Technology does what technology does best, make our lives more comfortable by helping us save time and energy from doing (admittedly) mundane chores.
If you are someone who leads a busy life, you are probably constantly finding ways to be more efficient.
The kitchen is where we spend a good chunk of our time, as we need to make sure to prepare healthy and delicious meals for the family.
But washing the dishes once the food has been consumed can be a quite tiring and sometimes dreadful task (more so for the kids).
Presenting some of the best countertop dishwashers for you to choose from. They can help you cut on time and save on resources. So, let’s learn more about them now!
Table of Contents
Best Countertop Dishwasher Product Reviews:
We’ve conveniently categorized these best countertop dishwashers to help you make better decisions on your purchase.
Best Dishwasher for Large Family
1. Fisher Paykel DD24SCTB9N Full Console Dishwasher
First up on our best countertop dishwasher review is the Fisher Paykel DD24SCTB9N. This model is a 24-inch built-in single dish drawer and will prove to be the best addition to your kitchen.
The unit comes with 7 place settings, 2 Cutlery Baskets, 15 wash programs, and child lock for safety.
This countertop dishwasher is Energy Star certified. This ensures that you save up on energy and, at the same time, won’t sacrifice any of the features and functionality needed to wash your dishes thoroughly.
You don’t only save on the electricity bills but at the same moment save the environment.
This model also comes with a sanitizing wash certification. We refer to the NSF/ANSI Standard 184, which ensures that the dishwasher can achieve 99.9% minimum reduction of bacteria on sanitizing cycle operation.
This best countertop dishwasher is also very simple to such as its door is easy to open and close as its kitchen drawers can be positioned at bench height for convenience of loading and with minimal bending.
You’ll also enjoy quick, sanitize, and extra dry options; the latter is perfect for plastic dishes.
The quick option is best when your dishes need minimal washing, while of course, the sanitize option is for much thorough cleaning.
Lastly, this countertop dishwasher is also a quiet performer. It runs at a very low decibel rating; it will clean your dishes without any fuzz or buzz.
The overall combination of intelligent technology plus simple mechanics yields to greater reliability and superior wash performance.
Pros
- Multiple wash programs settings
- Safe, easy to use and control
- Sleek color and design
- Heavy-duty and built to last
- Good capacity
Cons
- Limited warranty
2. Fisher Paykel DD24SAX9N Full Console Dishwasher
Next up on our best countertop dishwasher review is another entry from Fisher Paykel, the DD24SAX9N model.
With multiple products on our list, this brand sure is tried and tested and proven in terms of quality.
This is still a 24-inch built-in dish drawer, and its cool white (silvery) design should fit right in your counter or appliances.
This model features 6 wash programs, quiet operation, and 2 cutlery baskets.
This countertop dishwasher is very simple to utilize, such as easy to open and close drawers.
Also, it has an adjustable bench height for loading and requires minimal bending for you.
It has an independent wash feature that gives it the ability to use both drawers and, at the same time, select different wash programs from washing fine glass and crystal to your heavily soiled pots or pans.
This model also operates in a low decibel rating giving off minimal noise when operating. The product is ADA compliant and is Energy Star certified.
So you are sure to get the most functionality but still save a lot on resources, especially in your energy consumption.
Like always, this brand and its products ensure you get the most out of your investment, making these two Fisher Paykel models excellent for larger families.
Pros
- Great energy saver
- Safe and smooth to use
- Built tough and meant to last
- Eco-friendly
- Very reliable and noiseless operation
Cons
- Limited warranty
Don’t forget to checkout how to get rid of ants in dishwasher.
Best Dishwasher under 700
3. Frigidaire FFBD1821MW Built-in Full Console Dishwasher
Let’s move on to the Frigidaire FFBD1821MW, a full console dishwasher and one of the best dishwashers under 700.
It is not only feature-filled but, together boast reliability that’s among the best in the industry.
It has ample flatware slots that should provide most utensils in your silverware load individual slots.
It also has adjustable upper racks that would allow for sorting or organization.
The adjustable tines are also quite beneficial for you to be able to give way to for bigger dishes or pots or pans.
And wait, there’s more! It is made of stainless steel interior and is built tough and won’t discolor even for a long duration.
It also has a nicely finished door panel and overall design, which allows this machine to fit right with your existing appliances.
It is an energy saver with no dry heat option. It a quiet operator at the 55-decibel rating, ADA compliant, has a delay start option, high temperature wash feature, and lastly, a control lock option.
Pros
- Energy saver and eco-friendly
- Multiple cycle options
- You can set your wash on schedule
- Quick and simple to use
Cons
- Does not have very good reviews online
- Durability is questionable
Best Mid-Range Dishwasher
4. Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Let’s continue our best countertop dishwasher review whilst stepping into the midrange category.
First up is a product from a well-known brand, the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher.
Boasts the best in terms of quality; this model comes in a compact design that can, in turn, fit a variety of your dishes. It is perfect for small houses, dorms, apartments, even boats, or RVs.
Easy to install as it requires no hookups. Take full advantage of its design in terms of portability or storage.
You won’t need a water hookup, and a water hose is included for direct water hookup to a kitchen faucet.
It has 5 washing programs, regular, fruit wash, rapid, glass, and baby care. Its lower and upper spray arms make sure that the dishes are given streak-free deep cleaning.
It has an air refresh or air exchange function to help improve drying performance and prevent peculiar smells from developing.
It has easy to use digital controls and works with all detergents. If its reputation and reliability that you are looking for, then this is the best you can spend on at an affordable rate.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Simple to utilize setup and transfer
- Space saver
- Efficient functionality
- Reliable brand
Cons
- Some parts break rather prematurely.
5. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Countertop Dishwasher
Another well-known brand enters the fray, and of course, we are talking about the BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Countertop Dishwasher.
It has a spacious interior, is easy to load, has a cool and convenient LED display, and most of all have an attractive and compact design, which is a perfect space saver, especially if you don’t have much room in your kitchen area.
This BLACK+DECKER compact and countertop dishwasher has plenty of room plus a lot of useful features.
First of all, it can accommodate six place settings that include dinner plates of up to 10 inches. It also comes with 7 wash programs, and at the same moment, it can just easily sit on your standard countertop.
The water hookup and its drain connections are fast and simple to set up and should be up and running in no time.
It should be a great addition to your place, especially for small apartments, or dorms, or even your RV.
Pros
- Space saver
- Precise setup and adjustments
- Easy loading and unloading
- Spacious design
- Portable
Cons
- Not the best interior design
6. Unik Always Countertop Stainless Steel Dishwasher
Last entry on our midrange best countertop dishwasher is the Unik Always Countertop Stainless Steel Dishwasher.
Needless to say, this model has a compact design and is meant for smaller kitchens.
This countertop machine should fit right in a small-sized household or for those living in apartments, RV, or even a boat and with limited space for any huge kitchen appliances.
It is not too hard to use. Load your dishes easily and set the controls. It is easy to figure out and is very self-explanatory.
The rinse aid and detergent dispensers are easy to fill, and the machine has user-friendly controls.
The control panel is simple to use with light indicators that feature a power button, start and end program, and a program selector. Programs included are heavy, light, regular, mini-party, speed, and rinse.
This machine is also built tough and is meant for heavy-duty performance. And made with a durable stainless steel interior, the spray arm will deliver many years of dependable and powerful bleaching. It is safe for temperatures of up to 148F.
This machine has a simple installation process. When installing this countertop dishwasher, the quick-connect kit will temporarily connect the dishwasher to the kitchen faucet, where it will drain directly into your kitchen sink.
Lastly, this machine is Energy Star Certified. You will only occur an estimated energy cost of $25 yearly with an estimated electricity use of 203 kWh as well. Great all-around features and reliability; that’s what this model is all about.
Pros
- Energy saver and eco-friendly
- Durable and made from tough material
- Powerful clean
- Easy to use and install
Cons
- Very limited feedback or reviews online
Best Dishwasher under 300
7. Sunpentown SPT SD-2224DW Compact Countertop Dishwasher
This under 300 category will be dominated by one brand Sunpentown, and this is their first entry on the list the SPT SD-2224DW.
In this section, since there will be a lot of overlaps in terms of features on the next 3 Sunpentown products, then we have to highlight which aspect of each stands out based on our review and user feedback.
Now let us establish the fact that all these Sunpentown models are designed for small spaces. They are conveniently compact but still packs a lot of punch. That’s true to this mode, for sure.
It has a height of only 17.24 inches it will fit in most countertop or cabinetry. It also has a spacious cavity that can load up to 6 standard place settings.
What stands out in this model based on our review and user feedbacks is how fast and reliable the operation of this model is.
So if you own one, you can just sit back and relax and let it wash your dishes away.
Pros
- Good reviews online
- Fast and reliable washing
- Compact and space saver design
- Easy to use and install
Cons
- Some cheap parts, but that’s to be expected from its price.
8. Sunpentown SPT SD-2224DS Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Alright, let’s move right into our second Sunpentown countertop dishwasher.
As mentioned, this one is designed similarly as the previous model, so it is still compact plus still packs a lot of cleaning power.
This one comes in a nice silvery look, has an energy capacity of 203, made of strong iron material, and has a full panel control.
This model features a delay start setting of 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours so that you can schedule your dishwashing.
It has an automatic rinse agent and detergent dispenser too, and all other convenient indicators and features that you would appreciate for a dishwasher at this price range.
Pros
- Easy to use
- No hassle operation
- Quiet washing
- Powerful clean
- Lots of programs to choose from
Cons
- Durability a bit questionable
9. Sunpentown SPT SD-2225DS Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Third and last Sunpentown entry on our list, this model comes in a simple yet stylish look. Has 6 wash cycles, normal, heavy, glass, speed, eco, and rinse.
It also has a delayed start setting for you to schedule your washes and has a universal faucet adapter for quick connections and installations.
It’s got a cool electronic LED display that’s easy to operate and convenient. It also has a water supply and rinses aid indicator.
It’s got good reviews online, and you should definitely give it a try, especially when you are on a tight budget.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Convenient to use
- Space saver
- Energy efficient
- Great value for money
Cons
- Some parts look cheap and may break down quickly.
10. Farberware Professional FCD06ABBWHA Compact Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Last not only on our under 300 categories but in our best countertop dishwasher review is the Farberware Professional FCD06ABBWHA Compact Portable Countertop Dishwasher.
This is also the second entry of the brand on our list, which proves that it is indeed top-quality.
The compact design does not stop this machine from having a 6-place setting capacity, which makes it perfect for small-sized houses, dorms, apartments, and RVs.
This enables it to wash multiple types of dishes, and it also includes folding down rack shelves plus a cutlery basket.
It is quick and easy to install with a quick connect assembly, and the accessories plus adapters are included, this will enable you to easily connect it to your faucet directly.
It also has 7 washing programs, and yes, that’s full-sized dishwasher capability from a countertop.
The programs include heavy, baby care, normal, light, glass, speed (45 min), and self-clean. It also comes with an extra-drying function. This feature allows extra heat to its final rinse to increase drying results.
Note that this feature is only available for heavy, light, normal, glass, and baby care programs.
We also want to highlight the 45-minute speed cleaning feature. And lastly, it has a child lock option that will allow you to secure the buttons of the control panel, so your children do not accidentally start your dishwasher.
Pros
- Safe and easy to utilize
- Easy to install
- Space saver
- Energy efficient
- Full-sized capability on a compact dishwasher
Cons
- A bit inconsistent in terms of quality of cleaning/washing
Reasons to Choose a Countertop Dishwasher
Here are a few reasons why a countertop dishwasher should be the best option available for you.
Countertop dishwashers are designed to clean just as efficiently as your standard full-size models.
One major upside in all of this is how portable dishwashers, especially a countertop dishwasher, use considerably less amount of water as well as detergent than the full-sized models.
And no, this doesn’t mean that these models won’t clean your dishes as thoroughly as they should.
This is just because countertop dishwashers just won’t need as many resources to do an excellent job of washing your dishes.
Another obvious advantage of a countertop dishwasher is its compact size. They won’t take up more room than your microwave and will just sit on top of any flat surface.
A lot of models usually just fit directly underneath your cabinets, making it a perfectly functional utility for small spaces or if you just don’t have enough room.
It can be tucked away out of everyone’s sight when not in use, in a cabinet, or just rolled away on your kitchen cart.
It’s not only economical but will help your kitchen look tidier and more organized.
In summary here are the reasons why you should check out our best countertop dishwashers:
- Space-saving
- Economical and helps you save on resources as it won’t consume much energy and water.
- Best suited for daily dishwashing
- Cheaper or more cost-effective in the long run than the standard models
- Quiet and smooth operation and performance. Little to no noise at all when washing your dishes.
Countertop Dishwasher Buying Guide
The best countertop dishwasher review wouldn’t be complete without a comprehensive buyer’s guide, so here are the things to watch out for when shopping around for a good countertop model.
Dishwasher Size and Design
Make sure to consider your kitchen space or the area where you will install your countertop dishwasher before buying one. It’s actually recommended that you measure it first.
Portable or countertop dishwashers are generally compact, but they will differ slightly in dimensions.
Consider that the smaller the device, the lesser amount of dishes it will be able to accommodate.
The design will also have something to do with its dimensions, so consider this as well.
Of course, you’d also want a model that would fit into your kitchen or the aesthetics of your place, so visual appearance should also be kept in mind.
Get something that will match the colors or design of your other appliances to add some pizazz to your kitchen area.
Capacity
As compact as they come, you’d want to consider the maximum capacity and efficiency of what you will purchase. Consider your daily dishwashing needs and choose a model that can accommodate them regularly.
Most countertop dishwashers will accept 6 place settings, but it should vary and give you more options to choose from.
Water and Energy Efficiency
Given that you’ll utilize it every day, it must be a cost-effective investment in the long run. It should not only be economical when it comes to water but energy at the same time.
Check the energy efficiency index of your chosen model before making a final decision, as this will indicate the power usage of that type of dishwasher. Like most appliances, it will come in different classes: A, B, C, D.
The higher the class, the quality improves. For example, a model from class “A” should wash your dishes better but consume less water, energy, and other resources.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Most of them are straightforward to use, and what is important is how you’ll maintain them.
This won’t only make sure that they’ll last longer, but you’ll get a good value for your money.
Usually, maintaining a countertop dishwasher involves making sure that it won’t get overloaded and that the dishes or any cutlery won’t be obstructions in the spray arm.
Make sure that the model makes it easy to rinse off any excess food and residue before it starts a wash cycle.
With proper care and maintenance, your countertop dishwasher can last for years and will save you a valuable hour off from otherwise time-consuming chores.
Installation
Lastly, get something easy to install and can be installed in a lot of other areas in your kitchen.
Maybe something that you can DIY but also take note that you can also get help from a professional when necessary.
A good model can get to work right away and won’t need any additional complicated processes to get to wash your dishes.
Only the best countertop dishwasher will possess these features and, at the same time, will still be a great bang for your buck!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: What is a countertop dishwasher?
Answer: A countertop dishwasher, or also referred to as a portable dishwasher, is a small dishwasher that can sit on top of any flat surface or as the name indicates your counter.
It’s not that different from your standard or full-sized dishwasher as it shares a lot of similar capabilities with it.
The main difference is that it is more portable, compact, and definitely uses less amount of energy and other resources.
These models generally utilize a quick connect adapter to connect to a standard sink faucet for the water intake.
Then it is equipped with a drain hose usually in the back of the model that allows for drainage to then run directly into your sink.
Question: Can a countertop dishwasher be installed permanently?
Answer: Yes, there are a few countertop models that can be installed permanently.
Although this may not be as recommended. It is advisable just to take advantage of its portability and be sure to follow proper instructions to avoid canceling out your warranty.
Question: How will a countertop dishwasher affect my utility bills?
Answer: As mentioned above on previous sections,countertop dishwashers are super economical and efficient in how it operates.
Using a substantial amount of water than their standard full-sized counterpart (or manually washing dishes), it sure is the better option for you. Each wash cycle, which is about 4 to 6 place settings, only utilizes approximately 3 gallons of water.
Question: Can I place a countertop dishwasher unit under the sink?
Answer: Of course, some models can be installed on the main water line. However, be sure to check with the brand of your countertop dishwasher before attempting any of this to ensure safety and prevent damage to your newly bought countertop dishwasher.
Question: Are there specific wash cycles?
Answer: Yep, as mentioned, many features of a full-sized dishwasher are still available on countertop dishwashers.
These models will usually have normal, heavy, light, speed, glass, and soak options. Countertop dishwashers may offer automatic detergent and also rinse aid dispenser capabilities.
Final Thoughts
The best countertop dishwasher is meant to be efficient in a lot of aspects. We’re talking about significant savings in terms of period, energy, and other resources.
On top of all that, if you pick a good brand, then you’ll make the most out of your investment with long service life.
With a countertop dishwasher working for you, you’ll be able to allocate much-needed time for other essential things for yourself and your family. So enjoy and stay safe, always!