Best Countertop Dishwashers for Small Kitchens (2025 Picks)

If you live in a small apartment, dorm, RV, or a home without a built-in dishwasher, keeping up with dirty dishes can be a challenge. Fortunately, countertop dishwashers offer a space-saving, efficient solution that brings the convenience of a full-size dishwasher to compact kitchens. These small but powerful appliances sit neatly on your countertop, requiring minimal setup, and they can connect easily to your sink or have their own built-in water tanks.

A countertop dishwasher is perfect for singles, couples, or small families who want to save time, water, and effort while ensuring their dishes are sanitized and spotless. But with many models available, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Whether you need a budget-friendly option, a high-tech model with smart controls, or one with extra drying features, we’ve researched and selected the top-rated countertop dishwashers to help you find the best fit.

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Why Choose a Countertop Dishwasher?

Countertop dishwashers provide several advantages, making them a great alternative to traditional dishwashers:

✔️ Space-Saving Design – Fits on most countertops and is ideal for small kitchens, RVs, or dorms.
✔️ Energy & Water Efficient – Uses far less water than hand washing dishes.
✔️ Easy Setup – Most models connect directly to your faucet with no permanent installation.
✔️ Powerful Cleaning – Offers multiple wash cycles, heated drying, and even sanitization modes.
✔️ Portable & Convenient – Some models come with a built-in water tank, meaning you don’t even need a sink hookup.

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What to Look for in a Countertop Dishwasher

When choosing the best compact dishwasher, consider these factors:

✔️ Size & Capacity – Most countertop dishwashers hold 4 to 6 place settings, but some are roomier.
✔️ Water Source – Some models connect to a faucet, while others have built-in water tanks for portable use.
✔️ Wash Cycles – Look for models with quick wash, heavy-duty, and eco-friendly modes.
✔️ Drying Function – Some dishwashers offer heated drying or air drying to prevent water spots.
✔️ Noise Level – If you live in a small space, consider a quieter model for minimal disruption.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Top 5 Best Countertop Dishwashers for Small Kitchens

After thorough research, we’ve selected five of the highest-rated compact dishwashers based on performance, ease of use, and customer satisfaction.

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1. Farberware FDW05ASBWHA – Best Overall Countertop Dishwasher

🔹 Best For: Small kitchens, apartments, and those needing a built-in water tank.

🔹 Key Features:
✔️ 5 Wash Cycles – Normal, Rapid, Fruit Wash, Baby Care, and Glass.
✔️ Built-in 5L Water Tank – Doesn’t require a sink hookup for operation.
✔️ Compact & Portable – Ideal for apartments, RVs, or homes without plumbing access.
✔️ Baby Care Mode – Uses high-temperature cleaning to sanitize baby bottles and dishes.

💡 Why Choose It?
The Farberware Countertop Dishwasher is perfect for those who need portability and a water tank, offering excellent cleaning power in a small package.

❌ Downsides: Slightly smaller capacity than faucet-connected models.

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2. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W – Best for Families & Larger Loads

🔹 Best For: Households needing a larger countertop dishwasher with more capacity.

🔹 Key Features:
✔️ Holds Up to 6 Place Settings – Roomier than many compact models.
✔️ 7 Wash Programs – Includes Intensive, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 Min, Rapid, and Soak.
✔️ LED Display & Touch Controls – Easy-to-use digital interface.
✔️ Quick Connect to Faucet – No permanent installation required.

💡 Why Choose It?
This BLACK+DECKER model offers larger capacity, powerful cleaning performance, and an easy-to-use interface, making it a great fit for small families.

❌ Downsides: Does not include a built-in water tank (must be connected to a faucet).

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3. COMFEE’ Mini Portable Dishwasher – Best for Smallest Spaces

🔹 Best For: Single users, dorms, or ultra-small kitchens needing a tiny dishwasher.

🔹 Key Features:
✔️ Extremely Compact & Lightweight – One of the smallest dishwashers available.
✔️ Built-in Water Tank – No faucet needed.
✔️ 6 Wash Programs – Includes Hygiene Mode for sanitization.
✔️ Super Quiet Operation – Runs at only 50 dB, great for small apartments.

💡 Why Choose It?
The COMFEE’ Mini Portable Dishwasher is ideal for tight spaces, making it a top choice for those with minimal counter space.

❌ Downsides: Limited capacity – fits fewer dishes than larger models.

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4. Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher – Best for Durability

🔹 Best For: Users looking for a long-lasting, well-built compact dishwasher.

🔹 Key Features:
✔️ Stainless Steel Interior – Provides better durability and resists stains.
✔️ 6 Place Settings – Perfect for small households.
✔️ Energy Star Certified – Uses minimal water and electricity.
✔️ Delay Start Option – Schedule washing at your convenience.

💡 Why Choose It?
The Danby DDW621WDB is built to last, with a stainless steel interior and energy-efficient design, making it a great long-term investment.

❌ Downsides: No built-in water tank (must connect to a faucet).

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5️⃣ NOVETE Compact Dishwasher – Best for Extra Features

🔹 Best For: Users who want an advanced compact dishwasher with additional smart features.

🔹 Key Features:
✔️ Built-in 5L Water Tank – Can operate without a sink connection.
✔️ 5 Washing Programs – Normal, Speed, ECO, Baby Care, and Fruit Wash.
✔️ Air Drying Function – Prevents water spots and ensures clean, dry dishes.
✔️ Large Viewing Window – Lets you see the wash cycle in action.

💡 Why Choose It?
The NOVETE Countertop Dishwasher provides excellent cleaning power, drying features, and smart extras for those looking for a high-tech dishwashing solution.

❌ Downsides: More expensive than budget models.

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Which Countertop Dishwasher is Best for You?

✔️ Best Overall: Farberware FDW05ASBWHA – Built-in water tank & great for small spaces.
✔️ Best for Families: BLACK+DECKER BCD6W – Larger capacity & great performance.
✔️ Best for Smallest Spaces: COMFEE’ Mini Portable Dishwasher – Ultra-compact & quiet.
✔️ Best for Energy Efficiency: hOmeLabs Compact Dishwasher – Low energy & water usage.
✔️ Best for Extra Features: NOVETE Compact Dishwasher – Smart extras & built-in drying.

A countertop dishwasher is a game-changer for small kitchens, making daily cleanup easier and saving water, energy, and time.