Top 5 Compact Dishwashers: Essential Buyer's Guide Now

Does your kitchen feel too small for a full-sized dishwasher? Many people love clean dishes but lack the space for big appliances. This is a common problem in apartments, tiny homes, or smaller kitchens. Choosing the right compact dishwasher can feel overwhelming. You worry about size, cleaning power, and if it will actually fit your needs.

Don’t let a small space stop you from enjoying spotless dishes! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a compact dishwasher a perfect fit for limited areas. You will learn about different types, essential features to look for, and how to measure your space correctly. Get ready to find the perfect small cleaning machine for your home.

Top Compact Dishwashers Recommendations

No. 1

COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, Black

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.

No. 2

EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments & RV, 167℉ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal Mode

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!

No. 3

BLITZHOME Portable Dishwasher Countertop, WIFI Smart Dishwasher, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Fruit Cleaning

【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

No. 4

NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments

【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

No. 5

COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher, Energy Star, Countertop, 6 Place Settings, with 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, White

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 68℃, 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 compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.

No. 6

COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 162℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function

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.

No. 7

COMFEE' Portable Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Mini Dishwasher for RVs, White

6 Program Options: Choose from Normal, Rapid, Hygiene, Fruit, Glass, and Air Refresh modes. All options include 360° powerful spray arms , so you can easily find the perfect wash for whatever you're cleaning.
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.
No Installation Needed: Easy to use – just fill the built-in 5L water tank! You can also hook it up directly to your kitchen faucet using the included adapter. Make sure there's at least a 19.6" gap between counter and the upper cabinet.
Small But Mighty: It may be compact, but it can wash 30+ items (including plates up to 9.5 inches in diameter). Perfect for small kitchens, apartments, dorms, boats, or RVs where space is tight, but you still need the convenience of a dishwasher.

No. 8

Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star

Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
Heated Dry : Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
HI TEMP : The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Compact Dishwashers

Compact dishwashers are fantastic helpers for small kitchens, apartments, or RVs. They save space but still tackle tough messes. Choosing the right one involves knowing what features matter most. This guide helps you find the perfect small cleaning machine.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop, focus on these important details:

Size and Capacity: Measure your space first! Compact models range from countertop units (fitting 4-6 place settings) to slimline built-in models (fitting 8-10 place settings). Know how much space you have under the counter or on top of it.
Washing Cycles: Good dishwashers offer variety. Look for a Normal cycle, an Eco (energy-saving) mode, and a Quick wash for lightly soiled items. Heavy-duty cycles handle baked-on food well.
Noise Level (Decibels – dB): Since compact models are often in open living spaces, noise matters. Quieter models run at 50 dB or lower. Loud models can reach 60 dB or more.
Drying Method: Some use a heating element to dry dishes (faster but uses more energy). Others use condensation drying, which relies on hot rinse water evaporating (slower but energy efficient).

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials inside the dishwasher affect how long it lasts and how clean your dishes get.

Interior Tub Material

Stainless Steel: This is the best choice. Stainless steel tubs handle high heat better, dry dishes more effectively, and resist stains and odors over time.
Plastic: These tubs are cheaper upfront, but they can stain, hold smells, and may not retain heat as well during the drying phase.

Racks and Baskets

Check the racks. Good racks have a durable vinyl or nylon coating. This protects your glassware from chipping and prevents the metal from rusting.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality isn’t just about the brand name. Look closely at these details:

Factors That Improve Quality:

Water Pressure Sensors: These adjust the water usage based on how dirty the dishes are. This saves water and energy.
Delay Start Timer: This lets you run the machine when electricity rates are lower (like overnight).
Hard Food Disposer: Some high-end models grind up large food particles instead of relying only on a filter.

Factors That Reduce Quality (Watch Outs):

Flimsy Spray Arms: If the plastic spray arms feel thin or easily bendable, they might break quickly or not spray water evenly.
Poor Insulation: If the door feels thin, the dishwasher will likely be louder and less energy efficient.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where and how you will use the machine. A countertop model is perfect for a single person who cooks occasionally.

For apartment renters, a portable model with wheels and a faucet adapter offers flexibility. You move it to the sink, hook it up, run the cycle, and roll it away. Built-in compact models offer a seamless, permanent look if you own your space and have a dedicated spot for it.

Always read user reviews about installation difficulty. Some countertop units require complex draining setups, which can frustrate new users.

Compact Dishwasher Buying FAQs

Q: Are compact dishwashers harder to install than full-size ones?

A: It depends on the type. Countertop and portable models are usually easy; you just connect them to the sink faucet. Built-in compact models require plumbing work, similar to a standard dishwasher.

Q: Do they clean as well as big dishwashers?

A: Yes, most modern compact units use the same cleaning technology (spray arms and detergents). If they have good features like stainless steel tubs, they clean very effectively.

Q: How much water do they use per load?

A: Compact dishwashers are very efficient! Most use between 2 to 4 gallons of water per cycle, which is much less than handwashing the same number of dishes.

Q: Can I put large pots or pans in them?

A: Usually, no. Compact models are designed for plates, bowls, mugs, and silverware. Large pots take up too much valuable rack space.

Q: What is the difference between a countertop and a portable model?

A: A countertop model sits permanently on your counter. A portable model usually sits on the floor and has finished sides, allowing you to roll it away when not in use.

Q: Is a shorter wash cycle always better?

A: Not necessarily. A Quick cycle is great for lightly soiled items like coffee mugs. For greasy plates, you should use the Normal or Heavy cycle to ensure good cleaning and drying.

Q: How do I know if I need a slimline model?

A: A slimline model is designed to fit into a standard 18-inch gap under your kitchen counter. If you have a small under-sink space, measure it carefully to confirm the fit.

Q: Do these models save energy?

A: Yes, they generally use less total energy because they use less water to heat up. Models with condensation drying save even more energy than those with electric heating elements.

Q: What should I do about odors in a small unit?

A: Run a cleaning cycle monthly using a dishwasher cleaner tablet. Also, ensure you scrape large food debris off plates before loading them, as food trapped in a small filter can cause smells.

Q: Should I buy one with a heated dry option?

A: If you hate wet dishes, yes. However, if saving energy is a top priority, choose a model with good condensation drying and use the “Air Dry” setting.

Larry Fish

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!