Do you ever look at a pile of dirty dishes and wish they would magically clean themselves? For many of us living in small apartments, RVs, or dorm rooms, a full-sized dishwasher just isn’t an option. That means more time spent scrubbing by hand, right? Not necessarily!
Portable countertop dishwashers offer a fantastic solution to this messy problem. But when you start shopping, you face a flood of choices. Which one fits your tiny kitchen space? How well do they actually clean? And are they worth the money? It can feel overwhelming just trying to pick the best model for your needs.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the key features, compare top models, and answer all your burning questions. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which countertop dishwasher is your perfect match, saving you time and elbow grease. Let’s dive into how you can get sparkling clean dishes without the sink full of suds!
Top Portable Countertop Dishwasher Recommendations
- Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" 【No installation needed】: Adding water manually in the 5L 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, STEAM, 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. )
- [ 192 ℉ HIGH-TEMP HYGIENE ]: The HYGIENE wash cycle boosts water temperature to 162 ℉ Rinsing and Max to 192 ℉ which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes and is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children’s dinner sets.
- [ Extra Drying & Stay Fresh ]: Circulation of AIR REFRESH removes moisture and odor, keeping your plates and machine dry and fresh for a long time. The function is enabled by default and you can also inactivate the function if unnecessary.
- 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.
- Large Capacity: This dishwasher can wash up to 12 to 20 pieces of tableware at a time. Whether dishes, knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks, or cups, they can all be handled together, making it easy to cope with the busy cleaning needs of families.
- Thoughtful Design: It is a complete unit, so you no longer have to worry about tedious drilling, changing pipeline positions, modifying cabinets, etc. Just connect it to the inlet and outlet pipelines to use. Its compact size (17.72x15.75x17.3in) does not take up much valuable kitchen space, making your kitchen cleaner and more beautiful.
- Easy to Operate: It has multiple functions including cleaning, and drying. Its touch panel helps you start with just one click, making it convenient to use and saving you the hassle of manual cleaning, making your life more relaxed and enjoyable.
- 3-in-1 Washing Modes: It adopts hot plate heating technology and has three intelligent washing modes: fast washing, standard washing, and strong washing. These three modes can be selected based on the quantity of different tableware, providing you with more personalized washing services.
- Efficient Cleaning: Its autonomous watering ensures that the water source is sufficient during washing. It also adopts a lower spray arm with a 360° rotating spray design, and this powerful water flow can more effectively wash the tableware, improving your cleaning efficiency.
- 【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
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Euhomy Portable Countertop Dishwasher: Compact yet powerful, measuring just 16.83 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches. Its spacious interior efficiently cleans over 30 items at once, including plates up to 10.25 inches. Holds: 4 Plates, 4 Small Plates, 4 Small Cups, 4 Bowls, 2 Glasses, and 7 sets of Forks, Knives, and Spoons. Includes added convenience with a dedicated cutlery holder, a fruit basket, and a kettle. The perfect space-saving solution for homes, apartments, dorms, boats, and RVs
- 𝐍𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝: Our Euhomy countertop dishwasher offers two water supply options: tank mode and faucet mode. In Tank Mode, simply fill the built-in 5L (1.32-Gallon) reservoir—the automatic water level indicator tells you when it's perfectly filled and ready to clean. Use Faucet Mode by attaching the included inlet hose directly to your kitchen tap for a continuous supply of water. With dual modes, this compact dishwasher offers effortless operation and adapts to any kitchen setup—no permanent installation required
- 𝟔 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬: The Euhomy compact dishwasher boasts 6 programs for your family: Normal, Quick, ECO, Baby Care/Heavy Duty, and Fruit, Dry. The Quick offers a 29 minutes fast wash. While the Baby Care/ Strong mode of our mini dishwasher operates at a scorching 167°F, ensuring baby products and greasy dishes are thoroughly rinsed. The dishwasher also features a dual spray arm system that provides 360° cleaning, ensuring thorough washing of accessories—even pet bowls, collars, leashes, and more. Customized cleaning is easy with this versatile dishwasher
- 𝟑-𝐢𝐧-𝟏 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Not just a sideboard and compact dishwasher, but also a dish dryer. The Euhomy dishwasher provides 60 minutes of hot air drying followed by 73 hours of automatic ventilation after each wash, keeping your dishes free from unpleasant odors. *The drying mode can be used with any wash cycle except Fruit mode, and it can also operate independently
- 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: This compact dishwasher saves up to 80% water compared to handwashing. Its 5L (1.32-gallon) water tank can handle multiple cleaning operations. Certified by ETL and DOE for safety, quality, and energy-saving performance, it also comes with a 1-year warranty. We're always here to help with any questions!
- 【APP Smart Control】Different from others, our dishwasher has an app connection function. No matter where you are, you can check the status of the dishwasher and set the dishwashing timer in real time through your phone, which can save you time, and also bring you a more convenient life
- 【Six Washing Programs】Our dishwasher designed with 6 washing programs, including Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, Drying, which fulfilling your daily requirements; Standard mode is suitable for most common dishware; Quick mode only needs 29 minutes to satisfy basic washing; ECO mode can save power and water; Fruit mode is designed for you who want to clean specific items.After cleaning, 167℉ high temperature fast drying function can ensure health and safety
- 【Dual Modes of Water Inlet】You can add water to the tank directly or attach the dishwasher to the tap,which means that no worries about modifying waterways and cabinets. Also it is ideal for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats and campers/RVs
- 【Large Capacity】Our dishwasher can hold up home for 4-6 sets of tableware(20 dishes), and also equipped with bowl basket, knife& fork basket.There are also storage racks and cutlery baskets inside to make forks, spoons, etc. easier to clean
- 【3D 360° Spiral Spray Washing】360° Powerful Cleaning,Up&Down Double Spray Arms,High pressure washing and full-angle 3D spraying cover every corner and remove stains thoroughly and effectively,which gives you the perfect dishwashing experience
- Compact Design with Large Capacity: Despite its compact size (16.8" x 17.9"), this countertop dishwasher holds up to 4-place settings, including 4x 10" dinner plates, 4x 8" small plates, 4 cups, 4 bowls, 7 forks, 7 spoons, and 1 flute glass. This mini dishwasher is perfect for small households or families of four, offering powerful functionality in a portable design.
- Sparkling Dishes Every Time: Powered by patented triple spray arm technology, this dish washer delivers a 360° deep clean. With an extra spray arm compared to standard dishwashers, it tackles stubborn grease, dried food, and hard-to-reach spots with ease. Enjoy more time for yourself and less time scrubbing dishes.
- Smart APP Control & 6+2 Wash Programs: With the smart APP, this portable dishwasher countertop offers remote control to start, pause, or customize washing cycles. Choose from 6+2 versatile modes, including ECO, Intensive/Babycare, Normal, Rapid, Glass, Fruit Wash, and more. Whether it’s delicate glasses or heavily soiled dishes, this mini dishwasher has you covered.
- No Plumbing? No Problem! This portable dishwasher features two water supply options: a built-in water tank for ultimate flexibility or direct faucet connection for continuous use. The front water inlet design makes refilling splash-free and mess-free, ensuring this dishwasher is ready to use in apartments, RVs, or even while camping.
- High-Temperature Cleaning & Baby-Safe Drying: The 167°F high-temperature wash effectively cleans grease and residue, making it ideal for baby bottles and sensitive items. This portable dishwasher features a drying mode and 85-hour storage, keeping dishes fresh and ready to use in your countertop dishwasher.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Measuring just 16.83 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches, this sleek appliance fits effortlessly into any kitchen setting. Thanks to its smartly designed interior, you 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. Perfect for apartment,home, dorm room, boat, and RV, this compact dishwasher brings modern efficiency to spaces where traditional dishwashers can’t go
- 𝐍𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝: Tank mode and faucet mode are the two adaptable water supply options available for the Euhomy portable countertop dishwasher. 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 little 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 compact dishwasher offers to meet all of your demands. 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 compact 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 compact dishwasher's 1.32 gallon of water in the water tank can handle multiple cleaning operations, saving up to 80% compared to handwashing. 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!
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Portable Countertop Dishwasher
A portable countertop dishwasher is a game-changer for small kitchens, apartments, or RVs. It washes your dishes without needing permanent plumbing. Choosing the right one ensures you get sparkling clean plates every time. This guide helps you pick the perfect model.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at these important features. They make a big difference in how well the machine works.
Capacity and Size
- Place Settings: Check how many dinner plates, bowls, and cups it holds. Most models handle 4 to 8 place settings. Small apartments might only need 4 settings.
- Counter Space: Measure the space where the dishwasher will sit. Ensure there is enough room to open the door easily.
Washing Performance
- Spray Arms: More spray arms mean better water coverage. Look for at least two arms (top and bottom).
- Wash Cycles: A good dishwasher offers different cycles. You need a normal cycle, a heavy-duty cycle for stuck-on food, and a quick/eco cycle for lightly soiled dishes.
Water and Power Needs
- Water Hookup: Most countertop models connect directly to your kitchen faucet using an adapter. Make sure the adapter fits your faucet type. Some advanced models have a built-in water tank, meaning you don’t need a sink connection.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for an Energy Star rating. This shows the machine uses less water and electricity.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used inside the dishwasher affect its lifespan and cleanliness.
Interior Tub Material
- Stainless Steel: This is the best choice. Stainless steel tubs dry faster and resist stains and odors better than plastic.
- Plastic: Plastic tubs are cheaper, but they can sometimes hold onto smells or stain over time.
Racks and Baskets
The racks should be coated well. Good vinyl or nylon coating protects your dishes from scratches. Cheap, thin coating wears off quickly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some small details greatly affect your experience. These factors separate a good dishwasher from a great one.
Noise Level
Dishwashers create noise while washing. Check the decibel (dB) rating. Anything below 60 dB is generally considered quiet. If your kitchen is near your living area, a quieter model is a must.
Drying Method
- Heat Dry: This uses a heating element to dry dishes fast. It works very well but uses more energy.
- Condensation Dry: This uses residual heat and air circulation. It saves energy but might leave a few water drops on plastic items.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Look for easy-to-remove and clean filters. A clogged filter reduces washing power significantly. Good models make filter cleaning simple.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about *how* you plan to use the machine every day.
Apartment Living
If you rent, you need a machine that doesn’t require complex installation. Models that just hook up to the faucet are perfect for renters. They save time and hassle.
RV and Camping
For RV owners, look for a model that is lightweight and doesn’t need a constant water line. A built-in water tank allows you to use it even when you are off-grid.
Daily Load Management
A countertop dishwasher is great for daily maintenance. If you cook elaborate meals daily, you might find yourself running it twice a day. Choose a model with a quick cycle for small, daily loads.
Portable Countertop Dishwasher FAQ
Q: How much water do these dishwashers use?
A: Portable models generally use much less water than handwashing. Most use between 2 to 4 gallons of water per full cycle. This saves you money on your water bill.
Q: Do I need a special hookup for installation?
A: Most units come with a universal faucet adapter. You simply attach the hose to your existing kitchen faucet before running a cycle. No permanent plumbing changes are usually needed.
Q: Can I put pots and pans in a countertop dishwasher?
A: Usually, no. These machines are designed for plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery (place settings). Large pots, cutting boards, and very greasy pans should be washed by hand.
Q: How do I deal with dirty water drainage?
A: The machine drains the dirty water right back into the sink through the same hose used for filling. The hose usually rests over the edge of the sink basin.
Q: Are countertop dishwashers noisy?
A: Noise levels vary. Quieter models operate around 50–55 dB, which is like a quiet conversation. Louder ones might reach 65 dB, similar to a running vacuum cleaner.
Q: What is the benefit of a built-in water tank?
A: A built-in tank means you can fill it manually with a pitcher and run the dishwasher anywhere—like in a cabin or garage—without needing a sink connection nearby.
Q: How often should I clean the filter?
A: You should check the filter weekly, especially if you wash dishes with a lot of food residue. A thorough clean every two to four weeks keeps the machine running efficiently.
Q: Will this machine fit under standard cabinets?
A: You must measure carefully. Standard cabinet height is about 18 inches above the counter. Check the height specifications of the dishwasher before buying.
Q: Can I use regular dishwasher detergent?
A: Yes, you can use standard dishwasher pods or powder. However, use less detergent than you would in a full-sized machine because the capacity is smaller.
Q: How long does a typical wash cycle take?
A: Normal cycles usually run between 60 to 90 minutes. Quick cycles can be done in about 30 minutes, but they might not clean heavily soiled items as well.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!