Compact Dishwashers: Space-Saving Solutions for Small Kitchens

Compact dishwashers are an excellent solution for those who want to save space in their kitchen without compromising on the convenience of a full-sized dishwasher. These appliances are designed to be smaller than traditional dishwashers, making them perfect for apartments, small homes, and RVs.

When it comes to purchasing a compact dishwasher, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to consider the size of the appliance and whether it will fit in your kitchen. You’ll also want to think about the capacity of the dishwasher and how many dishes it can hold. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the energy efficiency of the appliance and whether it will save you money on your energy bills.

We spent hours researching and testing various compact dishwashers to identify the ones that offer the best combination of size, capacity, and energy efficiency. In this article, we’ll share our top picks and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a compact dishwasher.

Best Compact Dishwashers

If you’re looking for a space-saving solution to your dishwashing needs, compact dishwashers are a great option. These smaller units can fit in tight spaces, making them ideal for apartments, RVs, or any home where space is at a premium. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best compact dishwashers on Amazon, based on customer reviews, features, and overall value. Whether you’re looking for a portable unit or a built-in model, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

Frigidaire 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control Dishwasher

If you are looking for a compact dishwasher that can fit in small spaces and clean your dishes thoroughly, the Frigidaire 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control Dishwasher is a great option.

Pros

• The dual spray arm system ensures that your dishes get a thorough clean every time.
• The Sanitize Cycle removes 99.9% of common household bacteria, making it a great choice for families with young children or anyone concerned about hygiene.
• The dishwasher can fit up to 8 place settings in one cycle, which is impressive for a compact dishwasher.

Cons

• The heated drying system may not dry dishes completely, leaving them slightly damp.
• The dishwasher can be noisy during operation, which may be a concern for some users.
• Some customers have reported issues with the power cord not being included, despite the product description stating otherwise.

We recently purchased the Frigidaire 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control Dishwasher for our small apartment kitchen. We were pleasantly surprised by how well it cleaned our dishes, even after a big meal with lots of greasy pots and pans. The dual spray arm system really does ensure a thorough clean, and the Sanitize Cycle gives us peace of mind that our dishes are free from harmful bacteria.

However, we did notice that the dishes were not completely dry after the cycle finished, despite using the heated drying system. We ended up having to manually dry them with a towel, which was a bit of a hassle.

Another thing to note is that the dishwasher can be quite noisy during operation, especially if you are in the same room. This may be a concern for some users who prefer a quieter dishwasher.

Overall, we would recommend the Frigidaire 18 in. ADA Compact Front Control Dishwasher for anyone looking for a compact dishwasher that can clean dishes thoroughly and fit in small spaces. Just be aware that it may not dry dishes completely and can be noisy during operation.

COMFEE’ Portable Dishwasher Countertop, Mini Dishwasher with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Dishwasher for Apartments& RVs Whole Black Minilite

If you’re looking for a compact dishwasher that can fit in a small kitchen, the COMFEE’ Portable Dishwasher is a great option. With its 5L built-in water tank, you don’t need to connect it to a faucet or call a plumber for installation. This mini dishwasher has 6 programs that can meet all your daily needs.

Pros

• The ultra-compact design allows the dishwasher to wash 30+ items at a time while occupying a small area, which is ideal for small houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.
• 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.
• Circulation of AIR REFRESH removes moisture and odor, keeping your plates and machine dry and fresh for a long time.

Cons

• The dishwasher uses the same water for washing and rinsing, which may not be enough for heavily soiled dishes.
• The dishwasher is a bit noisy, with a noise level of 62 dB.
• The dishwasher is not suitable for large families or households with many dishes.

We’ve been using the COMFEE’ Portable Dishwasher for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The dishwasher is easy to use and has a user-friendly touch panel. We love that it has a fruit program that doesn’t require detergent and a rapid program that only needs half the standard quantity.

The dishwasher is also easy to move around, thanks to its compact design and built-in wheels. We appreciate that it has adjustable racks that can accommodate different dish sizes. The dishwasher is also energy-efficient, using only 1.32 gallons of water per hour and 130 kilowatt-hours per year.

Overall, we would recommend the COMFEE’ Portable Dishwasher to anyone looking for a compact and affordable dishwasher that can fit in a small space. It’s perfect for small households, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.

BLACK+DECKER Compact Countertop Dishwasher

If you’re looking for a compact dishwasher that can fit in a cramped kitchen, the BLACK+DECKER Compact Countertop Dishwasher may be the solution you need. With 7 wash programs, it can accommodate up to 6 place settings, including dinner plates up to 10 inches. It’s easy to hook up to your faucet and drain, making it a convenient addition to any kitchen, rec room, den, or man cave.

Pros

• With 7 wash cycles, including Normal, Intensive, Eco, Glass, 90 Minutes, Rapid, and Soak, you can find the right wash cycle that works for you and your dishes.
• The intuitive LED display makes it easy to set your wash cycle and time. You can see remaining cycle time and even delay start time. Child lock included with portable dishwashing machine to secure maximum safety.
• You can easily hook up this portable dishwasher with a seamless Quick Connect assembly, hooking right up to the faucet. No need for direct plumbing or permanent installation.

Cons

• The handle on the cutlery basket may break during shipping.
• The nozzle attachment can be tricky to attach to the faucet.
• The faucet tap to inlet pipe adapter is not included and must be bought at an additional cost directly from the service technician at the time of installation.

In our experience, the BLACK+DECKER Compact Countertop Dishwasher is a great option for those who need a space-saving solution for their dishwashing needs. It’s easy to set up and use, with a variety of wash cycles to choose from. The LED display is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the Quick Connect assembly makes hooking it up to your faucet a breeze. However, be aware that the handle on the cutlery basket may break during shipping, and the nozzle attachment can be tricky to attach to the faucet. Additionally, the faucet tap to inlet pipe adapter is not included and must be bought separately. Overall, we recommend this compact dishwasher for its convenience and reliability.

NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher

If you’re looking for a compact dishwasher that can easily fit in your small apartment, dorm, or RV, then the NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher is worth considering.

Pros

• The small size of the dishwasher makes it perfect for small spaces, but it still has a large capacity that can hold up to 4 full place settings.
• The dishwasher has a 3-in-1 function that includes a dishwasher, dryer, and cabinet, making it easy to take care of your dishes and glassware.
• The Baby Care/Heavy mode with 167 °F washing temperature is perfect for baby products and oily tableware, which rinses them thoroughly and gives glassware a sparkling clean finish.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the drain hose-suction cup comes unstuck from the sink.
• The dishwasher doesn’t dry well unless you run another dry cycle.
• The height of the dishwasher may not be suitable for some users.

We recently purchased this NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher and have been using it for a few weeks. The compact size of the dishwasher is perfect for our small apartment, and it easily fits on our countertop. We were pleasantly surprised by the large capacity of the dishwasher, which can hold up to 4 full place settings and fits up to 12″ dishes loaded at an angle.

The dishwasher has 5 wash cycles to choose from, including Normal, Speed, Soft, Baby Care/Heavy, and Fruit. We particularly like the Baby Care/Heavy mode, which is perfect for cleaning baby products and oily tableware. The dishwasher also has a 3-in-1 function that includes a dishwasher, dryer, and cabinet, making it easy to take care of our dishes and glassware.

One of the downsides of the dishwasher is that the drain hose-suction cup comes unstuck from the sink. We had to find a different way to secure the hose to prevent it from coming loose during the wash cycle. Additionally, the dishwasher doesn’t dry well unless you run another dry cycle, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Overall, we would recommend the NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher to anyone who is looking for a compact dishwasher that can easily fit in small spaces. The dishwasher has a large capacity, 5 wash cycles, and a 3-in-1 function that makes it a great choice for small apartments, dorms, and RVs.

AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher

We highly recommend the AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher for anyone looking for a compact and efficient dishwasher that can fit in small spaces.

Pros

• The upper and lower rotating spray arms provide thorough coverage and can dissolve even the toughest grease stains.
• The dishwasher uses only 1.3 gallons of water per cycle, reducing water consumption by 80% compared to manual dishwashing.
• The LED touch screen display and transparent dual-layer glass door make it easy to use and monitor the cleaning process.

Cons

• The dishwasher can only fit up to four standard place settings, which may not be enough for larger households.
• The drying function may not be as effective as a traditional dishwasher, leaving dishes slightly damp.
• The dishwasher is slightly noisy, with a noise level of 50.2dB.

We were impressed by the AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher’s compact size and portability. It’s perfect for small apartments, dorms, or even RVs. The five washing cycles, including a baby care mode and a fruit wash mode, make it versatile enough to handle a variety of dishes. The built-in water tank is also a convenient feature for those who have difficulty attaching water hoses or want to wash dishes far from a sink.

The dishwasher is easy to set up and use, and the LED touch screen display is user-friendly. We were able to fit a variety of dishes in the dishwasher, including plates up to 12 inches in diameter. The dishwasher also comes with a dish rack, cup shelf, cutlery basket, and fruit basket, making it easy to organize and wash different types of dishes.

Overall, the AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a great investment for anyone looking for a compact and efficient dishwasher that can handle daily dishwashing needs.

COSTWAY Portable Countertop Dishwasher

We highly recommend the COSTWAY Portable Countertop Dishwasher for those looking for a compact and portable dishwasher that is perfect for small-sized houses, dorms, apartments, RVs, and more.

Pros

• The compact design of this dishwasher makes it easy to carry anywhere and takes up little space.
• With 5 washing modes to choose from, this dishwasher can handle different tableware and food residue.
• The PTC hot air drying mode ensures that your dishes are clean and dry.

Cons

• The machine can only fit dishes up to 12-inches in diameter at an angle.
• The set-up process can be a bit finicky, and it does not come with an adapter.
• The dishwasher is not as quiet as some other models on the market.

This dishwasher is perfect for those who want a compact and portable dishwasher that is easy to use and can handle different tableware and food residue. The 5 washing modes make it easy to customize the cleaning process to your needs, and the PTC hot air drying mode ensures that your dishes are clean and dry. However, the machine can only fit dishes up to 12-inches in diameter at an angle, and the set-up process can be a bit finicky. Additionally, the dishwasher is not as quiet as some other models on the market.

In conclusion, the COSTWAY Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a great investment for those who want a compact and portable dishwasher that is easy to use and can handle different tableware and food residue. With its 5 washing modes and PTC hot air drying mode, this dishwasher is sure to meet all of your cleaning needs.

VENTRAY Countertop Portable Dishwasher Mini Compact with 5 Washing Programs LED Digital Display for Small Apartment Dorms RVs DW50 DW50-Without Air Drying Function

If you are looking for a compact dishwasher, the VENTRAY Countertop Portable Dishwasher is a great option.

Pros

• The compact and portable design makes it easy to move around and ideal for small kitchens in apartments, dorms, campers, RVs, boats, etc.
• With 5 washing programs, you can choose the program that meets your daily needs.
• The 360° spray arms offer powerful deep cleaning to every tableware corner, making even the toughest dirt easy to clean.

Cons

• The noise level is a bit high at 58 dB.
• The product is a bit pricey compared to other compact dishwashers.
• It may not fit larger pots and pans.

We have been using the VENTRAY Countertop Portable Dishwasher for a few weeks now, and it has been a great addition to our kitchen. The compact and portable design makes it easy to move around, and it fits perfectly in our small apartment. The 5 washing programs are user-friendly and allow us to choose the program that meets our daily needs. The 360° spray arms offer powerful deep cleaning to every tableware corner, and we can easily clean even the toughest dirt.

However, the noise level is a bit high at 58 dB, which can be a bit annoying at times. The product is also a bit pricey compared to other compact dishwashers on the market. Lastly, it may not fit larger pots and pans, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Overall, we would recommend the VENTRAY Countertop Portable Dishwasher for anyone looking for a compact dishwasher that is easy to use and offers powerful deep cleaning.

IAGREEA Portable Countertop Dishwasher

We highly recommend the IAGREEA Portable Countertop Dishwasher for its compact design and efficient cleaning.

Pros

• The built-in 5L water tank allows for easy use without a direct water supply hookup.
• The dual spray arm and 360-degree rotating spray ensure thorough cleaning of dishes.
• The dishwasher is multi-purpose and can also wash fruits and vegetables.

Cons

• The top-opening design may not be suitable for small kitchen spaces.
• The drying function may not be as effective as other dishwashers.
• The drain hose is not removable for replacement if damaged.

The IAGREEA Portable Countertop Dishwasher is perfect for small families and those with limited kitchen space. Its compact design allows it to be placed on any table or shelf, while still providing a large capacity for a family of three. The dishwasher can be used with or without a direct water supply hookup, making it a versatile option.

The dual spray arm and 360-degree rotating spray ensure that every dish is thoroughly cleaned, leaving them shiny and spotless. The dishwasher also has multiple cleaning programs to choose from, including a fruit-washing option.

While the top-opening design may not be suitable for small kitchen spaces, the dishwasher’s compact size allows it to fit in most areas. The drying function may not be as effective as other dishwashers, but the hot air drying mode and automatic ventilation still leave dishes clean and dry. However, if the drain hose is damaged, it is not removable for replacement.

Overall, the IAGREEA Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a great option for those looking for a compact and efficient dishwasher. Its versatility and thorough cleaning make it a worthwhile investment for any small family.

COSTWAY Countertop Dishwasher

If you’re looking for a compact dishwasher that can handle the daily dishwashing needs of a small family, the COSTWAY Countertop Dishwasher is worth considering.

Pros

• With a capacity of 6 place settings, this dishwasher can accommodate utensils, dining plates, and bowls up to 10 inches in size, making it perfect for small households.
• The 360° top and lower spray arms can rotate for a powerful cleaning, ensuring that stains are effectively rinsed from every corner of the dishes.
• The dishwasher comes with 5 washing programs, including ECO, Normal, Intensive, Glass, and Rapid, so you can choose the right washing mode based on your needs.

Cons

• The dishwasher is not suitable for large families or households with a lot of dishes to wash.
• The noise level of 52 dB may be a bit too loud for some users.
• The dishwasher may take up valuable counter space.

We recently purchased the COSTWAY Countertop Dishwasher for our small apartment, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The dishwasher is easy to install and can be placed on a flat countertop or embedded in a kitchen cabinet. We opted for the countertop installation, and it fits perfectly in our small kitchen.

The dishwasher comes with a cutlery basket and a bowl basket, and we’ve found that it can easily accommodate our forks, knives, dining plates, and more. The 360° top and lower spray arms rotate for a powerful cleaning, ensuring that every dish comes out sparkling clean. We also appreciate the 5 washing programs, which allow us to choose the right washing mode based on our needs.

One downside of the dishwasher is that it’s not suitable for large families or households with a lot of dishes to wash. The noise level of 52 dB may also be a bit too loud for some users. Additionally, the dishwasher may take up valuable counter space, so it’s important to consider your kitchen layout before purchasing.

Overall, we’re happy with our purchase of the COSTWAY Countertop Dishwasher. It’s a great option for small households looking for a compact and efficient dishwasher.

hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher

If you’re looking for a compact and energy-efficient dishwasher, the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• The dishwasher is Energy Star certified, which means it’s energy-efficient and can help you save money on your electricity bill.
• With six wash cycle options, including heavy, normal, ECO, glass, speed, and rinse, you can choose the right setting for your dishwashing needs.
• The dishwasher is easy to install and comes with a quick connect assembly and accessories, including an inlet and drain hose, a faucet adapter, and a rinse aid dispenser.

Cons

• The dishwasher has a capacity of six place settings, which might not be enough for larger households.
• The dishwasher is designed for round-shaped faucet outlets with removable aerators, which might limit its compatibility with some kitchen faucets.
• The dishwasher might not clean heavily soiled dishes as effectively as larger, more powerful models.

We recently tried the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher and were impressed with its compact size and energy efficiency. The dishwasher is easy to install and comes with everything you need to get started, including a quick connect assembly, inlet and drain hoses, and a faucet adapter. The dishwasher also has a rinse aid dispenser, which helps to dry your dishes quickly and without streaks.

One thing to keep in mind is that the dishwasher has a capacity of six place settings, which might not be enough for larger households. Additionally, the dishwasher is designed for round-shaped faucet outlets with removable aerators, which might limit its compatibility with some kitchen faucets. Finally, the dishwasher might not clean heavily soiled dishes as effectively as larger, more powerful models.

Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and energy-efficient dishwasher that can handle small to medium-sized loads, the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher is a solid choice.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a compact dishwasher, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one.

Size and Capacity

The first thing to consider is the size of the dishwasher. Compact dishwashers are smaller than traditional models, but they still come in a range of sizes. Make sure to measure the space where you plan to install the dishwasher to ensure it will fit. You should also consider the capacity of the dishwasher. Look for one that can hold enough dishes to meet your needs.

Features

Compact dishwashers come with a variety of features, so it’s important to choose one that has the features you need. Here are some features to consider:

• Wash cycles: Look for a dishwasher with multiple wash cycles, including a quick wash cycle for when you’re in a hurry.
• Energy efficiency: Choose a dishwasher that is energy efficient to save money on your energy bill.
• Noise level: Look for a dishwasher with a low noise level if you plan to install it in a small space or if you’re sensitive to noise.
• Drying options: Some dishwashers have a heated drying option, while others use a fan to dry dishes. Consider which option is best for your needs.
• Delay start: A delay start option allows you to set the dishwasher to run at a later time, which can be useful if you want to take advantage of off-peak energy rates.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the dishwasher. Compact dishwashers come in a range of prices, so choose one that fits your budget. Keep in mind that a higher-priced dishwasher may come with more features or be more energy efficient, so it may be worth the investment in the long run.