The best countertop dishwashers to get your dishes sparkling

[NelsonG]

A dishwasher that sits on top of your counter? Yup, they exist! And they can be a great solution for renters who, for obvious reasons, can't install a dishwasher in their kitchen, but may have ample counter space. Countertop dishwashers are also ideal for homeowners who don't have the budget for (or are simply not interested in) renovating their kitchen and installing a major appliance. 

However, just like other countertop-friendly replacements for larger kitchen appliances (looking at you, air fryers), their compact size may not be ideal for large families — but they do offer the perfect size and function for single folks and couples.

What is a countertop dishwasher?

A countertop dishwasher — also referred to as a tabletop dishwasher or mini dishwasher — is a comparatively small appliance that offers the same functions and capabilities as a built-in dishwasher, but in a more compact frame. Because of its smaller size and the fact that it does not need to be plumbed the same way as a traditional dishwasher, a counter dishwasher offers more placement options for small kitchens, apartment dwellers, and even RVs and boats.

Besides the obvious fact that they're far cheaper than a traditional dishwasher, a compact countertop dishwasher tends to be quieter, quicker, and often easier to use than a standard dishwasher too. They’re also a great solution for anyone with limited mobility or back issues as you can load and unload dishes without bending. And, unlike a built-in dishwasher, you can take your countertop dishwasher with you when you move, so it’s a pretty economical choice.

Is a countertop dishwasher eco-friendly?

If you’re concerned about water and electricity usage, countertop dishwashers have the upper hand in these realms, too. Countertop dishwashers use less water — as little as two gallons of water per wash cycle — than traditional built-in dishwashers. They also use way less water than washing dishes by hand, especially if you're the type of person who leaves the faucet running the whole time. (Guilty as charged.) In fact, we’re wasting up to two gallons of water each minute when washing dishes by hand!

Mini dishwashers also tend to use less energy than their full-size counterparts, so you shouldn’t have to worry that your electricity bill will take a hit. Look for Energy Star ratings to find the most energy-efficient, eco-friendly choice for your compact dishwasher.

Where does the water come from?

Though counter dishwashers are quite portable, they do still need to be plumbed — sort of. Some require a connection to a faucet — specifically a threaded faucet spout — for their fresh water supply to clean the dishes. In this case, the appliance will come with a hose and, often, an adapter that should make it easy to hook up to your sink's faucet.

But some countertop dishwashers do not require a water hookup, instead housing a built-in water tank that you would need to fill prior to every (or maybe every other) wash cycle. This allows you the freedom to place the counter dishwasher anywhere you want, rather than right next to your sink — a crucial factor to keep in mind if your counter space is limited, or if your faucet is not suitable for any reason.

How does a tabletop dishwasher drain?

No matter where the water comes from, however, keep in mind that the water also needs somewhere to go. Typically, a compact dishwasher will come with a drain hose that allows the dirty water to drain out of the dishwasher into a nearby sink. However, if space and placement are a tricky issue and you're opting for an appliance with a built-in water tank, you could set up your tabletop dishwasher away from a sink and let the hose flow into a bucket that you can then empty into a drain later. It may not be the prettiest setup, but it’s definitely doable!

Is a countertop dishwasher the same as a portable dishwasher?

As you shop, keep in mind that a countertop dishwasher may sometimes also be referred to as a portable dishwasher. While a compact countertop dishwasher is most definitely portable in the sense that you can move it wherever you need it, the moniker "portable dishwasher" is more often used to refer to a full-sized dishwasher that is on wheels. This allows it to be stored away in a pantry or closet when not in use, and then hooked up temporarily to a faucet when needed (as opposed to a stationary, built-in dishwasher that takes up valuable storage space under kitchen counters and needs to be plumbed). 

It can sometimes be hard to tell whether a dishwasher is a compact countertop style or a freestanding portable dishwasher by picture alone, so be sure to carefully check the details and dimensions of any dishwasher you intend to buy to ensure it will fit your space and your needs.

How many dishes can I wash in a tabletop dishwasher?

In general, a counter dishwasher can tackle around four to six place settings — that's plates, bowls, silverware, glasses, and mugs. However, you'll want to keep in mind the size of your dinner plates; some tabletop dishwashers can't accommodate dishes larger than 10 inches in diameter, so you'll want to ensure your mini dishwasher is actually suitable for your needs.

Can a countertop dishwasher clean pots and pans?

With reduced size comes reduced functionality, so you can forget about cleaning your standard-sized pots, pans, mixing bowls, and any other larger items in a countertop dishwasher. Some compact countertop dishwashers might be able to accommodate a small pot or small pan, however.

On the flip side, the best portable dishwasher on the market will offer ample space for your large cookware as those appliances are more comparable in size to a traditional built-in dishwasher.

Can a mini dishwasher sterilize dishes?

While sterilizing (i.e., removing all microorganisms) is a bit of a stretch, some countertop dishwashers are able to sanitize dishes, essentially reducing microorganisms to a safe level. If the appliance is pre-programmed with a specialized cycle that generates steam, it can be used to sanitize baby bottles and other containers. Often, this cycle is even referred to as a “baby cycle” or something similar for this reason.

When it comes to picking the best countertop dishwasher for your home, you'll want to consider the number of place settings you'll need to wash at one time, and whether you want the appliance to have a built-in water tank or hook up directly to your faucet. To help you out, we've rounded up some of the best tabletop dishwashers across various categories.

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