🍽️ Best Countertop Dishwashers (2026)
If you live in an apartment, dorm, RV, or small kitchen, a full-size dishwasher often isn’t an option. That’s where countertop dishwashers come in.
In 2026, these compact machines are better than ever:
they clean surprisingly well, use very little water, and don’t require permanent installation.
After reviewing the most popular and reliable models, these are the best countertop dishwashers worth buying right now:
- ✅ COMFEE’ Portable Dishwasher – best overall balance
- ✅ HAVA Countertop Dishwasher – premium no-hookup option
- ✅ Farberware Portable Dishwasher – best budget pick
If you’re upgrading your kitchen setup, these pair nicely with:
🔝 Best Countertop Dishwasher Picks
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
Compact, reliable dishwasher with multiple wash programs and faucet hookup.
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher (No Hookup)
Premium countertop dishwasher with built-in water tank — no sink connection needed.
Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Budget-friendly option that gets the job done for small households.
🧠 How to choose a countertop dishwasher (important before buying)
Before picking a model, it helps to understand what really matters. Many people buy the wrong one simply because they don’t know the key differences.
1️⃣ Hookup vs no-hookup (built-in water tank)
This is the most important decision.
-
Hookup models connect directly to your sink faucet
✔ slightly cheaper
✔ unlimited water
✖ requires compatible faucet -
No-hookup models have a built-in water tank
✔ works anywhere (even without a sink nearby)
✔ perfect for rentals & dorms
✖ slightly more expensive
If you rent or move often, a tank-based model like HAVA is much easier.
2️⃣ Capacity (what actually fits)
Most countertop dishwashers fit:
- 2–4 place settings
- plates up to ~10–12 inches
- cups, bowls, utensils
They’re perfect for:
- 1–2 people
- small apartments
- RVs
- studios
They are not meant for big pots or family-size loads.
3️⃣ Cleaning performance
Modern countertop dishwashers clean better than most people expect. Most models offer:
- intensive wash
- eco mode
- quick wash
- glass mode
- baby-care / hygiene mode
If you pre-rinse heavy food, results are excellent.
4️⃣ Water & energy usage
A countertop dishwasher typically uses:
- 1–1.5 gallons of water per cycle
- far less than handwashing
That makes them surprisingly efficient, even in small homes.
🧼 Product deep dives
🟦 COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher — Best Overall
The COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher is one of the most popular models for a reason: it balances price, reliability, and cleaning performance better than most competitors.
Why it stands out
- Compact but surprisingly spacious inside
- Multiple wash programs
- Reliable cleaning performance
- Trusted brand with good availability
Real-world experience
It handles daily dishes for 1–2 people easily. Plates, mugs, and utensils come out clean as long as you don’t overload it. Setup takes just a few minutes if your faucet supports the adapter.
Best for
- Small apartments
- Couples
- Anyone wanting a straightforward, dependable unit
Not ideal if
- You can’t connect to a sink
- You want a built-in water tank
🟩 HAVA Countertop Dishwasher — Best No-Hookup Option
HAVA is popular because it doesn’t require any plumbing at all. You just fill the tank with water, close the lid, and start the cycle.
Why people love it
- Built-in water tank
- Modern design
- Easy setup anywhere
- Strong cleaning performance
Real-world experience
Perfect for renters, dorms, or kitchens where modifying plumbing isn’t allowed. The convenience of not needing a faucet connection outweighs the slightly higher price.
Best for
- Apartments with incompatible faucets
- RVs and tiny homes
- People who move often
Not ideal if
- You want the lowest possible price
- You don’t want to manually refill water
🟥 Farberware Portable Dishwasher — Best Budget Pick
Farberware offers one of the most affordable countertop dishwashers that still works reliably.
Why it’s popular
- Lower price point
- Simple controls
- Solid wash performance
- Trusted brand
Real-world experience
It’s not fancy, but it works. You get clean dishes with minimal fuss. Perfect if you want to spend as little as possible while still avoiding handwashing.
Best for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Students
- First-time dishwasher owners
Not ideal if
- You want premium looks
- You want ultra-quiet operation
📊 Comparison Table
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
- Best overall balance
- Multiple wash modes
- Good reliability
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher
- No hookup required
- Built-in water tank
- Modern design
Farberware Portable Dishwasher
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Good cleaning power
*Prices are approximate and may change. Always check the live price on Amazon before buying.
✅ Quick buyer guide
- Small apartment / rental: HAVA
- Best overall value: COMFEE’
- Lowest price: Farberware
- No plumbing allowed: HAVA
- Simple & reliable: COMFEE’
🔗 Related reading
❓ FAQ
Do countertop dishwashers actually clean well?
Yes. As long as dishes are not heavily caked with food, modern countertop dishwashers clean surprisingly well.
Do they use a lot of water?
No. Most use around 1–1.5 gallons per cycle — often less than handwashing.
Do I need special plumbing?
Only some models. No-hookup versions work with a built-in water tank.
Are they noisy?
They are quieter than older models, but still audible — similar to a washing machine.
