Best Countertop Dishwashers for Small Spaces (What’s Actually Worth Buying)

If you’ve ever stared at a sink full of dishes in a tiny kitchen and thought, there has to be a better way, you’re not wrong. Countertop dishwashers exist for exactly this reason.

These countertop dishwashers are designed specifically for kitchens where space is tight but daily dish loads still add up.

I’ve used and tested a few over the years, mostly in apartments where a full-size dishwasher just wasn’t happening. Some were genuinely helpful. Others felt like overpriced dish racks with a plug.

This guide is here to save you from the second category.

Below, I’ll walk through the countertop dishwashers that actually make sense for small spaces, what to look for before buying, and who each option is best for. No sales pitch. Just real-world kitchen advice.

Why Countertop Dishwashers Make Sense for Small Kitchens

Most people assume countertop dishwashers are weak or barely useful. That used to be true. Not anymore.

A good countertop dishwasher can:

• Handle daily dishes for one or two people
• Save serious time compared to hand washing
• Use less water than washing in the sink
• Fit on a standard counter without remodeling

If you cook at home often, even a compact unit can make a noticeable difference. Especially if your sink is small or your counter space is limited.

That said, they’re not all equal.

What to Look for in a Countertop Dishwasher

Before jumping into specific models, a few things matter more than brand names.

Capacity (Realistic, Not Marketing Hype)

Most countertop dishwashers hold:

• 4 to 6 place settings
• Plates up to 10–12 inches
• A day’s worth of dishes for 1–2 people

If you cook big meals or use oversized plates, check interior height carefully. This is where many people get frustrated.

Installation Style

You’ll usually see two types:

• Faucet-connected – Hooks directly to your sink
• Tank-based – Has a built-in water reservoir

If you rent or don’t want to mess with adapters, tank-based models are much easier to live with.

Wash Performance

Look for:

• Multiple spray arms
• Hot water wash (not just warm)
• A true drying cycle, even if it’s basic

A dishwasher that doesn’t dry well becomes annoying fast. If drying is high on your priority list, understanding dishwasher drying performance can help set expectations before you buy a compact model.

Best Overall Countertop Dishwasher for Small Spaces

After using and comparing several models, this is the one I’d recommend to most people.

Farberware Professional Countertop Dishwasher

This is one of those appliances that quietly does its job and doesn’t create new problems. That alone puts it ahead of a lot of competitors.

What I like about it:

• Built-in water tank (no faucet hookup required)
• Surprisingly strong cleaning for baked-on food
• Compact footprint that fits most counters
• Simple controls without unnecessary modes

In daily use, it handles plates, bowls, glasses, and utensils without needing pre-washing. I still scrape food off first, but that’s it.

It’s also one of the better options if your sink setup is awkward or you just don’t want hoses everywhere.

Best Countertop Dishwasher for Very Tight Counter Space

HAVA Compact Countertop Dishwasher

If your counter space is extremely limited, this one deserves a look.

Why it works:

• Smaller width than most competitors
• Built-in tank for flexible placement
• Quiet operation compared to older models

The tradeoff is capacity. You’ll run it more often, but for a single person or couple, that’s not a dealbreaker.

I’d choose this over cheaper no-name brands that promise more space but struggle with cleaning performance.

Best Faucet-Connected Countertop Dishwasher

Danby Countertop Dishwasher

If you don’t mind connecting to your sink, Danby makes one of the more reliable faucet-based units.

Pros:

• Solid wash pressure
• Good for standard plate sizes
• Typically cheaper than tank-based models

Cons:

• Adapter setup can be annoying
• Not ideal for pull-down or specialty faucets

I’ve found faucet-connected units work best in kitchens with traditional faucets and enough sink clearance to make hookup easy.

What Countertop Dishwashers Don’t Do Well

This is important to be honest about.

They’re not great for:

• Large pots and pans
• Oversized cutting boards
• Hosting dinner parties

You’ll still hand-wash bulky items. Think of these dishwashers as handling daily dishes, not everything you own.

Once you adjust expectations, they’re much more satisfying to use.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Bad Experiences

Most negative reviews come from avoidable issues.

Here’s what usually goes wrong:

• Overloading the racks
• Using too much detergent
• Blocking spray arms with tall items
• Expecting full-size dishwasher performance

In my experience, loading properly matters more with countertop models than full-size ones. Take an extra 10 seconds to arrange dishes and results improve a lot.

Who a Countertop Dishwasher Is Actually For

You’ll probably love one if:

• You live in an apartment or rental
• You cook often but hate washing dishes
• You don’t have space for a built-in model
• You want less water usage than hand washing

You might want to skip it if:

• You cook large meals daily
• You already struggle with counter space
• You expect it to replace all hand washing

For the right household, it’s one of those appliances you end up wondering how you lived without.

Final Thoughts

Countertop dishwashers aren’t a compromise anymore. The good ones are genuinely useful tools for small kitchens.

If you want the easiest ownership experience, I’d start with a tank-based model like the Farberware. If space is extremely tight, go smaller and run it more often. And if your sink setup allows it, faucet-connected models can still be a solid value.

The key is choosing one that matches how you actually cook and live. Get that right, and dish duty gets a lot less annoying.