5 Best Counter Top Dishwashers: Full Review Guide

Tired of scrubbing dishes by hand after every meal? Imagine reclaiming that time to relax or do something you actually enjoy! For many of us living in apartments, small homes, or even RVs, a full-sized dishwasher just isn’t an option. That’s where the countertop dishwasher swoops in as a kitchen superhero. But let’s be honest, browsing the market can feel overwhelming. You see different sizes, features, and price tags, and you wonder, “Which one is actually worth my counter space?”

Choosing the perfect compact cleaner means balancing cleaning power, size, and ease of installation. We know you want sparkling dishes without sacrificing precious kitchen real estate or breaking the bank. This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a countertop dishwasher great, what features truly matter, and how to match the right machine to your unique needs.

Keep reading to discover our top picks and expert tips. By the end of this post, you will feel confident choosing the best countertop dishwasher to finally say goodbye to dishpan hands forever!

Top Counter Top Dishwasher Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments & RV, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal Mode

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Euhomy Portable Countertop Dishwasher: Compact yet powerful, measuring just 16.83 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches. Its spacious interior efficiently cleans over 30 items at once, including plates up to 10.25 inches. Holds: 4 Plates, 4 Small Plates, 4 Small Cups, 4 Bowls, 2 Glasses, and 7 sets of Forks, Knives, and Spoons. Includes added convenience with a dedicated cutlery holder, a fruit basket, and a kettle. The perfect space-saving solution for homes, apartments, dorms, boats, and RVs
𝐍𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝: Our Euhomy countertop dishwasher offers two water supply options: tank mode and faucet mode. In Tank Mode, simply fill the built-in 5L (1.32-Gallon) reservoir—the automatic water level indicator tells you when it's perfectly filled and ready to clean. Use Faucet Mode by attaching the included inlet hose directly to your kitchen tap for a continuous supply of water. With dual modes, this compact dishwasher offers effortless operation and adapts to any kitchen setup—no permanent installation required
𝟔 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬: The Euhomy compact dishwasher boasts 6 programs for your family: Normal, Quick, ECO, Baby Care/Heavy Duty, and Fruit, Dry. The Quick offers a 29 minutes fast wash. While the Baby Care/ Strong mode of our mini dishwasher operates at a scorching 167°F, ensuring baby products and greasy dishes are thoroughly rinsed. The dishwasher also features a dual spray arm system that provides 360° cleaning, ensuring thorough washing of accessories—even pet bowls, collars, leashes, and more. Customized cleaning is easy with this versatile dishwasher
𝟑-𝐢𝐧-𝟏 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Not just a sideboard and compact dishwasher, but also a dish dryer. The Euhomy dishwasher provides 60 minutes of hot air drying followed by 73 hours of automatic ventilation after each wash, keeping your dishes free from unpleasant odors. *The drying mode can be used with any wash cycle except Fruit mode, and it can also operate independently
𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: This compact dishwasher saves up to 80% water compared to handwashing. Its 5L (1.32-gallon) water tank can handle multiple cleaning operations. Certified by ETL and DOE for safety, quality, and energy-saving performance, it also comes with a 1-year warranty. We're always here to help with any questions!

SaleBestseller No. 2

COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, Black

6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and has a plate size of up to 10 inches in diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
Simple Installation- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Depending on your needs, it can be flexibly placed on the table or fitted in the cupboard.
8 Washing Cycles- Most of the cleaning cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, helped with extra-drying function, and deliver sparklingly cleaned and dried dishes. Three more cleaning options, including Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse, are designed for COMFEE' compact dishwasher, providing high flexibility for you to choose in different situations.
Heavy Program- Heavily soiled dishes are cleaned evenly with 12 washing nozzles, accompanied with 360° spiral spray wash to ensure complete washing of all the dishes from all angles. Also, high water temperature, which is up to 154℉, together with high water pressure, offer you the best cleaning towards the most stubborn stains.
Speed Program- Only takes you 45 minutes to get all dishes cleaned, perfect for hurry-up situations, like holding a multi-round party. Accompanied with Energy Star compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.

Bestseller No. 3

Sunvivi Portable Dishwasher with 152OZ Water Tank, 18" Countertop Dishwasher Machine fits up to 12" plates, Energy Star, 6 Preset Mode, 12H Delay Start, Small Dish Washer for Dorm RV&Apartment, White

Compact Yet Spacious: With a slim footprint of just 17.7 in wide x 17.3 in deep, this countertop dishwasher is ideal for small kitchens, dorms, and apartment size dishwasher needs. Despite its compact body, it easily fits up to 12-inch plates, making it a truly powerful small dishwasher for daily family use. Skip handwashing and reclaim your after-meal free time.
Dual Water Supply: Equipped with a built-in 152 oz removable water tank, this portable dishwasher with water tank supports manual filling with buzzer alerts for easy use. It can also connect directly to a faucet for automatic water intake. This flexible portable countertop dishwasher works anywhere—perfect when you need a portable dishwasher no hookup solution.
6 Smart Wash Modes: This versatile mini dishwasher features six cleaning programs: Standard, Quick, Intensive, Eco, Fruit, and Dry. The dishwasher countertop Quick mode finishes a full wash in just 29 minutes, while the high-temp 167°F drying cycle ensures clean, dry results. A perfect solution for anyone shopping for reliable compact dishwashers.
Water & Energy Saver: Each wash uses only 152 oz of water, far less than handwashing, making this efficient dishwasher machine ideal for daily use. With its 12-hour delay start, you can run cycles during off-peak hours for extra savings. A smart upgrade for anyone seeking a compact dishwasher countertop or space-saving portable dishwashers.
Clear Touch Control: An easy-to-use LED touch panel gives you full control at a glance. The transparent double-layer glass door with internal lighting makes this tabletop dishwasher visually intuitive for everyday use. Designed for modern homes, this sleek countertop dish washer ensures smooth operation with fully dishwasher safe performance.

Bestseller No. 4

COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 162℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function

Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" 【No installation needed】: Adding water manually in the 5L built-in water tank, you can put the dishwasher in any suitable place without connecting to tap water. Or it can be hooked to the kitchen faucet directly with the included water hose (Adapter included).Water pressure : 0.04 - 1.0MPa.
[ Ultra-compact Design]: The ultra-compact design allows the dishwasher to wash 30+ items（Max to 9.5-inch plates) at a time while occupying a small area, which is ideal for small houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.
[ 6 Program Options ]: NORMAL, RAPID, STEAM, FRUIT, GLASS washing programs, and AIR REFRESH extra drying mode meet all your daily needs. Note: Use the standard dishwasher powders or detergents because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems. (No detergent is needed for the FRUIT program, and RAPID just needs half of the standard quantity. )
[ 192 ℉ HIGH-TEMP HYGIENE ]: The HYGIENE wash cycle boosts water temperature to 162 ℉ Rinsing and Max to 192 ℉ which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes and is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children’s dinner sets.
[ Extra Drying & Stay Fresh ]: Circulation of AIR REFRESH removes moisture and odor, keeping your plates and machine dry and fresh for a long time. The function is enabled by default and you can also inactivate the function if unnecessary.

Bestseller No. 5

NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments

【SMALL SIZE, LARGE CAPACITY】This portable dishwasher only measures 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches, but holds 4 full place settings and fits up to 12" dishes loaded at an angle, easily meeting daily needs for a family of 3-4; the double-layer design offers enough space for 4 x serving bowls, 4 x cups, 4 x small plates, 4 x dinner plates, 7 x spoons, 7 x forks and 7 x knives; perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs
【NO INSTALLATION NEEDED】This countertop dishwasher supports 2 water supply modes, including a faucet mode and water tank mode; a built-in 5 L water tank allows instant use when fully filled. The automatic water level indicator lets you know when the correct water level has been reached; to use the faucet mode, simply connect the water inlet hose to the machine and faucet
【BABY CARE MODE】This compact dishwasher offers 5 wash cycles - Normal, Speed, Soft, Baby Care/Heavy, and Fruit; the Baby Care/Heavy mode with 167 °F washing temperature is suitable for baby products and oily tableware, which rinses them thoroughly and gives glassware a sparkling clean finish
【3-IN-1 FUNCTION】Featuring a Dry mode, this machine is equipped with the features of a dishwasher, dryer, and cabinet, making taking care of your dishes and glassware a breeze; 60 minutes of hot air drying will automatically start after the wash cycle is finished, keeping your dishes dry and odorless; 72 hours of automatic ventilation stores your tableware in sanitary condition, providing clean dishes whenever you need them
【FULLY EQUIPPED】The storage rack and cutlery basket make it easy to clean ''top rack only'' dishwasher safe items such as knives, forks, and spoons, leaving more space for dishes and small pots; lower and upper spray arms give dishes a streak-free deep cleaning, and the included fruit basket stores fruits and vegetables neatly and cleans them

Bestseller No. 6

BLITZHOME Portable Dishwasher Countertop, WIFI Smart Dishwasher, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Fruit Cleaning

【APP Smart Control】Different from others, our dishwasher has an app connection function. No matter where you are, you can check the status of the dishwasher and set the dishwashing timer in real time through your phone, which can save you time, and also bring you a more convenient life
【Six Washing Programs】Our dishwasher designed with 6 washing programs, including Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, Drying, which fulfilling your daily requirements; Standard mode is suitable for most common dishware; Quick mode only needs 29 minutes to satisfy basic washing; ECO mode can save power and water; Fruit mode is designed for you who want to clean specific items.After cleaning, 167℉ high temperature fast drying function can ensure health and safety
【Dual Modes of Water Inlet】You can add water to the tank directly or attach the dishwasher to the tap,which means that no worries about modifying waterways and cabinets. Also it is ideal for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats and campers/RVs
【Large Capacity】Our dishwasher can hold up home for 4-6 sets of tableware(20 dishes), and also equipped with bowl basket, knife& fork basket.There are also storage racks and cutlery baskets inside to make forks, spoons, etc. easier to clean
【3D 360° Spiral Spray Washing】360° Powerful Cleaning,Up&Down Double Spray Arms,High pressure washing and full-angle 3D spraying cover every corner and remove stains thoroughly and effectively,which gives you the perfect dishwashing experience

Bestseller No. 7

Portable Countertop Dishwasher, Mini Dishwasher, 360° Spraying Cleaning, 1200W Table Top Dishwashers for Homes, Apartments, Dormitories, Boats, Campers, Rvs

【Excellent Performance】 12 high-performance spouts and 360° rotation flushing and cleaning form a cross-water network, which provides thorough and quick cleaning results in 35-55 minutes.
【Large Capacity】 The dish rack can hold up to approximately 6 sets of dishes(for reference), making compact dishwasher easy to clean your entire family's dishes in one go.
【Compact Design】 The 15.74*15.74*17.71 inches product allows you to easily place or store small dishwasher on the kitchen countertop or in the corner.
【Low Noise】 55db low noise operation, which is equivalent to the volume of ordinary indoor conversation, can give you a quiet living environment without disturbing your and your neighbors' lives.
【Long Service Life】Crafted from premium-grade PP and ABS materials, this counter dishwasher has undergone a spray painting process, rendering it both rust-resistant and wear-resistant, ensuring long-lasting practicality.

SaleBestseller No. 8

COMFEE' Portable Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Mini Dishwasher for RVs, White

6 Program Options: Choose from Normal, Rapid, Hygiene, Fruit, Glass, and Air Refresh modes. All options include 360° powerful spray arms , so you can easily find the perfect wash for whatever you're cleaning.
High-Temp Hygiene: The Hygiene cycle heats the water up to 162℉, making it great for really dirty dishes and even safe for cleaning your little one's dinnerware.
Extra Drying & Freshness: The Air Refresh mode circulates air to keep both your dishes and the machine dry and fresh. It helps remove moisture and odors, and if you don't need it, you can turn it off anytime.
No Installation Needed: Easy to use – just fill the built-in 5L water tank! You can also hook it up directly to your kitchen faucet using the included adapter. Make sure there's at least a 19.6" gap between counter and the upper cabinet.
Small But Mighty: It may be compact, but it can wash 30+ items (including plates up to 9.5 inches in diameter). Perfect for small kitchens, apartments, dorms, boats, or RVs where space is tight, but you still need the convenience of a dishwasher.

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Counter Top Dishwasher

A counter top dishwasher is a fantastic helper, especially if you live in a small apartment or just hate washing dishes by hand. These compact machines sit right on your kitchen counter and connect easily to your sink faucet. Choosing the right one can make your life much simpler. Here is what you need to know before you buy.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, focus on these important features. They decide how well the dishwasher works for you.

Capacity and Size

Place Settings: Check how many dishes it holds. Most small models handle four to six place settings. This is great for singles or couples.
Dimensions: Measure your counter space! Make sure the unit fits without blocking your cabinets or sink area.

Washing Power and Cycles

Wash Cycles: Look for at least three cycles: Normal, Heavy, and Quick/Eco. A quick cycle saves time when you only have a few lightly soiled items.
Drying Method: Some units use heat to dry dishes, while others use residual heat or even a small fan. Heat drying usually costs more energy but leaves dishes drier.

Ease of Installation and Use

Hookups: Most models use a quick-connect adapter for your existing faucet. Ensure the adapter fits your sink type.
Detergent Dispenser: Simple, easy-to-fill dispensers make loading detergent much cleaner.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long your dishwasher lasts and how clean your dishes get.

Interior Tub Material

The inside tub should ideally be stainless steel. Stainless steel tubs dry faster and resist stains and odors better than plastic tubs. Plastic tubs are cheaper but might not last as long.

Exterior Finish

Most exteriors are plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks nicer and is easier to wipe clean. Plastic is lighter but can show fingerprints or scuffs more easily.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Good quality means better cleaning and less hassle later on.

What Makes Quality Better?

Water Efficiency: Higher-end models use less water per cycle. This saves money on your water bill.
Noise Level: Check the decibel (dB) rating. Anything under 55 dB is considered quiet. Loud machines can annoy you, especially in small living spaces.
Filtration System: A good filter catches large food particles so they don’t redeposit onto your clean dishes.

What Lowers Quality?

Weak Spray Arms: If the spray arms are made of flimsy plastic, they might break or not spin correctly, leading to spots on your dishes.
Overly Complex Controls: Too many confusing buttons can make daily use frustrating. Simple controls usually work best.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you will actually use the machine day-to-day.

Who Needs a Counter Top Dishwasher?

Renters: Since installation is usually temporary and requires no permanent plumbing changes, these are perfect for apartments.
Small Families or Singles: If you generate a moderate amount of dishes daily but don’t want a full-sized unit running half-empty, this is ideal.
RV or Dorm Living: They offer convenience where space is extremely limited.

Remember, these machines need to be loaded carefully. You cannot fit large pots or cookie sheets. You must arrange smaller plates, cups, and cutlery efficiently to maximize the space.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Counter Top Dishwashers

Q: Do I need special plumbing for a counter top dishwasher?

A: No. Most models connect directly to your kitchen faucet using a hose and a quick-connect adapter. You drain the water right back into the sink.

Q: How much electricity do these use?

A: They generally use very little electricity because they are small and the cycles are shorter than full-sized dishwashers.

Q: Can I use regular dishwasher pods?

A: Yes, you can use standard dishwasher pods or powder. Make sure not to overfill the dispenser, as too much soap creates excess suds.

Q: How long does a normal wash cycle take?

A: A normal cycle usually runs between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the model and if you select a heated dry option.

Q: Do counter top dishwashers clean as well as big ones?

A: Yes, for everyday dishes, they clean very effectively. They might struggle with heavily baked-on food because they don’t always have the same water pressure as full-sized units.

Q: What is the biggest downside to owning one?

A: The biggest downside is the limited capacity. You must run the machine almost every day if you cook elaborate meals.

Q: Do I need to rinse dishes before putting them in?

A: You should scrape off large food chunks, but a quick rinse is usually not necessary if your dishwasher has a good filter system.

Q: How do they drain the water?

A: The drain hose usually rests over the edge of the sink, allowing gravity to pull the dirty water out during the drain cycle.

Q: Are they hard to move if I switch apartments?

A: No. They are relatively lightweight. You disconnect the hose, unplug the power, and you can usually move it yourself.

Q: Should I buy one with an internal water tank?

A: Some units have a built-in tank, meaning you fill the tank manually instead of connecting to the faucet. This is great if your sink connection is awkward, but you must refill the tank before every wash.