive array of features. Five different wash cycle modes exist, including a speed setting that washes dishes in 29 minutes. A drying function is available, which ensures the removal of watermarks on cookware. At just 50dB, it's also one of the quietest dishwashers on the market, meaning you won't be disturbed by the noise.
There are two different ways to set up the HAVA Dishwasher. The most straightforward is to pour five liters of water into the machine's tank using the jug that comes with it. Then, attach the drain hose to the back of the appliance and feed it into the sink for the discarded water.
You can connect the HAVA Dishwasher to the water supply for a more permanent setup using the inlet hose. This method requires some DIY, as you'll need to drill through cabinets, but it is a good option for those who won't want tubes trailing around the kitchen.
The dishwasher is easy to clean, and Emily Barron, a cleaning expert at Rezigo, recommends removing old food and dirt from inside the machine using a wire brush once a week.
- Read more: HAVA Countertop Dishwasher review
The best compact countertop dishwasher
The Loch Electronics Capsule 3-in-1 Countertop Dishwasher is a compact machine that doesn't require plumbing to function. It's designed for small households and is available in four different colors. The machine is well-designed and sleek and comes with a digital control panel with touchscreen buttons that light up when it's on. The buttons are big and easy to use, but they may be difficult to see in bright sunlight.
The dishwasher features eight wash cycle options, including eco, fruit, and UV mode. The UV light sanitization feature is a standout feature as it can disinfect personal items that might get damaged by water, such as phone cases, keys, and dog toys. The child lock is another useful function that prevents children from accidentally opening the dishwasher mid-cycle.
The Loch Capsule is eco-friendly and consumes around 4 liters of water in one cycle, depending on the program and time selected. The fruit and veg basket is a nice feature as it allows users to wash their weekly shop all in one go. The dishwasher is also designed to use less water and energy than other countertop dishwashers, making it an excellent choice for those looking to save money on their bills.
During testing, the dishwasher performed exceptionally well, even on shorter cycles. The 15 and 30-minute cycles were particularly impressive, and the dishes came out clean and sparkling. We found that the longer cycles were effective but unnecessary for everyday use.
Read more: Loch Electronics Capsule review
The best budget countertop dishwasher
The RCA RDW3208 countertop dishwasher is a winner when it comes to affordability. It’s not only a great option for everyday washing-up chores, but it packs a lot in, too, easily coping with six place settings and, with its convenient flip-down plate rack, it can also take pots and pans.
Many users have given the RCA dishwasher with plate number 1 a high rating on several retailer websites. The machine has received praise for its silent operation, its ability to accommodate pots and pans of various sizes, and its ease of setup and use. However, not all users are impressed with this countertop dishwasher. Some have complained about the inability to stack plates properly and have to slant them. Others have mentioned that it takes up a lot of counter space.
Watering this countertop dishwasher is straightforward—simply use the included easy-connect kit, which comes with everything you need to connect the appliance to your faucet.
Other perks for the price include a cutlery basket and cup shelf for an efficient and thorough wash, while its neat dimensions ensure it fits perfectly into your small kitchen. While a few more wash cycle choices would have been welcome, and a longer warranty would have been great, we can’t complain too much, as this budget option does exactly what you need to do the job.
The best premium countertop dishwasher
The Black + Decker BCD6W will appeal to you if you prefer to shop with trusted brands and are willing to pay for the name.
Seven wash programs are available, all of which deliver top-notch cleaning and efficiency. In addition to the regular Heavy and Normal cycles, there are Babycare, Eco, Glass, Speed, and Rinse programs—all welcome additions no matter the size of your household. The Babycare wash is a bonus for keeping on top of busy family life.
Users rate the Black + Decker BCD6W highly for its ease of installation and efficiency. Other reviews add that this countertop dishwasher works quietly and “cleans dishes perfectly.” Some users mention that this portable dishwasher's connection hose isn’t very good and is prone to leaking. Despite its small capacity, a few comments also state how much space this appliance takes up.
The Black + Decker BCD6W countertop dishwasher also includes handy child-lock and pause features – little extras that make this appliance just that little bit more convenient. And with room enough for six settings, there’s plenty to love about this great-looking dishwasher.
However, if you want all the great features but more affordability, you might want to check out one of our other top picks.
The best countertop dishwasher for convenience
As convenient as countertop dishwashers are, many of these appliances take their water directly from your faucet. This means you must place the dishwasher near your sink, which might not suit your kitchen setup. However, the super-convenient Farberware FDW05ASBWHA has a built-in five-liter water tank to operate away from the faucet, so we vote for the 'best for convenience.'
The Farberware FDW05ASBWHA has 75% five-star ratings on Amazon. Users liked that this model comes with a tank and that the water hoses spray from the machine's top and bottom. Some users, however, weren’t pleased to find that they couldn’t fit pots and pans in this countertop dishwasher, and some also found the wash cycles to take a long time.
While it will still need a large enough receptacle to drain the water into as it washes, this appliance provides more freedom in your small kitchen, especially if space is particularly tight. It’s also convenient for use in RVs.
Other features of the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA include a fruit-cleaning cycle and a baby-care cycle for sterilizing bottles and toys. This also makes it handy for larger kitchens where extra backup is needed for additional tasks. What’s more, it looks great, too, with a see-through front so you can see it in action as it washes.
The best countertop dishwasher for a low noise level
Although at the slightly higher-priced end of compact dishwashers, the Novete TDQR01 packs a lot of features and performance into one of the most compact, convenient, and stylish-looking portable dishwashers we’ve seen.
The Novete TDQR01 can be connected to the faucet with the included hose and connector, or you can easily top up the 1.3-gallon built-in water tank and enjoy the freedom to place the dishwasher anywhere you like, even in an RV.
The Novete TDQR01 has received excellent reviews on various consumer sites, including Amazon and Walmart. Customers have expressed their satisfaction with the machine's compact design, as well as its ability to connect to either a water tank or a faucet. The Novete TDQR01 is highly praised for its quiet operation and inconspicuousness, although some users have expressed disappointment with its limited capacity. Some users have had difficulty fitting larger pans or pots into the machine. However, if you prioritize versatility and performance overload capacity, the Novete TDQR01 is an excellent choice for a compact countertop dishwasher.
The Novete TDQR01 is simple to use thanks to a clear LCD control panel. It offers five wash programs: Normal, Speed, ECO, Baby Care/Heavy, and a Fruit rinse mode with the included fruit basket. The Novete also offers an Air Dry function and ventilation that protects against the build-up of odors should you need to leave your dishwasher unattended for a time.
While this portable dishwasher offers a clean, modern look, it is only available in white. Sadly, while an interior LED light provides some welcome illumination and complements the dual-layer viewing window, the deep blue color might be a little off-putting for some.
The TDQR01 is also among the quietest—if not the quietest—dishwashers we’ve reviewed, rated at only 50 decibels. Unfortunately, the appliance is not Energy Star Certified, as we can see.
The best countertop dishwasher for energy savings
The Danby DDW621WDB offers a simple and elegant solution if your home doesn’t have the space for a full-size dishwasher. The Danby DDW621WDB performs every bit as well as larger machines, thanks to six wash programs and room to fit up to six standard place settings, five to six cups, and assorted silverware in the included basket.
Simple to install and operate, the Danby DDW621WDB includes all the hoses and attachments needed to hook it up to your faucet. The machine’s functions are clearly displayed on an LED dial. However, we would have liked to have seen a digital LED timer.
The Danby DDW621WDB scores very well among Amazon users, with around 71% of customers scoring the appliance five stars. Customers have been impressed with the machine’s generous capacity, installation simplicity, energy efficiency, and almost whisper-quiet volume while running. Some users found the tray layout a bit limiting when stacking regular dishes with larger items like saucepans, but nearly all customers were impressed with the machine’s cleaning performance.
The Danby DDW621WDB is among the most energy-efficient portable dishwashers we’ve reviewed. It is Energy Star certified and is rated to use approximately 203kWh per year. Each wash only uses around 3.1 gallons of water. Add to that the Danby DDW621WDB emits only around 52 decibels while in use, and you have a dishwasher that is economical and about as unobtrusive as such machines get.
While it would have been good to be able to choose colors and style options other than white, the Danby DDW621WDB is still an attractive and reliable countertop dishwasher for most homes.
The best countertop dishwasher for range of features
For such a compact, low-profile countertop dishwasher, the EdgeStar DWP62BL punches well above its 44Ib weight. It offers almost as many features as a full-size dishwasher but with adequate space to accommodate six standard place settings, a cutlery basket, and a rack that can hold up to six cups or mugs.
Better yet, the EdgeStar is among the most affordable countertop dishwashers and is the most economical. The machine is Energy Star certified and is rated to use only about 200kw annually through normal operation.
The EdgeStar DWP62BL scores highly, with customers impressed by the machine’s ample capacity, wide choice of wash cycles, and ease of use. Over 73% of Amazon reviews give the EdgeStar five-star ratings. While some expressed disappointment that the dishwasher does not have a drying function, most users praised the EdgeStar’s convenient compact form and dependable performance.
Installing the EdgeStar is a breeze as the machine has all the connectors to hook it up to your faucet. The machine is operated via a simple console displaying an impressive seven cycles (light, normal, heavy, glass, baby care, speed, and rinse), with indicators to tell you when you’re low on rinse aid and how much time is left on your current cycle.
We’d have liked to have seen more support for the product through a longer warranty. Still, user experiences indicate that the EdgeStar DWP62BL is a reliable machine that performs brilliantly over many years of use.
How we test the best countertop dishwashers
At Top Ten Reviews, we're committed to ensuring that every product we feature in our buying guides is thoroughly tested by our team members. When it comes to countertop dishwashers, we test each product for at least two to three weeks, allowing enough time to put them through their paces and gauge their effectiveness at cleaning dishes of different sizes and shapes.
We also evaluate their water and energy efficiency, noise levels, and ease of use, such as loading and unloading dishes. To make things even more convenient, we also check if these dishwashers can be connected to smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so you can control them hands-free. Plus, we examine how long it takes to complete a cleaning cycle, how much water it uses, and how noisy it is.
Once we've considered all of these factors, we compare each dishwasher's performance to its price to determine whether it offers good value for money or if there are better alternatives. You can learn more on our how we test page.
How to choose the best countertop dishwasher for you
Before enjoying your new countertop dishwasher, you must address a few practical considerations. The first is whether you want a model that hooks up to your faucet or has a built-in water tank. The latter will suit any home where access to your sink is more difficult to ensure.
Be practical when it comes to size, too. The smaller your dishwasher, the less cramped your kitchen will be, but you will have to sacrifice the convenience of throwing your pots and pans in for washing. Options with a flip-down plate rack are great for creating more space if you’re stuck.
Make sure to read up on how many place settings your model can accommodate; while most will have around six, you might need to accommodate more people.
Countertop dishwasher FAQs
Are countertop dishwashers worth it?
Countertop dishwashers are absolutely worth it—especially if you are short on space, on a budget, and can’t face washing your dishes by hand. Whether you lack under-the-counter space or have a motorhome, countertop dishwashers essentially offer up another pair of hands in the kitchen and save you from doing all the washing up.
Due to their small size, they are perfect for those living alone or in couples or washing up after small get-togethers. Many of the best countertop dishwashers can fit around six place settings; some are big enough to fit pots and pans. Many of the best countertop dishwashers also come with at least five different wash cycles, including a standard rinse, a quick rinse, and a heavy wash. Many also have the option of a delayed start function, and depending on the model you choose, others have a baby-care cycle to sterilize bottles. However, if you’ve got a large family, we’d suggest investing in a full-sized dishwasher so you don’t run out of space.
How do countertop dishwashers work?
Countertop dishwashers work just like standard-size dishwashers. They each come with place settings, cutlery baskets, and space for glasses. These small kitchen appliances need to be plugged into a socket to operate, but they don’t need to be plumbed in. Essentially, there are two different types of countertop dishwashers available. Some work by attaching to a faucet, while others have their built-in water tanks for added convenience.
If your countertop dishwasher needs to be connected to a faucet, it will have two hoses that join together with a ‘quick connect hose faucet.’ Usually positioned around the back of your machine, one hose channels in fresh water to clean your dishes with. At the same time, the other hose drains the dirty water back into the sink.
For countertop dishwashers that have built-in water tanks, you simply top their tanks up with H2O and let the handy kitchen gadget get to work. The latter are particularly ideal for those who may not have access to a water source.
Do you need a plumber to install a countertop dishwasher?
You won't need a plumber to install a countertop dishwasher. That's because these appliances aren't actually plumbed into your main water supply. Many simply sit on your countertop and connect to your faucet.
Other types of countertop dishwashers have a built-in tank. That means you won't need to connect them to a faucet for them to begin washing the dishes, but you will need to provide them with somewhere to drain after.
These types of appliances are often called portable dishwashers, and it's true that you can connect these units, then disconnect them and put them away if necessary.
