10 Best Countertop Dishwashers: Minimal Plumbing Needed

Are you looking for a countertop dishwasher that provides exceptional performance but doesn’t take up too much space?

Then this post might help you with your search!

In the next few segments, you can find my short reviews of the 10 best models that offer amazing beneficial features. Check them out and find out which one suits your needs the best.

The Rundown

What Is A Tabletop Dishwasher?

This is a small, apartment-size, and compact dishwasher that sits on the kitchen counter and uses an adapter to connect to the kitchen faucet or comes with a water tank. Most models that have a water tank come with a 5-liter capacity which is enough for one cleaning cycle.

Is This The Same As A Desktop Dishwasher?

Yes. Countertop models are also known as desktop and tabletop machines so don’t get confused when you see these terms.

Is This The Same As A Portable Dishwasher Too?

The portable dishwasher is a freestanding model which includes both rolling and countertop models. Portable are all machines easy for lifting up and placing in storage when they are not in use. So you can refer to it as a portable dishwasher, however, portable is not always countertop.

What Are The Key Factors Of This Countertop Model?

Here are a couple of components that define this type of dishwasher.

• Size. This model usually comes with a unit that is big between 14 and 18 inches. Some models may have an inch or 2 bigger units. This size range is compact and thanks to that, such a dishwasher is suitable for every countertop.
• Portability. Thanks to the mentioned size range, this dishwasher is designed to be compact, lightweight, and portable. You can easily carry and store this dishwasher model if you don’t want to permanently place it in the kitchen.
• Affordability. Unlike built-in models that cost from $500 to more than $1,500, these models are quite cheap as their price range goes between $200 and $700.

Countertop vs. Classic Model: Difference

The difference is mainly in the size and price. Of course, in the terms of size, the interior capacity changes too. A cheap dishwasher can hold between 4 and 8 place settings, while built-in models can fit between 10 and 16 place settings at the same time. When it comes to the functions, both dishwasher types have almost the same components. Built-in models perhaps have more cycles. Otherwise, they both ensure good performance.

Can A Countertop Model Be Built-In?

No. This type of dishwasher is not designed nor intended to be built-in inside of a cabinet or under a counter. It should only be installed and used as instructed. However, you can permanently hook it up on the countertop.

Is A Tabletop Dishwasher Worth It?

Yes. It requires a lot less effort than hand washing the dishes, and it is a far better and more hygienic option. Such a dishwasher is easy to set up and use too, and it will enhance the cleaning operation.

Should I Get This Dishwasher For My Countertop?

If you don’t have enough space in the kitchen for a classic built-in dishwasher but you still don’t want to hand wash the entire set of dishes, then yes, you should definitely get this small-sized dishwasher. Here are a couple of more advantages of owning such a kitchen appliance.

Suitable For Every Space

This desktop dishwasher isn’t ’only suitable for countertop use. It can also be used in RVs, boats, and mobile homes. Quite a versatile kitchen appliance.

Perfect For Small Families

Since they come in a smaller size and with a smaller interior capacity, these dishwashers are great for smaller families and households. There is no need for occupying more space than you actually need.

Energy Efficiency Is A Plus

Portable desktop dishwashers use 2 gallons of water per cycle and they run off about half the amount of electricity as full-sized units. For comparison, classic dishwashers use up to 15 gallons of water and 1.59 kWh per load. If they are Energy Star certified, they use less than 4 gallons and 0.87 kWh per load.

Factors To Bear In Mind Before Buying

Besides all the mentioned specifications, you also need to know all the functions this dishwasher model can offer you. In the end, the cleaning performance is the most important part.

Strong Construction

Most of these cheap dishwashers are constructed from a combination of 2 materials, plastic and metal. Such a construction is strong and durable. Stainless steel, which is the most desirable material of the making, can rarely be found with countertop models.

Cleaning Programs & Cycles

Most of these models come with three standard cycles, light, normal, and quick wash. They can also feature a baby sanitizing program, glass, heavy, and others. Usually, dishwashers for countertop use feature between 6 and 8 cleaning cycles.

Do I Get A Drying Function Too?

Yes. Most of these dishwasher models come with an additional drying cycle. It can be a heated-dry option and an air-dry. The results are pretty much the same with both options, however, heated drying is faster but uses a lot of energy, while air drying is slower but it is energy-efficient.

Are These Dishwashers Quiet?

They can be, it all depends on the model you want. The noise level range goes from 45 to 55 dB.

10 Best Countertop Dishwashers

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Dishwasher

User-Friendly Design
This small Farbeware model features a user-friendly design. It has a backlit touch control panel with a small-time display, a see-through glass door window, and a 5-liter water tank. Its versatile cleaning cycles and options ensure amazing cleaning results with every use.

Multipurpose Use
The best thing about this kitchen top dishwasher is that you can use it for versatile intensions. Apart from washing dishes, you can use it to sanitize your baby’s bottles and pacifiers or to wash your fruit and veggies.

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Kapas Countertop Dishwasher

High-Temperature Cleaning
This model uses a high 75° temperature during its cleaning cycles. With its versatile cleaning cycles and options, you will be able to use this dishwasher to clean both heavily soiled dishware and delicate glassware. Its control panel is located atop the machine to ensure that you can easily access it from any position.

Appropriate Cleaning Aid
Powder detergents, pods, and liquid detergents are all acceptable for use with this cheapest dishwasher. However, keep in mind that you should use the detergent tables only for long cycles to ensure that they fully dissolve during the cleaning cycle.

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Black+Decker BCD6W Dishwasher

Compact Size
This is another dishwasher that comes in a convenient compact size. It features a fully integrated control panel with backlit touch keys and a time display. Its child lock program allows you to lock up the control panel to ensure that no one can tamper with it.

Automatic Dispensers
Just like all listed models, this compact dishwasher also comes with fully automatic detergent and rinse aid dispensers. Everything you need to do is make sure that the dispensers are always full and the machine will provide you with amazing cleaning results.

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Farberware FCD06ABBWHA Dishwasher

Professional Performance
The best thing about this portable kitchen top dishwasher is that it provides you with a professional-grade performance. It comes with multiple cleaning cycles that provide powerful performance. Its self-cleaning cycle is especially handy because it takes care of the machine’s interior for you.

Child Lock Mechanism
Another convenient feature of this model is its child lock safety mechanism. It allows you to lock up the control panel to ensure that no one can tamper with it.

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Handiy Mini Dishwasher

Thorough Cleaning Performance
This dishwasher for tabletop with a water tank provides a very thorough cleaning performance. Its top and bottom spray arms are specially designed to provide a full 360-degree water coverage.

Transparent Water Tank
Included with this dishwashing machine, there is a completely transparent water tank that is located in the back of the machine. Since it is completely removable, you won’t have any trouble refilling it when needed. Although a water tank comes included, you can hook up the dishwasher to a kitchen faucet.

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Novette Compact Dishwasher

Mini Size
This dishwasher comes in a somewhat smaller size. Its control panel is mounted atop the machine to ensure that you can easily access and adjust it. Its front door features a fully transparent glass window that allows you to observe the entire cleaning process.

Powerful Performance
With its upper and lower spray arms, this mini top dishwasher will provide you with powerful cleaning performance. Its hot air drying cycle eliminates the need for drying the dishes manually. You will be able to store them in your cabinets straight from the dishwasher.

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SPT SD-2213S Dishwasher

Simple Control Panel
This silver dishwasher features a very simple control panel with small push buttons. It is specially designed to ensure that you can adjust its performance in a few simple steps. This dishwasher even features additional warning light indicators that will inform you when something is wrong with the machine.

Place Setting Capacity
Because of its size, this dishwasher with silver body can easily accommodate up to 6 standard place settings at once. Most importantly, it is very easy to set up with as minimal effort as possible.

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Kuppet Built-in Dishwasher

Compact Size
Just like all listed models, this tabletop black dishwasher also comes in a convenient compact size. It features a dish rack, a cup rack, a silverware rack, and an additional silverware basket. It will provide you with enough room for about 6 to 8 standard place settings at once.

Included Accessories
Included with this dishwasher in black, comes a complete set of all accessories you need to complete the setup with a minimal amount of effort. Find out more about the beneficial features that similar models on the market have to offer by reading my post on the enclosed link.

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Red Tide Desktop Dishwasher

Automatic Performance
This top dishwasher provides you with fully automatic performance. The only thing you need to do is make sure that its dispensers are full and choose and set desired operating mode.

Water Inlet Methods
Keep in mind that this machine provides you with two different water inlet options. You can choose whether you want to connect it to your kitchen faucet or use an external water container. Either way, you can count on powerful cleaning performance.

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DWLXSH Large-Capacity Dishwasher

Built-In/Freestanding Design
You can use this dishwasher with large capacity both as a built-in or a freestanding model. Its control panel is located on its front side to ensure that, if you decide to use it as a built-in model, you can easily access it and adjust its parameters according to your needs.

Cleaning Capacity
Note that this largest counter dishwasher can clean about 6 to 8 standard place settings at once. With its dual water inlet mode, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect position for it.

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Kitchen Top Dishwashers With High Safety Level

When it comes to the safety features of these models, they are the same as with any other dishwasher type. These dishwashers come with a child lock safety mechanism, leakage protection, alarm buzzer, and/or light indicators. And those features are everything you need. Of course, to have a safe dishwasher, make sure to clean it every 7 days.

How To Assemble A Dishwasher For Countertop Use

Now, since this dishwasher can have 2 types of water sources, here are the details on both of the assembling options.

With Water Tank

A dishwasher that comes with a built-in water tank washes the dishes quickly, effortlessly, and without permanent plumbing. You just need to add water to your dishwasher, the amount of water depends on the model and capacity of the tank. Such a model drains to your sink, you just need to attach it to the faucet which is simple and easy to do.

Without Water Tank

This model connects to your water faucet by a hose. The hose joins to a fitting called a unicouple. This piece connects to the sink’s faucet, while the hose carries the water into the dishwasher. A countertop model drains using the connected hose. This hose also empties the water into the sink. But here are the instructions.

1. Attach the water inlet hose to the dishwasher.
2. Connect the unicouple and inlet hose to the sink faucet.
3. Attach the water drain hose to the dishwasher.
4. Put the drain hose in the sink and open the hot water faucet.
5. Turn the dishwasher on.

For a better understanding of the installation, you can check out this video.