Credit:
Midea
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Credit:
Midea
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This Danby countertop dishwasher is our best overall, having cleaning performance that's comparable (or even better) than that of regular dishwashers. Read More
This portable dishwasher doesn't require a sink hookup and will clean and dry your dishes with no muss and no fuss. Read More
A step-down from our favorite Danby, this countertop dishwasher is a great option for those who want to spend a little less for similar performance. Read More
This modern-style countertop dishwasher offers great cleaning performance and cycle options. Read More
For those looking more into design over performance, the Black & Decker countertop dishwasher offers a sleek stainless steel finish. Read More
If you don’t have the budget or space for a full-size, built-in dishwasher, but don’t want to spend a lot of time scrubbing dirty dishes, it makes sense to buy a compact countertop dishwasher.
While countertop models look tiny, they can typically fit up to six place settings (consisting of a plate, bowl, glass, fork, knife, and spoon), and generally don’t require any additional plumbing other than access to your kitchen faucet. They're also significantly more efficient than trying to hand wash all of your dishes.
Most of the countertop dishwashers on this list are very similar and will work well in your kitchen. Based on our findings, these are some of the best countertop dishwashers you can get online right now.
Has comparable cleaning to a full-size dishwasher
Plenty of cycle options
Has issues with spinach redeposit
Great performance
Dries dishes
Has a fruit cleaning cycle
Minor issues with redeposit
Big capacity for a 22-inch countertop dishwasher
Controls were a bit confusing at first
Very small capacity compared to full-size models
Stainless steel finish
1-24 hour delay option
Has issues with spinach redeposit
Cleans dishes well
Operates quietly
Affordable
May leak
Countertop dishwashers look a lot like full-sized models on the inside—including full-sized filters, stainless interiors, and washarms.
If you’re concerned about the environment, a countertop dishwasher uses less water than hand washing, while typically being more energy efficient than built-in washers. This makes it an especially attractive option for an RV or somewhere else where you don't have the space for a fully-installed or portable dishwasher.
Using these compact dishwashers also requires a lot less effort than washing dishes by hand, and our tests show that it does a much better job cleaning. If you’re a clean freak, buying a countertop dishwasher is a small price to pay to ensure that your dishes truly get clean.
Be aware that you’ll still have to wash larger items in the sink. Additionally, a countertop dishwasher can take up valuable space on your counter when it’s not in use.
Larger portable dishwashers, which also hook up to kitchen faucets and wheel out of the way when they’re not in use, can cost twice as much, but can also accommodate more, larger dishes.
Countertop dishwashers can usually fit up to six place settings, which includes one plate, one bowl, one glass, one fork, one spoon, and one knife.
Nearly every countertop dishwasher works the same way: There are two hoses that join a “quick connect” mount that should attach to almost any faucet. One hose takes in fresh water, the other drains dirty water into the sink.
This faucet likely won't work with a countertop dishwasher
You can keep the dishwasher attached to your sink and press a bypass button to get fresh water, or you can disconnect it after use.
Note that not every faucet works with a portable dishwasher. We had to purchase a small 15/16 inch to 55/64 inch faucet adapter at a hardware store. Stylish faucets with hidden “Cache” aerators may not fit a portable dishwasher at all.
It’s possible to hook up a sprayer faucet to a dishwasher—several online guides exist that explain how to do so—but it’s not recommended.
Two hoses hook up to the rear of the dishwasher, and then attach to a single connector that hangs from a kitchen faucet.
A hOmeLabs portable dishwasher—made by Midea.
After looking at bills of lading and other import data, we learned that nearly every portable countertop dishwasher sold in the U.S. is made by Midea.
Midea, based in Guangdong, China, is one of the largest appliance companies in the world. It owns vacuum-maker Eureka, has the rights to use the Toshiba name on small appliances, and manufactures hundreds of products for companies like GE Appliances and even Instant Pot.
Midea now sells appliances under its own name, and recently opened several research and development centers in the U.S.
It makes sense that these products are imported from China, and not just because of lower manufacturing costs. Countertop dishwashers are much more popular in China, and it’s a lot easier to import these rectangular, easy-to-ship boxes from an existing factory than to set up production in countries where they’re more of a niche product.
Julia is the Senior Scientist at Reviewed, which means that she oversees (and continually updates) the testing of products in Reviewed's core categories such as televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, and more. She also determines the testing methods and standards for Reviewed's "The Best Right Now" articles.
Kyle Hamilton
Product Tester
Kyle Hamilton is a product tester at Reviewed, specializing in home appliances and technology.
Lily Hartman
Staff Writer, Search
Lily Hartman is a staff writer at Reviewed. In her free time, she enjoys hiking the White Mountains, running at the beach, and strength training at the gym.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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