apartments
Best Countertop Dishwashers for Apartments
Countertop dishwashers for apartments with no permanent installation, comparing 6 place setting faucet hookup capacity with renter-safe tank models.
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
For most apartments, choose the Danby DDW621WDB if your faucet takes an adapter. Choose the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA if it does not, or if your lease is strict.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Capacity | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Danby DDW621WDB Countertop DishwasherBest for Apartment Families | 6 place settings | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches | 46.3 lbs | Check price |
| 2Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher FDW05ASBWHABest for Strict Leases | 2 place settings | 16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 inches | 36.4 lbs | Check price |
| 3EdgeStar DWP62SV Portable Countertop DishwasherBest Low Water Use | 6 place settings | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches | 44 lbs | Check price |
| 4COMFEE Portable Countertop Dishwasher with TankBest Flexible Apartment Pick | 2 place settings | 17.1 x 16.9 x 17.1 inches | 30.9 lbs | Check price |
| 5BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop DishwasherBest for Shared Apartments | 6 place settings | 21.6 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches | 46.2 lbs | Check price |
Best for Apartment Families
Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher
Six place setting hookup dishwasher with a stainless interior and strong cycle range.
Six place settings and a faucet connection mean family loads in one cycle with nothing permanently installed. Remove the adapter when you move out.
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 for Strict Leases
Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher FDW05ASBWHA
Tank model with a built-in 5 liter reservoir, baby care, and fruit wash modes.
The tank means zero faucet changes, which is the safest option when a lease forbids any fixture modification.
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 Low Water Use
EdgeStar DWP62SV Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Long-running six place setting model with a low water use per cycle and quick connect.
At about 2.85 gallons per cycle, the EdgeStar suits apartments where utility costs or water pressure make efficiency matter.
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 Flexible Apartment Pick
COMFEE Portable Countertop Dishwasher with Tank
Tank model with six programs, a baby care steam option, and 360 degree spray coverage.
Start on the tank, switch to the faucet when guests add load volume. That flexibility fits changing apartment setups.
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 for Shared Apartments
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Six place setting model with an LED display and a stainless tub from a familiar brand.
Delay start and child lock help in shared homes, and the LED display makes it easy for housemates to run correctly.
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.
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
Will a countertop dishwasher fit under my cabinets?
Most hookup models are 17.2 inches tall, and standard counter to cabinet clearance is about 18 inches. Measure your exact space, including any under cabinet lighting, before ordering.
Can I use the faucet while the dishwasher runs?
On hookup models the faucet is occupied during the cycle, though most adapters include a bypass button to release water briefly. Tank models leave the faucet free.
Are countertop dishwashers loud in an apartment?
They are comparable to a small built-in dishwasher and are most noticeable during draining. Running a cycle before leaving or with delay start avoids most annoyance in small spaces.