If you live in a small apartment, dorm, RV, or compact home, you know how valuable kitchen space is. Traditional dishwashers are bulky and require plumbing installation — but the good news is that portable countertop dishwashers are now powerful enough to deliver spotless cleaning without taking up half your kitchen.
In 2026, these compact dishwashers are smarter, more energy-efficient, and packed with advanced features like built-in water tanks, baby-care cycles, air-dry technology, and multiple wash programs. Whether you want to save water, cut down on handwashing time, or simply keep your small kitchen clutter-free, a portable countertop dishwasher is a game-changer.
This guide reviews the best portable countertop dishwashers for small kitchens in 2026, analyzing cleaning performance, space efficiency, energy use, and overall value.
Quick Comparison Table – Best Portable Countertop Dishwashers (2026)
| Model | Tank/Water Source | Wash Programs | Capacity | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher | 5L built-in tank + inlet hose | 5 | 4 place settings | Air-dry, Baby Care, LED light, compact design | 👉 Check Price |
| Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher | 5L built-in tank | 5 | 2–4 place settings | Washes dishes, glassware, baby bottles, RV-friendly | 👉 Check Price |
| COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher | Faucet hookup (optional tank) | 8 | 6 place settings | Energy Star rated, ECO mode, Baby-Care, multiple wash types | 👉 Check Price |
Best Portable Countertop Dishwasher for Small Kitchen
1. NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher – Best Overall for Small Kitchens
- 【SMALL SIZE, LARGE CAPACITY】This portable dishwasher only measures 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches, but holds 4 full place settings and fits up to 12″ dishes loaded at an angle, easily meeting daily needs for a family of 3-4; the double-layer design offers enough space for 4 x serving bowls, 4 x cups, 4 x small plates, 4 x dinner plates, 7 x spoons, 7 x forks and 7 x knives; perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs
Key Features
- Water Source: 5L built-in water tank + inlet hose option
- Programs: 5 wash cycles (Normal, Baby Care, Fruit, Speed, ECO)
- Capacity: 4 place settings
- Extras: Air-dry mode, LED lighting, compact body design
Why It’s Great
The NOVETE countertop dishwasher is the perfect blend of compact size and strong cleaning power. With a 5L built-in water tank, you don’t need permanent plumbing — simply fill and run. The air-dry function prevents odors, while the Baby Care mode ensures bottles and utensils are sanitized with high-temperature cleaning.
It’s small enough to fit into tight kitchens, yet powerful enough to handle everyday dish loads.
Real-World Performance
- Small Apartments: Fits easily on counters.
- Families with Babies: Baby-care mode sterilizes bottles.
- Efficiency: Saves water compared to handwashing.
Pros ✅
- Built-in tank = no permanent hookup required
- Air-dry keeps dishes fresh
- Baby-Care mode for sanitization
- Compact and quiet
Cons ❌
- Smaller capacity (not ideal for large families)
- Limited wash programs compared to larger units
👉 Check Price for NOVETE Countertop Dishwasher
2. Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher – Best Budget-Friendly Pick
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: This mini tabletop dishwasher is great for small kitchens, apartments, RVs, and boats. With its built-in 5-liter water tank, you don’t even need a hookup. Can fit 12-inch diameter dishes. Rated Power: 750W, Water Pressure: 20-120PSI. Socket is 10A 120VAC
Key Features
- Water Source: 5L built-in water tank
- Programs: 5 wash cycles (Normal, Baby Care, Glass, Rapid, Fruit)
- Capacity: 2–4 place settings
- Design: Compact, lightweight, RV-friendly
Why It’s Great
The Farberware portable dishwasher is one of the most affordable yet reliable compact dishwashers on the market. With a 5L built-in water tank, it’s perfect for renters, RV owners, or dorm students who can’t install traditional dishwashers.
Despite its small size, it includes multiple wash programs and a Baby-Care mode, making it versatile for different needs.
Real-World Performance
- RV Use: Perfect for travel and small kitchens.
- Budget Kitchens: Affordable without compromising cleaning quality.
- Quick Wash: Rapid cycles for light loads.
Pros ✅
- Affordable option for tight budgets
- Compact and easy to move
- Multiple wash programs
- Tank system eliminates plumbing needs
Cons ❌
- Smaller load capacity
- Less durable than premium models
👉 Check Price for Farberware Countertop Dishwasher
3. COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher – Best for Larger Loads in Small Kitchens
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and has a plate size of up to 10 inches in diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
Key Features
- Water Source: Faucet hookup (some models offer optional tank)
- Programs: 8 wash cycles (Baby Care, Glass, ECO, Intensive, Rapid, Fruit, Normal, Speed)
- Capacity: 6 place settings
- Certification: Energy Star rated for efficiency
Why It’s Great
If you want a compact dishwasher with more capacity, the COMFEE’ Portable Mini is your best bet. With room for up to 6 place settings, it’s large enough for couples or small families, while still being compact enough to fit on a countertop.
Its 8 wash programs give you flexibility, and the ECO mode ensures water and energy savings. Baby-Care and Glass cycles add versatility for delicate items.
Real-World Performance
- Couples/Small Families: Handles 2–3 meals’ worth of dishes at once.
- Eco-Friendly Homes: Saves water and electricity.
- Variety: Eight programs = maximum flexibility.
Pros ✅
- Largest capacity among compact models
- 8 wash cycles for flexibility
- Energy Star rated = saves money long-term
- Quiet and reliable operation
Cons ❌
- Requires faucet hookup (less portable than tank-only units)
- Larger footprint than ultra-mini models
👉 Check Price for COMFEE’ Mini Dishwasher
Honorable Mentions
- BLACK+DECKER BCD6W – 6 place settings, touch controls, sleek design.
- hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher – Stainless steel interior, reliable for small kitchens.
- Danby DDW621WDB – Affordable Energy Star-rated compact dishwasher.
Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Portable Countertop Dishwasher
1. Size & Capacity
- 2–4 place settings → Perfect for singles or RV use.
- 4–6 place settings → Best for couples or small families.
2. Water Source
- Built-in Tanks (5L) → Portable, no plumbing required.
- Faucet Hookup → Stronger pressure and endless supply, but less portable.
3. Wash Programs
- Basic (5 programs) → Enough for light users.
- Advanced (7–8 programs) → More flexibility for heavy or delicate loads.
4. Energy Efficiency
- Look for Energy Star certification to save on water and electricity.
5. Extra Features
- Baby-Care Mode → Sterilizes bottles and utensils.
- Air-Dry Function → Prevents odors and keeps dishes fresh.
- LED Displays → Easier to monitor cycles.
Expanded FAQs
Q1. Do countertop dishwashers really clean well?
Yes — modern models like NOVETE and COMFEE’ deliver the same cleaning performance as full-size dishwashers, just with smaller capacities.
Q2. How much water do they use?
On average, only 3–5 liters per wash, much less than handwashing.
Q3. Can I install one without plumbing?
Yes — models with built-in water tanks work without plumbing connections.
Q4. How noisy are portable dishwashers?
Most operate between 45–55 dB, about as quiet as a normal conversation.
Q5. Are they good for RVs and dorms?
Absolutely. Their small size, tank options, and portability make them ideal for tight living spaces.
Final Verdict – Best Portable Countertop Dishwashers for Small Kitchens (2026)
- Best Overall Compact Pick → NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher (tank + inlet hose, Baby-Care, Air-Dry)
- Best Budget-Friendly Option → Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher (affordable, RV-friendly)
- Best Larger-Capacity Compact Model → COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher (6 place settings, 8 programs, Energy Star)
👉 Check Today’s Best Deals on Portable Countertop Dishwashers for Small Kitchens
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