Best of
Best Countertop Dishwashers (2026)
Best countertop dishwashers ranked: 6 place setting Danby and EdgeStar hookup models plus no-install tank picks from Farberware, COMFEE, and HAVA.
Our top picks at a glance
Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher
Apartments and small households that can hook up to a faucet and want full capacity.
Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher FDW05ASBWHA
Renters who want no hookup and extra modes for bottles and produce.
EdgeStar DWP62SV Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Small households wanting proven hookup capacity with low water consumption.
The short answer
The best overall countertop dishwasher is the Danby DDW621WDB for its full six place settings and stainless interior. The best budget pick is the SPT SD-2224DS among hookup models, or the Hermitlux if you need a tank, while the best premium no-hookup choice is the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA with its baby care and fruit wash modes.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Capacity | Dimensions | Weight | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Danby DDW621WDB Countertop DishwasherBest Overall | 6 place settings | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches | 46.3 lbs | 1 year parts and labor | Check price |
| 2Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher FDW05ASBWHABest No Hookup | 2 place settings | 16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 inches | 36.4 lbs | 1 year | Check price |
| 3EdgeStar DWP62SV Portable Countertop DishwasherBest Water Saver Hookup | 6 place settings | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches | 44 lbs | 1 year full, 90 days parts | Check price |
| 4BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop DishwasherBest Controls | 6 place settings | 21.6 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches | 46.2 lbs | 1 year | Check price |
| 5COMFEE Portable Countertop Dishwasher with TankBest Tank Model for Families | 2 place settings | 17.1 x 16.9 x 17.1 inches | 30.9 lbs | 1 year | Check price |
| 6SPT SD-2224DS Energy Star Countertop DishwasherBest Budget Hookup | 6 place settings | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches | 43 lbs | 1 year | Check price |
| 7HAVA R01 Countertop DishwasherBest Dry Mode Tank Model | 2 place settings | 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches | 28.7 lbs | 1 year | Check price |
| 8Kapas Portable Countertop DishwasherBest Dual Supply Flexibility | 2 place settings | 17.7 x 16.3 x 17.3 inches | 33 lbs | 1 year | Check price |
| 9NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher with TankBest for Baby Bottles | 2 place settings | 16.8 x 16.9 x 18.1 inches | 29.8 lbs | 1 year | Check price |
| 10Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher with Water TankBest Budget Tank Model | 2 place settings | 16.9 x 16.5 x 18.1 inches | 26.5 lbs | 1 year | Check price |
Best Overall
Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher
Six place setting hookup dishwasher with a stainless interior and strong cycle range.
The Danby DDW621WDB is the most complete countertop dishwasher here: a full 6 place settings, a stainless interior, six cycles, and delay start, in the standard 17.2 inch tall hookup format.
It needs a faucet adapter, which is the only real gate. If your faucet accepts one, this is the model that behaves most like a built-in dishwasher.
Strengths
- Full 6 place setting capacity with cutlery basket
- Stainless steel interior resists stains and odor
- 6 wash cycles including energy saving and glass
- Electronic controls with delay start up to 8 hours
Limitations
- Requires faucet connection and adapter fit
- At 17.2 inches tall it needs cabinet clearance
- No built-in water tank option
| Capacity | 6 place settings |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches |
| Weight | 46.3 lbs |
| Wash Cycles | 6 cycles |
| Warranty | 1 year parts and labor |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise cleaning results on daily loads compared with hand washing
- Recurring praise for the stainless interior staying fresh
- Many renters value that it needs no permanent installation
- Owners like the delay start for running it off peak
Common complaints
- Complaints about faucet adapters not fitting some modern faucets
- Some owners find large dinner plates fit tightly
- Occasional complaints about cycle length on intensive settings
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Danby official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Apartments and small households that can hook up to a faucet and want full capacity.
Skip if: Skip if you cannot use a faucet adapter or need a model that works with no hookup at all.
Best No Hookup
Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher FDW05ASBWHA
Tank model with a built-in 5 liter reservoir, baby care, and fruit wash modes.
The Farberware FDW05ASBWHA runs from its built-in 5 liter tank, so it works on any counter near an outlet, and it can still connect to a faucet later. Baby care and fruit wash modes add uses the hookup models do not match.
Capacity is about two place settings. That is the honest trade for installation freedom, and it suits singles and couples well.
Strengths
- Built-in 5 liter water tank needs no hookup
- Can also connect to a faucet when convenient
- Baby care and fruit wash cycles beyond standard modes
- Compact footprint for a tank model
Limitations
- Holds about 2 place settings, far less than hookup models
- Tank needs refilling for consecutive loads
- Drying is fan assisted rather than heated
| Capacity | 2 place settings |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 inches |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs |
| Wash Cycles | 5 cycles |
| Warranty | 1 year |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise the freedom to place it anywhere near an outlet
- Recurring praise for the baby care cycle from new parents
- Many owners say it handles a couple's daily dishes well
- Owners value not needing a landlord approved installation
Common complaints
- Complaints that capacity is smaller than photos suggest
- Some owners tire of refilling the tank
- Occasional complaints about items staying damp without the door opened
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Farberware official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Renters who want no hookup and extra modes for bottles and produce.
Skip if: Skip if you regularly wash full place settings for four or more people.
Best Water Saver Hookup
EdgeStar DWP62SV Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Long-running six place setting model with a low water use per cycle and quick connect.
The EdgeStar DWP62SV uses about 2.85 gallons per cycle while still holding six place settings and offering seven cycles. Its quick connect system has a long track record with renters.
Check plate size before buying, since the interior suits plates up to about 10.5 inches most comfortably.
Strengths
- 6 place settings with dish rack and cutlery basket
- Uses about 2.85 gallons per cycle
- Quick connect faucet adapter included
- Seven cycles including soak and glass
Limitations
- Interior height limits very tall plates
- Faucet is occupied while it runs
- Heavier than tank models to reposition
| Capacity | 6 place settings |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches |
| Weight | 44 lbs |
| Wash Cycles | 7 cycles |
| Warranty | 1 year full, 90 days parts |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise water savings over hand washing
- Recurring praise for durable performance over several years
- Many owners like the quick connect setup
- Owners report good results on baked on food with the soak cycle
Common complaints
- Complaints about plate height limits around 10.5 inches
- Some owners report adapter leaks if not seated carefully
- Occasional noise complaints in studio apartments
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: EdgeStar official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Small households wanting proven hookup capacity with low water consumption.
Skip if: Skip if your faucet is a pull down sprayer type that will not take an adapter.
Best Controls
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Six place setting model with an LED display and a stainless tub from a familiar brand.
The BCD6W pairs six place settings with an LED display, seven programs, delay start, and a child lock. For families, those controls make daily use simpler than dial based rivals.
It shares the usual hookup limits: faucet occupied during a cycle and tight space for tall pans.
Strengths
- 6 place settings with fold down cup shelves
- 7 wash programs including baby care and fruit
- LED display with delay start and child lock
- Stainless steel interior
Limitations
- Needs faucet hookup like other full size countertop models
- Tall items can block the upper spray
- Cycle times are long on intensive modes
| Capacity | 6 place settings |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.6 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches |
| Weight | 46.2 lbs |
| Wash Cycles | 7 cycles |
| Warranty | 1 year |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise the clear display and simple program choice
- Recurring praise for cleaning everyday loads reliably
- Many owners value the child lock in family kitchens
- Owners like the fold down shelves for cups and small bowls
Common complaints
- Complaints about fitting taller plates and pans
- Some owners note the faucet adapter needs an extra fitting for some taps
- Occasional complaints about drying on plastic items
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: BLACK+DECKER official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Buyers who want hookup capacity with simple controls and child lock safety.
Skip if: Skip if you need a tank model for a space without a suitable faucet.
Best Tank Model for Families
COMFEE Portable Countertop Dishwasher with Tank
Tank model with six programs, a baby care steam option, and 360 degree spray coverage.
The COMFEE portable adds a baby care steam program and dual spray arms to the tank format, and it can switch to faucet supply when a full sink setup is available.
It remains a two place setting class machine. Within that class, its program range is the strongest here.
Strengths
- 6 programs including baby care and strong wash
- Dual spray arms for upper and lower coverage
- Tank or faucet supply, both supported
- Air refresh helps reduce odor between loads
Limitations
- Capacity suits one to two people
- Tank refills add a step per load
- Not large enough for oversized cookware
| Capacity | 2 place settings |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.1 x 16.9 x 17.1 inches |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs |
| Wash Cycles | 6 cycles |
| Warranty | 1 year |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise cleaning on baby bottles with the steam program
- Recurring praise for flexible placement in rentals and RVs
- Many owners like having both tank and faucet options
- Owners report good glass results for a compact unit
Common complaints
- Complaints about load size for family dinners
- Some owners note a learning curve for arranging dishes for both spray arms
- Occasional drying complaints on plastics
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: COMFEE official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Renters and RV users who want tank freedom with more programs than budget models.
Skip if: Skip if you need to wash service for more than two people at once.
Best Budget Hookup
SPT SD-2224DS Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher
Energy Star hookup model with a stainless interior and a time delay up to 24 hours.
The SPT SD-2224DS delivers full six place setting capacity and Energy Star rating at a budget tier, with a delay start up to 24 hours that newer budget rivals rarely offer.
The controls look dated. If function matters more than finish, it is the value hookup pick.
Strengths
- 6 place settings at a budget tier
- Energy Star rated for lower running costs
- Delay start from 2 to 24 hours
- Stainless interior with 6 wash cycles
Limitations
- Design and controls feel dated next to newer rivals
- Faucet hookup only, no tank
- Rinse aid and water indicators are basic
| Capacity | 6 place settings |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches |
| Weight | 43 lbs |
| Wash Cycles | 6 cycles |
| Warranty | 1 year |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise value for a full capacity model
- Recurring praise for reliable cleaning over years of use
- Many owners like the flexible delay start
- Owners note lower water use than hand washing large loads
Common complaints
- Complaints about the older style control panel
- Some owners report adapter fit issues on some faucets
- Occasional complaints about noise on drain
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: SPT official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Budget buyers who still want full six place setting hookup capacity.
Skip if: Skip if you want a tank option or the newest control features.
Best Dry Mode Tank Model
HAVA R01 Countertop Dishwasher
Tank dishwasher with five modes and a dry cycle aimed at couples in small apartments.
The HAVA R01 stands out among tank models for its dedicated dry mode, which reduces the towel finishing that owners of compact dishwashers often report.
Plates around 11 inches fit at an angle. Plan loads around that limit and it serves couples reliably.
Strengths
- Built-in tank plus faucet connection option
- Five modes with a separate dry cycle
- Holds plates up to about 11 inches loaded at an angle
- Compact square footprint
Limitations
- Capacity remains a two person proposition
- Tall for some under cabinet spaces
- Brand support network is smaller than Danby or Breville scale brands
| Capacity | 2 place settings |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches |
| Weight | 28.7 lbs |
| Wash Cycles | 5 cycles |
| Warranty | 1 year |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise the dry mode for reducing towel finishing
- Recurring praise for quiet running in small apartments
- Many owners like the clear loading guidance
- Owners value using it in rentals without plumbing changes
Common complaints
- Complaints about arranging larger plates at an angle
- Some owners wish for a larger tank
- Occasional complaints about longer total time with dry mode on
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: HAVA official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Couples who want a tank model with a dedicated dry mode.
Skip if: Skip if low price is the priority, as budget tank models cost less.
Best Dual Supply Flexibility
Kapas Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Six program tank dishwasher with upper and lower spray arms in a mid-size body.
The Kapas portable runs six programs with dual spray arms and moves easily between tank and faucet supply, which helps households whose setup changes between rentals.
Support documentation is thinner than major brands, so keep the manual and register the warranty on arrival.
Strengths
- Six programs including intensive and eco
- Dual spray arms improve coverage on mixed loads
- Works from its tank or a faucet connection
- Fruit basket accessory for produce washing
Limitations
- Capacity is still compact class
- Heavier than the smallest tank models
- Manuals and support are less detailed than major brands
| Capacity | 2 place settings |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 17.7 x 16.3 x 17.3 inches |
| Weight | 33 lbs |
| Wash Cycles | 6 cycles |
| Warranty | 1 year |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise dual spray coverage on mixed loads
- Recurring praise for switching between tank and faucet use
- Many owners like the program range at this size
- Owners report solid results on glasses and cutlery
Common complaints
- Complaints about arranging tall items between the arms
- Some owners find the drain hose routing awkward
- Occasional complaints about drying performance
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Kapas official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Small households that want tank use now and a faucet option later.
Skip if: Skip if you want the most established service network in this category.
Best for Baby Bottles
NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher with Tank
Tank model with baby care, a fruit mode, and an LED touch panel in a compact body.
The NOVETE tank model targets parents with its baby care program and touch controls, and it needs no installation in a rental nursery or kitchen.
Like all tank models here, family sized dinner loads will take two cycles.
Strengths
- Tank and faucet supply both supported
- Baby care and fruit wash programs included
- LED touch controls are easy to wipe clean
- Ventilation dry helps limit moisture after a cycle
Limitations
- Small load capacity like other tank models
- Touch panel can be sensitive to wet hands
- Drying still benefits from opening the door
| Capacity | 2 place settings |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.8 x 16.9 x 18.1 inches |
| Weight | 29.8 lbs |
| Wash Cycles | 5 cycles |
| Warranty | 1 year |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise bottle and pump part washing
- Recurring praise for setup taking minutes with the tank
- Many owners like the modern touch controls
- Owners in RVs praise the flexibility
Common complaints
- Complaints about fitting mixing bowls and larger items
- Some owners report needing to pre rinse heavy food soil
- Occasional complaints about cycle noise from the drain pump
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: NOVETE official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Parents in rentals who want bottle washing without any installation.
Skip if: Skip if you need the lowest possible height under cabinets.
Best Budget Tank Model
Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher with Water Tank
Compact tank dishwasher with five programs and a glass door for small spaces.
The Hermitlux is the lowest cost route to a real dishwasher in a dorm, office, or studio, with five programs and a tank that needs no plumbing.
Capacity is the smallest here and drying is basic. For one person's plates, cups, and cutlery, that is often enough.
Strengths
- Built-in tank works anywhere with an outlet
- Five programs including fruit and eco
- Compact size fits tight counters and dorm rooms
- Visible window makes it easy to check a cycle
Limitations
- Smallest capacity in this list
- No room for large pots or sheet pans
- Basic drying leaves some moisture
| Capacity | 2 place settings |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.9 x 16.5 x 18.1 inches |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs |
| Wash Cycles | 5 cycles |
| Warranty | 1 year |
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise true portability between rooms and rentals
- Recurring praise for handling one person's daily dishes
- Many owners like the simple push button programs
- Owners say it beats a sink full of dishes in tiny kitchens
Common complaints
- Complaints that capacity is easy to overestimate
- Some owners find the tank fill opening fiddly
- Occasional complaints about plastics coming out wet
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Sources: Hermitlux official product specifications, Major retailer product listings, Published kitchen gear reviews
Best for: Singles, dorms, and offices where a small no-hookup unit covers cups and plates.
Skip if: Skip if you cook with large pans or host more than two people regularly.
How we chose
01 · Real capacity, not marketing capacity
We compared stated place settings against interior height and owner reports on plate size. A six place setting hookup model and a two place setting tank model solve different problems, and we ranked them accordingly.
02 · Water supply method
Tank, faucet, or both decides where the machine can live. We weighted flexibility for renters, and noted where a faucet adapter will not fit modern pull down faucets.
03 · Cleaning and drying programs
Cycle range, spray arm coverage, and drying method determine daily results. We favored models with useful modes like baby care, soak, and a dedicated dry cycle over long lists of near identical programs.
04 · Fit under cabinets
Most models need about 17 to 18 inches of vertical clearance. We compared dimensions and weight so buyers can check their counter before ordering a machine that will not slide into place.
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
Do countertop dishwashers need plumbing?
Hookup models connect to a kitchen faucet with an adapter and drain into the sink, so they need no permanent plumbing. Tank models need no connection at all and drain through a hose into the sink or a bucket.
How many dishes does a countertop dishwasher hold?
Hookup models here hold six place settings. Tank models hold roughly two place settings, which covers a day of dishes for one or two people but not a family dinner in one load.
Can a countertop dishwasher wash pots and pans?
Small saucepans often fit in six place setting models if plates are kept modest. Large stockpots and sheet pans generally do not fit in any model in this topic and are better washed by hand.
Do they use more water than hand washing?
Usually less. Models like the EdgeStar DWP62SV use about 2.85 gallons per cycle, which is often below the water used to hand wash a full load under a running tap.