Imagine a world where you never have to argue about who washes the dishes again. It sounds like a dream, right? For many of us, especially those living in smaller homes or apartments, the idea of a dishwasher feels like a luxury we can’t fit. The kitchen counter is already crowded, and who has the space for a big appliance?
But what if we told you that you *can* have sparkling clean dishes without sacrificing precious kitchen real estate? Choosing a compact dishwasher can feel overwhelming. You’re probably wondering if they actually work well, how much they cost, and if they’ll fit your tiny kitchen. It’s a big decision, and you want to get it right.
This post is here to help. We’ll dive into what makes a compact dishwasher a game-changer for small spaces. You’ll learn what to look for, discover the best features, and find out how to pick the perfect one for your home. Get ready to say goodbye to dishpan hands and hello to more free time!
Our Top 5 Compact Dishwasher Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Compact Dishwasher Detailed Reviews
1. Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher with 8 Place settings
Rating: 8.6/10
The Honeywell 18 Inch Dishwasher offers a smart solution for keeping your kitchen clean. This dishwasher is designed to handle the needs of a smaller household, fitting neatly into your kitchen space. It boasts a sleek stainless steel finish that complements modern kitchens. With its user-friendly features, it makes dishwashing less of a chore.
What We Like:
- It holds 8 place settings, which is great for families or entertaining.
- You get 6 washing programs, so you can pick the best one for your dishes, from heavy-duty to delicate glass.
- The stainless steel tub is tough and helps the dishwasher work better.
- It’s Energy Star certified, meaning it uses less electricity and saves you money on bills.
- The 24-hour delay start timer is super handy; you can set it and forget it.
- It’s built-in and ADA-compliant, making it accessible and easy to use for everyone.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 18-inch width might be a bit small for larger families or if you do a lot of entertaining.
- While it has multiple programs, some might wish for even more specialized cycles.
This Honeywell dishwasher is a solid choice for its efficiency and thoughtful features. It brings convenience and energy savings right to your kitchen.
2. NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand in your small apartment? The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher is here to help! This compact wonder fits easily on your counter and makes dish duty a breeze. It’s designed for modern living, offering convenience without taking up too much space.
What We Like:
- This dishwasher is small but holds a lot! It fits 4 full place settings, perfect for a family of 3-4.
- You don’t need to install it. You can use the built-in water tank or connect it to your faucet.
- It has a special “Baby Care” mode that washes at a super hot temperature (167°F), great for baby bottles and greasy dishes.
- It washes, dries, and even stores your dishes! The air-dry function keeps them fresh for up to 72 hours.
- It comes with everything you need: racks for dishes, cutlery, and even a basket for fruits and veggies.
- The “Speed Wash” cycle cleans your dishes in just 29 minutes.
- The LED touch panel and interior light make it easy to see what’s happening.
What Could Be Improved:
- A small amount of residual water is normal after testing, but it’s good to run it for 5 minutes before the first use.
This NOVETE dishwasher is a smart solution for anyone needing a little help with dishes. It’s efficient, easy to use, and perfect for small spaces.
3. COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
Rating: 8.8/10
Say goodbye to dishpan hands with the COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher! This sleek black machine is designed for modern living, fitting perfectly on your counter and tackling your dirty dishes with ease. It’s a fantastic solution for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, RVs, and apartments.
What We Like:
- Perfect Size for Small Households: With a 6-place setting, it’s ideal for 2-3 people and fits up to 70 pieces of tableware. Plates up to 10 inches wide fit inside.
- Easy Setup Options: You can connect it directly to your faucet, and it’s flexible enough to sit on your counter or even be tucked into a cupboard.
- Versatile Cleaning Cycles: Choose from 8 different wash programs, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed. It even has a Speed cycle that cleans dishes in just 45 minutes.
- Powerful Cleaning Action: The Heavy program uses 12 spray nozzles and a 360° wash to blast away tough food grime. It heats water up to 154℉ for a deep clean.
- Energy Efficient: This dishwasher is Energy Star compliant, using as little as 2.77 gallons of water per cycle, saving you money and resources.
- Baby-Care Cycle: A special setting ensures extra hygiene for baby bottles and utensils.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Water Presence: The dishwasher may have some water inside when you receive it because it’s tested at the factory. This is normal, but it might surprise you the first time.
- Faucet Adapter May Be Needed: While it connects to the faucet, you might need a specific adapter depending on your faucet type.
The COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher offers a convenient and efficient way to keep your dishes sparkling clean. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their kitchen routine without sacrificing space.
4. COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand? The COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher is a game-changer for small spaces. This compact appliance fits right on your countertop and offers a convenient way to keep your dishes sparkling clean. It’s designed for small households, making it ideal for dorm rooms, RVs, and apartments.
What We Like:
- Perfect size for 2-3 people, fitting up to 70 pieces of tableware.
- Fits plates up to 10 inches wide.
- Simple to install; connects directly to your faucet.
- Flexible placement options: on the counter or in a cupboard.
- Offers 8 washing cycles, including special options like Baby-Care, ECO, and Glass.
- The Heavy program uses 12 spray nozzles and high-temperature water (up to 68℃) for tough stains.
- The Speed program cleans dishes in just 45 minutes, using only 2.77 gallons of water.
- Includes an extra-drying function for perfectly dry dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some water may be present inside the dishwasher upon arrival, as it’s tested at the factory.
- An adapter is needed for faucet connection.
This COMFEE’ dishwasher offers impressive cleaning power and flexibility for its size. It’s an excellent solution for anyone looking to simplify their dishwashing routine in a compact living space.
5. Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings
Rating: 9.2/10
The Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those with limited space. Its slimline design fits easily under your sink, yet it packs a punch with an 8-place setting capacity. This means you can wash a good amount of dishes at once, even larger pots and pans.
What We Like:
- The slimline design fits well in smaller kitchens without sacrificing capacity.
- It has 6 useful washing programs to handle different types of loads, from delicate dishes to heavily soiled pots.
- The Heated Dry feature means your dishes come out ready to put away, saving you time.
- The HI TEMP program gets super hot (up to 136°F), which is great for sanitizing baby bottles and making sure everything is sparkling clean.
- The stainless steel tub is durable and looks sleek.
- It’s Energy Star certified, which is good for your electricity bill and the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to remember to only use dishwasher detergent, as regular dish soap can cause problems.
- The “Rapid” and “Self-clean” cycles do not include the Heated Dry function.
This Midea dishwasher offers a great balance of size, features, and cleaning power. It’s a smart choice for keeping your kitchen tidy and your dishes spotless.
Your Guide to Choosing a Compact Dishwasher
A compact dishwasher is a fantastic choice for smaller kitchens or for people who don’t have a lot of dishes to wash. It saves space and energy. This guide will help you find the perfect one.
1. Key Features to Look For
a. Size and Capacity
Compact dishwashers are smaller than regular ones. They usually hold about 4 to 6 place settings. A place setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup, saucer, and cutlery for one person. Measure the space where you want to put it. Make sure it fits!
b. Wash Cycles
Most compact dishwashers have a few wash cycles. Look for at least a normal wash, a heavy-duty wash for tough messes, and a quick wash for lightly soiled dishes. Some models also have an eco mode to save water and energy.
c. Energy Efficiency
Check the Energy Star rating. An Energy Star label means the dishwasher uses less electricity and water. This saves you money on your utility bills and is better for the environment.
d. Noise Level
Dishwashers can be noisy. The noise level is measured in decibels (dB). A quieter dishwasher will have a lower dB rating, usually below 50 dB. This is good for open-plan living spaces.
e. Installation Type
Compact dishwashers come in a few types. Countertop models sit on your counter. Built-in models slide under your counter, just like a full-size dishwasher. Portable models can be moved around and connect to your faucet.
2. Important Materials
a. Stainless Steel Interior
A stainless steel interior is a big plus. It’s durable and resists stains and odors. It also helps dishes dry better. Plastic interiors are cheaper but can scratch and hold smells.
b. Racks and Baskets
Look for sturdy racks that glide smoothly. Adjustable racks are helpful. They let you fit taller items like pots or platters. A good cutlery basket keeps utensils separate and clean.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
a. Build Quality
A well-built dishwasher feels solid. The door should close securely. The racks should not feel flimsy. Read reviews to see what other users say about durability.
b. Cleaning Performance
The best compact dishwashers get dishes sparkling clean. They should remove dried-on food without much pre-rinsing. Poor cleaning performance is frustrating.
c. Drying Ability
Some dishwashers use a heating element to dry dishes. Others use condensation drying, which is more energy-efficient. Check if the dishwasher has a good drying system. You don’t want to towel-dry dishes after they’re “clean.”
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Compact dishwashers are perfect for people living alone, couples, or small families. They are also great for RVs, dorm rooms, or as a second dishwasher in a larger home. They make washing up after meals quick and easy. You can run a load more often, so you don’t have to let dishes pile up. Some users find them a little tricky to load perfectly at first, but they get the hang of it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: Key features include the size and capacity, the different wash cycles, its energy efficiency rating, its noise level, and the installation type (countertop, built-in, or portable).
Q: How much space does a compact dishwasher take up?
A: They are designed to be small. Countertop models are about 2 feet wide and 1.5 feet tall. Built-in models fit in standard under-counter cabinet spaces, usually around 18 inches wide.
Q: How many dishes can a compact dishwasher hold?
A: Typically, a compact dishwasher can hold between 4 and 6 place settings. This is enough for daily meals for one or two people.
Q: Are compact dishwashers good at cleaning?
A: Yes, most modern compact dishwashers clean very well. They have powerful spray arms and effective wash cycles for most everyday messes.
Q: Do compact dishwashers use a lot of water or electricity?
A: No, especially if you choose an Energy Star certified model. They use much less water and electricity than washing dishes by hand.
Q: What is a place setting?
A: A place setting is the set of dishes and cutlery used by one person at a meal. It usually includes a dinner plate, a salad plate, a bowl, a cup, and cutlery for that person.
Q: Is a stainless steel interior better than plastic?
A: Yes, stainless steel interiors are more durable, resist stains and odors better, and can help dishes dry more effectively than plastic interiors.
Q: How noisy are compact dishwashers?
A: Noise levels vary, but many compact dishwashers operate at around 45-55 decibels (dB). A lower number means it’s quieter.
Q: Can I install a compact dishwasher myself?
A: Countertop and portable models are usually easy to set up. Built-in models might require some basic plumbing and electrical work, or you might want a professional to install them.
Q: Are compact dishwashers worth the money?
A: For individuals, couples, or those with limited kitchen space, a compact dishwasher can be a great investment. It saves time, effort, and can be more water and energy efficient than handwashing.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.