5 Best Countertop Dishwashers, According to Cleaning Experts
You can save yourself from scrubbing while also saving space and time.
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In a tiny kitchen, a built-in dishwasher can seem completely out of the question. Countertop dishwashers offer a practical solution, even for those living in an apartment. Countertop dishwashers are small appliances that can be placed on a counter or table. Units can provide a hose to draw clean water from the kitchen faucet or utilize a water tank that you fill by hand (or both). They don't entail any complicated installation, and they are easy to move. At the end of the cycle, the dirty water either drains into the sink or a separate water tank.
Tip: All countertop dishwashers carry yellow Energy Guide labels, but only Energy Star–certified units meet strict EPA performance requirements and are verified by third-party performance testing. We think it's worth looking for Energy Star certification.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab frequently tests dishwashers to find the best performers. In the last few years, we've tested more than 40 full-size models, and we are testing countertop units as well. To evaluate them, we apply common soils to plates, bowls, cups and saucers, glassware and cookware. When they are fully dry, we load them into the dishwasher for cleaning. While all dishwashers are tested with the same detergent for fairness, we do perform separate tests to evaluate the best-performing dishwasher detergents. After reviewing our recommended picks, keep reading to learn how countertop dishwashers work, what to consider when buying one and answers to other commonly asked questions.
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- Hold up to 6 place settings
- Easy-to-use buttons
Cons
- Takes up a lot of counter space
Dimensions: 20" x 21.6" x 19.69" | Capacity: 6 place settings | Installation type: Faucet connection | Cycles: 6 | Sound level: 54 dB | Energy Star Certified: Yes
This Danby countertop dishwasher is Energy Star certified, and it has a high capacity at six place settings. It has a sleek stainless steel finish, and it makes use of simple push-button controls. This model has six wash cycles ranging from an intense soak to a glass-specific option. It also has a two-, four-, six- or eight-hour delay-wash option.
While a little old-fashioned, we do appreciate the tactile buttons with indicator lights. Some machines with flat buttons offer no clear feedback, and it can be tough to know if you have pressed hard enough. Lights and buttons offer immediate feedback that the cycle is starting.
We tested a slightly smaller version of this countertop dishwasher (our previous best overall), but feel confident recommending the 21.6-inch model as it retains many of our favorite features, as outlined above. However, it is louder and will take up more space than lower-capacity countertop units.
Comfee' 5L Portable Mini Dishwasher
Pros
- Affordable
- Requires very little space
- Great washing and drying performance
Cons
- Low capacity
Dimensions: 17.1" x 16.5" x 17.2" | Capacity: 2 place settings | Installation type: Faucet or built-in tank | Cycles: 6 | Sound level: 62 dB | Energy Star Certified: No
This mini dishwasher from Comfee' is a slightly smaller, more affordable version of the 6-liter model we tested in our Lab (and recommend, below). With a recommended capacity of two place settings, it is probably best reserved for households with one or two people. But what it sacrifices in size it makes up for in cleaning quality.
Like its larger counterpart, this model has a plastic interior and a flatware holder that folds down from the side of the rack. This unit allows you the flexibility of connecting it to a kitchen faucet or filling the built-in tank with the provided pitcher. Comfee' did a great job at cleaning up dirty dishes in our evaluations, and they came out completely dry at the end of every cycle.
The model has four different cycle options for dish cleaning ranging from the 135-minute hygiene wash to a 40-minute rapid cycle. It also offers a dry-only setting and a setting for washing fruits and vegetables, although we recommend following FDA guidelines for cleaning produce. The two-place-setting capacity might be a tight fit for some dishes, but the size of this model makes it a great fit for small countertops.
Comfee' 6L Countertop Dishwasher
Pros
- Automatically opens after each cycle to assist with drying
- Can be connected to faucet or filled by hand
- Performed well on tough residues
Cons
- Low capacity
Dimensions: 17.3" x 16.5" x 18.4" | Capacity: 2 place settings | Installation type: Faucet or built-in tank | Cycles: 5 | Sound level: 62 dB | Energy Star Certified: No
We tested this Comfee' countertop unit in our Lab and were impressed by its user-friendliness. This unit can be hooked up to a sink or filled by hand, and its clearly labeled cycles made it a breeze to use.
In addition to the straightforward controls, a timer screen displays the minutes remaining in the cycle while the machine runs. We tested its ability to remove tough food residues like dried egg yolk and chocolate syrup, and it earned an almost perfect cleaning score.
The model has five different washing cycles and an auto-open option, which automatically cracks the door at the end of the cycle to aid in drying. With this feature enabled, our dishes came out completely dry every time we ran a cycle. At two place settings, this model is probably best for a home with one or two people.
Hava R01 Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Pros
- Can be connected to a faucet or filled by hand
- Has multiple cycles with high-temperature rinses
- Offers high capacity for small size
Cons
- Inlet and drain hoses can be unwieldy
Dimensions: 16.9" x 16.8" x 18" | Capacity: 4 place settings | Installation type: Faucet or built-in tank | Cycles: 5 | Sound level: 60 dB | Energy Star Certified: No
Despite its compact footprint of 17 x 17 x 18 inches, the Hava holds up to four place settings. Though smaller in capacity than some, it's an ideal choice for one- or two-person households and those living in small apartments where counter space is at a premium.
This mini appliance features four wash cycles, and each is automatically followed by a 60-minute dry cycle. It also includes a cycle that offers a very high-temperature final rinse, meaning it's ideal for baby bottles or sanitizing eating utensils, food prep items or pet bowls. There's even a fruit cycle that rinses produce when used with the included basket (but check FDA guidelines before cleaning produce). A test sample of the Hava was sent to one of our GH staffers who praised it for its performance and unique features.
It features both bottom and top spray arms for all-around cleaning, and the inlet and drain hoses are 61 inches long, allowing you plenty of flexibility for placement. That said, the excess hose length can be unwieldy when the unit is placed close to the sink. If a faucet hookup is not available or desired, we like that this pick offers you the option to manually fill the five-liter water tank with the included pitcher. It has a fold-down cup shelf and a separate flatware basket.
Magic Chef Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- 24-hour delay start
- Has a metal interior
Cons
- Requires deep countertops
Dimensions: 19.7" x 21.7" x 17.2" | Capacity: 6 place settings | Installation type: Faucet connection | Cycles: 6 | Sound level: 52 dB | Energy Star Certified: Yes
At only 52 decibels, this Magic Chef is tied with our best overall pick for quietest dishwasher, which is a real plus in small kitchens and tiny apartments. At almost 22 inches, this Magic Chef is among the deepest countertop models we recommend, so be sure to measure your counter space before you buy.
This unit is Energy Star certified, and it offers many other amenities usually found on a full-size dishwasher: It has a metal interior, and the separate flatware basket and two flip-down cup shelves help it hold up to six place settings.
The six wash programs include everything from intense wash to rinse only, plus there's a 24-hour delay wash option that adjusts in one-hour increments to better match the dishwasher's schedule to yours. If you schedule it to run while you are away or asleep, it can be a great tool for keeping noise to a minimum.
How we chose the best countertop dishwashers
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we test full-size, countertop and portable dishwashers to determine how well they clean normal and heavily-soiled dishes. We create standard dishwasher loads by staining dishes and flatware with items like oatmeal, egg yolks, milk, butter and coffee. We even test how effectively the dishwashers tackle foods like mac and cheese and beans that have been baked onto oven dishes.
After drying for two hours, the dirty dishes are loaded into the test machine, and the cycle is started. Afterward, we determine the machine's cleaning performance by assessing each item for cleanliness. We also consider other factors like drying performance, capacity, and ease of loading and programming the dishwashers.
For models we haven’t tested yet, we make our recommendations by looking for brands with trusted names and solid performance reputations based on our testing experience. We also consider consumer reviews and energy usage, and we seek out the cycles and features that would be most useful.
What to look for in a countertop dishwasher
Here are some key points to keep in mind when buying a countertop dishwasher:
✔️ Overall size: While the width and depth of the unit are important to determine if it will fit on your counter, a model's height is an even more important consideration. While you may be able to squeeze in space on the sides for a wide unit, a tall one that won't fit between your countertop and cabinets will need to be put on a different surface.
✔️ Capacity: Most countertop dishwashers claim to hold anywhere from two to six place settings, and the dinner plates they can accommodate can vary from 10 to 12 inches. Make sure the plates you use most often will fit inside the dishwasher you are considering.
✔️ Energy efficiency: All countertop dishwashers carry yellow Energy Guide labels, so you'll be able to compare approximately how much they will cost you to run per year. But only some are Energy Star certified, meaning that they are the most efficient models, and their energy usage is verified by testing in third-party labs.
✔️ Controls and cycles: Here you have some choice. Sleek electronic controls are easier to clean, but they don't offer the tactile feedback of traditional buttons, and they will often cost you more. LED lights and displays can tell you the time left on the cycle, which cycle is running and whether the rinse aid dispenser needs refilling. We find that controls with written labels rather than symbols can provide extra clarity. Additional features like speed wash and delay start give you capabilities similar to what full-size models offer, but they're only worth considering if you'll actually use them.
✔️ Dishwasher tub: The interior of a countertop dishwasher is usually made of stainless steel or plastic. Models with plastic tubs are usually more affordable, but stainless steel is the more durable option. A machine with a plastic tub may also need to be cleaned more often than one with a stainless steel interior.
How do countertop dishwashers work?
Most countertop dishwashers can hold between two and six place settings of dishes and glassware. Despite their small size, they offer many of the same features as their full-size counterparts like multiple cleaning cycles, heating elements, pull-out racks and detergent dispensers. Space-saving designs like fold-down cup shelves and flatware holders are common. Just be sure to follow the same dishwasher loading techniques you would with any full-size dishwasher to get the best cleaning results.
Some countertop dishwashers are filled by hand while others can be connected to a nearby faucet and drain into the sink just like portable washing machines. Some machines can be installed both ways.
All of the models we recommend have heaters, which boost the temperature of the water for better cleaning, rinsing and drying performance, and some even use as little as a gallon of water per cycle. If you don't want to manually fill the water tank, check the hose connections included with the model to be sure you have the necessary parts to attach it to your faucet.
Countertop dishwasher sizes range from about 16 to 22 inches wide and 17 to 20 inches tall, so be sure to measure your counter space before you buy to ensure the model you've chosen will fit. Some models might be too tall to fit between your countertop and cabinets. Most units are small, so don't expect a serving platter or a large pot to fit inside. Regardless, most reviewers give them high praise for being time- and effort-savers.
All models have a filter that requires cleaning, and some recommend a regular vinegar rinse to remove deposits and mineral build-up. We recommend keeping an eye on the filter and removing any visible debris at the end of each cycle. It should be removed and properly cleaned at least once a month. Most filters unscrew with a simple twist. While pre-rinsing dishes is unnecessary, you should still scrape or wipe off excess food before loading.
When it comes to choosing the best dishwashing detergent to use, packets, tablets, powders and gels are suitable for most models, but be sure to check the dishwasher's instructions first. While virtually all the machines have detergent and rinse aid dispensers that look and work like the usual ones, some brands caution against using packets or tablets as they may not fully dissolve.
Is it worth getting a countertop dishwasher?
Countertop dishwashers are best reserved for cases where owning a built-in unit would be impractical. This most often applies in small kitchens or apartments. But if you have a small kitchen, you should consider whether it’s worth sacrificing counter space for a compact dishwasher.
If you hate washing dishes by hand and can spare the workspace, a countertop dishwasher is a worthwhile investment. If the dishes you use throughout the day normally sit on the counter, a countertop dishwasher might actually help recover some space by providing a place to store dirty dishes upright.
Consumers who own them say they save time and effort and even if you can't fit all your dirty dishes and cookware inside, having one will cut down on the amount of time you spend washing by hand.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté is a consumer products expert with over 40 years of experience testing and evaluating cleaning products and appliances for Good Housekeeping, including dishwashers and detergents. Some of the questions Carolyn answers most frequently are about how to properly load a dishwasher and whether pre-rinsing is really necessary.
Noah Pinsonnault works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. In preparing this article, he adapted the GH Institute's dishwasher testing methods to suit countertop and portable dishwasher units and ran several trials to evaluate their cleaning performance and ease of use.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
Noah works as a product reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab where he helps design and perform tests on various product categories. He draws on scientific expertise garnered during his time as an environmental researcher, where he managed environmental monitoring equipment, analyzed water samples in a lab and developed protocols for restoration projects. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
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