Best Compact Dishwashers for Small Homes (Countertop Picks for Apartments)
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Finding the best countertop dishwasher can make a huge difference in small homes, apartments, and rental kitchens where space is limited and built-in appliances aren’t an option. Compact dishwashers are designed to sit neatly on your counter, save water, and simplify daily cleanup without taking over your kitchen.
In this review
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| Rank | Model | Place Settings | Water Source | Wash Programs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher | 6 | Faucet hookup | 6 | Overall performance |
| 2 | Farberware Compact 6-Place Dishwasher | 6 | Faucet hookup | 7 | Small apartments |
| 3 | COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher (6-Place) | 6 | Faucet hookup | 8 | Feature variety |
| 4 | COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher with 5L Water Tank | 4–5 | Built-in tank | 6 | No-hookup apartments |
| 5 | SPT SD-2224DW ENERGY STAR Dishwasher | 6 | Faucet hookup | 6 | Energy efficiency |
| 6 | EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher (5L Tank) | 4–5 | Built-in tank | 6 | Modern design |
| 7 | Farberware Portable Dishwasher with Water Tank | 4–5 | Built-in tank | 5 | Apartment rentals |
| 8 | NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher | 4 | Tank & faucet | 5 | Quiet operation |
| 9 | HAVA Countertop Dishwasher (8 Programs) | 4 | Built-in tank | 8 | Advanced controls |
| 10 | Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher | 4 | Built-in tank | 7 | Compact kitchens |
Best Compact Dishwashers Reviewed
Below, you’ll find our hands-on reviews of the best compact dishwashers for small homes, apartments, and rental kitchens. Each model was evaluated based on cleaning performance, ease of use, noise levels, and how practical it is for limited counter space.
Whether you’re looking for a simple faucet-connected unit or a no-hookup dishwasher with a built-in water tank, these picks cover a range of needs and budgets to help you find the right fit for your kitchen.
Performance: The Danby DDW621WDB delivers reliable everyday cleaning with six wash cycles designed to handle plates, glasses, and cookware efficiently. It does a solid job removing food residue while staying relatively quiet for apartment use.
Ease of use: Setup is straightforward with a standard faucet hookup, and the control panel is simple to navigate even for first-time users. The interior layout is practical, making it easy to load dishes without constant rearranging.
Small-home practicality: With its compact footprint and countertop-friendly design, this Danby model fits well in small kitchens where cabinet space is limited. It’s a good option for renters who want dependable performance without permanent installation.
Pros
- Energy Star rated
- Reliable cleaning performance
- Simple faucet connection
Cons
- Requires sink access during cycles
- Limited capacity for large pots
Performance: This Farberware countertop dishwasher offers seven wash programs that handle everything from lightly soiled glassware to heavier dinner dishes. It provides consistent results while using a reasonable amount of water per cycle.
Ease of use: The digital controls are intuitive, and the faucet hookup system makes installation quick. Switching between wash modes is simple, which is helpful for households with varying daily loads.
Small-home practicality: Designed for apartments and dorms, this model balances capacity and size well. It’s compact enough to live permanently on a counter without dominating the space.
Pros
- Multiple wash programs
- Compact yet practical capacity
- User-friendly controls
Cons
- No built-in water tank
- Needs faucet access while running
Performance: COMFEE’ includes eight wash programs, giving users flexibility for different dish types and soil levels. It handles everyday dish loads well and offers specialized cycles like glass and eco modes.
Ease of use: The control panel is clearly labeled, and setup is familiar for anyone used to faucet-connected countertop models. Loading racks are adjustable enough to fit a mix of plates, cups, and utensils.
Small-home practicality: This model works well for small households that want more cycle options without stepping up to a full-size dishwasher. It’s a good balance of features and footprint.
Pros
- Wide variety of wash programs
- Energy-efficient operation
- Good capacity for its size
Cons
- Faucet hookup required
- Cycle selection may feel overwhelming for some
Performance: This COMFEE’ model is designed for convenience, offering effective cleaning without a permanent water hookup. The high-temperature wash and air-dry function help deliver hygienic results for everyday dishes.
Ease of use: The built-in 5-liter water tank allows you to fill the dishwasher manually, making it ideal for kitchens without compatible faucets. Controls are simple and clearly laid out.
Small-home practicality: For renters, RV owners, or apartments with limited plumbing options, this dishwasher is especially practical. It can be placed almost anywhere with access to a power outlet.
Pros
- No faucet hookup required
- Built-in water tank
- Flexible placement
Cons
- Smaller capacity than faucet models
- Manual water filling required
Helpful tip for small kitchens
If counter space is tight, it helps to pair a countertop dishwasher with other compact tools. You might find our guide to the best small kitchen appliances for compact homes especially useful.
Performance: The SPT SD-2224DW is known for consistent cleaning results and efficient water usage. Its six wash programs handle everyday dish loads well, making it a dependable option for regular use.
Ease of use: This model connects directly to a standard kitchen faucet and features simple controls that don’t require a learning curve. The stainless steel interior also helps with durability and odor resistance.
Small-home practicality: With Energy Star certification and a compact footprint, this dishwasher is a good fit for apartments where efficiency and reliability matter more than extra features.
Pros
- Energy Star certified
- Durable stainless steel interior
- Efficient water usage
Cons
- Faucet hookup required
- Basic design compared to newer models
Performance: EUHOMY’s countertop dishwasher focuses on convenience, offering solid cleaning performance with high-temperature washing and air-dry functionality. It’s effective for daily dish loads in small households.
Ease of use: The built-in 5-liter water tank allows for flexible placement without relying on a faucet connection. Controls are straightforward, making it easy to start a cycle quickly.
Small-home practicality: This model is especially useful in apartments, dorms, or RVs where plumbing access is limited. Its compact size makes it easy to place on most counters.
Pros
- No permanent water hookup needed
- High-temperature wash option
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Manual water filling required
- Smaller capacity than faucet models
Performance: This Farberware model delivers dependable cleaning for lightly to moderately soiled dishes. Its five wash programs are practical for everyday use in small living spaces.
Ease of use: Thanks to the built-in water tank, setup is flexible and doesn’t require a sink connection. The controls are simple, making it suitable for users who prefer minimal setup steps.
Small-home practicality: Ideal for renters and apartment dwellers, this dishwasher can be moved or stored easily when not in use, helping keep counters uncluttered.
Pros
- Built-in water tank
- Portable and renter-friendly
- Simple controls
Cons
- Fewer wash programs
- Limited capacity for larger families
Performance: The NOVETE portable dishwasher focuses on quiet operation while still delivering effective cleaning. Its wash programs are well suited for daily dish loads in compact kitchens.
Ease of use: This model supports both faucet connection and water tank filling, giving users flexibility based on their kitchen setup. Controls are intuitive and clearly labeled.
Small-home practicality: With its compact size and dual water options, the NOVETE dishwasher fits well in apartments where space and plumbing access can vary.
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Flexible water connection options
- Compact footprint
Cons
- Smaller interior capacity
- Not ideal for large cookware
Performance: The HAVA countertop dishwasher stands out for its eight wash programs, including intensive and baby-care options. It delivers thorough cleaning for everyday dishes while offering extra flexibility for more delicate items.
Ease of use: With a built-in water tank, this model doesn’t require a permanent faucet connection. The digital controls and delayed start function make it easy to customize cycles around your schedule.
Small-home practicality: Designed for apartments, dorms, and RVs, the HAVA dishwasher is ideal for users who want advanced features without dealing with plumbing modifications.
Pros
- Eight versatile wash programs
- No-hookup water tank design
- Child lock and delayed start
Cons
- Smaller capacity than full-size units
- Manual water filling required
Performance: The Hermitlux countertop dishwasher offers reliable cleaning with seven wash programs, including options for glassware and lightly soiled dishes. It handles everyday loads well in compact kitchens.
Ease of use: This model features a built-in water tank and clear LED display, making setup and operation simple. The glass door also lets you check progress during cycles.
Small-home practicality: With its sleek design and portable size, the Hermitlux dishwasher fits comfortably on most counters and works well for renters who want flexibility.
Pros
- Attractive glass-door design
- Built-in water tank
- Easy-to-use controls
Cons
- Limited interior capacity
- Not suited for oversized cookware
How to Choose a Compact Dishwasher for Small Homes
Choosing the right countertop dishwasher depends on how much space you have, how often you wash dishes, and whether your kitchen setup allows for a faucet connection. Understanding these factors helps you pick a model that fits your lifestyle without cluttering your counter.
Place settings and capacity: Most countertop dishwashers handle four to six place settings. Smaller households can usually manage with compact interiors, while frequent cooks may want the largest capacity that still fits their counter space.
Water source options: Faucet-connected models work well in kitchens with compatible sinks, while built-in water tank designs are ideal for apartments, rentals, and RVs where plumbing access is limited.
Noise and daily use: If you live in an apartment or open-plan space, quieter operation matters. Many compact dishwashers are designed to run without disturbing nearby rooms, making them suitable for evening use.
Counter organization: Keeping your counter functional is just as important as choosing the right appliance. Learning how to organize small kitchen counter space can help you fit a dishwasher without crowding your work area.
Cleaning and maintenance: Regular cleaning helps your dishwasher perform better and last longer. Simple habits, like wiping down seals and managing grease buildup, make a difference over time. Our guide on how to clean grease from kitchen appliances offers practical tips you can apply to compact dishwashers as well.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right compact dishwasher for a small home depends on how much counter space you have, whether you need a faucet hookup, and how often you plan to run it. Thankfully, there are several reliable options that work well in apartments and small kitchens.
Best overall: The Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher stands out for its dependable cleaning performance, Energy Star efficiency, and simple faucet hookup, making it a balanced choice for most small households.
Best for no-hookup apartments: Models with built-in water tanks, such as the COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher with 5L Built-In Water Tank and the HAVA Countertop Dishwasher, are ideal if your kitchen setup doesn’t allow for a direct faucet connection.
Best quiet option: If low noise is a priority in an apartment or open-plan kitchen, the NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a solid choice thanks to its quiet operation and flexible water connection options.
Best budget-friendly picks: Compact models like the Farberware Compact 6-Place Countertop Dishwasher and the SPT SD-2224DW ENERGY STAR Countertop Dishwasher offer reliable everyday performance without the cost of premium features.
If you’d like to explore more hands-on evaluations and comparisons, you can browse all of our in-depth appliance reviews in the reviews section for additional recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are countertop dishwashers good for apartments?
Yes. Countertop dishwashers are designed specifically for apartments and small homes. Many models connect to a kitchen faucet, while others use built-in water tanks, making them renter-friendly and easy to install.
Do countertop dishwashers use a lot of water?
No. Most compact dishwashers use significantly less water than hand washing dishes. Many models are Energy Star rated and optimized for small loads.
Can countertop dishwashers handle pots and pans?
They can handle smaller cookware, but large pots and oversized pans may not fit due to limited interior space. These dishwashers are best suited for plates, glasses, bowls, and utensils.
Do I need a special faucet for a countertop dishwasher?
Faucet-connected models work with most standard kitchen faucets, but pull-down or specialty faucets may require an adapter. Built-in tank models do not require any faucet connection.
Are countertop dishwashers noisy?
Most compact dishwashers are designed to run quietly, making them suitable for apartments and open-plan kitchens. Noise levels vary by model, but they are generally comparable to or quieter than full-size units.
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