Do you dread the mountain of dirty dishes piling up in your sink after every meal? For many people living in apartments, dorms, or small homes, the dream of owning a dishwasher often feels impossible due to lack of space. Hand-washing every plate, glass, and fork takes precious time out of your busy day and leaves your hands dry and tired.
A countertop dishwasher is the perfect solution for small kitchens, but finding the right model can feel overwhelming. With so many different sizes, installation styles, and features available, it is easy to get confused. You might worry about whether a compact machine will actually clean your dishes well or if it will take up too much of your limited counter space. You deserve a kitchen upgrade that saves you effort without adding more clutter.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know to pick the best machine for your lifestyle. We will look at the top features to check, how to measure your space correctly, and which models offer the best cleaning power for your buck. By the end of this post, you will feel confident in your choice and ready to reclaim your free time. Let’s dive in and find the perfect dishwasher to make your kitchen chores a breeze.
Top Countertop Dishwasher Recommendations
- 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.
- Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" No installation needed: Adding water manually with the water filling guide included in the 1.32Gal 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, HYGIENE, 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. )
- 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 — 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐭, 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭: No permanent setup required. Use the built-in 5L (1.32 gal) tank for true plug-and-play washing, or connect the included hose to your faucet for continuous water supply. Our countertop dishwasher's water-level indicator tells you when it’s ready. No tools, no drilling, no stress—ideal for apartments, rentals, dorms, RVs, and flexible kitchens
- 𝟒𝟎 𝐝𝐁 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 — 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠: Built for apartments and open kitchens, this countertop dishwasher runs at a quiet 40 dB to maintain a peaceful space. Designed for daily comfort and convenience, it lets you wash dishes during work calls, late nights, or your nap time without disrupting your routine
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 — 𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝟑𝟎+ 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞: Sized at 16.83 × 16.73 × 18.03 in, this portable dishwasher fits most countertops while holding 30+ items per load. Fits plates up to 10.25 in, plus bowls, cups, glasses, and full cutlery sets—organized with a cutlery holder, fruit basket, and kettle. *Compatible with G3/4-inch faucet connections, please purchase a faucet adapter separately
- 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 — 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞: Optimized as a portable dishwasher countertop for plates, bowls, cups, utensils, baby items, and pet accessories—not bulky pots, baking trays, or oversized cookware. For best results, scrape off heavy grease or burnt-on residue before loading. A practical, honest fit for everyday meals
- 𝟔 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 + 𝟑𝟔𝟎° 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲, 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Choose Normal, Quick, ECO, Baby Care/Heavy, Fruit, and Dry for different needs on this countertop dishwasher. The 29-minute Quick saves time, while Baby Care/Heavy reaches up to 167°F for deeper cleaning. Dual spray arms deliver 360° coverage for dishes, bottles, and pet bowls. *Use dishwasher-specific detergent only for better results
- Counter Top Dishwasher - Holds up to 6 Standard Place Settings
- Low Water Consumption
- Easy to Connect to any Kitchen Tap
- Resistant Stainless Steel Interior
- Fits under most kitchen cabinets
- A perfect size (H17.25″×W22″×D20″)- Holds up to 6 Place Settings perfect for 2-3 people. The Midea compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and plates up to 10 inches in diameter.
- Simple Installation- Can be connected directly to a faucet (a suitable adaptor is needed) and placed on a countertop or in a cupboard.
- 6+2 Washing Cycles- Includes Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick, Rinse and Delicate. Extended Dry and Power Wash functions help deliver sparkling clean and dried dishes. This countertop dishwasher also supports delay startup for 1-24 hours.
- Water Saving & Energy Star Certified- The tank design allows for easy addition of water, with a consumption of only 2.77 gallons.
- Power Wash Option & Low Noise- Heavily soiled dishes are cleaned evenly , accompanied by 360° spiral spray wash to ensure complete washing of all the dishes from all angles at a low noise level of 52 dB. (It cannot be used with Auto, Rapid, MachineCare+). Note: Midea dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- 【Dual Water Inlet System】: Engineered for maximum adaptability. Use the Automatic Self-Priming Mode to pull water from a jug or bucket, or switch to Direct Faucet Mode with the included quick-connect hose. This innovative design means you can enjoy a dishwasher anywhere there is access to water or electricity.
- 【Slim Profile, Spacious Basket】: Specifically designed for modern compact living. The interior layout maximizes vertical space to fit standard dishware, bowls, and cutlery, providing the convenience of a full-size dishwasher in a unit that sits neatly on your kitchen counter.
- 【Advanced Hygiene Wash】: Experience professional-level cleaning with steam and high-pressure jets. Operating at 72°C (162°F), it effectively dissolves tough, baked-on food residue and sanitizes baby bottles or cutting boards, ensuring a hygienic clean every time.
- 【Eco-Conscious Operation】: With a precise 5-liter water usage per cycle, this machine is engineered for efficiency. It drastically cuts down on utility costs and water waste, offering a guilt-free cleaning solution for off-grid living or urban apartments.
- 【Intuitive Touch Control Panel】: Navigate your cleaning easily with a modern LED display. Choose from 6 specialized programs (Glass, Eco, Rapid, etc.) to match your dish type and soil level, providing a user-friendly experience for all ages.
- 【7 Programs for Family Members】This countertop dishwasher features Normal, Quick, ECO, Baby Care/Strong, Glass, Fruit, and Dry settings, giving you the flexibility to handle everything from daily plates to delicate glassware and baby items. Once a wash cycle completes, the Dry function delivers 60 minutes of heated drying and supports up to 72 hours of automatic ventilation to minimize moisture buildup and keep dishes fresh.
- 【Compact Size, Surprisingly Large Capacity】Despite its space-saving footprint, this countertop dishwasher holds a generous load—easily managing everyday dishes for a family of 3–4. Its optimized interior layout fits plates up to 12 inches (angled placement recommended) along with bowls, cups, and cutlery, offering efficient cleaning in a mini form. Measuring 17.9 × 16.3 × 16.5 inches, it takes up minimal counter space, making it a smart choice for small kitchens, apartments, dorms, RVs, and camper living.
- 【24H Delayed Start & 30-Min Drying】The upgraded design includes a 24 hour delayed start, allowing you to schedule wash cycles around your routine, along with a 30 minute hot-air drying option that helps quickly remove moisture and keep dishes fresh. Perfect for busy households wanting flexible timing and convenient drying in one compact unit.
- 【No Installation & Water Saving Design】 Our compact dishwasher saves up to 80% water compared to handwashing, 5 L/1.32 gallon of water in the water tank can handle multiple cleaning operations. Plus, we provide a 1-year warranty. For any questions, we're here to help!
- 【High-Temperature Cleaning】This cycle heats water up to 167 ℉ and uses 14 washing nozzles with 360° spiral spray from upper and lower arms to remove tough stains and thoroughly clean heavily soiled dishes. Perfect for baby bottles and children’s tableware, it ensures hygienic results with high-temperature, high-pressure cleaning.
- 【6 Place Setting】- A perfect size (H17.2″×W20.6″×D21.6″) 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 68℃, 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 compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Countertop Dishwasher
A countertop dishwasher is a perfect solution for small kitchens, apartments, or RVs. These compact machines wash your dishes without needing a permanent plumbing installation. They sit right on your counter and connect to your kitchen faucet. This guide will help you pick the best model for your home.
1. Key Features to Look For
- Portability: Look for a lightweight design. You may need to move the unit occasionally.
- Faucet Adapter: Most models come with a quick-connect kit. Make sure it fits your specific kitchen faucet style.
- Cycle Options: Look for different modes like “Heavy,” “Normal,” “Eco,” and “Glass.” These help you clean different types of loads.
- Water Tank: Some units have a built-in water tank. This is great if you do not want to hook it up to a faucet.
2. Important Materials
The inside of the dishwasher should be made of stainless steel or high-quality plastic. Stainless steel is better because it resists odors and stains. It also holds heat better, which helps dry your dishes faster. Look for sturdy plastic racks that can handle heavy plates without bending.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality often depends on the motor and the filter system. A powerful motor cleans dried-on food more effectively. A removable filter is a must-have feature. You can take it out and rinse it to prevent clogs and bad smells. Avoid models that have non-removable filters, as these are harder to maintain over time.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Countertop dishwashers are perfect for singles, couples, or anyone with limited cabinet space. They save you from scrubbing dishes by hand every night. Most users find them quiet enough to run while watching TV. Just remember that they have a smaller capacity than full-sized models. You will likely run them more often, but they use less water than washing by hand.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a plumber to install it?
A: No. Most models use a simple hose that attaches to your existing kitchen faucet.
Q: Can I put regular dish soap in it?
A: Never. Only use dishwasher-specific detergent pods or liquid. Regular soap will create too much foam and ruin the machine.
Q: How long does a cycle take?
A: Most cycles last between 45 and 120 minutes depending on the intensity of the wash.
Q: Will it fit under my cabinets?
A: Measure the height between your counter and your upper cabinets. Most units are about 17 to 20 inches tall.
Q: Does it dry the dishes completely?
A: Many models use heat to dry, but some use an air-dry feature. You may find a few water droplets on plastic items.
Q: How many place settings can it hold?
A: Most standard countertop units hold about 4 to 6 place settings.
Q: Is a countertop dishwasher loud?
A: They are usually very quiet. Most operate at about 50 to 60 decibels.
Q: Can I wash pots and pans?
A: Yes, but only if they fit. Measure your largest pot before buying to ensure it fits inside the rack.
Q: Does it use a lot of electricity?
A: No. These machines are designed to be energy-efficient and usually use less power than a full-sized dishwasher.
Q: How do I clean the machine?
A: Run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar once a month to keep it fresh and clear of buildup.