Tired of hand-washing every single dish after a meal? Many apartment dwellers and small-space renters face this exact problem. You crave the convenience of a dishwasher, but a full-sized unit just won’t fit. That’s where countertop dishwashers come in, offering a compact solution to kitchen chaos.
However, diving into the world of portable dishwashers can feel overwhelming. Which models actually clean well? Are they loud? And most importantly, what are real users saying? Searching through endless reviews can leave you more confused than when you started. That’s why we turn to Reddit—the ultimate source for honest, unfiltered opinions from people who actually own these machines.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ve sifted through the best discussions on r/Appliances and similar subreddits to bring you the top-rated countertop dishwashers, the common pitfalls to avoid, and insider tips straight from the community. Get ready to stop scrubbing and start enjoying sparkling clean dishes without sacrificing precious counter space.
Top Countertop Dishwasher Reddit Recommendations
- 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!
- 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!
- 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.
- 【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
- 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.
- 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.
- 【5 PLACE-SETTING CAPACITY】hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher measures just 16.85" W x 16.73" D x 18.23" H. Its roomy interior features a special dish rack and cutlery holder, accommodating over 30 pieces of kitchenware at once. It fits 5 full place settings and 10.25" dishes at an angle, making it perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs. Make sure there's at least 20.08" between your countertop and those wall cabinets.
- 【7+3 WASHING PROGRAMS】 The 120V portable dishwasher comes with 7 washing programs—Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, Self-clean, and Glass—it ensures that all your dishes, from delicate glassware to baby bottles, are thoroughly cleaned. It also comes with 3 extra functions: Delay, Child Lock, and Dry, fully satisfying your everyday dishwasher needs.
- 【WATER-SAVING】This compact dishwasher saves up to 83% more water compared to handwashing, using just 5 liters per cycle. Certified by ETL for safety and quality.
- 【UP TO 18-HOUR DELAYED START】This tabletop dishwasher can be set to finish at your convenience with its 18-hour delay option on this updated model, letting you benefit from off-peak power rates and get the dishes washed while you're sleeping.
- 【360° All-AROUND CLEANING】The spray arms feature 14 water jets that spray from both the top and bottom, achieving a 360° cleaning coverage. This ensures a meticulous rinse, imparting a gleaming, pristine finish to your dishes.
- 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 & 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲:The Euhomy compact dishwasher features enhanced upgrades including a Self-Clean mode to eliminate odors, a reinforced Child Lock for added safety, and a Delay Start function for flexible scheduling. Its intelligent design ensures automatic interior maintenance, while the Child Lock prevents accidental operation. Ideal for busy households, it seamlessly combines convenience with advanced technology, making dishwashing effortless and easily integrated into your daily routine.
- 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 & 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲:The Euhomy mini countertop dishwasher, with its compact dimensions of 15.74" x 16.14" x 18.11", fits snugly into any kitchen, dorm, or RV. Despite its small footprint, it offers a surprisingly spacious interior capable of washing over 30 items in a single load—including plates (up to 10.25"), bowls, cups, glassware, and a full set of cutlery. It also comes with handy accessories like a fruit basket, kettle, and utensil holder, making it the perfect cleaning companion for families of 2-4, apartments, boats, and life on the go.
- 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 & 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐩: Euhomy countertop dishwasher offers dual water source options: use the built-in 5L water tank for standalone operation or connect directly to your faucet (G3/4 inch fitting). An automatic water-level indicator optimizes water usage for efficiency. *𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Our counter top dishwasher comes with a dedicated water inlet hose compatible with G3/4 inch faucet connections. If your home's faucet size does not match, please purchase a faucet adapter separately
- 𝟖 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬: The Euhomy compact dishwasher features 8 cleaning modes to handle a wide range of needs: Normal, ECO, QUICK (29-minute wash), Baby Care/Strong (with 167°F high-temperature sterilization), Glass, Fruit, Self-Clean, and Dry. Equipped with dual rotating spray arms, it delivers powerful 360° coverage—easily removing tough grease. It even safely washes pet accessories such as bowls, collars, and leashes *𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 *Please use the detergent specifically designed for washing dishes
- 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 & 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝: Our compact dishwasher saves 80% water vs. handwashing (5L/tank) and is ETL/DOE certified for energy efficiency. Includes a 1-year warranty. Note: *Please use dishwasher-safe detergent; and please avoid BPA plastics. *Please run empty for 5 minutes before first use to wash the dirt inside
Your Reddit-Approved Guide to Buying a Countertop Dishwasher
Thinking about getting a countertop dishwasher? You’re not alone! Reddit threads are buzzing with tips and tricks. These handy appliances save space and water, making them perfect for small apartments or dorm rooms. This guide will help you pick the best one, just like the Redditors recommend.
Key Features to Look For
When you scroll through reviews, certain features keep popping up. Focus on these when making your choice:
- Size and Capacity: Check the dimensions! Make sure it fits your limited counter space. Most models hold 4 to 8 place settings. Think about how many dishes your household uses daily.
- Washing Cycles: Good dishwashers offer different settings. Look for a “Normal” wash, a “Heavy” wash for greasy pots, and an “Eco” or “Quick” wash for lightly soiled items.
- Water Connection: Most countertop models connect directly to your sink faucet using an adapter. Ensure the adapter fits your existing faucet type. Some advanced models have a small water tank, meaning no hose connection is needed!
- Drying Method: Some use residual heat to dry dishes. Others have a small fan. Fan drying is usually faster but uses a bit more electricity.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials inside the dishwasher affect how long it lasts and how clean your dishes get.
- Interior Tub: Stainless steel tubs are the gold standard. They resist rust and handle high temperatures well. Plastic tubs are cheaper but might stain or break down faster.
- Racks and Baskets: Look for racks coated in durable vinyl or plastic. These coatings protect your dishes from scratching and prevent the metal underneath from rusting.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a big difference in your daily experience. Pay attention to these details:
- Noise Level (Decibels – dB): This is crucial if you live in a small space. Redditors often complain about loud machines. Aim for models under 60 dB, especially if you work from home.
- Water Efficiency: Higher-end models use less water per cycle. This saves money and is better for the environment. Check the Energy Star rating.
- Installation Difficulty: Simple hookups are a huge plus. Overly complicated installation instructions often frustrate new users.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about *how* you plan to use the machine. This guides your purchase decision.
- Apartment Living: If you rent, you need something easy to set up and take down. Models that connect easily to the faucet are ideal for quick removal when moving.
- Small Families/Couples: These units excel at handling daily dishes without needing to run a huge, traditional dishwasher half-empty.
- RV or Dorm Use: Portability matters here. Check the weight. Can you easily move it if necessary?
Remember, a countertop dishwasher cleans dishes well, but it won’t replace a full-sized unit for huge holiday meals. It handles the daily grind perfectly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from Reddit Users
Q: Can I install a countertop dishwasher myself?
A: Yes, most people install them easily. You usually attach a hose adapter to your kitchen faucet, and the machine connects to that. Professional installation is rarely needed.
Q: Do these use a lot of electricity?
A: Generally, no. They use less energy than a full-sized dishwasher because they wash smaller loads. Look at the Energy Star rating for the best efficiency.
Q: What is the biggest downside Redditors mention?
A: The most common complaint is the need to connect and disconnect the hose every single time you run a cycle. It adds a small step to the process.
Q: How much water do these machines actually use?
A: It varies, but many use only 2 to 4 gallons per cycle. This is much less than hand-washing the same amount of dishes.
Q: Can I wash pots and pans in a countertop model?
A: Sometimes. Check the interior dimensions carefully. Large stockpots usually do not fit. Smaller saucepans often work fine.
Q: Are they noisy?
A: Some are loud, yes. Look specifically for models rated below 60 decibels (dB) if noise bothers you in a small living area.
Q: Do I need special detergent?
A: No. You can use standard dishwasher detergent pods or powder. Some users suggest using slightly less detergent than recommended for a full-sized machine.
Q: What happens if my faucet doesn’t fit the adapter?
A: You might need an aftermarket adapter kit. Check online forums or the manufacturer’s support page; often, they sell specific adapters for unusual faucet types.
Q: How long does a normal wash cycle take?
A: A standard cycle usually runs between 60 and 90 minutes. Quick cycles might take 30 minutes, but they might not dry as thoroughly.
Q: Is it worth it if I only have one or two people in the house?
A: Absolutely! It keeps your sink clear of dirty dishes and saves time compared to washing everything by hand daily.

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!