If you have a small kitchen, you know the struggle: dirty dishes pile up fast, counter space is precious, and squeezing in a full-size dishwasher? Not happening.
That’s where compact dishwashers come in.
I’ve personally tested several mini dishwashers, from portable countertop models to built-in slimline options, and let me tell you – these little machines are game changers.
They clean just as well as full-size dishwashers while using way less water and energy.
In fact, ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers, including compact models, use less than half as much energy as washing dishes by hand and save 8,400 gallons of water each year.
What's In Here
- 1 Are Small Dishwashers Any Good?
- 2 Small Dishwasher Dimensions
- 3 The Top 5 Compact Dishwashers (Countertop/Slimline)
- 4 What is the Smallest Dishwasher You Can Find?
- 5 How Do You Choose a Compact Dishwasher?
- 6 Which Dishwasher Uses the Least Amount of Water?
- 7 Why Are 18-inch Dishwashers More Expensive?
- 8 Can You Put a Countertop Dishwasher in a Cabinet?
- 9 How Long Does a Small Dishwasher Take to Run?
- 10 Is an 18-inch Dishwasher Too Small?
- 11 How Far Can a Dishwasher Be Away From the Sink?
- 12 Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Get?
Are Small Dishwashers Any Good?
Absolutely! A lot of people think smaller dishwashers don’t clean as well, but that’s not true. You just need to pick a good one (which I’ve done for you!).
I’ve found that slimline dishwashers (18 inches) and countertop dishwashers can handle daily loads just fine. Some even have extra perks—like fruit-washing programs, air drying, and baby bottle sanitization.
👉 In a hurry?
Here’s a short comparison table. Below you’ll find the pros and cons of each mini dishwasher.
Keep reading for detailed reviews of each one, plus real-life insights on what it’s like to use them!
This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Small Dishwasher Dimensions
Dishwashers come in a variety of dimensions – the standard full-size dishwasher size is 24 x 35 inches.
Small dishwashers are defined as smaller than 24 inches wide.
They can be built into cabinets, and attached to the sink via hoses, and there are countertop models (table dishwashers) as well.
Most Slimline dishwashers measure up to 18 inches in width.
The smallest dishwashers are 16-inch dishwashers.
You can also go for under-sink, in-sink, and single-drawer versions that come in varying dimensions.
The Top 5 Compact Dishwashers (Countertop/Slimline)
There are different types of compact dishwashers:
- Built-in (cabinets)
- Countertop (portable/table dishwashers)
- Under the sink
- Freestanding
We know how challenging it can be to find the right kitchenette dishwasher for small spaces.
The great news is:
We’ve done all the research for you (and us) and below you’ll find the 5 best space-saving dishwashers on the market.
1. HAVA Portable Dishwasher – Best Table Dishwasher
- Size – 17″ x 17″ x 18″
- Place settings – 4
- Wash Programs – 5
✅ Pros – quiet (60 dB), doesn’t require a water hookup, fits big plates, leak protection, fruit washing program, air drying option
❌ Cons – some labor with filling up the container, relatively expensive
I was skeptical at first, but this little powerhouse surprised me.
Unlike most countertop dishwashers that need to be hooked up to the faucet (which is annoying), the HAVA has a built-in 5-litre water tank, so you can just fill it up and press start.
And if that’s not enough, the HAVA Countertop dishwasher is pretty enough to leave out on the counter or table (with its see-through door and blue LED light to watch the cleaning) and is big enough for 12-inch dinner plates!
This practical apartment-size dishwasher requires no assembly, and once you’ve filled up its 5-liter tank, you are ready to go.
Choose from 5 wash programs (Normal, Speed (40 minutes), Soft, Baby Care, and Fruit), and after 2 hours your dishes come out fully clean and dry – without soap spots or leftover food.
And, this one is so quiet you’ll probably forget you turned it on for the first time.
The Babycare program sanitizes baby bottles using steam, and you also get a fruit basket to wash your fruit with the fruit wash program.
We tested the HAVA with the normal load program (which takes s a little over 2 hours) and found that the silverware and other items were thoroughly cleaned with no residue from the detergent tablet, and even a very dirty plate came out perfectly clean.
Pros
- Very quiet – won’t interrupt those important kitchen conversations 😉
- Doesn’t require a water source or hookup
- Sanitize option in baby care program
- Leak protection mechanism that prevents water damage
Cons
- requires filling it 3 times with a 1.8-liter pitcher (included), sometimes it’s hard not to miss the mark without some splashes
- You’ll need to run the exit hose to the sink – below the dishwasher
- You still have to hand wash your pots and pans – that won’t fit inside.
Available on Amazon ($269) and at Walmart ($269)
👉 HAVA Alternative
VIEW ON AMAZON $269
If you want a similar size dishwasher but with 6 wash programs (and an air freshener program to speed up drying), check out the Comfee Countertop Dishwasher instead.
2. Danby Compact Dishwasher – Best Countertop Mini Dishwasher
- Dimensions – 17″ x 20″ x 21.5″
- Place settings – 6
- Wash Programs – 6
- Noise level – 52 db.
✅ Pros – efficient wash cycle, easy set up (a few minutes), simple display, quieter than average, low water consumption
❌ Cons – relatively heavy, may require turning off water supply after cycle to prevent overflow (in some installations)
This one is perfect for small apartments. It fits right on the counter, holds more dishes than the HAVA, and is super easy to set up (literally took me 5 minutes).
The Danby small countertop (& portable) dishwasher has a quick-connect assembly that is compatible with most kitchen faucets, and no tools are needed for assembly.
With the Danby compact dishwasher, you get everything from an impressive 6-place setting capacity to 6 different wash cycles.
It fits perfectly on the counter next to the sink and it’s so effective we didn’t need to wash anything for the second time – for all dishwasher-safe dishes.
Pros
- Energy-efficient – uses only 3.1 gallons per cycle (way less than handwashing!)
- Simple setup – just connect it to your faucet.
- Quieter than expected – doesn’t make much noise.
- The controls are user-friendly.
- Does not require any extra tools for assembly
- Seamless digital display, just 4 small, white in-keeping buttons
Cons
- No water softener
- No rinse-only option
- Beeps loudly when done (mildly annoying but not a dealbreaker).
✅ Available on Amazon ($269)
3. Frigidaire 18″ Built-In Dishwasher – Best Built-In
- Dimensions – 17″ x 23″ x 32″
- Place settings – 8
- Rack Style – 2 Stainless steel racks
- Wash Programs – 5
- Noise level – 52 db.
✅ Pros – with a stainless steel tub, highly durable, high capacity but energy efficient, adjustable upper tray, quiet
❌ Cons – hookup kit not included, front drain outlet, expensive
If you’re looking for a permanent solution and have space for a built-in unit, this is hands-down one of the best slimline dishwashers.
It’s got a stainless steel interior, a heated drying system, and 8 place settings (great for small families!).
The Frigidaire offers 5 wash cycles, a 24-hour delay start, easy-to-use electronic controls, and a heated drying system, and is a highly efficient cleaner.
A powerful yet time and money-saving dishwasher from a well-known American brand.
Pros
- Super durable – stainless steel tub won’t rust.
- Sanitize setting – great for deep cleaning.
- Adjustable racks – fit taller plates and cups.
Cons
- The hookup kit not included (you’ll have to buy it separately).
- Louder than some others – 58 dB noise level.
Available on Amazon ($643)
4. Danby Portable Dishwasher – Best on Wheels
- Place settings – 8
- Dimensions – 26″ x 18″ x 36″
- Wash programs – 6
✅ Pros – portable, thin, relatively high capacity, water saving, simple and easy hookup
❌ Cons – short power cord and water hose
I love this one because it’s on wheels, so you can roll it away when not in use.
If you don’t want a permanent built-in but need more capacity than a countertop model, this is the way to go.
The Danby free-standing dishwasher measures only 17.7 inches wide but can accommodate up to 8 place settings.
It uses up to 3.5 gallons of water per wash and offers 6 wash cycles, including intensive, economy, normal, glass, soak, and rapid.
Pros
- Big capacity – holds way more dishes than a countertop unit.
- Water-efficient – only uses 3.5 gallons per cycle.
- Easy to move – rolls into storage when not in use.
- Easy hookup, takes a few seconds to connect.
Cons
- Short power cord (only 5 feet).
- Water hose could be longer (might need an extension).
Available on Amazon ($435)
5. Edge Star Dishwasher Most Energy Efficient
- Dimensions – 21″ x 19″ x 17″
- Wash programs – 7
- Place settings – 6
- Rack Style – Cup shelf, cutlery basket, and dish rack
- Noise level – 52 db.
✅ Pros – saves water and money, easy to operate and set up, kills bacteria, good accessories
❌ Cons – May leak if not assembled properly
If saving on water and energy is your top priority, this one’s for you. It only uses 2.85 gallons of water per cycle and 200 kWh per year – which is 61% less energy than most dishwashers.
The Edge Star fits under most kitchen cabinets, and most under the sink spaces as well, and comes with a drain hose that you would place in the sink for it to drain.
It requires no permanent setup (comes with a quick-connect adapter that fits standard-sized kitchen faucets) and is super easy to operate.
The Edge Star includes essential accessories: a dish rack, cup shelf, and cutlery basket – all you need to organize your dishes and utensils optimally.
Pros
- Saves $$$ on water & electricity.
- Has a built-in rinse aid dispenser (no water spots!).
- Can reach 149°F to kill bacteria.
- Highly rated by Amazon buyers
Cons
- If you don’t screw the hoses on properly, it might leak (so be careful during setup!).
Available at Walmart ($349)
What is the Smallest Dishwasher You Can Find?
The smallest countertop dishwashers can be placed on your countertop next to your sink. They don’t require any plumbing installation and can be hooked up to your faucet with an adapter hose.
The smallest dishwasher on the market is the KAPAS Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 6 Programs and a 3-cup Water Tank (16″D x 16″ W x 17.5″ H).
The Kapas takes up minimal counter space and is lightweight (around 26.4 lbs) making it easy to move or store.
You can choose to fill the built-in 3-cup water tank or connect it directly to your faucet for continuous water flow.
It offers 5 wash cycles (Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit) for different cleaning needs.
The high-temperature option can help sanitize dishes and eliminate bacteria, and the air-dry function helps dishes dry completely.
The second smallest dishwasher on the market is the HAVA R01 Compact Countertop Dishwasher – Reviewed at the beginning of the post.
At 16.86” x 16.75” x 18.05” (L/W/H) the HAVA compact dishwasher is ideal for small kitchens or apartments with limited space, and we like the sleek and modern design.
How Do You Choose a Compact Dishwasher?
1. Size and Fit – make sure the height of the countertop dishwasher fits between your countertop and upper cabinets.
Consider the width and depth to make sure it fits your kitchen.
2. Capacity – look for the number of place settings the dishwasher can accommodate, typically ranging from 4 to 6 place settings.
3. Ensure the interior dimensions fit your typical dish sizes and quantities.
4. Performance and Features – check for features like energy efficiency, wash cycles, drying performance, and noise level.
5. Look for models with certifications like Energy Star to ensure energy and water savings.
6. Portability and Installation – check if you need a freestanding, built-in, or portable countertop model based on your kitchen setup.
7. Consider if the dishwasher requires a water hookup or can operate with a self-contained water tank.
Which Dishwasher Uses the Least Amount of Water?
Here’s a comparison of water usage of all 5 compact dishwashers in this list:
As you can see, the Faberware countertop dishwasher uses the least amount of water per cycle (only 1.3 gallons).
The Frigidaire 18-inch built-in dishwasher uses the most – 4.2 gallons per cycle.
Why Are 18-inch Dishwashers More Expensive?
You may expect to pay a little less for a smaller dishwasher, but featurewise, they are in line with the standard-size ones, and you buy them to save space while having the same efficiency.
Also, slimline dishwashers are not as common as the standard 24-inch models, which means less competition on the market and higher prices because they are less produced.
Can You Put a Countertop Dishwasher in a Cabinet?
No, you cannot put a countertop dishwasher in a cabinet. It is not intended or designed to be fixed inside a cabinet or under the counter.
It can only be used and installed as instructed, mainly because the heat needs to be exhausted as it was designed.
In some cases, you can put it in a cabinet, if there is enough clearance around the dishwasher for proper ventilation and the cabinet is strong enough to support its weight.
How Long Does a Small Dishwasher Take to Run?
The standard run time of dishwashers is up to 2 hours.
It can also sometimes be less, or more, according to the model type.
On some models of dishwashers, you can even see the timer display.
Is an 18-inch Dishwasher Too Small?
Although 18-inch dishwashers are relatively smaller, they can take care of all the functions that full-sized dishwashers can.
The only difference is that these dishwashers can take up fewer loads of dishes at a time while also taking up less space in the kitchen.
How Far Can a Dishwasher Be Away From the Sink?
Most dishwashers come with a drain hose around 6 feet long. Manufacturers typically allow for extensions to a maximum length of 10 to 12 feet.
Exceeding this can cause drainage issues.
Similar to the drain hose, standard dishwasher supply lines are around 6 feet long.
Extending these is also possible, but consult a plumber to ensure proper installation.
While you can extend these hoses, we recommend keeping the dishwasher close to the sink for convenience and to minimize the need for extensions.
In kitchen design, there’s a concept called the working triangle which emphasizes efficiency by placing the refrigerator, stove, and sink close.
A dishwasher far from the sink can disrupt this workflow.
Overall, while there’s no hard and fast rule, keeping the dishwasher close to the sink is ideal for functionality and avoiding complex plumbing modifications.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Get?
- For the best all-around countertop option – HAVA Portable Dishwasher
- For the most compact dishwasher – KAPAS Portable Dishwasher
- For a built-in solution – Frigidaire 18” Built-In Dishwasher
- For a portable, rolling dishwasher – Danby Portable Dishwasher
- For the most energy-efficient option – Edge Star Portable Dishwasher
No matter which one you pick, you’ll never have to hand-wash dishes again! 🎉
The KM Team
Generally, a person who needs a portable dishwasher has almost zero spare counter space. In that situation 4 out of the 5 you recommend will not meet most needs or queries. I would like to see more options for freestanding dishwashers that can be rolled and hooked up to the sink when needed.
Interested in these countertop dish Washers
For individuals who don’t have a dishwasher
Old house and older person! And a couple
who live in an old APPARTMENT with limited space! Need dishwashers that are space-saving and eagerly efficient! This is not
for me but for others I know! So I’m inquiring about them.