A countertop dishwasher is not the same as the ones you are probably used to. These are portable and sit on top of your countertops. These units have similar capacities to standard dishwashers but use less water and less energy. The best countertop dishwasher will come with an adapter that easily connects to your sink. And, there is a hose that drains water away right back to the sink. Simple, efficient, and a necessity for any modern home or business.
There are a number of countertop dishwashers out there to choose from. Luckily, we have the top 8 here for you. Your search for the perfect dishwasher will be the easiest thing you do today.
The 8 Best Countertop Dishwasher Product Reviews
1. Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher
If you want quiet and sleek, the Danby DDW621WDB is the dishwasher for you. You get a 6-place setting, shelving for cups, and additional space for glasses, and a cutlery compartment. The DDW621DWB offers an energy efficient cycle using only 3 gallons of water in each cycle.
You get your choice of cycles that include, rinse, speed, light, glass, normal, and heavy. The glass setting cycle is only 20-minutes so is perfect for when you need to save time.Additionally,there are delay setting options to help match your daily schedule. You can be assured of a thorough clean as the spray arm and 3-stage filtration system gets rid of all particles.
Pros:
- Quiet
- Perfect for small kitchens
- Large capacity for a smaller 22-inch unit
- Several cycle options
Cons:
- Controls can be difficult to get the hang of at first
- Small capacity when compared to standard dishwashers
2. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
With the BCD6W you get efficient washing cycles and an effortless touch-sensitive control system. The 6-place setting capacity accommodates plates up to 10 inches in diameter. There is space for cups, glasses and all your utensils too. Complete with seven wash cycles (rinse, speed, eco, glass, baby care, normal, and heavy) this unit gets every job done quietly and efficiently.
Black & Decker is a leading name in appliances and this unit stands up to the reputation. Its sleek design is the perfect addition to any countertop. The compact design fits into any kitchen and the installation is quick and easy.
Pros:
- Eco cycle to reduce water usage and expenses
- Adjustable capacity
- Child lock
- Electronic touch controls and easy-to-read LED display
Cons:
- Does not dry the dishes very well
3. Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher
This is one of the more expensive models of countertop dishwashers. But it is also one of the best in terms of overall quality. You get premium features and settings. The design is one of the most power-efficient out there and the controls are easy to use. The quick connect feature gets this hooked up to your faucet in no time and it does not take up much room on your countertop.
You get room for 6 place settings and all your cutlery. The 6 cycle setting uses only 3 gallons of water each. The low water consumption earned the DDW631SDB energy star compliance.
Pros:
- Delayed start options
- Efficient design
- Simple controls
Cons:
- Higher priced than other countertop models
4. Sunpentown SD-2213W Countertop Dishwasher
This is the perfect dishwasher for small apartments and office kitchens. It loads the standard 6-place settings as with other compact dishwashers. The smaller size of the SD-2213W makes it ideal for fitting under cabinetry. The white finish also fits with most contemporary kitchens. You get six wash cycles and energy efficiency as hardly any water is wasted. Connection to your faucet is quick and easy. No permanent installation is needed and it can be used right away.
Pros:
- No direct plumbing required
- Very quiet operation
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- Loud beeping sounds at the end of the cycle
5. Sunpentown SD-2213S Countertop Dishwasher in Silver
SPT is a leader in the field of dishwasher units, specifically portable and compact styles. The brand offers several models all perfect for your kitchen countertop. The SPT SD-2213S is one of the best of the brand bringing you top performance and efficiency. You get all you expect from an SPT and more. 6 wash cycles, delay start function, and an indicator to help you keep track of the cycle. The unit connects quickly to your faucet and the controls are easy to use. Once you are familiar with all the settings, you will be amazed at the performance of this impressive machine.
Pros:
- Stainless steel interior
- Large LED display that is easy to read
- Rinse aid warning indicator
Cons:
- Takes a while to master, due to extensive features on the unit
6. SPT SD-2225DW Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start & LED
Another great dishwasher from SPT, the SD-2225DW is perfect for small kitchens. You get the power of a full-sized machine in a compact and portable unit. It fits perfectly on counters and in between cabinets. You can connect it quickly and easily to your faucet. You get the standard 6-place setting capacity and energy-efficient cycles. The controls are easy to use and the large LED screen lets you keep track of the cycle and warnings.
Pros:
- Water supply warning indicator
- Large LED display
- Six efficient wash cycles
- Universal faucet adapter included
Cons:
- Operates at a louder noise than other models
7. Magic Chef Energy Star 6-Place Setting MCSCD6W5 6 Plate Countertop Dishwasher
Magic Chef brings you all the features of a standard dishwasher in a portable, convenient package. This space-saving unit can hold loads for 6 place settings as well as all your utensils. The interior is well organized to have a cup shelf as well as rolling rack.
Running the MCSCD6W5 uses less water than traditional dishwashers and less energy. This means you save money without compromising the cleanliness of your dishes. The unit is easy to install and easy to use, with a digital display and controls. The residual drying system is superior to other models as it avoids using air from outside the dishwasher.
Pros:
- 6 wash cycles
- Automatic detergent and rinse aid dispenser
- Anti-flood device to prevent water from getting too high
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Not big enough to hold larger dishes or pots and pans
8. RCA RDW3208 CURRDW3208 Counter Top Dishwasher
RCA offers one of the best compact dishwashers at an affordable price. Available in several colors, you can select what best suits the look and design of your kitchen. The machine hooks quickly to your faucet so you do not need a plumber for installation. It can also be easily moved whenever you move or remodel. The stainless steel tub is rust-resistance and you can fill 6 place settings on the large capacity rack. The washing arm comes complete with a 660V heating element to kill all bacteria while drying.
Pros:
- Cheap and user-friendly
- Doesn’t require large space
- No permanent installation needed
Cons:
- Official accessories are not available
- No child safety features
Buying Guide
Before you go buy a countertop dishwasher, there are a few key points to consider. These units are more affordable than standard dishwashers, but you are still making an investment. You want to consider the following factors before making your final decision. Once you know what you are looking for, the best countertop dishwashers discussed above are the perfect place to start.
-
Capacity
You need to consider how much you plan on using the dishwasher and how much you plan to load. The majority of countertop washers will accommodate up to 6 place settings. This can vary from model to model, so make sure you check the capacity before you buy.
-
Size
Countertop dishwashers by nature are compact and portable. They are designed to fit in small kitchens and spaces. That being said, the dimensions of each model will vary slightly. You need to know the exact measurements of the space you have available for a dishwasher. If there are cabinets, make sure you take note of the base of those in relation to the top of the counter.
-
Interior
Look for a stainless steel interior as this is more durable and will last longer. Stainless steel also avoids rusting. You will get longevity from this interior over one that is plastic as plastic tends to crack after repeated washing and heating.
-
Efficiency
Countertop dishwashers are more energy-efficient than traditional units. Each brand and model will vary on this, so be sure to check the efficiency before you buy. Some models will offer better economical value than others.
-
Pump
A countertop dishwasher that comes with a pump is preferred. The water draining from the unit needs to pass over the ledge of the dishwasher, just as if it were under the drain. A pump helps to get this done more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Question: How do you hook up a countertop or portable dishwasher?
Answer: Countertop dishwashers are a unique purchase as they require a different installation. You will not find these pre-installed in your kitchen. No need to panic as they are fairly easy to install. You will get multiple hoses with the unit which will attach to your kitchen faucet. The instruction manual will have a series of simple steps that will walk you through the installation process.
Question: Do countertop dishwashers produce different results to normal ones?
Answer: Countertop dishwashers clean as efficiently as normal ones, but use less energy. They do not require as much water or detergent. This does not mean they cannot clean as effectively. Using the resources they have, these countertop units produce clean dishes of the same quality as traditional dishwashers.
Question: How will a countertop dishwasher affect my utility bills?
Answer: These portable countertop dishwashers are very energy efficient and economical. They require less water, and do not waste water. Each typically can hold between 4 and 6 place settings and only needs 3 gallons of water to wash and clean. Less water and less energy will result in lower utility bills for you.
Question: Are there specific wash cycles?
Answer: Most countertop dishwashers will come with 6 standard wash cycles. These include normal, heavy, light, speed, glass, and soak options. Some models may contain more or have different ones to these standard six. You can also get models that offer rinse aid dispensers and automatic detergent dispensers.
Question: Can I install the countertop dishwasher permanently?
Answer: Some of the models can be installed permanently, and others cannot. They are not specifically designed for this type of installation so it is not recommended. If you do not use it as intended you may void the warranty, so it is best to install as advised by the manufacturer.
Question: How expensive are countertop dishwashers?
Answer: You should expect to pay around $200 or more. Because of their compact nature, they are not as expensive as traditional dishwashers. We have included the most affordable ones as part of our buying guide and review. This is the guide to use when you want the best countertop dishwasher for your home or business.
Final Words
If you need an easy to use and adaptable unit, countertop dishwashers are the way to go. They are perfect for small kitchens, apartments, and office kitchens. In some cases, you may need a countertop dishwasher in addition to a traditional one. Depending on what your dishwashing needs are.
When space is limited one of these compact dishwashers can be a real life saver. They are perfect for those frequently needed items such as mugs and utensils. Rather than use water and energy running smaller loads in a traditional dishwasher, opt for a countertop version instead.
Our buying guide and review has provided all the information you need for choosing a countertop dishwasher. There are many out there but we want you to choose only the best. To get the best countertop dishwasher, follow our guide and start your shopping with one of the 8 top-rated models we recommend.
Related Review Articles: