Don’t have the budget or space to fit in a full-size dishwasher? That doesn’t mean you have to spend your time washing dirty dishes after a hearty meal or do this unpleasant task at the expense doing some other important work. A countertop dishwasher can give you the freedom you need and make your dishes sparkle like new too!
These devices can easily fit over the countertop and they do not require any plumbing work except connection to the kitchen faucet. Whether you are building your kitchen from scratch or remodeling it, you will probably be in the market for a new dishwasher, but the variety of models and brands are bound to leave you confused.
To make your task easier and help you strike the best deal, our dedicated team has done the research work. In this post, we have reviewed the best countertop dishwashers in the market on various parameters such as how much power they use, water consumption, energy usage, and performance. Read on to find the perfect dishwasher that suits your requirements and budget too.
1. EdgeStar DWP62SV 6 Place Setting Portable Countertop Dishwasher
With the EdgeStar 6 Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher, you get the advantage of washing up to six different standard place settings on the countertop. Measuring about 17 inches tall, this is a smart and compact counter-top dishwasher that sports a low profile. It can easily fit into any type of cabinetry without requiring any permanent installations.
The counter-top dishwasher also results in less energy usage as it consumes only about 200 kilowatt-hours each year. This means 61 percent less energy than any similar category of countertop dishwashers. Besides saving energy, the model also wastes less water so you get to save both on your water and energy bills.
The product comes with an integrated rinse agent dispenser that helps in reducing any water spots on the dishes. There is also an internal heating system plus a heavy wash cycle that kills bacteria and germs by increasing the water temperature to approximately 149 degrees Fahrenheit.
The dishwasher is also extremely easy to operate with its seven wash cycles, and it is optimized to hold up to six place settings, with a dish rack, cup shelf and cutlery basket for easy organization. The interior is made of stainless steel, which gives the dishwasher an attractive appearance. It comes with a powerful spray arm that ensures a thorough and deep cleanse of your dishes.
With a five-foot hose and quick-connect adapter, it makes hooking up to any faucet very simple and the dishwashing machine does the job of cleaning the dirty dishes. The device is easily controlled and managed with simplified electronic controls and a digital display. Just make sure that you do not use dish detergent, tabs or pods and you are good to go.
Quick connect adapter
Accommodates in any cabinetry
Holds full-size plates and pots with ease
User-friendly and less maintenance needed
Less power consumption
One year manufacturer’s warranty
Can’t clean dried stains
Too low to accommodate dinner plates
Overall, the EdgeStar DWP62SV 6 Place Setting Portable Countertop Dishwasher does a decent job at cleaning and they are a perfect fit for basement studios or apartments with less counter space.
2. Magic Chef Energy Star 6-Place Setting MCSCD6W5 6 Plate Countertop Dishwasher
If you want all the conveniences of a large dishwasher but don’t want to compromise with space then the Magic Chef Energy Star 6-Place Setting MCSCD6W5 6 Plate Countertop Dishwasher is a good choice. It weaves in some of the best features you can expect from a high-end model but it does not eat a lot of counter space.
The device boasts six different place settings and six programs to help you clean all types of dishes with great precision. Users can choose from the five different wash cycles by simply pressing the specific program knob. There are electric controls replete with a digital display to make it easier to set and change settings.
The outside design looks cool and compact, and it can fit well in almost any kitchen. The interior walls are made from stainless steel and it also features a residual drying system. Some of the other smart features of the model include a quick-connect adapter, indicator lights, inlet and outlet hoses, etc.
This countertop dishwasher also comes with an anti-flooding mechanism, automatic detergent as well as rinse dispenser. To ensure the safety of users, the model also comes with an integrated flow meter water sensor.
When washing the dishes, remember to keep the cutlery in a different basket and cups in a different rack. It has a removable filter that is easy to clean and maintain. The machine consumes only 680 Watts, so it helps you save on energy bills. At just 17 inches in length, it can be hooked to any 70-inches long inlet hose and a 47-inches long outlet hose.
Reasonable sound level, does not cause disturbance
Unit is highly energy efficient
Easy and quick to install the dishwasher
Has a solid reliability track
Does not come with a hookup adapter
If you want a small and reliable dishwasher that can hold a few dishes with ease and clean with perfection without taking too much space or burning a hole in your pocket then the Magic Chef Energy Star 6-Place Setting MCSCD6W5 6 Plate Countertop Dishwasher is the best fit!
3. Magic Chef MCSCD6W3 Countertop Dishwasher
Magic Chef is one of the top manufacturers of countertop dishwashers, and the company’s latest model is the MCSCD6W3. This device features a six-place setting capacity, cutlery basket, and cup rack for an organized interior. In addition, this dishwasher uses hygienic residual drying that doesn’t require outside air.
With a stainless-steel interior as well as five wash cycles, the MCSCD6W3 is among the best dishwashers on the market. The machine features a digital display and easy-to-use electronic controls. This dishwasher is also very efficient.
As a compact model, the MCSCD6W3 is highly portable, allowing you to store it easily when you are not using it. The dishwasher fits well in a kitchen cabinet or next to the sink thanks to its small size.
The model’s electronic controls are creatively positioned on the front panel, making it easy to select the desired wash cycle. This machine also has very convenient detergent and rinse aid dispensers.
The fast-connect assembly kit has a 47-inch outlet hose and 70-inch inlet hose, making installation a breeze.
Is portable and compact
Has five wash cycles and a creative design
Comes with a great manual
Cleans thoroughly; utensils come out spotless
Lacks a heating option for drying dishes
Does not have a tub big enough to accommodate pots and pans
I found the Magic Chef MCSCD6W3 to be one of the top dishwashers, thanks to its creative features. It has built-in foldable tines in its rack which allows for easier loading and unloading. The dishwasher also features built-in rinse-aid and detergent dispensers. This is a model that I can confidently recommend to anyone who needs a modern upgrade in their kitchen.
4. hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher
hOmeLabs is one of the most popular dishwasher brands on the market, and the company’s latest product, the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher, has managed to stand out in this competitive market. A large amount of positive customer feedback this product has received shows that it is a quality dishwasher. That made me test it to bring you my firsthand experience.
This dishwasher is compact enough to fit in a kitchen with limited space. The only space you need is a countertop. The machine is also highly portable, and you can move and store it easily.
Like most dishwashers, the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher has six place settings. This offers great convenience as you can wash different dishes, irrespective of their shapes.
This dishwasher has detergent and rinses aid dispensers, which is quite convenient. If the dispenser runs out, this dishwasher has an indicator light that will alert you. The rinse aid dispenser will dry your dishes to ensure they are free of any marks or streaks.
The dishwasher has a stainless-steel interior, guaranteeing durability.
Comes with extra accessories for easier installation
Its user-friendly
Saves electricity and water thanks to its Energy Certification
Cleans dishes well, leaving them free of any watermarks or streaks
Doesn’t suit larger families because of its size
Thanks to its many features, the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher is a great model for small households. If you are seeking a dishwasher that saves space, then this dishwasher will do offers exactly that. My verdict is that this countertop dishwasher is worth it and will give you a great value for your money.
5. Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher
This dishwasher’s performance is exemplary for a countertop model. The Danby DDW621WDB utilizes about 12 liters of water for a normal cycle. This dishwasher’s six cycles are normal, soak, glass, heavy, speed, and light. This model is one of the best appliances of its kind.
The Danby DDW621WDB is ENERGY STAR rated, which means that it will save you money by lowering your electricity bills.
This machine is user-friendly and safe. With its well-built body, there is little or no chance of electrical short circuits.
Is ENERGY STAR rated
Is easy to install and user-friendly
Cleans quickly and thoroughly
Reportedly leaks. I personally never noticed any leaks, but some reviews mentioned them. In my opinion, the reported leaks may have been caused by improper installation or poor usage.
The Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher is one of the best dishwashers out there. It cleans dishes thoroughly and leaves no stains. While there are some quality countertop models that may outperform the Danby dishwasher in some respects, those machines cost more. Therefore, rest assured that you will be getting the best price-to-quality ratio with this one
6. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
If your kitchen is not big enough to accommodate a full-blown dishwasher, that does not mean you have to do all the dishwashing chore yourself. Bring home this smart, stylish, and compact dishwasher belonging to the family of BLACK+DECKER
This 6 place setting dishwasher can easily accommodate large dinner plates and pots, plus it comes with a convenient loading feature too. The dish racks come out with ease, and the removable utensils make room for simple loading as well as unloading.
The countertop dishwasher comes equipped with a lot of features including the 7-different wash cycles that include normal, intensive, raid & soak, glass, eco, and 90 minutes. Besides the stylish exterior, the interior of the machine is also made from high-grade stainless steel material.
The machine boasts a high-efficiency rating with an Energy Star certification that enables you to save money on energy bills. It is also environmental friendly. As it’s compact in size, it can easily fit into any kitchen cabinet and connect easily with kitchen tap.
The manufacturer has taken great care to ensure that the design is user-friendly with a simple and easy to understand control panel. The tap hook-ups, as well as other connections, are easy to use, ensuring that the machine starts quickly.
Electric touch settings and LED display to ensure that you can make the adjustments with ease. Some of the other features include child lock facility, up to 24 hours delayed start option, and so on.
Spacious interiors
Dishes, pots, and pans come out immaculately clean
Easy installations
Tap hooks up fast and easy
Comes with a heating element, which is a plus
Slightly on the heavier side
If your smart apartment is often visited by family and friends then this BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher is a must-have in your kitchen to regain your freedom without paying a high price for it.
7. DELLA Mini Compact Countertop Dishwasher 6 Place Settings Portable For Small Apartment Home Kitchen
When you want a small and compact countertop dishwasher to fit the kitchen cabinet with ease and meet the needs of your small apartment, the DELLA Mini Compact Countertop Dishwasher comes handy. This portable device with easy hook-up weighs light on your pocket and sports user-friendly controls.
Setting up this device is a breeze and the connections are extremely easy to operate with simple and user-friendly controls. There are six different wash cycles and the light indicators tell you about the wash cycle. You can choose between eco, speed, normal, glass, heavy, and rinse options as per your washing requirements.
In this mini countertop dishwasher, the temperature may raise up to 148 degrees Fahrenheit, and the intense water-force from the spray jet delivery makes it perfect for killing microbes, and bacteria present on the utensils. This ensures that you get clean and hygienic output each and every time.
Besides the small size of the unit, it is also lightweight which makes it perfect for use in dorms, RVs, boats, and small-sized apartments. If you love traveling in your RV and like to keep it equipped with basic amenities, then this dishwasher by DELLA is a good addition.
The mini appliance also comes with a quick-connect kit that you can attach to a kitchen faucet temporarily. This kit helps draining water directly to the kitchen sink in order to reduce the effort and make the dishwasher more user-friendly.
Lightweight unit
Easy to hook-up
In-built heating system
Compact size and stylish exterior
Simple to use control panels
No customer support
No information on the warranty
The DELLA Mini Compact Countertop Dishwasher is a compact and nice little appliance to have in your apartment kitchen to wash your dishes with ease.
How to Buy the Best Dishwashers
The most important point you need to consider is the space in your kitchen. To avoid the horror of buying a dishwasher that’s a centimeter too big, I advise you to use a tape measure so that you can determine how much space you have to spare before buying a machine.
Dishwasher sizes range from slimline, which is around 450 millimeters in width, to standard, which is about 600 millimeters wide. Make sure that you double-check the machine’s depth and height before you make your purchase.
If you have a small family, I would advise that you consider a single-drawer, slimline, or benchtop dishwasher. This is because a small family doesn’t tend to have as many dirty utensils as a large household does.
If you regularly have guests over, though, I suggest that you go with a standard dishwasher that has a half load option. This will enable you to wash a few dishes without wasting water and electricity but will also serve you well when you have a large load after you have had a party or have had guests over.
If your needs vary, the double-drawer dishwasher is a great option. You can use the top drawer for the small loads and both the top and bottom drawers for larger loads.
The place settings used to measure capacity can be a little bit confusing since these will vary, depending on the size of your plates. The more place settings a dishwasher has, the more dishes it can clean, and vice versa.
However, you need to remember that the most crucial point to consider is whether the dishwasher will physically fit into the available space in your kitchen.
Types of Dishwashers
It is about 450 millimeters wide, making it ideal for narrow spaces
It is around 600mm deep and 600mm wide. Its height varies from about 810-850mm. All these dimensions can change though depending on the brand and model of the dishwasher.
If your household has about four people and your kitchen has a 600mm wide cavity, I would say you have a winner when it comes to your ideal dishwasher.
A standard dishwasher is finished in stainless steel, black or white. The machine can be used as a freestanding appliance, or it can be built into your kitchen cabinetry.
A benchtop dishwasher can be placed on top of a kitchen bench. This dishwasher is ideal for apartment living and small households. It is easy to relocate and hence, perfect if you live in a rent.
This dishwasher is designed to blend in with your décor and be built into your kitchen cabinetry. If your fridge and oven are stainless steel, I would say that a stainless steel semi-integrated dishwasher is the way to go.
As with semi-integrated dishwasher, fully integrated models are designed to disappear into your kitchen, creating a completely streamlined look. The only difference between this machine and the semi-integrated one is that the fully integrated dishwasher has a control panel that is positioned at the top of the door so that when the door closes, you don’t see the controls at all.
Some fully integrated dishwashers provide you with an allowance to fit your custom panel to the front of the door so that you can correctly match it with your décor.
This dishwasher has a design like that of a filing cabinet and has one or two separate drawers. The one-drawer model is ideal for people with small households whereas the two-drawer model is convenient because it allows you to run two different cycles at the same time. This means you can wash your delicate utensils in the top drawer and pans and pots in the bottom drawer.
The dishdrawer dishwasher is easy to load and unload. It is perfect for people with back problems, so if you have that issue, this type of dishwasher is perfect for you.
Other Things to Consider
A dishwasher with a lot of stars in its water rating means that it is more water-efficient than those with fewer stars. This is important as Machines with higher ratings helps conserve water.
Every dishwasher has an energy rating displayed on a label. The more stars a dishwasher has, the more energy it saves. The advantages of using energy-saving dishwashers include a reduced impact on the environment and lower operating costs.
Features of a Dishwasher
Delaying the start of a wash cycle allows you to take advantage of off-peak energy rates. This feature also enables you to set your wash to start when you are out of the house so the noise doesn’t disturb you, your family, or your guests.
Digital displays are beneficial as they show you significant details such as the time remaining in the cycle.
Most of the dishwashers on the market rinse food residue off the dishes before washing them. This saves you the time and trouble of rinsing in the sink. You need to empty the filter that catches food residue regularly so that there is no buildup.
Some dishwashers have self-cleaning filtration systems.
Dishwashers typically come with delicate, standard, and heavy cycle options. Some dishwashers have more specialized programs such as quick wash cycles and extra-hot hygienic washes.
It is important to note that since there are many options offered and it can be confusing, it’s better to buy a dishwasher that employs intelligent sensor technology. This calculates the right conditions to get excellent results for you.
After the wash is complete, dishwashers, depending on their type, dry the dishes so that you can put them in the cupboard right away. This feature uses additional energy, so if you are trying to save, then it would be wise to opt to dry the dishes yourself or let the residual heat inside the cavity dry them.
Related Questions
Q: What’s the correct way to load the dishwasher?
Each dishwasher is unique so make sure you refer to the owner’s manual, however the general principles usually remain the same. Your dishes should always be inwards facing the center of the appliance. The bulkier items like pots and pans should be placed on the sides or at the back. Take into account the location of a detergent chamber and the path of the water sprayer. Microwave-friendly utensils and glassware should be kept on the top rack. When putting cutleries, keep some with head-first and others with feet-first to avoid damage during the wash cycle.
Q: Is it necessary to use a special dishwasher detergent or I can use any soap or dishwashing liquid?
Never substitute the dishwasher detergent with any other type of soap or liquid dishwasher for the automatic machines. Other brands of detergents may produce too much suds for water to clean your dishes properly. Excessive suds may even cause your dishwasher to overflow. This may damage your appliance as well as the surfaces around it.
Q: Are there any items that should not be put into the dishwasher?
Yes, we recommend that you leave our aluminum, iron, crystal, and wooden items unless the manufacturer says they are safe to put in. It is better to hand wash these dishes separately as they may get damaged or discolored. Always remember to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on what is safe to use with the dishwasher. Silverware may be put inside a dishwasher but make sure you do not mix silver and steel together in the same compartment as this may cause tarnishing.
For more: Can You Wash Clothes In A Dishwasher?
Q: Is it necessary to pre-rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher?
Not really. You may just scrape out the excess food particles and dispose of them in the garbage. Skip pre-rinsing the dishes to save water. Most of the modern-day dishwashers are designed in a way to remove all food particles. Hence, no pre-rinsing is needed unless your dishes have been sitting outside for several hours. If they are too dried up, you may soak them in soapy water for 15 minutes to loosen up food particles before putting inside a dishwasher.
Q: Is it necessary to use a rinse aid?
You will see little compartment beside the compartment for detergent in your dishwasher. This is where the rinse aid goes. If the dishes come out sparkly clean, without any water spots or haze then you don’t need to add rinse aid. However, if the dishes come out too wet, with spots on them then you may need to use rinse aid along with detergent. Despite the name, it actually plays no role in rinsing but helps in removing water drops from plates, glasses, and bowls. It contains a substance known as surfactants that reduce the surface tension of water. So instead of forming droplets, water converts into thin sheets that roll out of the dishes, allowing them to dry quickly.
Related Article: Your Dishwasher Can Run Better – 14 Tips To Boost Its Performance
The Final Thoughts
All the dishwashers reviewed in this article will get your dishes clean and operate quietly. Your choice depends on your need to balance your budget with features and flexibility. The easy way to spot a high-end dishwasher is to look for energy efficiency features, noise ratings, types of wash cycles, brands, and aesthetics. All the best dishwasher models on the market perform very well in these categories.
