The 9 Best Countertop Dishwashers of 2023

Best Overall

hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher

4.8

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Get a helping hand with dish duty by choosing a tried-and-true countertop dishwasher, like the Compact Countertop Dishwasher from hOmeLabs. You'll give up a little counter space, but this handy machine will clean up to six place settings in a single session. We also recommend this model as the best overall countertop dishwasher for its six cycle options, easily accessible front control panel, and durable stainless steel interior. 

Similar to a full-size dishwasher, the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher has a dish rack and silverware basket to make the most of its small footprint. This model sits on your kitchen counter, close to your sink, for water supply and discharge. However, you can also put it on a kitchen cart and wheel it over when it's ready for use. The front control panel and digital display feature intuitive icons representing settings like Heavy, Normal, Glass, and Soak, or you can activate a two-, four-, or eight-hour delay. The multiple wash functions help to ensure that you're using the best setting for each load of dishes. Note that this model is also Energy Star-rated, making it a good option for conservative energy usage.

The fact that the interior of the dishwasher has a stainless steel wash tub is a major plus for durability. Stainless steel interiors are less likely to crack, corrode, or develop an odor than dishwashers with plastic tubs. The biggest drawback is that this model doesn't have a drying cycle, which means that dishes will be wet when the cycle first finishes. However, the manufacturer advises using a rinse aid for faster drying results. Users agree that this strategy works well, and the overall performance of this countertop dishwasher is stellar enough to outweigh the hassle of damp dishes at the end of a cycle. 

Price at time of publish: $375

_{Type: Countertop | Dimensions: 17.2 x 21.6 x 19.6 inches | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Capacity: 6 place settings | Cycles: 6 | Tub Material: Stainless steel | Control Location: Front | ADA Compliant: No}

Best Budget

RCA RDW3208 24-Inch Electronic Countertop Dishwasher

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The RCA RDW3208 Countertop Dishwasher is a great choice for a budget model. It has a basic appearance and simple controls, but this option fulfills its simple mission of cleaning your dishes. Standout features of this affordable dishwasher include a stainless steel interior, room for six place settings, and a silverware basket. 

Measuring about 22 inches wide and 17 inches tall, this countertop dishwasher takes up more space than more compact popular models. The size is something to consider when deciding whether this budget dishwasher is the right pick for your kitchen. However, if you have the space, this model fits up to six place settings, but keep in mind that the capacity depends on the diameter of your plates.

The spray arms are located only on the bottom of the wash tub, but if you load the dishwasher properly, you can still expect solid cleaning performance without spending big bucks for a more full-featured dishwasher. There are only three wash cycles (Normal, Heavy, and Speed), but these options are sufficient for the cleaning routines of most households.

Price at time of publish: $243

_{Type: Countertop | Dimensions: 17.2 x 21.7 x 19.7 inches | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Capacity: 6 place settings | Cycles: 2 | Tub Material: Stainless steel | Control Location: Front control | ADA Compliant: No}

Best with Water Tank

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher

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Many countertop dishwashers must be connected to a faucet for operation, limiting where you can put them. By choosing a countertop dishwasher with a water tank, however, you have more options for placement. The Farberware Portable Dishwasher is a tried-and-true option with a 5-liter water tank to power its wash cycles. It’s a great option for conserving water while washing dishes up to 12 inches in diameter (when loaded at an angle) with your choice of five wash settings. 

This countertop dishwasher has a top-fill design, so keep in mind that you’ll need room to pour water down into the tank. It requires a steady hand and a slow pour to avoid splashing water on the housing of the dishwasher, but the appliance is quick to alert you once the water tank is full and it's ready to run. The cutlery rack is small, and large plates must be loaded at an angle, liming the capacity of this countertop dishwasher. However, wIth a light pre-rinse, it gives dishes a thorough clean with the help of a top and bottom spray arm. 

Keep in mind that this portable dishwasher doesn’t need to be connected to a faucet for operation, but it will need to drain at the end of the cycle. You can position the hose to drain into a nearby sink or bucket. 

Price at time of publish: $380

_{Type: Countertop | Dimensions: 17.3 x 17.3 x 16.5 inches | Decibel Rating: Not applicable | Capacity: 2 place settings | Cycles: 5 | Tub Material: Plastic | Control Location: Front control | ADA Compliant: No}

Best Design

BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher

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Given the size of these appliances, it can be hard to hide a countertop dishwasher. "Small-space dwellers will have to consider the physical space that a countertop dishwasher takes up," advises Gnau. "And they'll also have to consider if the dishwasher will be an eyesore." Most often, people store these machines in plain sight. If that is your situation, and you want a design-conscious choice, we recommend the BLACK+DECKER Compact Countertop Dishwasher.

A shiny stainless steel handle accents the dishwasher's white housing and black face. Taking on the form factor of a standard built-in dishwasher, this model could look right at home on your kitchen counter. Its appeal isn't limited to aesthetics, though. The BLACK+DECKER Compact Dishwasher includes functional design aspects, like the fully integrated LCD control panel with electronic touch controls to operate its many functions.

This appliance comes equipped with seven wash functions, which is more than most models we researched. The options include specialty cycles like Glass and Eco. You can wash up to six place settings at a time, but you should know that the plate diameter is limited to 10 inches.  

Price at time of publish: $354

_{Type: Countertop | Dimensions: 17.2 x 21.5 x 21.7 inches | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Capacity: 6 place settings | Cycles: 7 | Tub Material: Stainless steel | Control Location: Front control | ADA Compliant: No}

Best Mini

Comfee WQP4-2601 Mini Portable Dishwasher

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Countertop dishwashers have a smaller form factor when compared to portable or built-in dishwashers, but dimensions can vary considerably among models. "Small spaces have such limited counter space, and every appliance needs to be worth its weight in gold," says Gnau. The Comfee Mini Portable Dishwasher keeps things compact and is our pick for a small countertop dishwasher. It's a great choice for kitchens with limited countertop space or other small living arrangements, like a tiny house or RV. This version also has a built-in water tank, giving you more options for where to run this dishwasher (as long as you arrange for it to discharge water into a bucket or other container). 

This mini countertop dishwasher measures only 16.5 inches wide, which may save 5 inches or more of countertop space when compared with larger models. Its smaller size translates into more limited capacity—expect only to wash about two place settings in each load. Despite being compact, this mini dishwasher offers plenty of wash-cycle options. Choose from six settings, including modes for glassware, steam, or cleaning fruit and produce. An air-circulation function helps to dry dishes more efficiently at the end of the cycle.  

Another benefit of picking a mini countertop dishwasher is that it weighs less than larger models. The Comfee Mini Portable Dishwasher weighs about 31 pounds, compared to 45 to 60 pounds for larger models. If you plan to move the dishwasher frequently or store it away when not in use, a mini version like the Comfee is lighter to lift and carry. 

Price at time of publish: $292

_{Type: Countertop | Dimensions: 17 x 16.5 x 17 inches | Decibel Rating: 58 decibels | Capacity: 2 place settings | Cycles: 5 | Tub Material: Plastic | Control Location: Front control | ADA Compliant: No}

Best for Quiet Operation

Comfee WQP6-3602H Countertop Portable Dishwasher

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Whether you work from home, have a napping baby, or prefer quiet surroundings, you may be looking for a countertop dishwasher with minimal noise output. Countertop dishwashers usually operate for nearly two hours on a standard wash setting, so keeping in mind how loud or quiet a model is may be an important consideration. If you want a quiet model, we recommend the Comfee Countertop Portable Dishwasher, rated for 49 decibels according to the manufacturer. 

For perspective on operation noise, this countertop dishwasher is about as quiet as an average conversation (50 decibels). It’s quieter than a typical household refrigerator (55 decibels) and quieter than a washing machine (70 decibels).

In addition to quiet operation, this portable dishwasher offers an impressive number of cycle options—eight in total—to clean your dishes, silverware, pots and pans, or glassware. If you need to speed up the process, you can use the Rapid wash setting to clean a full load in just 45 minutes, compared to the Normal cycle setting, which is 110 minutes long. While this model lacks a dedicated drying cycle, you can accelerate drying by opening the door at the end of a cycle so that your dishes come out with less residual moisture.

Price at time of publish: $270

_{Type: Countertop | Dimensions: 17.2 x 21.6 x 20.6 inches | Decibel Rating: 49 decibels | Capacity: 6 place settings | Cycles: 8 | Tub Material: Stainless steel | Control Location: Front control | ADA Compliant: No}

Best for Dry Dishes

COSTWAY FP10017 Countertop Dishwasher

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A countertop dishwasher offers a hands-free way to clean your dishes, but many models will leave your plates, glasses, and flatware with residual moisture that must be dried off. If you dread having to dry each item after the cycle is over, consider a model with a drying cycle, like the COSTWAY FP10017 Countertop Dishwasher. This model stands out, since it has an extended refresh cycle that keeps dishes dry and ready to go for several days.

To make your dishes clean and dry, this model from COSTWAY has five cycles that end with a hot-air drying function. The appliance circulates hot air at 158 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate moisture and sanitize the load. What really sets this countertop dishwasher apart is that it will automatically engage the drying function every two hours for up to 72 hours. So even if you can't unload your dishwasher right away, your dishes will be dry and ready to be put away for up to three days after you've washed them. 

While some users report issues with installation, most say the process is simple. Once it's in place, you can enjoy the COSTWAY FP10017's 360-degree cleaning power from the top and lower spray arms. It also holds up to six place settings, with the help of a silverware basket and a small shelf for cups or compact items.

Price at time of publish: $370

_{Type: Countertop | Dimensions: 17.7 x 21.7 x 19.7 inches | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Capacity: 6 place settings | Cycles: 5 | Tub Material: Stainless steel | Control Location: Front control | ADA Compliant: No}

Best for Apartments

Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 21 in. Electronic Countertop Dishwasher

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A countertop dishwasher for an apartment should be compact and well-equipped since it will take up valuable counter area. We recommend the Magic Chef Portable Countertop Dishwasher for this space. This popular pick is basic by design, but it gets the job done with six various wash cycles, including Speed, Normal, and Glass.

For apartments with small sink capacity, you can even load your dishes and use the Rinse option until you’re ready to run the dishwasher. Plus, the Delay Start offers the most flexibility of the models we researched, allowing you to set the dishwasher to run anywhere from one to 24 hours after your cycle selection. 

Dimensions are another critical consideration when picking a countertop dishwasher for an apartment. This version from Magic Chef isn’t the most compact option, but it’s also not the most space-consuming. It strikes a balance between space requirements and capacity, measuring 21.7 inches wide but with room for up to six place settings. 

Price at time of publish: $338

_{Type: Countertop | Dimensions: 17.3 x 21.7 x 19.7 inches | Decibel Rating: Not listed | Capacity: 6 place settings | Cycles: 6 | Tub Material: Stainless steel | Control Location: Front control | ADA Compliant: No}