Tired of seeing your beautiful kitchen cluttered with a freestanding dishwasher? Imagine a seamless, sleek kitchen where everything looks perfectly in place. That dream often involves an under-the-counter dishwasher, those hidden helpers that blend right in.
But choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. You worry about fitting it correctly, if it cleans well, and if it will last. Will it be too noisy? Will it fit your budget? These questions stop many people from upgrading their kitchens.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great under-the-counter dishwasher. You will learn about the best features, installation tips, and how to find the perfect match for your home and your dishes. Get ready to discover the secret to a cleaner, more stylish kitchen.
Top Under The Counter Dishwashers Recommendations
- 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.
- 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.
- 3 Easy Install Options — Countertop, built-in, or under-sink installation gives you the flexibility to place this compact dishwasher anywhere you need it. The included unicouple makes faucet hookup quick and simple.
- Large Capacity in a Small Footprint — Fits 6 place settings, 11" dinner plates, and up to 24 bar glasses. Ideal for apartments, condos, RVs, basements, and wet bars.
- Smart Features with Built-In WiFi — Connect with the SmartHQ app to customize cycles, monitor status, receive alerts, and unlock additional features from anywhere.
- Quiet & Efficient Performance — Operates at just 52 dBA, delivers ENERGY STAR certified efficiency, reduces water use by over 75% when compared to handwashing, and features Auto Open Dry for ecofriendly drying.
- 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!
- 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.
- Counter Top Dishwasher - Holds up to 6 Standard Place Settings
- Low Water Consumption
- Easy to Connect to any Kitchen Tap
- Resistant Stainless Steel Interior
- Fits under most kitchen cabinets
- 【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 AND PORTABLE: This mini tabletop dishwasher is great for small kitchens, apartments, RVs, and boats. Its 6-place setting capacity allows you to wash a variety of dishes up to 10" in diameter, and it includes folding-down rack shelves and a cutlery basket.
- VERSATILE CLEANING: Enjoy full-size dishwasher cleaning in a compact countertop unit. Seven wash programs offer Heavy, Normal, Eco, Baby Care, Glass, Speed, and Rinse, ensuring that all your dishes get thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
- EXTRA-DRYING FUNCTION: This counter dishwasher machine can add extra heat to the final rinse to enhance drying results. This function is available on the Heavy, Normal, Eco, Baby Care, and Glass cycles.
- EASY TO USE AND MAINTAIN: This portable dishwasher features a user-friendly display and simple controls, making selecting the perfect wash cycle for your needs easy. It features a quick connect assembly, with accessories and adapters included, to easily connect directly to your sink faucet.
- FARBERWARE: From reliable aluminum and stainless cookware to the latest in hybrid ceramic nonstick technology, Farberware continues to bring durability, design, innovation, and value that makes it America’s most trusted cookware brand.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Under-the-Counter Dishwasher
Under-the-counter dishwashers fit neatly beneath your kitchen countertop. They save space. They look clean. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make a big difference in how well your dishwasher works. Think about these first.
- Capacity: How many place settings can it hold? Small apartments need smaller units. Large families need bigger ones.
- Wash Cycles: Look for options like “Heavy,” “Normal,” and “Quick Wash.” Eco-friendly cycles save water and energy.
- Drying Method: Some use heat to dry dishes. Others use condensation, which uses less energy.
- Noise Level (dBA): This is very important if your kitchen is near a living area. Lower numbers (under 45 dBA) mean the machine is very quiet.
Important Materials for Durability
The materials inside the dishwasher affect how long it lasts and how clean your dishes get.
Tub Material
Most high-quality dishwashers use a stainless steel tub. Stainless steel resists rust. It also handles high heat well, which helps with drying. Plastic tubs cost less upfront. However, they might not last as long or dry dishes as effectively.
Racks and Spray Arms
Look for racks coated in durable nylon. This coating protects glasses from scratching. Spray arms should ideally be made of metal, not plastic. Metal arms distribute water pressure better, cleaning dishes more thoroughly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the brand name. Small design choices greatly affect performance.
What Improves Quality?
- Filtration System: Good dishwashers have multi-stage filters. These filters trap food particles, so they don’t redeposit onto your clean dishes.
- Adjustable Racks: Being able to move the upper rack up or down helps you fit tall pots or wine glasses easily.
- Quiet Motor Technology: Better insulation and motors mean less noise during operation.
What Reduces Quality?
- Hard Water Performance: If you live where water is very hard, some basic models struggle to prevent spotting. Look for models with built-in water softeners if this is an issue.
- Simple Controls: Overly simple electronic controls might fail faster than robust mechanical ones, though modern electronics are usually very reliable.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the dishwasher guides your choice.
For Small Spaces (Apartments/Tiny Homes): Look for slimline or drawer models. These fit into smaller cabinets easily. They usually have fewer cycles but are perfect for one or two people.
For Busy Families: You need speed and capacity. A model with a dedicated “Express Wash” cycle is a lifesaver. High-quality racks that handle heavy dinner plates are necessary.
For Open Concept Living: Noise level is the number one factor here. You must choose a model rated below 45 dBA. You should barely hear it running.
Remember, installation often requires professional plumbing and electrical hookups. Make sure the chosen unit fits the existing space dimensions exactly.
10 FAQs About Under-the-Counter Dishwashers
Q: What is the standard size for an under-the-counter dishwasher?
A: Most full-size models are 24 inches wide and fit under standard counters. Slimline models might be 18 inches wide.
Q: Do these use more energy than portable models?
A: No. Because they are permanently connected to your hot water line, they often clean more efficiently than countertop or portable units.
Q: How loud is a quiet dishwasher measured?
A: Sound level is measured in decibels (dBA). Anything below 50 dBA is considered quiet for a kitchen appliance.
Q: Can I install an under-the-counter dishwasher myself?
A: While possible for experienced DIYers, professional installation is often recommended to ensure proper water drainage and electrical connections.
Q: What is condensation drying?
A: Condensation drying uses the heat retained by the stainless steel tub after the hot wash cycle. Water vapor collects on the cooler door surface and drains away. It saves electricity.
Q: What is a “third rack”?
A: The third rack sits at the very top. It provides space for silverware and small utensils, freeing up space in the main lower basket.
Q: How often should I clean the filter?
A: Most manufacturers recommend checking the filter once a month. Simply twist it out and rinse it under the faucet to remove trapped food debris.
Q: Are stainless steel tubs always better than plastic?
A: Yes, generally. Stainless steel tubs dry dishes better and resist staining and odors over the long term.
Q: What if my existing cabinet space is not standard?
A: You must measure the height, width, and depth precisely. If the space is odd, you might need to look at specialized drawer dishwashers or compact models.
Q: Do I need a dedicated hot water line?
A: Yes, the dishwasher connects to your home’s hot water supply. It heats the water further if needed, but a good hot water feed helps it start cycles faster.
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!