Tired of the endless sink of dirty dishes piling up? If you live in a small apartment or just don’t have room for a full-sized dishwasher, you’ve probably considered a countertop model. But with so many choices out there, how do you pick the best one for your needs? It can feel overwhelming, right?
That’s where Reddit comes in handy! Many people on Reddit share their real-life experiences, both good and bad, with different countertop dishwashers. Finding the right information can be tough, though. You want to know what actually works, what breaks easily, and which ones are worth your hard-earned money. This post will sift through all that chatter.
By reading on, you’ll discover the top countertop dishwashers people are raving about on Reddit. We’ll break down what makes them great, what to watch out for, and how to make sure you get a dishwasher that cleans your dishes perfectly without taking up too much counter space. Let’s dive into the world of countertop dishwashers and find your perfect match!
Top Countertop Dishwasher Reddit Recommendations
- 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.
- 【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
- 【Small size, large capacity, compact】 This mini dishwasher can hold 4 bowls of rice, 7 plates, 3large cups, 2 milk bottles, 12 tableware and forks; It is only 18.03 inches high, which is suitable forthe height requirements of most kitchen cabinets.Subtract the lid of the tank and it's or 17.9inches tall.
- 【Reasonable design, water leakage prevention】 Dish washer double sprays on the upper and lower sides, high temperature and high pressure spray water, so that stains have nowhere to hide, reasonable design, solve the problem of water leakage
- 【washing dishes, purifying ingredients, multi-functional use】 Dishwashing machine can not only wash dishes, but also wash fruits and vegetables to remove pesticide residues, with the function of purifying ingredients and cleaning tableware
- 【Multiple program options, easy to operate】The touch screen switch can select 5 washingprograms. The operation is simple and convenient, and small dishwasher can meet different selection requirements
- 【Three-in-one function】 With hot air drying mode, portable countertop dishwasher is equippedwith the functions of dishwasher, dryer and cabinet to keep your tableware dry and odor-free.
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.7″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact countertop dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This counter top dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and plates up to 10 inches in diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are rigorously factory tested before shipping. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- Simple Installation- This COMFEE’ portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Designed for maximum flexibility, this mini dishwasher can be conveniently placed on a countertop/table or seamlessly fitted into a cupboard to save precious kitchen space. Whether you need a plug-and-play solution for your apartment or a built-in look for your small kitchen, this compact dishwasher adapts perfectly to your layout needs, offering professional-grade cleaning with minimal setup effort.
- 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.
- Powerful Wash Performance- This counter dishwasher portable features a Heavy Program with 12 washing nozzles and a 360° spiral spray for full-angle coverage. Combining high water pressure with temperatures up to 154°F, it efficiently removes grease and stubborn stains from heavily soiled dishes. Compact yet powerful, it ensures every dish is cleaned thoroughly and evenly.
- Rapid Cleaning & Eco-Friendly- Save time and money with the high-efficiency Speed Program, which cleans dishes in just 45 minutes—perfect for parties and busy schedules. This Energy Star dishwasher is designed for maximum resource savings, using as little as 2.77 gallons of water per cycle. Enjoy a powerful, quick clean that significantly reduces utility costs without compromising performance, making it the ideal water-saving solution for eco-conscious households.
- 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝟑𝟎+ 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞:Measuring 16.85"(L) x 16.73"(W) x 18.03"(H) in, this countertop dishwasher will hold 30+ items per load. (*For a better fit, we kindly recommend leaving more than 𝟏𝟗 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 of vertical clearance between the countertop and upper cabinets).
- 𝐍𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 — 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐭: Use the built-in 5L tank or connect the included hose to a G3/4" faucet for continuous water supply (Faucet adapter required if sizes differ). The water-level indicator shows when it’s ready. Suitable for households and everyday meals.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐔𝐬𝐞: Designed for plates up to 10.25 in, bowls, cups, utensils, baby items, and pet accessories—not bulky pots or large baking trays, this portable dishwasher is ideal for apartments, rentals, dorms, RVs, and flexible kitchens. Scrape heavy grease before loading for best results.
- 𝟖 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 + 𝟑𝟔𝟎° 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧: Choose Normal, ECO, Quick (29-min), Baby Care/Strong (up to 167°F high-temperature wash), Glass, Fruit, Self-Clean, and Dry. Dual spray arms deliver full 360° coverage for dishes, baby bottles, and pet bowls. *Use dishwasher-specific detergent only; avoid washing BPA plastics
- 𝐃𝐫𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 & 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐔𝐬𝐞: Hot-air drying helps dishes come out ready to use, while Self-Clean helps maintain the interior and reduce odor. Good to know: Ventilation is not continuous heating, plastics and deep containers may retain a few droplets after drying. Includes Child Lock and Delay Start for safe, flexible daily operation. *Long-press Dry + Power for forced drainage
- 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Measuring 16.83 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches, this countertop dishwasher can load and clean over 30+ dishes at once—making it a great choice for busy families and people who value convenience. The spacious rack accommodates plates up to 10.25 inches in diameter, ensuring versatility for all your dishwashing needs and ideal for apartment, home, kitchen, boat, and RV. * For a better fit, we kindly recommend reserving sufficient countertop space and leaving more than 𝟏𝟗 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 of vertical clearance between the countertop and upper cabinets before use
- 𝐍𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝: Use the built-in 5L tank or connect to a compatible faucet. Simply fill the 5-liter built-in reservoir when in tank mode, and the automatic water level indicator will notify you when the ideal level is reached, making setup simple and quick. Attach the provided hose to your faucet to provide a direct water supply for ongoing cleaning. This portable countertop dishwasher's multiple water input options allow it to easily fit into any kitchen setting, guaranteeing maximum convenience and ease of use
- 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬: Normal, Fast, Glass, Baby Care/Heavy Duty, and Fruit are the five different cleaning modes that the EUHOMY countertop dishwasher offers to meet all of your needs. The Fast cycle can finish a full wash in just 29 minutes. The Baby Care/Heavy Duty mode boils water to 167°F, providing a thorough and sanitary clean for greasy cookware, baby bottles, and filthy dishes. Even for pet accessories like bowls, collars, and leashes, the dual spray arm system guarantees thorough cleaning power
- 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Equipped with an advanced drying mode, the EUHOMY portable dishwasher provides 60 minutes of hot air drying followed by 73 hours of automatic ventilation. This tabletop dishwasher can ensure your dishes stay clean, dry, and free from unpleasant odors. For added flexibility and hygiene, the drying function can be activated alongside any washing cycle—except the fruit mode—or used independently as needed
- 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧: EUHOMY mini dishwasher's 1.32 gallon of water in the water tank can handle multiple cleaning operations, uses only 5L / 1.32 gal to help reduce water use for small daily loads. ETL and DOE certified for safety and quality, the Euhomy countertop dishwasher also delivers energy-efficient performance. Plus, we offer a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind. Please note: this dishwasher is not compatible with liquid detergent; please use dishwashing powder or tablets instead. If you have any questions, our team is always here to help!
- Able to hold up to six place settings, this unit can accommodate many dishes while taking up little kitchen space
- Choose from seven (7) wash cycles: heavy, normal, light, glass, baby care, speed and rinse
- Interior is constructed of durable stainless steel
- Appliance is Energy Star rated to save you money on water and energy bills
- This EdgeStar portable dishwasher features an LED display with full digital controls including a child lock function, seven wash cycle programs, and a delayed start feature so you can wash dishes when you want
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, apartments. It fits up to 70 pieces of tableware (up to 10" plates). Note: Factory tested before shipped. Water inside is normal.
- Easy Installation- This COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Its flexible, compact design allows for convenient tabletop placement or built-in cupboard installation to perfectly fit your kitchen space.
- 8 Washing Cycles- COMFEE' compact dishwasher features Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Mini-party & Rinse. Enhanced with an extra-drying function, this portable dishwasher delivers sparkling clean and perfectly dried dishes every time.
- Powerful Wash Performance- This portable countertop dishwasher features a Heavy Program with 12 nozzles and 360° spiral spray. Combining high pressure and 154°F heat, it efficiently removes stubborn grease, ensuring a thorough, even clean.
- Fast & Eco-Friendly- Save time and water with the 45-min Speed Program, perfect for busy schedules. This Energy Star dishwasher uses just 2.77 gallons of water per cycle, lowering utility costs and maximizing savings for eco-conscious homes.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Countertop Dishwasher Friend
Tired of washing dishes by hand? A countertop dishwasher can be your new best friend! These small but mighty appliances fit right on your counter. They save you time and effort. Let’s find the perfect one for you.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind.
Capacity
How many dishes can it hold? Most countertop dishwashers hold about 4-6 place settings. A place setting includes a plate, bowl, cup, and silverware. If you have a small family or live alone, this is usually enough. If you have more people or often entertain, you might need a slightly larger model or consider a portable dishwasher that connects to your sink.
Cycles and Options
Look for different wash cycles. A normal wash is good for everyday dishes. A heavy-duty cycle tackles tough grease. A quick wash is great for lightly soiled items. Some dishwashers have special options like sanitizing or extra drying. Think about what you usually wash and choose a dishwasher with the cycles you need.
Noise Level
Some dishwashers can be loud. Check the decibel (dB) rating. Lower numbers mean a quieter machine. If your kitchen is open to your living area, a quiet dishwasher is a big plus.
Water and Energy Efficiency
Look for ENERGY STAR certified models. These use less water and electricity. This saves you money on your utility bills and is better for the environment.
Ease of Use and Installation
Most countertop dishwashers are easy to set up. Some connect directly to your faucet with an adapter. Others might require a permanent plumbing connection. Make sure the controls are simple to understand. Loading and unloading should also be straightforward.
2. Important Materials
The materials used can affect how long your dishwasher lasts and how well it cleans.
Stainless Steel Interior
A stainless steel interior is durable. It resists rust and stains. It also helps with drying. Some models have plastic interiors, which are cheaper but may not last as long.
Durable Racks and Baskets
The racks and baskets hold your dishes. They should be made of strong material that won’t bend or break easily. Look for coatings that prevent rust.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a countertop dishwasher work better or worse.
Good Water Spraying System
The spray arms are important. They shoot water to clean your dishes. More spray arms or better-designed arms can clean dishes more thoroughly. Some models have rotating spray arms for better coverage.
Effective Filtration System
A good filter catches food particles. This prevents them from redepositing on your dishes. You will need to clean the filter regularly, but a good one makes this task easier.
Drying Method
Some dishwashers use a heating element to dry dishes. Others use residual heat from the wash cycle or a fan. Fan-assisted drying is often more energy-efficient.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your dishwasher.
Small Households
A countertop dishwasher is perfect for one or two people. It saves them from doing daily sink-fulls of dishes.
Apartments and Dorm Rooms
If you have limited space or no hookups for a full-size dishwasher, a countertop model is a great solution. They are portable and easy to move.
Busy Individuals
Anyone who wants to save time on chores will appreciate a countertop dishwasher. It frees up time for other activities.
Occasional Use
If you don’t generate a lot of dishes but still want the convenience, a countertop dishwasher is a good choice. It’s there when you need it.
Countertop Dishwasher Reddit FAQs
Q: What is a countertop dishwasher?
A: A countertop dishwasher is a small appliance that sits on your kitchen counter. It washes your dishes for you.
Q: How much space does a countertop dishwasher need?
A: They are usually about 17-22 inches wide, 17-20 inches deep, and 16-18 inches tall. Check the specific model’s dimensions.
Q: Do I need special plumbing for a countertop dishwasher?
A: Most connect to your faucet with an adapter. Some can be plumbed in permanently. Check the instructions before buying.
Q: Can I wash pots and pans in a countertop dishwasher?
A: It depends on the size. Smaller pots and pans might fit. Larger ones usually do not.
Q: How often do I need to clean a countertop dishwasher?
A: You should clean the filter every week or two. A deep clean of the interior might be needed every few months.
Q: Are countertop dishwashers noisy?
A: Some can be. Look for models with a low decibel (dB) rating for a quieter experience.
Q: How much water does a countertop dishwasher use?
A: They use much less water than washing by hand, typically 2-4 gallons per cycle.
Q: What is a “place setting” in dishwasher terms?
A: A place setting includes one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one bowl, one cup, and a set of silverware.
Q: Are countertop dishwashers energy efficient?
A: Many are. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models to save energy and money.
Q: Can I use regular dishwasher detergent?
A: Yes, you can use regular dishwasher detergent, but use the recommended amount. Too much can cause issues.