Dishwashers are not only very practical but also environmentally friendly. Hand washing the same number of dishes using the average dishwasher uses only 10% of the water. However, since space is a major concern for many people, the best countertop dishwasher solves this since it is significantly more compact.
For a multitude of reasons, countertop dishwashers are a very popular option. These machines have become commonplace for many families thanks to their compact size and lower initial purchase price. Additionally, they are a great solution for those who live alone and don't use enough dishes to warrant using a full-sized dishwasher daily.
What is a Countertop Dishwasher?
A countertop dishwasher, just as its name, is a dishwasher that is placed on a counter. It is a portable dishwasher that you have to fix in a position with a permanent and dedicated water inlet. It can be fitted to any faucet adapter, and the drain hose placed behind it acts as an outlet for dirty water.
Countertop dishwashers work like full-sized dishwashers, but they can be better for people with limited space since they combine ample internal capacity and portability. With these countertop dishwashers, you will enjoy the benefits of a normal dishwasher, multiple cycle options, saving time, and energy-efficient washing without taking up space in your cupboard.
They use less water than traditional dishwashers but less electricity, making them an environmentally friendly solution. As a result, they are the best for RVs, small apartments, and dorms. Below are our reviews of the best countertop dishwashers with their pros and cons.
1. Novete Compact Countertop Dishwasher
- 【SMALL SIZE, LARGE CAPACITY】This portable dishwasher only...
- 【NO INSTALLATION NEEDED】This countertop dishwasher supports 2...
- 【BABY CARE MODE】This compact dishwasher offers 5 wash cycles...
- 【3-IN-1 FUNCTION】Featuring a Dry mode, this machine is...
- 【FULLY EQUIPPED】The storage rack and cutlery basket make it...
We found no better choice for the best quiet countertop dishwasher than this unit at only 50 decibels. Although Novete compact countertop dishwasher is more expensive than many other dishwashers, it delivers incredible performance and has always made it among the best overall countertop dishwasher options.
The Novete TDQR01 portable dishwasher is easy to use thanks to its clear LCD control panel, and it offers five washing programs, including the Normal, Speed, ECO, Baby Care, Heavy, and a Fruit rinse mode with a fruit basket. If you must leave your dishwasher unattended for a while, the Novete also has an Air Dry function and ventilation to prevent the buildup of odors.
With the provided hose and connector, you may attach the Novete TDQR01 to the faucet. Alternatively, you can conveniently fill the dishwasher's 1.3-gallon built-in water tank and move it wherever you like, including inside an RV.
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2. Danby Countertop Dishwasher DDW621WDB
- Compact space saving countertop dishwasher
- Easy Set Up: The quick connect feature is compatible with most...
- Energy Saver: Energy Star compliant and low water consumption of...
- Roomy Interior: 6 place setting capacity with a silverware basket...
- Quiet Operation: Maintain ambiance in the kitchen with this quiet...
Are you looking for the best countertop dishwasher to give you the best performance and maximum energy savings while operating quietly? We recommend the Danby DDW621WDB, a compact countertop dishwasher with a durable stainless steel interior.
Danby DDW621WDB features a cutlery basket, extra capacity for glasses, and a dishwasher with six place settings. With its six-wash cycles like the Heavy, Normal, Light, Glass, Speed, and Rinse, the model offers energy-efficient washing with only 3.1 gallons per cycle.
We also noticed that the quiet countertop dishwasher comes with time-saving programs like the 20-minute long Glass setting, and the option of 2-4-6-8 hour delay accommodates your schedule. You will also love how it has an improved spray arm, automatic detergent, and a rinse aid dispenser to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Lastly, the compact dishwasher ensures you enjoy extended service while maintaining a run noise level of 52 dBA or below. Most cabinets and common surfaces may accommodate this Danby dishwasher, and the quick connect assembly kit can be connected to most faucets.
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3. Black Decker BCD6W Countertop Dishwasher
- 7 SUPERIOR WASH CYCLES: With this incredible BLACK+DECKER...
- LED DISPLAY: Set your wash cycle and time with ease thanks to...
- QUICK CONNECT: Hook up your must-have white dishwasher with a...
- IMPRESSIVE CAPACITY: This dishwasher portable ensures you can fit...
- OUTSTANDING DESIGN: The interior of this spacious portable...
Some people always choose a model based on its design, and we recommend this Black and Decker countertop dishwasher. Black Decker BCD6W has an effortless touch-sensitive control panel that allows you to get efficient wash cycles.
It is one of the best countertop dishwashers with a sleek design and a unique user interface and has been constructed with attractive colors like black and white. We also loved the high-quality stainless steel interior, meaning the countertop dishwasher is durable and will give you service. Also, the compact countertop dishwasher makes it easy to allow it to fit in most tabletops or kitchen cabinets.
We also loved that this portable countertop dishwasher has easy loading features, a dish rack, and a removable utensil basket that effortlessly slides in and out of your dishwasher, which creates room for loading and unloading clean and dirty dishes. Black Decker BCD6W countertop dishwasher also impresses customers with its wash and dry cycle and the seven wash programs, including the normal, 90 minutes, soak, intensive, Eco, and rapid.
Like most countertop models, other customers appreciated that it came with a user-friendly digital display control panel which is easy to use and comes with a precise setup and adjustments. Also, the drain connections and water hook-up are easy and quick to set up, ensuring your compact dishwasher starts easily. Lastly, you can use this compact countertop dishwasher regularly as it consumes less water than other portable dishwashers.
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4. COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
- [ No installation needed ]: Adding water manually in the upgraded...
- [ Upgraded Space Design ]: The Miniplus has a larger capacity...
- [ 5+2 Program Options ]: 5 Washing programs: NORMAL, RAPID,...
- [ 192 ℉ High-Temp Hygiene ]: The Hygiene wash cycle boosts...
- [ AUTO-OPEN & FAN ENHANCE DRYING ]: The door opens automatically...
As much as countertop dishwashers feature a small form compared to built-in or portable dishwashers, not all are small enough for all kitchen spaces. We found this Comfee mini dishwasher to be the best if you are looking for one that will keep things compact and suit small living room arrangements or kitchens with limited counter space.
We recommend it because it measures about 16.5 inches wide, saving about 5 inches or more on your counter space, less than larger countertop dishwasher models. However, since it's smaller, it has limited capacity and only comes with two place settings.
This model also includes a built-in water tank, allowing you greater flexibility in where you may use the dishwasher. However, you must place it well to discharge water into a bucket or container. Luckily, this mini dishwasher is lightweight, weighing about 31 pounds and so you can frequently move the dishwasher or store it when not using it.
Although this Comfee mini dishwasher is compact, we loved how there were many wash cycles where you can choose from six settings. In addition, it features settings for cleaning fruit and producing steam or glassware, and at the end of the cycle, an air-circulation feature aids in drying dishes more effectively.
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5. Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher
- 【PERFECT WASH】No more washing dirty dishes by hand every day....
- 【4 PLACE-SETTING CAPACITY】The 120V Portable Dishwasher...
- 【FIVE WASHING PROGRAMS】Countertop Dishwasher with water tank...
- 【HIGH TEMPERATURE】The Dishwashers can clean tableware, fruits...
- 【NO INSTALLATION NEEDED】The counter top dishwasher supports 2...
The Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher is a great recommendation for anyone looking to enjoy convenience and effectiveness in a petite unit. This portable dishwasher, with its sleek glass door design, is equipped with five versatile washing programs: Normal, Speed, ECO, Heavy-duty, and a unique Baby Care mode. It also comes equipped with a 5-liter water reserve tank thus enabling it to work anywhere without the need for water lines – just right for small apartments, RVs, and dorms.
The dishwasher has an LED touch screen panel to select the programs and it is very easy to use. Its ability to steam clean makes this machine clean very effectively especially when in Baby Care mode. This dishwasher has a large interior loading capacity of up to four place settings and the water connection options include either direct water connection or the internal water tank. The sleek glass door not only gives the look of a modern structure, but can have the added benefit of seeing the cleaning process as it is underway.
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What are the Types of Countertop Dishwashers?
There are two types of countertops, and they include:
a). Built-In Dishwashers
These types are more permanent than portable types and are meant to be installed under your kitchen counter. Although they need more installation effort, they are more efficient and powerful. Built-in dishwashers have their water tank and don't need to be connected to a kitchen faucet.
b). Portable Dishwashers
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These are the most popular countertop dishwashers, and they can be easily set up or moved around, making them suitable for small apartments or kitchens. Most portable dishwashers can be connected to a standard faucet, but some units come with a separate water tank.
What Comes with the Quick Connect Assembly of Countertop Dishwashers?
The quick connect assembly usually consists of:
- A drain hose with a quick connect connection and a drain port connection
- A faucet adapter with washer rubbers that work with male and female threaded faucet connections
- An inlet hose with an inlet port connection and a quick connect connection
- Quick connect features a drain hose connection, pressure relief valve, inlet hose connection, locking collar, and a faucet adapter connection.
Factors to Consider Before you Purchase the Best Countertop Dishwashers
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A few important factors should be considered when purchasing a countertop dishwasher. Although countertop dishwashers are less costly than standard dishwashers, these units still are an investment. The best countertop dishwashers we reviewed above are the ideal place to start once you know what you're looking for.
Before deciding, consider the following factors:
1. Size and Capacity
These two factors are most likely your biggest factors since they determine how well your portable countertop dishwasher will fit into your space. It also should be light enough to allow you to re-position it when you need it.
For capacity, you should assess your actual dishwashing needs. For example, do you usually cook for two people or prefer to host dinner parties? The dishwasher should have enough room to wash all your dishes in one cycle.
It's also important to check if the dishwasher can fit any particularly large plates and dishes. Large dishes work best with models that have adjustable racks. They will move back when you have a heavier load, and when you have a less load, they will move forward.
2. Cycle Options
Countertop dishwashers have different cycles which are meant to accomplish different tasks. Therefore, the versatility of the washing experience will typically increase with a model's cycle count.
a). Wash Cycles
A countertop dishwasher's basic feature is a short wash cycle, although most models also include light, medium, and heavy wash cycles. While the medium wash cycle can be referred to as "normal," the light cycle may also be called an "ECO cycle."
b). Speed
The outcome is the same whether the manufacturer describes this cycle as "Speed," "Rapid," or "Fast." Fast wash cycles are great for light cleaning, but they aren't the best choice for really dirty dishes.
c). Rinse
The "Rinse" cycle is a fantastic choice if all you want to do is rinse the dishes in the dishwasher without running a complete load. Because fruit and vegetables can be placed in the dishwasher for a fast rinse, this function can alternatively be referred to as a "Fruit-wash" cycle.
d). Baby Care
To keep children safe, put the countertop dishwasher to the "Baby" or "Baby Care" option to ensure that the water used throughout the cycle is hot enough to kill viruses or bacteria.
e). Dry
After the dishes get cleaned and rinsed, a dry cycle ensures that the entire dishwasher is heated evenly so that you won't have to deal with sopping wet dishes when you open the door.
3. Number of Place Settings
Which countertop dishwasher do you prefer can handle how many place settings? Four or six-place settings are often used in dishwashers, whereas a full-size dishwasher will have 12-place settings up to 16. Opt for a capacity that corresponds to the number of family members you have, but go for something a little bigger if you often have guests.
The number of place settings is another important aspect to take into account. However, certain models can hold up to eight place settings, making up to six place settings the maximum capacity of most countertop dishwashers. Consider purchasing a dishwasher with a greater place setting capacity if you frequently entertain or have a large family.
4. Energy and Water Efficiency
Countertop dishwashers are the best option for saving water and electricity. They are an environmentally beneficial alternative to conventional dishwashers because they consume less water and power.
Always check the water use and the energy star certification of the countertop dishwasher you plan to buy.
5. Noise Level
Decibels are the units used to quantify noise in dishwashers. The typical decibel range for countertop dishwashers is 50 to 65, with 50 being the quietest and 65 being the highest.
These noise levels don't bother most individuals enough to be a worry. However, it would be in your best interest to opt for a model with a low noise output if you work from home near your kitchen or intend to run a dishwasher at night so keep that in mind when shopping.
6. Installation
It's crucial to consider each dishwasher's installation requirements when choosing a countertop dishwasher. For example, the water hose needs to be connected to the faucet each time you use a countertop dishwasher because they are often designed for single-use connections.
However, most of them contain quick-connect technology that makes the procedure quick and easy. In addition, some models can be permanently linked to your water supply and even fit into a cabinet to give the appearance of being built-in.
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Installation is not necessary for a built-in tank countertop dishwasher. Instead, you add water to these models before each cycle. Even though it may seem laborious, it's a minor price to pay if you need to run your dishwasher somewhere else next to a sink or if your sink faucet won't allow you to attach the water line is a problem with many pull-down kitchen faucets.
However, remember that the dishwasher will require a location to drain water. The drain hose should be able to get to a bucket, utility sink, or kitchen sink.
What are Some Bonus Features You Will Benefit from?
a). Energy Star
You could have noticed the logo but be unsure of what it means. You can identify an energy-saving product by looking at its well-known Energy Star certification, which saves money on utility costs. In addition, you may get an idea of the annual energy usage from these appliances on the Energy Star label.
Typically, savings of up to 30% will be realized. One illustration is a device that uses more energy yet has a higher capacity. For example, you will save money on household expenses and reduce greenhouse gas emissions if your new portable countertop dishwasher has this feature.
b). Self-Clean Setting
Dishwashers are cleaning appliances but require routine maintenance to eliminate dirt, debris, and soap scum. You can get a jump start on maintenance by using the self-cleaning function on some countertop dishwashers.
However, you can clean the dishwasher with vinegar, baking soda, and some elbow grease if you want a deeper clean or if your model doesn't have a self-cleaning feature.
Start by gaining access to the screen and dispenser for hard food. Then, if necessary, use a soft-bristle brush to remove any food or debris that has become lodged. You might also want to use the same soft-bristle brush dipped in vinegar to softly scrub the walls, seals, and other dishwasher surfaces, depending on how grimy it is.
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Run a cleaning cycle after which and put a half cup of distilled vinegar in an open container on the dishwasher rack—no need to use the drying feature after the cycle is complete. Instead, lightly coat the dishwasher tub's bottom with baking soda.
Run a second cycle, keeping in mind that you can do this step with a quick cycle. Never combine vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle, as it will foam. To finish cleaning, let the dishwasher air-dry.
c). Delay Start Function
There are many reasons a delay-start function on the countertop dishwasher is important. First, it is ideal for letting your cycle finish when you are certain you will be at home so you can open it up and allow the dishes to cool and dry. This is also appealing since you could schedule the beginning of wash cycles for times when you know your household's electricity and water usage is at a minimum.
Most models offer pre-set delay times of two, four, or six hours. A few, though, allow you to specify the delay in one-hour increments up to 24 hours. By only using your dishwasher during those times when you are also paying less for energy, you can further reduce your utility expenses.
Conclusion on the Best Countertop Dishwashers
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Countertop dishwashers are an excellent substitute for the conventional full-size dishwasher, which takes up a lot of room. They are efficient and affordable, making them perfect for small spaces. They can also be connected to a standard kitchen faucet.
All the models we reviewed are top choices that, in our opinion, adhere to the tough standards necessary to qualify as the finest countertop dishwashers. You shouldn't have trouble cleaning up after eating with your family or entertaining small gatherings because several have excellent load capacities.
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