Do you dream of a kitchen that works perfectly for you, but feel stuck when it comes to finding the right spot for your dishwasher? Many homeowners face this exact problem. Built-in dishwashers need specific cabinet space, and sometimes your kitchen layout just does not allow for that. This creates a headache! You want clean dishes without tearing down walls, right?
Choosing a countertop dishwasher is the smart solution for many kitchens, especially smaller ones or rentals. But then you face a new challenge: what countertop material works best? You worry about spills, heat, and matching your existing style. Picking the wrong surface can lead to stains, warping, or just looking out of place. It is a big decision that affects both function and looks.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore the best countertop materials for your new appliance. You will learn which surfaces handle daily use like a champ and which ones look amazing. By the end, you will feel confident choosing a durable and beautiful top for your compact cleaning helper. Let us find the perfect match for your kitchen setup!
Top Dishwasher Countertop Recommendations
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and has a plate size of up to 10 inches in diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- Simple Installation- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Depending on your needs, it can be flexibly placed on the table or fitted in the cupboard.
- 8 Washing Cycles- Most of the cleaning cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, helped with extra-drying function, and deliver sparklingly cleaned and dried dishes. Three more cleaning options, including Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse, are designed for COMFEE' compact dishwasher, providing high flexibility for you to choose in different situations.
- Heavy Program- Heavily soiled dishes are cleaned evenly with 12 washing nozzles, accompanied with 360° spiral spray wash to ensure complete washing of all the dishes from all angles. Also, high water temperature, which is up to 154℉, together with high water pressure, offer you the best cleaning towards the most stubborn stains.
- Speed Program- Only takes you 45 minutes to get all dishes cleaned, perfect for hurry-up situations, like holding a multi-round party. Accompanied with Energy Star compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.
- 【SMALL SIZE, LARGE CAPACITY】This portable dishwasher only measures 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches, but holds 4 full place settings and fits up to 12" dishes loaded at an angle, easily meeting daily needs for a family of 3-4; the double-layer design offers enough space for 4 x serving bowls, 4 x cups, 4 x small plates, 4 x dinner plates, 7 x spoons, 7 x forks and 7 x knives; perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs
- 【NO INSTALLATION NEEDED】This countertop dishwasher supports 2 water supply modes, including a faucet mode and water tank mode; a built-in 5 L water tank allows instant use when fully filled. The automatic water level indicator lets you know when the correct water level has been reached; to use the faucet mode, simply connect the water inlet hose to the machine and faucet
- 【BABY CARE MODE】This compact dishwasher offers 5 wash cycles - Normal, Speed, Soft, Baby Care/Heavy, and Fruit; the Baby Care/Heavy mode with 167 °F washing temperature is suitable for baby products and oily tableware, which rinses them thoroughly and gives glassware a sparkling clean finish
- 【3-IN-1 FUNCTION】Featuring a Dry mode, this machine is equipped with the features of a dishwasher, dryer, and cabinet, making taking care of your dishes and glassware a breeze; 60 minutes of hot air drying will automatically start after the wash cycle is finished, keeping your dishes dry and odorless; 72 hours of automatic ventilation stores your tableware in sanitary condition, providing clean dishes whenever you need them
- 【FULLY EQUIPPED】The storage rack and cutlery basket make it easy to clean ''top rack only'' dishwasher safe items such as knives, forks, and spoons, leaving more space for dishes and small pots; lower and upper spray arms give dishes a streak-free deep cleaning, and the included fruit basket stores fruits and vegetables neatly and cleans them
- Large Capacity: This dishwasher can wash up to 12 to 20 pieces of tableware at a time. Whether dishes, knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks, or cups, they can all be handled together, making it easy to cope with the busy cleaning needs of families.
- Thoughtful Design: It is a complete unit, so you no longer have to worry about tedious drilling, changing pipeline positions, modifying cabinets, etc. Just connect it to the inlet and outlet pipelines to use. Its compact size (17.72x15.75x17.3in) does not take up much valuable kitchen space, making your kitchen cleaner and more beautiful.
- Easy to Operate: It has multiple functions including cleaning, and drying. Its touch panel helps you start with just one click, making it convenient to use and saving you the hassle of manual cleaning, making your life more relaxed and enjoyable.
- 3-in-1 Washing Modes: It adopts hot plate heating technology and has three intelligent washing modes: fast washing, standard washing, and strong washing. These three modes can be selected based on the quantity of different tableware, providing you with more personalized washing services.
- Efficient Cleaning: Its autonomous watering ensures that the water source is sufficient during washing. It also adopts a lower spray arm with a 360° rotating spray design, and this powerful water flow can more effectively wash the tableware, improving your cleaning efficiency.
- Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" 【No installation needed】: Adding water manually in the 5L built-in water tank, you can put the dishwasher in any suitable place without connecting to tap water. Or it can be hooked to the kitchen faucet directly with the included water hose (Adapter included).Water pressure : 0.04 - 1.0MPa.
- [ Ultra-compact Design]: The ultra-compact design allows the dishwasher to wash 30+ items（Max to 9.5-inch plates) at a time while occupying a small area, which is ideal for small houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.
- [ 6 Program Options ]: NORMAL, RAPID, STEAM, FRUIT, GLASS washing programs, and AIR REFRESH extra drying mode meet all your daily needs. Note: Use the standard dishwasher powders or detergents because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems. (No detergent is needed for the FRUIT program, and RAPID just needs half of the standard quantity. )
- [ 192 ℉ HIGH-TEMP HYGIENE ]: The HYGIENE wash cycle boosts water temperature to 162 ℉ Rinsing and Max to 192 ℉ which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes and is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children’s dinner sets.
- [ Extra Drying & Stay Fresh ]: Circulation of AIR REFRESH removes moisture and odor, keeping your plates and machine dry and fresh for a long time. The function is enabled by default and you can also inactivate the function if unnecessary.
- 【APP Smart Control】Different from others, our dishwasher has an app connection function. No matter where you are, you can check the status of the dishwasher and set the dishwashing timer in real time through your phone, which can save you time, and also bring you a more convenient life
- 【Six Washing Programs】Our dishwasher designed with 6 washing programs, including Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, Drying, which fulfilling your daily requirements; Standard mode is suitable for most common dishware; Quick mode only needs 29 minutes to satisfy basic washing; ECO mode can save power and water; Fruit mode is designed for you who want to clean specific items.After cleaning, 167℉ high temperature fast drying function can ensure health and safety
- 【Dual Modes of Water Inlet】You can add water to the tank directly or attach the dishwasher to the tap,which means that no worries about modifying waterways and cabinets. Also it is ideal for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats and campers/RVs
- 【Large Capacity】Our dishwasher can hold up home for 4-6 sets of tableware(20 dishes), and also equipped with bowl basket, knife& fork basket.There are also storage racks and cutlery baskets inside to make forks, spoons, etc. easier to clean
- 【3D 360° Spiral Spray Washing】360° Powerful Cleaning,Up&Down Double Spray Arms,High pressure washing and full-angle 3D spraying cover every corner and remove stains thoroughly and effectively,which gives you the perfect dishwashing experience
- 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Euhomy Portable Countertop Dishwasher: Compact yet powerful, measuring just 16.83 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches. Its spacious interior efficiently cleans over 30 items at once, including plates up to 10.25 inches. Holds: 4 Plates, 4 Small Plates, 4 Small Cups, 4 Bowls, 2 Glasses, and 7 sets of Forks, Knives, and Spoons. Includes added convenience with a dedicated cutlery holder, a fruit basket, and a kettle. The perfect space-saving solution for homes, apartments, dorms, boats, and RVs
- 𝐍𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝: Our Euhomy countertop dishwasher offers two water supply options: tank mode and faucet mode. In Tank Mode, simply fill the built-in 5L (1.32-Gallon) reservoir—the automatic water level indicator tells you when it's perfectly filled and ready to clean. Use Faucet Mode by attaching the included inlet hose directly to your kitchen tap for a continuous supply of water. With dual modes, this compact dishwasher offers effortless operation and adapts to any kitchen setup—no permanent installation required
- 𝟔 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬: The Euhomy compact dishwasher boasts 6 programs for your family: Normal, Quick, ECO, Baby Care/Heavy Duty, and Fruit, Dry. The Quick offers a 29 minutes fast wash. While the Baby Care/ Strong mode of our mini dishwasher operates at a scorching 167°F, ensuring baby products and greasy dishes are thoroughly rinsed. The dishwasher also features a dual spray arm system that provides 360° cleaning, ensuring thorough washing of accessories—even pet bowls, collars, leashes, and more. Customized cleaning is easy with this versatile dishwasher
- 𝟑-𝐢𝐧-𝟏 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Not just a sideboard and compact dishwasher, but also a dish dryer. The Euhomy dishwasher provides 60 minutes of hot air drying followed by 73 hours of automatic ventilation after each wash, keeping your dishes free from unpleasant odors. *The drying mode can be used with any wash cycle except Fruit mode, and it can also operate independently
- 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: This compact dishwasher saves up to 80% water compared to handwashing. Its 5L (1.32-gallon) water tank can handle multiple cleaning operations. Certified by ETL and DOE for safety, quality, and energy-saving performance, it also comes with a 1-year warranty. We're always here to help with any questions!
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and has a plate size of up to 10 inches in diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- Simple Installation- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Depending on your needs, it can be flexibly placed on the table or fitted in the cupboard.
- 8 Washing Cycles- Most of the cleaning cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, helped with extra-drying function, and deliver sparklingly cleaned and dried dishes. Three more cleaning options, including Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse, are designed for COMFEE' compact dishwasher, providing high flexibility for you to choose in different situations.
- Heavy Program- Heavily soiled dishes are cleaned evenly with 12 washing nozzles, accompanied with 360° spiral spray wash to ensure complete washing of all the dishes from all angles. Also, high water temperature, which is up to 68℃, together with high water pressure, offer you the best cleaning towards the most stubborn stains.
- Speed Program- Only takes you 45 minutes to get all dishes cleaned, perfect for hurry-up situations, like holding a multi-round party. Accompanied with compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.
- 【5 PLACE-SETTING CAPACITY】hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher measures just 16.85" L x 16.73" W x 18.23" H. Its roomy interior features a special dish rack and cutlery holder, accommodating over 30 pieces of kitchenware at once. It fits 5 full place settings and 10.25" dishes at an angle, making it perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs. Make sure there's at least 20.08" between your countertop and those wall cabinets.
- 【7+3 WASHING PROGRAMS】 The 120V portable dishwasher comes with 7 washing programs—Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, Self-clean, and Glass—it ensures that all your dishes, from delicate glassware to baby bottles, are thoroughly cleaned. It also comes with 3 extra functions: Delay, Child Lock, and Dry, fully satisfying your everyday dishwasher needs.
- 【WATER-SAVING】This compact dishwasher saves up to 83% more water compared to handwashing, using just 5L per cycle. Certified by ETL for safety and quality, hermitlux countertop dishwasher is an eco-friendly and cost-effective option.
- 【UP TO 18-HOUR DELAYED START】This tabletop dishwasher can be set to finish at your convenience with its 18-hour delay option on this updated model, letting you benefit from off-peak power rates and get the dishes washed while you're sleeping.
- 【360° All-AROUND CLEANING】The spray arms feature 14 water jets that spray from both the top and bottom, achieving a 360° cleaning coverage. This ensures a meticulous rinse, imparting a gleaming, pristine finish to your dishes.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Countertop Dishwashers
A countertop dishwasher is a small helper for your kitchen. It washes dishes without needing a big built-in spot. These machines are great for small apartments, RVs, or dorm rooms. Choosing the right one can save you time and effort. Here is what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
Good countertop dishwashers offer several important features. Think about these when comparing models:
- Capacity: How many dishes fit inside? Most hold 4 to 8 place settings. A place setting includes one plate, one bowl, and silverware. Check the size if you host often.
- Washing Cycles: Look for different cleaning options. Normal, heavy, and quick wash cycles are very useful. Some models even have an eco or glass setting.
- Water Hookup: Most models connect directly to your kitchen faucet using an adapter. Make sure the included adapter fits your sink. Some high-end models can even hold their own water tank, making them truly portable.
- Drying Method: How does the dishwasher dry your dishes? Air drying is common and saves energy. Some use a heating element for faster drying.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how long your dishwasher lasts and how clean your dishes get.
Interior Tub Material
The inside tub is usually made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel tubs are better. They resist stains and odors more effectively. Plastic tubs are lighter and often cheaper, but they might hold smells over time.
Exterior Casing
The outside casing is typically plastic or metal. Metal casings feel sturdier. Plastic casings keep the machine lighter, which is helpful when moving it.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all countertop dishwashers clean the same way. Several factors change the quality of your wash.
Noise Level
This is very important, especially in small spaces. Noise is measured in decibels (dB). Anything under 55 dB is generally considered quiet. Loud machines can be annoying while you are watching TV or working.
Water Efficiency
A good machine uses less water per cycle. Check the product specifications. Using less water saves you money and helps the environment. Models that use less than 3 gallons per load are very efficient.
Installation Complexity
Simple hookup means better quality of life. If the connections are confusing or the hoses are too short, it reduces the good experience. Look for models with easy-to-use quick-connect fittings.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the dishwasher matters a lot.
Apartment Living
If you rent, a countertop unit is perfect. It requires no permanent installation. You simply hook it up when you need it and disconnect it when you move out.
Small Families or Couples
These dishwashers are ideal for one or two people. They stop you from running a large, half-empty dishwasher every day. This saves energy and water.
Quick Cleanups
If you cook often, use the quick wash cycle. It cleans lightly soiled dishes fast, usually in under an hour. This means you always have clean glasses and silverware ready.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Countertop Dishwashers
Q: Do countertop dishwashers need plumbing?
A: Most models connect directly to your kitchen faucet using a hose and adapter. They drain into the sink. Some specialized models can use a water tank instead.
Q: How much counter space do they take up?
A: They are about the size of a large microwave oven. Measure your available space before buying. Allow a few inches around the back for hoses.
Q: Can I use regular dishwasher soap?
A: Yes, you can use standard dishwasher pods or powder. However, use only a small amount. Too much soap in a small machine creates excessive suds.
Q: Are they energy efficient?
A: Generally, yes. They use much less energy than a full-sized dishwasher because they heat less water per cycle.
Q: How long does a normal cycle take?
A: A normal wash cycle usually runs between 90 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the model and the soil level.
Q: Will it clean baked-on food well?
A: They handle light to moderate soil very well. Heavily baked-on pots and pans might need pre-scraping or a dedicated heavy-duty cycle.
Q: How do I dry the dishes?
A: Some models use a heated dry cycle. Others rely on the door opening automatically or manual towel drying after the cycle finishes.
Q: Are they hard to move or store?
A: They are relatively lightweight, often under 50 pounds. You can store them in a cupboard when not in use, but connecting and disconnecting takes a few minutes each time.
Q: Do they clean silverware effectively?
A: Yes, most have a small basket or rack specifically for silverware. Ensure you load them facing different directions to prevent nesting.
Q: What is the warranty usually like?
A: Most manufacturers offer a one-year limited warranty covering parts and labor. Check the specific terms before purchasing.