Imagine this: After a long day exploring the great outdoors, you’re faced with a sink piled high with greasy pots and sticky plates. You want to relax, but those dishes are calling your name. Who wants to scrub by hand when you could be enjoying the sunset?
Choosing the perfect dishwasher for your RV is a real headache. Space is tight, power is limited, and you need something tough enough for life on the road. Many travelers worry about wasted water or finding a unit that actually fits their small kitchen. It feels like a complicated puzzle just to get clean dishes!
But what if we told you that you *can* have sparkling clean dishes without sacrificing precious counter space or breaking your budget? This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about RV dishwashers—from compact drawer models to powerful built-ins.
Keep reading to discover the best features, essential installation tips, and how to select the ideal machine that makes dish duty a thing of the past, leaving you more time for adventure.
Top Rv Dishwasher 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!
- 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 Installation Required:Includes a water bucket for flexible placement—use anywhere, or connect directly to your kitchen faucet with the included water inlet for quick, hassle-free setup.
- Compact Size, Large Capacity:Small footprint fits tight spaces, but spacious interior accommodates a variety of dishes—ideal for RVs, apartments, dorms, and small kitchens.
- High-Temperature Cleaning Power:Heats water up to 162°F for deep cleaning and effective drying, ensuring your dishes stay spotless, sanitized, and ready for use.
- 6 Versatile Wash Programs:Features 6 cleaning cycles and 2 water inlet modes (faucet or bucket) to handle any dishwashing need, from delicate glassware to tough pots and pans.
- Water-Saving Eco-Friendly Design:Uses just 5 liters per cycle—reducing water usage by up to 80% compared to manual washing—making it an economical and environmentally friendly choice.
- 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.
- A perfect size (H17.25″×W22″×D20″)- Holds up to 6 Place Settings perfect for 2-3 people. The Midea compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and plates up to 10 inches in diameter.
- Simple Installation- Can be connected directly to a faucet (a suitable adaptor is needed) and placed on a countertop or in a cupboard.
- 6+2 Washing Cycles- Includes Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick, Rinse and Delicate. Extended Dry and Power Wash functions help deliver sparkling clean and dried dishes. This countertop dishwasher also supports delay startup for 1-24 hours.
- Water Saving & Energy Star Certified- The tank design allows for easy addition of water, with a consumption of only 2.77 gallons.
- Power Wash Option & Low Noise- Heavily soiled dishes are cleaned evenly , accompanied by 360° spiral spray wash to ensure complete washing of all the dishes from all angles at a low noise level of 52 dB. (It cannot be used with Auto, Rapid, MachineCare+). Note: Midea dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- 【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.
- 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.
- 【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
Choosing the Right RV Dishwasher: Your Essential Buying Guide
An RV dishwasher can be a game-changer for life on the road. It saves precious time and water, letting you focus on adventure, not scrubbing pots. But picking the right one requires knowing what matters. This guide helps you find the perfect fit for your mobile kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make a big difference in how well the dishwasher works and how long it lasts.
Capacity and Size
- Place Settings: Look at how many “place settings” it holds. A small unit might handle 4 settings, perfect for a couple. Larger RVs might need 6 or more settings.
- Drawer vs. Single Door: Some RV dishwashers use drawers that pull out, while others look like tiny regular dishwashers. Drawer models often fit better in tight RV spaces.
Washing Performance
- Wash Cycles: Good dishwashers offer different cycles. You need a “Normal” wash, a “Heavy” wash for baked-on food, and maybe an “Eco” or “Quick” wash for lightly soiled dishes.
- Water Use: RVs rely on holding tanks. Look for models that use very little water per cycle, often just 1 to 2 gallons.
Installation and Power
- Power Requirements: Most RV dishwashers run on 120V AC power. Make sure your RV’s electrical system can handle the load, especially if running other high-power items.
- Installation Type: Some slide under the counter, while others are designed to fit into existing cabinet spaces. Measure carefully before you buy!
Important Materials and Quality Factors
The materials used determine how long your dishwasher handles the bumps and vibrations of travel.
Interior Tub Material
The inside tub is usually made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel tubs are generally better. They resist stains, dry dishes faster, and last longer than plastic tubs.
Racks and Hardware
Check the racks. High-quality racks feature a durable vinyl or nylon coating. This coating prevents rust and stops dishes from scratching during transport. Poorly coated racks will quickly show wear.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Heat Dry Feature: Models with a built-in heating element dry dishes completely. This prevents mildew growth, which is important in humid RV environments.
- Quiet Operation (dB Rating): RVs are small. A dishwasher with a low decibel (dB) rating means you can run it without interrupting conversations or sleep. Look for models under 55 dB.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Cheap Plastic Components: If the door latch or spray arm feels flimsy, the unit likely won’t survive rough roads.
- No Vibration Dampening: Dishwashers not specifically designed for RVs might shake apart from constant road vibration. Always choose an RV-specific model.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the dishwasher heavily influences your best choice.
For Weekend Campers
If you only camp on weekends, a compact, lower-capacity drawer model works well. Focus on speed and low water use. You don’t need heavy-duty cycles often.
For Full-Time RV Living
Full-timers should prioritize capacity and durability. A larger, stainless steel model with multiple wash cycles will handle continuous use better. It must withstand daily cleaning.
Installation Simplicity
Some units are designed for easier DIY installation. If you are not a handy person, look for models that require minimal custom plumbing or electrical work. Professional installation is always an option, but it costs more.
RV Dishwasher FAQs
Q: How much space do I need for an RV dishwasher?
A: Space varies greatly. Most standard RV models are 18 inches wide. Always measure the height, depth, and width of the cabinet space before buying. Some drawer models fit into smaller gaps.
Q: Do RV dishwashers use a lot of power?
A: They use power when heating the water and running the pump, similar to a small apartment unit. If you are running on generator power, be mindful of the amperage draw when the heating cycle starts.
Q: Can I use my regular dishwasher detergent?
A: Yes, you can usually use standard dishwasher pods or powder. However, some compact RV units recommend using less detergent than a full-sized model because they use less water.
Q: Will I need special plumbing connections?
A: Yes. RV dishwashers need connections for fresh water intake and a drain line that leads to your RV’s gray water tank. This is often the trickiest part of the installation.
Q: Are RV dishwashers noisy when running?
A: They can be, especially if they are budget models or not properly secured. Look for the decibel (dB) rating. Quiet models operate around 50 dB, which is comparable to quiet conversation.
Q: How much water does an RV dishwasher actually save?
A: A lot! Handwashing a sink full of dishes can use 10 to 20 gallons of water. A modern RV dishwasher uses only about 1.5 to 3 gallons per cycle, preserving your fresh water supply.
Q: What is the difference between a drawer and a single-door RV dishwasher?
A: Drawer models let you run a small load without waiting for the unit to be full. Single-door models look more like home dishwashers but require you to wait until they are completely full before starting a cycle.
Q: How often should I clean the filter?
A: You should check and clean the filter at least once a month if you use the dishwasher regularly. A clogged filter hurts cleaning performance and can cause bad smells.
Q: Is it worth the cost and installation hassle?
A: For full-time RVers or those who camp frequently, yes. The time saved and the ability to conserve water make it a worthwhile investment for better travel experiences.
Q: What happens to the dirty water?
A: The dirty water (gray water) from the dishwasher drains directly into your RV’s gray water holding tank, just like water from your sink or shower.
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!