A good best portable countertop dishwasher is difficult to replace. Hand washing takes longer and consumes more water. A bad dishwasher can take multiple wash cycles, leave glasses stained, re-deposit food particles on otherwise clean dishes, have long, noisy cycles, and leave dishes soggy.
We’ve been testing dishwashers for over a decade, so we know what separates the good from the great and which ones to avoid too. The best dishwashers are energy efficient, offer low noise, provide excellent stain removal, drying capabilities, and have flexible baskets, among other features.
After testing hundreds of dishwashers using thousands of dirty pans, plates and pots, we have found dishwashers that excel in everything.
To make the process of selecting the best dishwasher for your home slightly less overwhelming, we’ve cut through the jargon, studied the details, and checked out the reviews to find the very best makes and models around. You’ll find our handy round-up, including our pick of the best integrated dishwasher, below.
Top Best Portable Countertop Dishwasher – Reviewed
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Black+Decker BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
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If you have small children, you will understand the importance of making sure your appliances are safe. Prying fingers can easily press buttons and open doors when you are not looking. If young children can accidentally turn on the dishwasher, the results could potentially be expensive or even dangerous.
So what’s the solution?
The Black+Decker BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher comes complete with a special child lock. This means that you won’t have to worry about your child playing with this model when you’re not around.
This model also comes with a range of other features that helps to make it especially convenient. There are seven different wash programs to choose from to help provide plenty of versatility. Simply choose the desired setting to rinse, wash, soak, or even dry the plates.
Up to six place settings…
Despite its compact design, six full place settings can fit inside this dishwasher. There is a special setting for glass, while the eco setting reduces your power consumption. If you are short on time, you can be sure that the rapid setting will clean your dishes in a flash.
Selecting the right setting and seeing what is going on is easy, thanks to the large LED display. Simply load up the dishwasher, select the setting that suits your needs, and let the machine go to work. What could be easier?
PROS
- Features a special child lock.
- Boasts seven different wash programs.
- Large LED Display and Electronic Touch Controls.
- Comes with a delayed start option.
- Energy Star certified.
CONS
- Doesn’t dry the dishes especially well.
DELLA Portable Compact Countertop Dishwasher
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If you have a lot of hungry mouths to feed, you are likely to have plenty of dishes to wash. However, if your kitchen is especially compact, you will need a dishwasher that is small enough to fit. The best countertop dishwasher for your needs will need to be robust and yet rather small.
Small yet perfectly formed…
The DELLA Portable Compact Countertop Dishwasher is roughly the size of a regular microwave. This means that it will fit very easily on a standard countertop. However, this model is packed with plenty of features that provide you with pure control.
This model boasts a stainless steel interior that is designed to be especially durable and long lasting. You are treated to a large control panel that makes it easy to identify and select the option you desire. With six different wash cycles available, getting your dishes and other items beautifully clean should be a breeze.
Quick and easy Dispensing…
With the DELLA Portable Compact Countertop Dishwasher, you are treated to a special rinse aid dispenser. There is also another dispenser that is designed especially for detergent. Both of these dispensers are very easy to fill and reliable.
On a side note, it is not a good idea to use regular dishwashing detergent with this model. If you do, you are likely to find that you have suds right up to the ceiling. However, you can eliminate this problem very easily by purchasing detergent that has been designed for a dishwasher.
PROS
- Offers six different wash cycles.
- Very easy to install and use.
- Ideal for heavy-duty use.
- Compact enough for small kitchens.
- Comes with detergent and rinse aid dispensers.
CONS
- Not compatible with regular detergent.
hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher
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Just because you have limited space, it doesn’t mean you should compromise on features. Most compact appliances save on space by cutting out many of the useful features. This means that you will experience only part of the usual performance and versatility.
With its six different wash settings, the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher provides you with plenty of choice. This model comes with various different racks that you can select according to your specific needs. There are also special cup holders to help keep small items firmly in place during the wash cycle.
Complete control…
With this dishwasher, you are provided with full control over your water consumption. Even on the highest wash setting, the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher uses less water than most models. However, there is also a special eco setting that allows you to save even more on water and energy.
Even on the lowest setting, you can be sure that all items will emerge sparkling clean. If you have particularly stubborn food stains, they will be taken care of with the pre-rinse cycle. You can also choose to run the soak cycle to remove even baked-on stains before running the wash cycle.
Quick and easy…
It should be noted that the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher does not come with a faucet adapter. However, this item is affordable and easy to find. Once you have tracked down a faucet adapter, the whole installation process should be very quick and easy.
PROS
- Features six different washing cycles.
- Boasts a very durable construction.
- Delivers low water consumption.
- Very easy to install.
- Designed to fit easily on most countertops.
CONS
- This model runs a little loud.
- Does not include a faucet adapter
Magic Chef MCSCD6W3 6 Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher
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Are you looking for a countertop dishwasher that really packs a punch? With 680 Watts of power, you can be sure that the Magic Chef MCSCD6W3 6 Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher delivers. Despite the fact that it is compact enough for modern compartments, there is enough space inside for six place settings.
Say goodbye to spots…
This modern dishwasher comes with five different wash cycles to provide you with plenty of choice. The inlet and outlet hose are designed to be very easy to hook up. Thanks to the automatic detergent and rinse aid dispenser you can be sure that your dishes will be delivered free from spots.
There are several different racks built into the design of this model. This allows you to keep your cutlery separate so that small items do not become lost or damaged. If you have a small load to wash, this can be taken care of with the special quick wash setting.
The special quick-attach nozzle helps to make setting up this dishwasher especially quick and easy. You are also supplied with a full installation kit and a set of clear instructions. Although the kit is only compatible with a standard faucet, it is easy to purchase an adapter if you need one.
PROS
- Boasts five different wash cycles.
- Operates especially quietly.
- Very easy to keep clean.
- Comes with a quick setup kit.
- Can hold six place settings.
CONS
- Only fits a standard faucet.
Best Countertop Dishwasher Buying Guide
Just because you have a small kitchen, it doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on enjoying a dishwasher. A large number of top of the range models have been created for people who have compact kitchens. Here are some key features to look for in the best countertop dishwasher.
Size Matters
This is likely to be your main concern when choosing the perfect countertop dishwasher. You need to take the size of your countertop into consideration to make sure that the model actually fits. Ideally, it should be light enough so that you can re-position it as and when desired.
The Capacity
Take the time to consider your actual dishwashing needs. Are you mainly cooking for two, or do you like hosting dinner parties? There should be enough space in the dishwasher to wash all your dishes in one cycle.
If your dishes and plates are especially large, you will also need to make sure that the dishwasher can accommodate them. Models that come with adjustable racks are ideal for large dishes. They will move back for larger dishes and move forwards again when you have a smaller load.
Water Consumption
While dishwashers need to use water to get the job done, the amount of water they use can vary dramatically. In fact, the difference between the amounts of water they use per cycle can differ by several gallons. It is important to choose a model that will save on water while still providing you with beautifully clean dishes.
Energy Efficiency
If you don’t want your energy bills to rise out of control, make sure that the dishwasher is Energy Star rated. This is a good sign that the model is especially energy-efficient. However, you will still receive plenty of performance to get your dishes clean.
The Cycles
Countertop dishwashers come with different cycles that are designed to accomplish different tasks. These cycles include pre-rinse, soak, quick wash, heavy wash, and much more. Generally speaking, the more cycles a model has, the more versatile the washing experience will be.
Ease Of Use
Whether you are a dishwasher novice or have a little experience, you are sure to want a model that’s easy to use. The model you choose should have clearly marked buttons for each of the features. It will also ideally come with an easy to read LED display to help you keep track of the cleaning process.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Question: How do you hook up a countertop or portable dishwasher?
Answer: Countertop dishwashers are a unique purchase as they require a different installation. You will not find these pre-installed in your kitchen. No need to panic as they are fairly easy to install. You will get multiple hoses with the unit which will attach to your kitchen faucet. The instruction manual will have a series of simple steps that will walk you through the installation process.
Question: Do countertop dishwashers produce different results to normal ones?
Answer: Countertop dishwashers clean as efficiently as normal ones, but use less energy. They do not require as much water or detergent. This does not mean they cannot clean as effectively. Using the resources they have, these countertop units produce clean dishes of the same quality as traditional dishwashers.
Question: How will a countertop dishwasher affect my utility bills?
Answer: These portable countertop dishwashers are very energy efficient and economical. They require less water, and do not waste water. Each typically can hold between 4 and 6 place settings and only needs 3 gallons of water to wash and clean. Less water and less energy will result in lower utility bills for you.
Question: Are there specific wash cycles?
Answer: Most countertop dishwashers will come with 6 standard wash cycles. These include normal, heavy, light, speed, glass, and soak options. Some models may contain more or have different ones to these standard six. You can also get models that offer rinse aid dispensers and automatic detergent dispensers.
Question: Can I install the countertop dishwasher permanently?
Answer: Some of the models can be installed permanently, and others cannot. They are not specifically designed for this type of installation so it is not recommended. If you do not use it as intended you may void the warranty, so it is best to install as advised by the manufacturer.
Question: How expensive are countertop dishwashers?
Answer: You should expect to pay around $200 or more. Because of their compact nature, they are not as expensive as traditional dishwashers. We have included the most affordable ones as part of our buying guide and review. This is the guide to use when you want the best countertop dishwasher for your home or business.
Final Words
If you need an easy to use and adaptable unit, countertop dishwashers are the way to go. They are perfect for small kitchens, apartments, and office kitchens. In some cases, you may need a countertop dishwasher in addition to a traditional one. Depending on what your dishwashing needs are.
When space is limited one of these compact dishwashers can be a real life saver. They are perfect for those frequently needed items such as mugs and utensils. Rather than use water and energy running smaller loads in a traditional dishwasher, opt for a countertop version instead.
Our buying guide and review has provided all the information you need for choosing a countertop dishwasher. There are many out there but we want you to choose only the best. To get the best countertop dishwasher, follow our guide and start your shopping with one of the top-rated models we recommend.
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