Are you tired of washing dishes by hand in a crowded kitchen? A small portable dishwasher is the perfect space-saving solution. These compact appliances offer all the convenience of a dishwasher but take up very little space, making them perfect for an apartment, RV, or tiny house. With a variety of models available on the market, you can easily keep your dishes clean without the hassle.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best small portable dishwashers on the market, highlighting their key features, advantages, and disadvantages. You can learn about how these versatile appliances can make your kitchen life easier.
What is a small portable dishwasher?
It is a compact appliance that cleans dishes efficiently and does not require permanent installation. Unlike traditional built-in dishwashers, these models are lightweight and convenient, making them ideal for apartments, small kitchens, and RVs. Typically, they can be connected to a kitchen faucet, making them simple to install and store.
There are many types of small portable dishwashers, such as countertop models that sit on the countertop, and freestanding models that can be pushed next to the sink. Despite their small size, these dishwashers offer impressive cleaning power, and many models come with multiple wash programs, adjustable racks, and energy-saving options.
7 Best Small Portable Dishwasher
There are a variety of portable dishwasher models available on the market. We’ve compiled some of the best portable dishwashers for you. Let’s take a look at these models together.
1. SPT SD-9263W 18″ Wide Portable Dishwasher
Description
The SPT SD-9263W is a modern, efficient 18-inch portable dishwasher that will elevate your dishwashing experience. It can accommodate up to eight place settings, making it perfect for small gatherings or for everyday use at home. It offers six washing programs – Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 Minutes and Quick Wash, and can adjust the wash cycle according to your needs. Additionally, it features a stainless-steel interior that is durable and easy to clean. The delay function allows you to set the wash time up to 24 hours in advance and reminds you when to add more detergent. This dishwasher meets Energy Star standards and can be directly connected to the kitchen faucet, without the need for permanent installation.
What are people saying about the SPT?
Customers find that the dishwasher cleans dishes well and is a good size for small kitchens. It works great and gets the job done, with hot wash cycles. Many customers are happy with the noise level. However, some have reported issues with leakage and water leaking onto floors. There are also complaints about dents and build quality. Opinions differ on ease of use.
I have used it 8 times. It is perfection and has changed my life. I knew it was going to cut way down on time spent doing dishes, but hadn’t taken into account how lovely it is to no longer have to see my unwashed dishes in the sink or my just-washed dishes drying on the dish rack! They’re all in the dishwasher, either waiting for me to run a load or waiting for me to unload the dishwasher! My kitchen looks and feels so much more neat and peaceful without dishes everywhere most of the time!
It is quiet! I’m noise-sensitive, and it doesn’t bother me a bit. The cycle is long, but I don’t care; it’s quietly doing its job and all I hear is water sloshing gently about, which is a nice sound and not loud. There is a very brief louder period when you first turn it on when the water heats up (amazingly fast) and again when the drying phase switches on. Both are brief and aren’t even that loud.
It’s streamlined and cute. Mine arrived in perfect condition. It was extraordinarily well packaged; it would be hard to dent anything once it was inside all that packaging and protection.-Teka via Amazon
Pros
- Spacious capacity for up to 8 place settings
- Multiple wash programs for versatile cleaning
- Energy Star certified for cost-effective operation
- Stainless steel interior for durability
- Time delay feature for flexible scheduling
Cons
- May experience water leakage with some detached sprayers
- Requires additional plumbing for side sprayers
2. BLACK+DECKER 18″ Portable Dishwasher
Description
BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher can make the process of dishwashing easy and enjoyable and can make your dishes shine like new. It can clean up to eight sets of cutleries at once, ensuring your plates, cups and cutlery are always clean. This durable stainless-steel interior (16.3″ x 20.5″ x 26.15″) comes with a cutlery basket and an adjustable upper rack for taller dishes. The quick-connect assembly connects directly to the faucet via a 59-inch hose, eliminating the need for direct plumbing. It has six wash programs—Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 Minute, and Quick—and an easy-to-read LED display. When not in use, this stylish dishwasher doubles as a kitchen island or extra work surface.
What are people saying about the BLACK+DECKER?
Customers find the dishwasher easy to use and quiet. They appreciate its cleaning efficiency, functionality, and quiet operation. However, some have experienced leaks and are not satisfied with the value for money.
Idk why there’s so many poor reviews! This machine came to me well packaged & perfectly intact. I use the eco cycle and it cleans my dishes amazingly. All I had to do for installation is attach it to my sink. It’s a little bit leaky in my sink (at the connection) I think some teflon tape would fix it.
Main issue I had with this: the plastic mechanism it came with to organize the plug & faucet connections did not work. I’m not sure if it’s the wrong one, but I ended up putting a hook up above where I store this machine so that was he plumbing didn’t leak everywhere after use. If it’s not upright the residual water will spill all over the floor.-Emily Economos via Amazon
Pros
- Cleans up to 8 place settings per cycle
- Easy setup with Quick Connect assembly
- Six wash cycles for versatile cleaning
- Adjustable top rack for taller items
- Doubles as a kitchen island or worktop
Cons
- Limited capacity for larger families
- Requires faucet connection for operation
3. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Description
The BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a powerful appliance that makes dishwashing a breeze. The washer comes with seven wash cycles—Normal, Intensive, Eco, Glass, 90 Minutes, Rapid, and Soak—so you can customize it to fit your dishware.
The stainless steel interior ensures hygiene and durability, while the intuitive LED display and electronic touch controls make selecting your wash cycle a breeze. You don’t need to worry about figuring out the plumbing with the Quick Connect assembly.
With the ability to handle up to six place settings at once, this dishwasher fits neatly on countertops and can be stored conveniently in cupboards.
What are people saying about the BLACK+DECKER?
Customers find the dishwasher cleans dishes well and sanitizes them. They find it easy to set up and use, with a simple operation. Many consider it a good value for the money, perfect for a rental. It’s quiet and has a nice appearance. However, some customers dislike leakage and have differing opinions on its size.-Romina Soledad Munguia Cruz via Amazon
Pros
- Seven wash cycles for versatile cleaning options
- Intuitive LED display for easy operation
- Quick Connect assembly for simple faucet hookup
- Fits up to 6 place settings for efficient cleaning
- Compact design perfect for small kitchens
Cons
- Limited capacity for larger households
- Requires faucet connection for operation
4. RCA 24-Inch Countertop Dishwasher
Description
The RCA 24-Inch Countertop Dishwasher combines compact design with powerful performance. It holds up to six dining sets, making it perfect for a dorm room, kitchenette, or office break room. It offers programmable heavy and regular wash speeds to ensure every dish comes out sparkling new. Its stainless-steel interior enhances durability and hygiene while using less water. The RCA countertop dishwasher fits under most kitchen cabinets and easily connects to your kitchen faucet. The foldable bottom tray rack and residual drying system ensure dishes are washed clean.
Pros
- Holds up to 6 standard place settings
- Compact design perfect for small spaces
- Electronic controls for easy operation
- Low water consumption for efficiency
- Durable stainless steel interior
Cons
- Limited capacity for larger families
- It may require an adapter for some kitchen taps
What are people saying about the HAMILTON BEACH?
Customers find that the dishwasher cleans dishes well and is easy to install. They appreciate its quiet operation. However, some customers have issues with functionality and dents. There are mixed opinions on size and value for money.
I love this dishwasher. I was hoping it was going to fit underneath my top cabinet but it’s literally less than 1/2 inch too tall so it’s sitting awkwardly on the kitchen counter. I’ll probably end up getting a little rolling cart to store it away when I’m not using it. But I love this thing. It works so well. It saves me so much time and dishes come out SO clean.-Cynthia via Amazon
5. Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Description
The Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher is the perfect solution for small kitchens, apartments, RVs and boats. This compact mini dishwasher comes with a 5-liter water tank, eliminating the hassle of connecting directly to the water source. Its 750W of power delivers a powerful wash, enabling it to clean dishes up to 12 inches in diameter. Five versatile wash programs are suitable for everything from glassware to baby bottles. This dishwasher can finish a wash in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy lifestyle. The LED display and simple operating controls make operation easier, and refilling the water tank is also very convenient.
What are people saying about the Farberware?
Customers find the dishwasher cleans dishes well and fits on countertops. It functions properly and runs smoothly. Many customers consider it a good value for money, with its economical operation and simple setup. They also mention that the dishwasher is easy to use and set up.
I bought this dishwasher solely because I am struggling with caregiver burnout. My mother has dementia, and with the millions of things I do throughout the day, washing dishes is the most daunting task and the one I despise. So, I would collect dishes in the sink until I could mentally prepare to clear the mountain. Though it does not hold what a standard washer does, it keeps my sink dish-free, except for oversized pots and pans. Those are too large for the washer. Cleaning one or two pans a day is not a big deal. Basically, eat, then load, sometimes twice a day. It feels so good to wake up and see a clear sink. It’s one less thing to carry on my shoulders.
The washer itself works great and is relatively quiet. It cleans the dishes well and the dryer at the end of the NORMAL cycle does its job. To keep everything running smoothly, clean the filter and water spinners once a week.-EGC via Amazon
Pros
- Compact design ideal for small spaces
- Built-in water tank for no direct hookup required
- Five wash cycles for versatile cleaning options
- Quick cleaning time of just 40 minutes
- User-friendly LED display for easy operation
Cons
- Limited capacity for larger dish loads
- Requires periodic water tank refilling
6. SPT SD-9263SSA 18″ Stainless Steel Portable Dishwasher
Description
You’ll love the SPT SD-9263SSA 18-inch Stainless Steel Portable Dishwasher, a stylish and efficient machine that’s ready for your dishwashing needs. It has the capacity to hold up to eight dining sets, making it perfect for families or small gatherings. With six wash programs—Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 Minutes, and Quick Wash—you can choose the right one for your needs. The stainless-steel interior is durable and easy to clean. This dishwasher has a detergent reminder function, and the delay function allows you to set it up 24 hours in advance. It is Energy Star compliant, making it capable of saving energy and water, and can easily connect to any kitchen faucet.
Pros
- Spacious capacity for up to 8 place settings
- Six wash programs for versatile cleaning
- Energy Star certified for cost-effective operation
- Stainless steel interior for durability
- Time delay feature for flexible scheduling
Cons
- It may require an adapter for some faucet types
- Some users may prefer more advanced features
7. COMFEE’ Countertop Portable Dishwasher
Description
COMFEE’s Countertop Portable Dishwasher is ideal for small homes, dorms, RVs, and apartments. It can hold up to six sets of cutleries and can wash up to 70 pieces of cutlery. It is designed so that it can fit plates up to 10 inches in diameter. Its installation is very simple as it connects directly to the faucet via an adapter. It offers eight different wash programs including Heavy, Normal, Baby Care, Eco, Glass, Quick, Mini Party, and Rinse. The Heavy program uses 12 wash nozzles and a 360° rotating spray to ensure thorough cleaning, while the Quick program can finish the dishwashing job in just 45 minutes. With Energy Star certification, this dishwasher only uses 2.77 gallons of water, which can help you save money.
What are people saying about the COMFEE?
Customers are satisfied with the dishwasher’s cleanliness, size, and performance. They find it cleans well, has a spacious yet compact design, and works well for small families or apartments. The dishwasher is user-friendly and easy to install. Overall, customers consider it a great product that offers good value for money.
This countertop dish washer is great for small family, it’s compact and very easy to install. The dishwasher has 8 different modes (Heavy, normal, baby-care, Eco, Glass, Speed, Extra-Drying function and etc.). I personally like Speed program and the Drying function a lot. The speed program is about 45 minutes, and the drying function which dry and sanitizes the dishes really well. My unit is in black color, which match perfectly with my other kitchen appliances, which are mostly in black as well. Inside the unit, there is rack for cups, dishes; and a basket for storing utensils, chopsticks and etc. Finally, the unit came in a well-packed box, packed with foams, wood-like protection boards, and etc. I would recommend this unit for small family, dorm, RV and etc., and the unit not only could be used on the counter, it could also be fitted into a kitchen cabinet compartment.-JZ via Amazon
Pros
- Fits up to 6 place settings for small households
- Eight washing cycles for flexible cleaning options
- Simple installation and portable design
- Heavy program for stubborn stains with high water temperature
- Energy Star compliant for water and energy savings
Cons
- Requires adapter for faucet connection
- Limited capacity for larger families
How to Choose the Right Small Portable Dishwasher
Choosing the right small portable dishwasher will greatly improve your kitchen experience. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing:
Capacity
When choosing a dishwasher, consider its capacity, so you need to know the number of dishes that you usually use. Portable dishwashers generally hold six to eight sets of dishes, which is suitable for small families. If you often entertain guests or have a large family, you can choose a model with a larger capacity.
Size and Design
It is also important to consider the size and design of the dishwasher. Before deciding, you need to make sure it will fit comfortably in your kitchen. If you choose a compact model that fits on the countertop or cabinets, the dishwasher won’t take up much space. Choosing a dishwasher that matches the kitchen decoration can enhance the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.
Washing programs and functions
A dishwasher should offer a variety of washing programs and functions. Typically, portable dishwashers will have four washing programs: heavy, normal, eco, and quick wash. You can customize your dishwashing experience with features like a delayed start function, adjustable racks and detergent reminders.
Water and energy efficiency
Water and energy efficiency are critical to saving money on utility bills. You’ll want to choose models with Energy Star certification because they use less water and electricity. Most portable dishwashers use less water than traditional models, so choosing an efficient one can help you save more money and water.
Ease of Installation
A portable dishwasher doesn’t need to be permanently installed, but you’ll want to make sure it’s connected in a way that works for your kitchen. A quick-connecting system can help you easily connect to the faucet.
In conclusion
Small portable dishwashers are an essential appliance in the modern kitchen, they offer the perfect combination of efficient cleaning and space saving. Whether you live in an apartment, an RV, or a kitchen that requires a compact appliance, these dishwashers will provide you with a convenient experience. Choosing a dishwasher that meets your needs will greatly improve your kitchen efficiency and quality of life.
FAQs
Can a small portable dishwasher handle pots and pans?
Some models can handle smaller pots and pans depending on their capacity and design. The manufacturer’s guidelines provide specific recommendations.
How do I connect a portable dishwasher to my sink?
Most models come with a hose and adapter for connecting to your kitchen faucet. Attach the hose to the faucet and secure it with the adapter provided.
Are small portable dishwashers energy-efficient?
Several models come with Energy Star ratings and are designed to be energy-efficient. Compared to hand-washing dishes, they tend to use less water and energy.
Do portable dishwashers dry the dishes?
In some models, you can choose between heated drying or fan-assisted drying. Make sure you check out the features of the model you are considering.
How often should I clean the filters in my portable dishwasher?
If you want the filters to perform at their best, you should clean them after a few uses. You can find specific cleaning instructions in your user manual.
Conclusion
You can find a small portable dishwasher that fits your space, budget, and cleaning needs if you consider these factors. Make sure you compare multiple models, read reviews, and prioritize features that are most important to you.
References
