Do you ever look at your sink piled high with dirty dishes and sigh? For many of us, especially those living in cozy apartments or smaller homes, finding space for a full-sized dishwasher feels like a dream that’s just too big. You want clean dishes without the hassle, but the thought of choosing a small dishwasher can bring on a whole new set of worries. Which one is best? Will it actually get my dishes clean? Is it worth the money?
These are all common questions, and we get it. The world of small dishwashers can seem a little confusing, with different sizes, features, and prices to consider. But don’t let that stop you from reclaiming your kitchen counter space and saying goodbye to endless dishwashing marathons. This guide is here to make your decision-making process much easier.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about what to look for in a small dishwasher. We’ll walk you through the essential features, explain the different types available, and even offer some tips for making the most of your new appliance. Get ready to discover how a small dishwasher can be a big help in your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Small Dishwashers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Small Dishwashers Detailed Reviews
1. COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand? The COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher is here to help! This sleek black dishwasher is designed for small spaces like dorm rooms, RVs, and apartments. It’s compact but can hold up to 6 place settings, perfect for 2-3 people. You can even fit plates up to 10 inches wide. Installation is easy, and you can connect it right to your faucet. Plus, it’s Energy Star certified, saving you money on your water and electricity bills.
What We Like:
- Perfect size for small living spaces (dorm, RV, apartment).
- Holds up to 6 place settings, ideal for 2-3 people.
- Fits plates up to 10 inches in diameter.
- Simple installation, connects directly to your faucet.
- Offers 8 different washing programs for various needs (Heavy, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Mini-party, Rinse).
- The Heavy program uses 12 spray nozzles and high water temperature (154℉) for tough stains.
- The Speed program cleans dishes in just 45 minutes.
- Energy Star certified, using as little as 2.77 gallons of water per cycle.
- Extra-drying function leaves dishes sparkling.
What Could Be Improved:
- The manual notes that some water may be present from factory testing, which is normal but might surprise some users.
- Limited to 6 place settings, so not ideal for larger families or frequent entertaining.
This COMFEE’ dishwasher offers a convenient and efficient solution for keeping your dishes clean. It’s a great addition to any small home or mobile living situation.
2. COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs
Rating: 8.8/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand in your small apartment or RV? The COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher is here to save the day! This clever countertop appliance is designed for those with limited space and no easy hookups. It makes dishwashing a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your life and less time scrubbing.
What We Like:
- No Hookup Needed: Fill the 5L tank yourself, or connect it to your faucet with the included hose. It’s super flexible for any setup.
- Super Compact: It washes over 30 items, including plates up to 9.5 inches, but doesn’t take up much counter space. Perfect for tiny homes and campers!
- Six Cleaning Options: Choose from NORMAL, RAPID, STEAM, FRUIT, GLASS, or AIR REFRESH. It has a setting for every need.
- Hygiene Power: The 162℉ and even up to 192℉ hot water gets rid of tough grease and germs. It’s great for baby bottles too.
- Stays Fresh: The AIR REFRESH function dries everything and keeps odors away. Your dishes and the dishwasher stay clean and pleasant.
What Could Be Improved:
- Counter Space Requirement: You need at least 19.6 inches of space between your countertop and wall cupboards for it to fit properly.
- Detergent Type: You must use special dishwasher powder or tablets. Regular liquid dish soap can cause problems.
This COMFEE’ dishwasher is a fantastic solution for easy dish cleaning in compact living spaces. It offers convenience and powerful cleaning without the hassle of installation.
3. EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of spending precious time scrubbing dishes? The EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher is here to rescue you! This compact and portable dishwasher is designed for modern living, fitting perfectly into apartments, RVs, or any small kitchen. It offers a fantastic way to simplify your life and get sparkling clean dishes with minimal effort.
What We Like:
- Super compact and fits easily on your countertop, measuring just 16.83 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches.
- Cleans over 30 items at once, including plates up to 10.25 inches, plus it has a special basket for fruits and a holder for cutlery.
- No complicated hookups needed! You can fill the built-in 5L water tank yourself, or connect it to your faucet with the included hose.
- Six wash programs cover all your needs: Normal, Quick (just 29 minutes!), ECO for saving water, Baby Care/Heavy Duty for tough messes and sanitizing at 167°F, and a Fruit mode.
- It’s not just a washer, it’s a dryer too! It uses hot air to dry your dishes for 60 minutes and then ventilates for 73 hours to keep them fresh.
- Very eco-friendly, using up to 80% less water than washing by hand.
- Safety is a priority, with ETL and DOE certification and a 1-year warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The faucet connection is G3/4 inch, so you might need to buy an adapter if your faucet is a different size.
- You can’t wash BPA plastic items in this dishwasher.
- Always use detergent made specifically for dishwashers.
This EUHOMY dishwasher is a smart and convenient addition to any home where space is limited. It makes dishwashing a breeze, giving you more time for the things you love.
4. BLITZHOME Portable Dishwasher Countertop
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand? The BLITZHOME Portable Dishwasher is here to help! This smart countertop dishwasher makes dish duty a breeze. It’s perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or anyone who wants more free time. You can even control it with your phone!
What We Like:
- APP Smart Control: Control and check your dishwasher from anywhere using your phone. Set timers and make your life easier.
- Six Washing Programs: Choose from Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, and Drying. It handles all your dish needs, even fruits!
- Dual Modes of Water Inlet: Fill the 5L tank directly or connect it to your tap. No need to change your kitchen setup! It’s great for small spaces like apartments, dorms, and RVs.
- Large Capacity: It washes up to 4-6 sets of tableware, which means about 20 dishes. It comes with baskets for bowls and cutlery, keeping everything organized.
- 3D 360° Spiral Spray Washing: Powerful spray arms reach every corner. They blast away tough stains and give you sparkling clean dishes every time.
- High-Temp & Air-Dry Function: Dishes get washed at 167℉ and then dried with air. This keeps your dishes healthy and safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The built-in water tank is 5L, which might require refilling for larger loads.
- While it has a fruit cleaning mode, it’s still a dishwasher, so larger produce items might not fit.
This BLITZHOME dishwasher offers smart convenience and powerful cleaning for any home. It’s a game-changer for busy households.
5. NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand in your small apartment or RV? The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher is here to make your life easier! This compact powerhouse fits right on your countertop and offers a convenient way to get sparkling clean dishes without any complicated installation.
What We Like:
- Space-Saving Design: It’s small (16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches) but holds a lot, up to 4 full place settings, perfect for families of 3-4.
- Flexible Water Options: Use the built-in 5L water tank for instant use or connect it to your faucet with the included hose – no permanent plumbing needed!
- Specialized Cleaning: The “Baby Care/Heavy” mode washes at a super hot 167°F, making it great for baby bottles and greasy dishes.
- Dries and Stores: It doesn’t just wash; it also dries with hot air for 60 minutes and can even ventilate for 72 hours to keep dishes fresh.
- Versatile Programs: Choose from Normal, Speed (just 29 minutes!), Soft, Baby Care/Heavy, and even a Fruit mode.
- Easy to See and Use: The LED touch panel and clear glass door with an interior light let you see exactly what’s happening inside.
- All Accessories Included: It comes with everything you need: racks, baskets, hoses, and even a pitcher.
- Quick Wash Option: Get your dishes clean in a flash with the 29-minute Speed mode.
- Fruit Cleaning: The included fruit basket lets you wash fruits and veggies right in the dishwasher.
What Could Be Improved:
- Residual Water is Normal: A small amount of water might be left inside after testing, which is normal. It’s recommended to run it for 5 minutes before the first use to clear any dust or odors from shipping.
This NOVETE dishwasher is a fantastic solution for anyone needing a convenient and efficient way to handle dish duty in smaller living spaces. It offers great features for its size and price point.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Small Dishwashers
Are you tired of washing dishes by hand? A small dishwasher can be a game-changer! They save you time and effort. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Why Choose a Small Dishwasher?
Small dishwashers are perfect for apartments, tiny homes, RVs, or even just small kitchens. They fit where a full-size model won’t. They are also great for singles, couples, or small families who don’t generate a lot of dirty dishes.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
This is the most important feature. Measure your counter space or cabinet opening carefully. Small dishwashers usually hold 4-6 place settings. A place setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup, and silverware for one person.
2. Installation Type
- Countertop Models: These sit on your counter. They are easy to set up and move. They connect to your faucet for water.
- Portable Models: These are similar to countertop models but often have wheels. You can roll them away when not in use.
- Built-in Models: These slide into a cabinet space. They look more like a traditional dishwasher. They require plumbing connections.
3. Wash Cycles and Options
Look for different wash cycles. Common ones include Normal, Heavy Duty, and Quick Wash. Some models have extra options like Sanitize or Energy Saving.
4. Noise Level
Dishwashers can be noisy. Check the decibel (dB) rating. Lower numbers mean a quieter machine. Around 50 dB or less is considered quiet.
5. Energy Efficiency
Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means the dishwasher uses less energy and water. This saves you money on utility bills.
Important Materials
The interior of a dishwasher is usually made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel is more durable and resists stains and odors better. It also looks sleeker.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built dishwasher lasts longer.
- Good Spray Arms: These ensure water reaches all parts of the dishes.
- Reliable Motor: A strong motor means better cleaning power.
- Effective Filtration System: This keeps food particles from redepositing on dishes.
Reducing Quality:
- Flimsy Plastic Parts: These can break easily.
- Poorly Designed Racks: These make it hard to load dishes.
- Weak Water Pressure: This leads to poor cleaning.
- Short Lifespan: Some cheaper models don’t last long.
User Experience and Use Cases
Small dishwashers are great for busy people. They free up your time. They are perfect for small apartments where space is limited. They also work well in guest houses or workshops. Some people use them to wash things other than dishes, like baby bottles or small kitchen tools.
Loading and unloading is usually simple. Most small dishwashers have adjustable racks. This helps you fit different-sized items. The controls are typically straightforward. You just select a cycle and press start.
Maintenance is easy too. You’ll need to clean the filter regularly. This keeps the machine running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many dishes can a small dishwasher hold?
A: Most small dishwashers hold about 4-6 place settings. This is enough for a few people’s meals.
Q: Do small dishwashers need special plumbing?
A: Countertop and portable models usually connect to your faucet. Built-in models need a direct water line, just like a full-size dishwasher.
Q: Are small dishwashers energy efficient?
A: Many small dishwashers are ENERGY STAR certified. They use less water and electricity than washing by hand.
Q: How noisy are small dishwashers?
A: Noise levels vary. Look for a decibel rating below 50 dB for a quieter experience.
Q: Can I install a small dishwasher myself?
A: Countertop and portable models are easy to set up. Built-in models might require professional installation.
Q: What is a place setting?
A: A place setting includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup, and silverware for one person.
Q: How do I clean the filter?
A: You usually just pull out the filter and rinse it under running water. Check your manual for specific instructions.
Q: Are small dishwashers good for families?
A: They are best for smaller families or couples. Larger families might need to run them more often.
Q: Can I wash pots and pans in a small dishwasher?
A: It depends on the size of the pots and pans and the dishwasher’s racks. Some might fit, but larger items may need hand washing.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a small dishwasher?
A: A well-maintained small dishwasher can last 5-10 years. Quality of materials and usage affect this.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!