A countertop dishwasher is a mini-dishwasher that sits on top of a counter or any other flat surface.
It is an essential part of modern kitchen and if you’ve constantly got crockery piling up in your sink, it’s time to consider this hassle-free solution.
A countertop dishwasher has a lot of the same capabilities as a full size, traditional dishwasher but it is much more compact, portable, energy-efficient and affordable.
Top 10 Best Countertop Dishwasher Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | SPT SD-2202W Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start | Durable stainless steel interior Up to 8 hours delay start Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser 1-year warranty | 3 | $$$ |
 | SPT SD-2213W Countertop Dishwasher, White | User-friendly controls Up to 8 hours delay start Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser Low price | 3 | $$ |
 | Ensue Countertop Dishwasher Portable Compact Dishwasher | User-friendly controls Energy Star certified | 3 | $$ |
 | Ivation Countertop Dishwasher – Compact, Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher | Durable stainless steel interior Two color options Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser | 3.5 | $$$ |
 | Costway Countertop Dishwasher Stainless Steel 6 Place Setting Portable | Easy to read LCD screen Durable stainless steel interior Compact and light weight Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser Delay start feature 90-day warranty | 3.5 | $$ |
 | Koldfront 6 Place Setting Portable Countertop Dishwasher - Black | Durable stainless steel interior Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser Two color options Warranty: 1-year parts, 90 days labor | 4 | $$ |
 | EdgeStar DWP61ES 6 Place Setting Countertop Portable Dishwasher – Silver | Durable stainless steel interior Child lock function Energy Star certified Delay start feature Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser Warranty: 1-year | 4 | $$$ |
 | SPT SD-2224DS Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start | Compact and light weight User-friendly controls Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser Delay start feature 7 wash cycles Low price | 4.5 | $$ |
 | SPT Countertop Dishwasher, White | Durable stainless steel User-friendly controls Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser Delay start feature Energy Star certified | 4.5 | $$ |
 | hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher - Portable Mini Dish Washer in Stainless Steel | Durable stainless steel User-friendly controls Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser Delay start feature Energy Star certified | 5 | $$$ |
In an appliance that takes up as much space as a microwave, you can wash up to 6 place settings in a cycle with only about 3 gallons of water.
It can be easily placed beneath the space between countertop and cabinets and then connected to sink faucet through adaptor.
It has different flow intensity and soaking options and also a drain hose that runs directly into the sink to facilitate drainage.
It is a useful ingenious device that can add a lot of value to your home and living. Choosing the right model is not easy though, considering the various options in market.
This guide will walk you through the types, benefits, downsides and some of the best models of dishwashers. Stay tuned as we help you find the best countertop dishwasher for your kitchen.
What Type of Countertop Dishwashers Are There?
Countertop dishwashers are mostly classified by size. The size of the appliance typically corresponds to size of the kitchen counter and to the number of place settings that need to be washed at once. Most dishwashers have 4-6 place setting capacity and are around 22 in (56 cm) wide, 17 in (43 cm) tall and 20 in (51 cm) deep. These weigh from around 10 to 50 pounds and are easily portable. There are bigger models also; so please measure your countertop before shopping.
Benefits of Best Countertop Dishwasher
The home appliance market is flooded with countertop dishwashers but not all are adequately sturdy and efficient. In fact, some turn out to be a piece of junk despite being expensive. Therefore it’s important to research your options and buy only the best countertop dishwasher that will serve you for years. Ideally, it should have a stainless steel interior as steel lasts longer than plastic insides.
It should have ample hose length to connect it to a nearby faucet and have high water and energy efficiency too. Units that are more energy efficient have longer standard cycles and can be more time consuming though. Like a full size dishwasher, countertop models have many different cycles. Make sure that the model you choose includes drying cycle feature to keep the utensils dry after the wash.
Also, it should have a good water heater with power varying settings. If you do not want a noisy dishwasher, choose one with a noise level of 55db. The capacity of the dishwasher is also important. Most models are able to intake six place settings but you can get bigger dishwashers too according to your requirement. So, think about what is important for you and your family and buy accordingly.
Downsides of Countertop Dishwashers
There are some minor downsides as well. Countertop dishwashers have a limited capacity and can wash only a few place settings at a time. If overloaded, the unit isn’t able to spread soap and water over every cutlery. The fewer dishes you put into it, the more dishes it successfully cleans. Also, countertop dishwashers may not suit every kitchen design. This appliance is not a good choice for people having little counter space and also not for those who have tons of counter space but none right next to the sink, as it needs sink to function.
10. SPT SD-2202W Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start, White
This compact dishwasher from SPT is a wonderful option for any small kitchen. Measuring just 17.24 inches in height, it fits nicely between most countertop and cabinetry. Although it is small, it delivers full-size power. Built with a stainless steel interior, it enables maximum heat retention and quick drying. The unit can hold dishes for up to 6 people but the plates should not be more than 10.5 inches in diameter. It weighs 48.5 pounds and can be easily moved when needed.
It features six wash cycles (heavy, normal, light, glass, speed, soak), thus a variety of dishware can be cleaned. Its maximum water temperature is 148 degrees Fahrenheit which is not too hot but intense enough for effective rinsing and cleansing. It has a delay-start option that allows delaying the activation of start triggers by up to 8 hours after setting. This helps you to wash dishes on your schedule and save time.
With energy consumption of 220 Kwh/year and water consumption of 14.5 liters (3.8 gallons), it also helps save money. It has a detergent and rinse-aid dispenser that releases measured amounts for optimal cleansing, rinsing and drying. When the reservoir is low, it automatically displays a rinse-aid warning.
The machine is easy to operate and quickly connects to any kitchen faucet without needing any direct plumbing or permanent hookup. With a noise level of 55 decibels, it is also quieter than many other models. It is a nice white-colored dishwasher that blends in with the rest of the kitchen and gives powerful performance. Also, it has a 1-year warranty that makes it look all the more reliable.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel interior
- Up to 8 hours delay start
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Some users have had leakage issues with the product.
9. SPT SD-2213W Countertop Dishwasher, White
This is a very easy-to-use dishwasher from SPT. With 21.6 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches and 43 pounds, it is compact and portable. It has a spacious iron cavity that accommodates up to 6 standard place settings and up to 10.5 inches wide plates. It is a powerful machine with 6 different wash cycles (heavy, normal, light, mini party, rinse and speed) to ensure perfect cleaning. All controls are user-friendly and have indicator lights.
Thanks to its universal faucet adapter, it can be easily connected to a range of kitchen faucets. It consumes 10.8L (2.85 gallons) water and 203kwh of energy per year which is considerably lower than with most other models. It has an automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser.
When the reservoir needs to be refilled, it alerts the user by a rinse aid warning indicator. Also, it has a delay start option for convenience. Activation of start triggers can be delayed by two, four, six or eight hours from the time of setting. It is a silent (55dB noise level) and powerful machine that blends well in any small kitchen and offers more value than its price.
Pros:
- User-friendly controls with indicator lights
- Up to 8 hours delay start
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
- Low price
Cons:
- Some users complained that organization of the rack isn’t good due to which the available space cannot be optimally utilized.
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8. Ensue Countertop Dishwasher Portable Compact Dishwashing Machine White
The Ensue Countertop Dishwasher has a very simple interface with one button for program selection and one for starting and stopping a cycle. It measures 25.9 x 24.2 x 23.1 inches and weighs 65 pounds. It is bigger than many other compact dishwashers but should easily fit between most countertops and cabinetry.
It includes a universal faucet adapter, so installation is easy. It has 6 dishwasher cycles (heavy, normal, light, mini party, rinse, speed) for versatility and can wash dishes for up to 6 people. The control panel is large and user-friendly.
It is an Energy Star certified product that consumes around 203 kWh of energy each year and costs just $25 in terms of energy cost. Since it is highly energy efficient, its standard wash cycles are also longer. The machine performs great and doesn’t cost much. Most users are happy with its performance and this adds to its credibility.
Pros:
- User-friendly controls
- Energy Star certified
Cons:
- Its ‘normal’ wash cycle is 110 minutes long which longer than usual.
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7. Ivation Countertop Dishwasher – Compact, Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher for Apartment, Condo, RV, Office & Other Small Kitchens – 6 Place Setting Capacity – Black
It is a very compact (17 x 21.5 x 20 inches) and light (49.5 pounds) stainless steel dishwasher that can fit almost everywhere. Its sturdy and spacious interior has a well-organized rolling caddy and can accommodate up to 6 place settings in a single wash. It safely maintains temperatures of up to 148°F which is high enough for a dishwasher of this size.
It is an easy to operate machine with a touch button control panel and an integrated rinse aid and detergent dispenser. Its 6 wash cycles (heavy, normal, eco, glass, speed and rinse) vary in strength and ensure thorough cleaning of each utensil. With its included hose adapter, it easily hooks into most standard faucets without requiring any direct plumbing. It is easy to maintain as well.
It comes in two color options (black and white) and includes a free sliding dish rack, cup shelf and silverware basket. It is a durable and compact unit that looks great and delivers power-packed performance. If you have a limited counter space, this one is definitely worth considering.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel interior
- Two color options
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
Cons:
- High price
6. Costway Countertop Dishwasher Stainless Steel 6 Place Setting Portable Compact Tabletop Kitchen, White
A newer entry in countertop dishwashers, this Costway unit swaps the usual LED display option for an LCD screen that’s easier to read. It is a very compact (21.5 X 19.5 X 17 inches) and light (44 pounds) dishwasher that saves a lot of space and blends well with any kitchen decor. It has a durable stainless steel interior that provides better heat retention and is big enough to accommodate up to six standard place settings.
The pack includes a foldable rack, silverware basket and cup shelf for easy loading. It has six wash cycles (heavy, normal, eco, speed, glass and rinse) and operates quietly. The screen shows how much time is left before a cycle ends. Since the unit has no separate drying cycle, the door automatically opens at the end of each cycle so that the dishes can air dry.
It has almost all convenience features of a full-size dishwasher. There is an automatic detergent and rinse aid dispenser. Also, there is a delay start function wherein the start function can be delayed between one and 24 hours, using one-hour increments. With its Quick-Connect Assembly, installation is easy and quick. Everything that’s needed is included in the package at a very reasonable price. Moreover, there is a 90-day warranty, making it a sweet deal.
Pros:
- Easy to read LCD screen
- Durable stainless steel interior
- Compact and light weight
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
- Delay start feature
- 90-day warranty
Cons:
- Since there is no separate drying cycle, dishes may not dry completely.
5. Koldfront 6 Place Setting Portable Countertop Dishwasher – Black
At 17.25 x 21.75 x 19.75 inches and 48.5 pounds, this compact countertop dishwasher fits comfortably under most cabinetry without requiring permanent installation. It has the capacity to hold up to six standard place settings and comes with a cutlery basket, cup shelf and a dish rack for easy loading. Its stainless steel interior can hold plates up to 10.5 inches in diameter and is equipped with a built-in rinse aid dispenser as well as a heater with 149 degrees F maximum temperature.
There is also an extended durable spray arm inside that ensures that no food residue is left on dishware. Like most other dishwashers, it features 6 different wash cycle options (heavy, normal, light, glass, speed and soak). It uses only 200 KWh of energy per year, which is approximately 61% less than many other dishwashers in the same price range.
In addition to saving energy, it wastes very little water and saves money on your monthly bills. With a noise level of 55db, it gives an almost soundless and peaceful dishwashing experience. It comes in two color (black and white) options and both look great. With its quick connect faucet adapter and long five-foot hose, it can be easily installed in any kitchen.
No tools or plumbing skills are required. Koldfront provides great customer services and also a 1 year warranty for parts and 90 days for labor. The product is durable, energy efficient and also affordable if compared to its counterparts.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel interior
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
- Two color options
- Warranty: 1-year parts, 90 days labor
Cons:
- Some users had leakage issues with the product.
4. EdgeStar DWP61ES 6 Place Setting Countertop Portable Dishwasher – Silver
EdgeStar DWP61ES is a stylish silver-colored dishwasher. With an average height of 17 inches, it is compact enough to fit most cabinetry and weighing 48.5 pounds, it is easy to move. It doesn’t consume too much of space and adds visual appeal for little money. It features an attractive digital control panel with LCD display, child lock function and a delay-start button to facilitate time management.
Like most dishwashers, there are six washing cycles: heavy, normal, light, glass, rinse and soak. The light and normal cycles are meant for daily washing while the heavy one can be used for exceedingly dirty plates and pots. The heavy cycle can heat water up to 149° F in about 100 minutes so that all germs and bacteria are eliminated. The built-in dispensers for rinsing aids and detergents ensure consistent cleaning and help minimize water spotting on dishes, especially glasses.
Its stainless steel interior has 6-plate capacity, where each plate can be up to 10 inches in diameter. It also comes with a cutlery basket and cup shelf for added organization. With a quick connect faucet adapter and five-foot hose, it is easy to install and does not require any plumbing skills. Additionally, it is Energy Star certified for low energy consumption of 200 KWh/year, thus saving money on monthly bills.
Even the water consumption (normal wash) is as low as 3.5 gallons. It works silently and efficiently. However, in case there is a problem, you can contact with EdgeStar customer support team which is known for their excellent service. EdgeStar also provides a warranty of one year for parts and of 90 days for labor.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel interior
- Child lock function
- Energy Star certified
- Delay start feature
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
- Warranty: 1-year parts, 90 days labor
Cons:
- Some users had leakage issues with the product.
3. SPT SD-2224DS Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start & LED, Silver
This product is high on features and very low on price. It is a compact silver-colored dishwasher measuring 21.6 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches. Since it weighs just 43 pounds, it is more easily portable than most other models. Its spacious iron cavity can accommodate up to 6 standard place settings and dishware up to 10.25 inches in diameter. Unlike most countertop dishwashers that have 6 wash cycles, this one has 7 (heavy, normal, light, mini-party, rinse, speed and soak).
It filters the wash water and reuses it repeatedly during the wash, thus drawing minimum water from the tap. It has a large LED display that shows how much time is left for the cycle to complete. The control panel has big, responsive buttons unlike the little plastic covered bubbles in most models.
Since it has delay-start feature, the start can be delayed by 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours. There is also an automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser for convenience. When the rinse aid needs to be refilled or when the faucet is not turned on, it alerts the user by indicator lights. With its universal faucet adapter and Quick connect assembly, it can be quickly and easily connected to most kitchen faucets.
The machine is quiet but power-packed with performance. And all this comes at an incredibly low price. If you are tight on budget and want the lowest cost option, this is the best countertop dishwasher for you.
Pros:
- Compact and light weight
- User-friendly controls with indicator lights
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
- Delay start feature
- 7 wash cycles
- Low price
Cons:
- Some users reported that the machine’s running times are much longer than that stated in the manual.
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2. SPT Countertop Dishwasher, White
This is another convenient and energy efficient alternative from SPT. Measuring 21.65 x 19.69 x 17.24 inches, it is compact and fits well in most kitchens. With 48.5 pounds, it is light enough to be set up by a single person. The included faucet adapter and Quick Connect assembly means that there’s no need for direct plumbing or permanent installation.
And though the unit is compact and portable, it performs all the essential tasks of a full-size dishwasher. It has a large stainless steel interior that’s very durable and easy to clean. Inside, there’s a dish rack and silverware basket with up to 6 standard place settings capacity. It comes with a setting of 6 wash cycles (heavy, normal, light, glass, speed and soak), so you can choose the one that suits best.
For heavy cycles, the temperature of water can be set up to 148-degree F. It also includes a spray arm for improved cleaning efficiency. There’s an automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser, so you do not need to check the supply every now and then. The dishwasher is easy to use and has user-friendly controls.
It is available in silver and white colors, so you can choose one that blends well with your cabinetry. It is Energy Star certified and does not consume more than 220KWh/year of energy and 3.8 gallons of water. Overall, it’s a great product and though it is bit expensive, you can get some really good discounts on it online.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel interior and spray arm
- User-friendly controls with indicator lights
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
- Delay start feature
- Two color options
- Energy Star certified
Cons:
- There is no separate dry cycle. It is rather built in to all, leaving no option to air dry and save electricity from it.
1. hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher – Portable Mini Dish Washer in Stainless Steel Interior for Small Apartment Office and Home Kitchen – Dishwashers with 6 Place Setting Rack and Silverware Basket
This slick looking dishwasher can be a perfect addition to any modern kitchen. Measuring 17.2 x 19.6 x 21.6 inches, it is compact but spacious enough for six place settings. It includes a well-organized dish basket and cutlery rack for easy loading of dishware.
Weighing 67 pounds, it is not as light as many other models but yet easily portable. It has 6 wash cycles (heavy, normal, eco, glass, speed and rinse) for versatility of use and a delay button to postpone the cycle. It has a maximum water temperature of 120°F which is high enough to ensure that all germs or bacteria are eliminated.
Since it has automatic detergent and rinse aid dispenser, cleaning is consistent and dishware dries quickly without leaving water spots or streaks. With its quick connect assembly and included accessories like inlet and drain hose and faucet adapter, it can be easily installed without requiring plumbing tools. It is a powerful Energy Star certified dishwasher that saves you a lot of space, time and money.
Pros:
- Durable stainless steel interior and spray arm
- User-friendly controls with indicator lights
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
- Delay start feature
- Energy Star certified
Cons:
- Heavier than most other countertop dishwashers
Editors Choice of Best Countertop Dishwasher
Having analyzed all the options, we believe that hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher is the best countertop dishwasher in current market. It has an aesthetic design and functions perfectly, leaving no major reason to complain. Unlike most other models, it has a well-organized dish rack and no leakage related issues. It is full of convenience features and is designed to last for years. It’s no surprise then that it is a highly popular product and that its users are glad they made this purchase. We rate it 9/10 and recommend it to our readers.
We would love to know your stories, views and experiences. Which one do you think is the best countertop dishwasher? Do leave your comments in the box below and help others make an informed choice. For more related reviews check out this review for awesome mini fridges that go hand in hand with the mini dishwashers!
