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10 Best Compact Countertop Dishwashers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,179
Size and Dimensions
Capacity
Water Consumption

Most important from
2434 reviews

Size and Dimensions
This dishwasher is compact enough to sit on a counter without taking up too much space, making it perfect for small apartments or dorms.
Capacity
Even though it's small, the dishwasher can fit a fair amount of dishes, including plates, glasses, bowls, and silverware, and gets everything clean without any issues.
Water Consumption
The built-in water tank is ideal for those who can't hook up to a faucet, providing flexibility and convenience.
Wash Cycles and Options
The heavy duty and normal modes, along with the dry feature, keep dishes clean and dry very well, although some mugs may need to be hand-dried due to pooling water.
Ease of Installation and Use
Using regular dishwasher pods works well, and they never leave residue.
Additional Features
The dishwasher is aesthetically pleasing with a blue light, and it sanitizes at the end of the cycle, leaving all things shiny.

The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher is an excellent choice for small apartments, dorms, or RVs. Its compact size (16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches) belies its large capacity, accommodating up to 4 place settings, including 12-inch dishes when loaded at an angle. This makes it ideal for a family of 3-4. One of its standout features is the dual water supply modes: a built-in 5-liter water tank for immediate use and a faucet mode with an inlet hose for a more permanent setup. This flexibility in installation adds to its convenience.

It operates at a relatively quiet 50 dB, which is a plus for small living spaces where noise can be an issue. Energy consumption is also reasonable, with an annual usage of 950 watts. The dishwasher features five wash cycles—including a Baby Care mode with a high temperature of 167°F for thorough cleaning—and a 3-in-1 function that includes washing, drying, and ventilating. The air-dry function after each cycle ensures dishes remain dry and odor-free.

Additional features like the LED touch panel, automatic water level indicator, and dual-layer glass door with built-in LED light enhance user experience by making it easy to operate and monitor. However, the unit is primarily made of plastic, which might raise durability concerns for some users. While the capacity is generous for its size, it may still be insufficient for larger families or heavy dishwashing needs. Some users might also find the automatic ventilation cycle, which runs every 75 minutes for 72 hours, excessive. Despite these minor drawbacks, the NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a strong contender in the compact countertop dishwasher category.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,179
Size and Dimensions
Capacity
Water Consumption

Most important from
2434 reviews

Size and Dimensions
This dishwasher is compact enough to sit on a counter without taking up too much space, making it perfect for small apartments or dorms.
Capacity
Even though it's small, the dishwasher can fit a fair amount of dishes, including plates, glasses, bowls, and silverware, and gets everything clean without any issues.
Water Consumption
The built-in water tank is ideal for those who can't hook up to a faucet, providing flexibility and convenience.
Wash Cycles and Options
The heavy duty and normal modes, along with the dry feature, keep dishes clean and dry very well, although some mugs may need to be hand-dried due to pooling water.
Ease of Installation and Use
Using regular dishwasher pods works well, and they never leave residue.
Additional Features
The dishwasher is aesthetically pleasing with a blue light, and it sanitizes at the end of the cycle, leaving all things shiny.
#2

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

Rating
9.1
Size and Dimensions
Capacity
Water Consumption

Most important from
5322 reviews

Size and Dimensions
Compact design fits easily in small kitchens, apartments, or RVs, making it perfect for limited spaces.
Capacity
Loading requires care to avoid blocking the dual spinning spray arms and to maximize capacity for about two place settings.
Water Consumption
Built-in water tank allows use without plumbing hookups, making setup and portability hassle-free.
Noise Level
The machine operates quietly, providing a peaceful washing experience even in small living spaces.
Wash Cycles and Options
Multiple wash programs, including a sanitization cycle that heats water up to 162°F, ensure thorough cleaning.
Ease of Installation and Use
The machine's thoughtful design includes removable racks and filters, making cleaning and maintenance straightforward.
Additional Features
The interior plastic parts require regular cleaning to prevent grease buildup but overall maintain good hygiene.

The COMFEE' Portable Countertop Dishwasher is designed to fit small spaces like apartments, dorms, RVs, or boats, thanks to its compact size (about 17 x 16.5 x 17 inches) and freestanding design. It offers a respectable capacity, handling over 30 items including plates up to 9.5 inches, which is quite good for a mini dishwasher. One key convenience is its built-in 5-liter water tank, allowing use without plumbing hookups, although it also supports faucet connection if preferred, making installation very easy and flexible.

In terms of performance, it has 6 wash programs including Normal, Rapid, Hygiene (which heats water up to 162°F for thorough cleaning), and Air Refresh to help dry and deodorize dishes. The 360° spray arms provide good cleaning coverage. Water consumption is efficient at about 1.32 gallons per cycle, roughly a third of what handwashing uses, and energy use is moderate at 130 kWh/year. Noise level is average at 62 dB, so it might be noticeable but not overly loud.

The dishwasher features a modern touch panel and a see-through window, adding ease of use and a nice visual touch. The adjustable rack helps accommodate different dish sizes. The plastic interior and racks may not feel as durable as stainless steel options, and at 36.6 pounds, it is not super lightweight for frequent moving. While it is rated well by many users, some might find the drying function less powerful compared to full-size models. This dishwasher is well suited for those needing a compact, easy-to-use option without plumbing work, offering decent capacity and cleaning versatility. It is a strong pick for limited spaces, though it may not be the quietest or most heavy-duty model available.

Rating
9.1
Size and Dimensions
Capacity
Water Consumption

Most important from
5322 reviews

Size and Dimensions
Compact design fits easily in small kitchens, apartments, or RVs, making it perfect for limited spaces.
Capacity
Loading requires care to avoid blocking the dual spinning spray arms and to maximize capacity for about two place settings.
Water Consumption
Built-in water tank allows use without plumbing hookups, making setup and portability hassle-free.
Noise Level
The machine operates quietly, providing a peaceful washing experience even in small living spaces.
Wash Cycles and Options
Multiple wash programs, including a sanitization cycle that heats water up to 162°F, ensure thorough cleaning.
Ease of Installation and Use
The machine's thoughtful design includes removable racks and filters, making cleaning and maintenance straightforward.
Additional Features
The interior plastic parts require regular cleaning to prevent grease buildup but overall maintain good hygiene.
#3

HAVA Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Programs Portable Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, Baby Care & Air-Drying Function for Apartments and RVs

Rating
8.8
Ease of Installation and Use
Capacity
Wash Cycles and Options

Most important from
877 reviews

Ease of Installation and Use
The built-in water tank is a game changer for renters, eliminating the need for plumbing and offering hassle-free use without a faucet hookup.
Capacity
This dishwasher is incredibly easy to operate and handles more dishes than expected, making it perfect for post-party cleanups.
Wash Cycles and Options
Multiple wash modes allow for efficient cleaning, with the speed cycle delivering spotless results in half the time for lightly soiled dishes.
Noise Level
The noise level is pleasantly low—quiet enough to barely hear it running, making it unobtrusive in small living spaces.
Water Consumption
It conserves water effectively, using far less than hand washing, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-saving.
Size and Dimensions
Compact yet versatile, it fits well on most countertops and accommodates dishes up to 11 inches, suitable for small families or couples.
Additional Features
The dishwasher’s drying cycle keeps dishes dry and odor-free, although some users note the drying process takes a bit longer.

The HAVA Countertop Dishwasher is a solid choice for those living in small spaces like apartments, RVs, or dorms who want an easy-to-use, no-installation-needed dishwashing solution. Its compact size (about 17x17x18 inches) fits well on most countertops without taking up too much space. It can handle up to 4 full place settings and dishes up to 11 inches in diameter, which should cover the needs of a small family or couple. One standout feature is the built-in 5-liter water tank, allowing you to use the dishwasher even without a direct water hookup—a big convenience for renters or travelers. It also offers an option to connect to a faucet if preferred.

The dishwasher supports 6 wash programs, including a Baby Care mode that cleans at a higher temperature for sanitizing baby items and oily dishes, plus a drying cycle that uses hot air and ventilates afterwards to keep dishes dry and odor-free. With a water consumption of just 5 liters per cycle, it uses significantly less water than handwashing, making it environmentally friendly and cost-efficient. Energy use is moderate at 950 watts, which is reasonable for its size and functionality. Noise level is about 60 decibels, roughly the sound of a normal conversation, so it should be quiet enough not to disturb daily activities. Controls are touch-based and straightforward, adding to ease of use.

A limitation is that while the dishwasher is great for small loads, its capacity might be restricting for larger families or heavy cooking days. Additionally, some users might find the drying process a bit slow due to the 60-minute hot air dry plus ventilation time. The HAVA provides a practical, space-saving, and versatile cleaning option with thoughtful features that suit compact living environments without the hassle of plumbing installation.

Rating
8.8
Ease of Installation and Use
Capacity
Wash Cycles and Options

Most important from
877 reviews

Ease of Installation and Use
The built-in water tank is a game changer for renters, eliminating the need for plumbing and offering hassle-free use without a faucet hookup.
Capacity
This dishwasher is incredibly easy to operate and handles more dishes than expected, making it perfect for post-party cleanups.
Wash Cycles and Options
Multiple wash modes allow for efficient cleaning, with the speed cycle delivering spotless results in half the time for lightly soiled dishes.
Noise Level
The noise level is pleasantly low—quiet enough to barely hear it running, making it unobtrusive in small living spaces.
Water Consumption
It conserves water effectively, using far less than hand washing, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-saving.
Size and Dimensions
Compact yet versatile, it fits well on most countertops and accommodates dishes up to 11 inches, suitable for small families or couples.
Additional Features
The dishwasher’s drying cycle keeps dishes dry and odor-free, although some users note the drying process takes a bit longer.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Countertop Dishwashers

When choosing a compact countertop dishwasher, it's important to consider your specific needs and the space available in your kitchen. These dishwashers are designed to be small and efficient, making them ideal for small households, apartments, or kitchens with limited space. By understanding the key specifications, you can make an informed decision and select a model that best fits your lifestyle and requirements.
Size and DimensionsSize and dimensions refer to the physical measurements of the dishwasher. This is crucial because you need to ensure that the dishwasher will fit on your countertop and under any cabinets. Measure the available space in your kitchen before shopping. Compact countertop dishwashers typically range from 17 to 22 inches in width, 19 to 22 inches in depth, and 17 to 20 inches in height. Choose a size that fits comfortably in your designated space without obstructing other kitchen activities.
CapacityCapacity indicates how many place settings the dishwasher can handle in one cycle. This is important because it determines how much you can wash at once. Compact countertop dishwashers usually have a capacity of 4 to 6 place settings. If you live alone or with one other person, a smaller capacity may suffice. For a small family or if you entertain guests frequently, opt for a larger capacity to avoid running multiple cycles.
Water ConsumptionWater consumption measures how much water the dishwasher uses per cycle. This is important for both environmental and cost reasons. Compact countertop dishwashers generally use between 2 to 4 gallons of water per cycle. Lower water consumption is better for the environment and can reduce your utility bills. If you are environmentally conscious or want to save on water costs, look for models with lower water consumption.
Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency refers to how much electricity the dishwasher uses. This is important for reducing your energy bills and minimizing your carbon footprint. Look for dishwashers with an Energy Star rating, which indicates they meet certain energy efficiency standards. More efficient models will use less electricity, making them more cost-effective in the long run. If you are concerned about energy usage, prioritize models with higher energy efficiency ratings.
Noise LevelNoise level measures how loud the dishwasher is during operation, usually in decibels (dB). This is important if you have an open-plan kitchen or if you are sensitive to noise. Compact countertop dishwashers typically range from 45 to 60 dB. Lower decibel levels indicate quieter operation. If you prefer a quieter kitchen environment, look for models with a noise level of 50 dB or lower.
Wash Cycles and OptionsWash cycles and options refer to the different settings and programs available on the dishwasher. This is important for flexibility and convenience. Common cycles include normal, heavy, light, and eco modes. Some models also offer specialized cycles like glass or rapid wash. Consider your typical dishwashing needs and choose a model with cycles that match your requirements. If you often wash delicate items or need quick turnaround, look for models with specific cycles for those purposes.
Ease of Installation and UseEase of installation and use refers to how simple it is to set up and operate the dishwasher. This is important for convenience and user experience. Most compact countertop dishwashers are designed for easy installation, often requiring just a connection to the kitchen faucet and a power outlet. Look for models with clear instructions and user-friendly controls. If you are not handy with installations, choose a model known for its straightforward setup process.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features include any extra functionalities that enhance the dishwasher's performance or convenience. This can be important for added value and improved user experience. Features like delay start, child lock, and adjustable racks can make the dishwasher more versatile and user-friendly. Consider which additional features are important to you and choose a model that offers those enhancements. If you have children, a child lock might be essential, while adjustable racks can be useful for accommodating larger items.

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