3 Best Portable Dishwashers for Apartments in 2026—Compact, Efficient, and Space-Saving
Living in an apartment means space is at a premium, so choosing the right portable dishwasher is essential. These models pack power into compact frames—often under 20 inches wide—requiring minimal countertop real estate while still tackling everyday dish loads. Features like built-in water tanks or faucet connections, multiple wash cycles, and energy efficiency standards make them practical choices. But with so many options, understanding which one fits your lifestyle and space might seem intimidating—that’s where these top pickers come into play, and the best might surprise you.
COMFEE Portable Mini Dishwasher with 5L Water Tank
- Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" 【No installation needed】:...
- [ Ultra-compact Design]: The ultra-compact design allows the dishwasher to wash 30+ items（Max to 9.5-inch plates) at a...
If you live in a small apartment or need a dishwasher that doesn’t take up much space, the COMFEE Portable Mini Dishwasher with a 5L water tank could be a good choice. Its small size makes it easy to put on a kitchen counter or in tight spots. It’s great for apartments, dorm rooms, boats, or RVs. You can wash more than 30 items at once, including big plates up to 9.5 inches.
You don’t need a special plumbing setup. You can add water by hand or hook it up to your kitchen faucet with the included hose and adapter. It’s portable and simple to use, so your dishwashing chores get easier.
Best For: People who live in small spaces and want an easy, portable dishwasher.
Pros:
- Very small and easy to fit in tight space
- No plumbing needed; add water manually or connect to the faucet
- Uses high heat to clean and sterilize dishes
Cons:
- Only holds 5L of water, so you might need to refill often for large loads
- Needs about 19.6 inches of space between the counter and wall cupboard
- Can only use dishwasher detergent, not regular dish soap
This dishwasher is simple, small, and convenient. It helps save space and makes washing dishes a lot easier for people with limited room.
Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher with 5 Washing Programs
- 【PERFECT WASH】No more washing dirty dishes by hand every day. hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher increases the...
- 【4 PLACE-SETTING CAPACITY】The 120V Portable Dishwasher measures 16.85×16.73×18.03 inches (W×D×H), which has a 4...
The Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher is a great pick if you have a small space. It is small but works well. The size is just 16.85×16.73×18.03 inches. It can hold up to 4 place settings of dishes. You can load about 10.25 dishes at an angle inside.
This dishwasher offers five wash programs. These include Standard, Fast, ECO, Strong, and Fruit. This variety helps you choose the right program for different messes. It has dual spray arms to clean dishes without streaks. The glass door lets you see the cleaning in progress without opening it.
You can connect the dishwasher to water in two ways. You can use the built-in water tank or connect it directly to your faucet. This makes it easy to set up, even if water access is limited.
Best For: People living in small homes, apartments, dorms, RVs, or boats who want a small but reliable dishwasher.
Pros:
- Small size, fits in tight spaces
- Can handle 4 place settings
- Five cleaning options for different needs
- Two ways to supply water: tank or faucet
Cons:
- Sometimes, a little water stays after testing. This is normal.
- Some models may not include a funnel for filling water. You might need help from customer service.
- You need at least 19.88 inches of space around it for proper ventilation.
This dishwasher is simple, effective, and easy to use. It’s perfect for small homes or areas where you don’t have a lot of space.
COMFEE Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable...
- Simple Installation- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed)....
The COMFEE Countertop Dishwasher is a good choice for small homes or apartments. It is small and lightweight. It’s just over 17 inches tall and 21 inches wide. You can put it on your counter or inside a cupboard easily. It can clean up to 70 pieces of dishes. This includes large plates. It is best for 2 to 3 people.
It has eight wash cycles. This includes quick washes and deep cleaning options. It also has an extra drying function. You can wash glasses, pots, and everything in between. It is Energy Star certified. This means it uses less water and energy. It uses as little as 2.77 gallons of water per cycle.
Best for: Small families, singles, students, or people with little kitchen space. It is portable and saves space.
Pros:
- Small and easy to move
- Saves water and energy with Energy Star label
- Many wash options for different needs
Cons:
- Good for only 2-3 people and limited to 6 place settings
- Might need to connect to a faucet manually, which can be a little hard
- Sometimes, factory testing leaves water inside, so you may need to drain it before use
Factors to Consider When Choosing Portable Dishwashers for Apartments
When choosing a portable dishwasher for your apartment, you need to think about space; some models fit right on the countertop, while others are slightly larger but still portable. Water connection options matter too—whether it connects to a faucet or requires a water reservoir—so it’s important to pick one that fits your water setup. finally, consider cleaning performance, energy efficiency, and programmable cycles, because nobody wants a dishwasher that’s all talk and no wash—or runs up your electric bill!
Space Requirements
Want to see if your small apartment can fit a portable dishwasher? Most dishwashers need about 19 to 20 inches of space from your counter to the wall cabinets. This is important so they get enough airflow and you can open the door easily. Before buying one, measure the space you have. Dishwasher widths usually range from 16 to 22 inches. Think about where you will put it—on the countertop, inside a cabinet, or in a corner. Make sure there is enough room to open the door and load dishes comfortably. Check for nearby water sources, like a faucet or built-in tank. Leave space for connecting water lines, draining the water, and plugging in the cords. Small spaces require careful planning. Measure twice to make sure everything fits and your kitchen stays easy to use.
Water Connection Options
When choosing a water connection for your portable dishwasher, it’s important to pick the right option. Some dishwashers have a built-in water tank. This means you don’t need to connect it to your plumbing. You just fill the tank with water, and you’re ready to wash. This option is easy and portable, perfect if you want no fuss.
Other models connect directly to your faucet. They keep a steady flow of water going into the dishwasher. This is good if you have a sink nearby and want to avoid refilling. Most dishwashers come with adapters and hoses. These fit standard kitchen faucets and make installation simple.
Before connecting, check your water pressure. Most dishwashers need a pressure between 0.04 and 1.0 MPa. Keeping it in this range helps prevent leaks and keeps the dishwasher working well.
Your choice affects how easy it is to use, move, and set up the dishwasher. Pick the option that works best for your space and your needs.
Cleaning Capabilities
When choosing a portable dishwasher for your apartment, it’s important to think about cleaning features. Not all dishwashers clean dishes the same way. Look for models with different wash options. These can include normal, quick, heavy, or special cycles like one for cleaning fruit. These different settings help you clean a variety of dishes and soils easily.
Check how hot the dishwasher gets during the wash. Bacteria and germs hate high heat. A good dishwasher should reach above 162°F to clean well. Strong spray arms help break down stubborn grease and food stuck on dishes. For extra cleanliness, pick a dishwasher that rinses at even higher temperatures, up to 192°F. This is great for baby bottles or delicate glassware.
Some dishwashers have special programs. These help clean fragile items or even sterilize dishes to make sure they are perfectly clean and sanitary every time.
Power Efficiency
When choosing a portable dishwasher for your apartment, it’s smart to think about how much energy it uses. A dishwasher with good power efficiency can save money on your electricity bill and help the environment. Look for models with the Energy Star label. These dishwashers use less water, typically between 2.77 and 3.5 gallons per cycle. Using less water means less waste.
Some dishwashers have special modes like ECO or Speed. These settings use less electricity by heating water efficiently and shortening cycles. Machines with built-in water tanks are often more energy-friendly because they don’t need constant hot water from your faucet.
Features like good insulation and extra drying cycles can also cut down on energy use. Keep your dishwasher clean and maintained. When it works well, it uses less power and lasts longer. Choosing an energy-efficient dishwasher helps save money and protects the planet.
Program Flexibility
Having different wash programs makes your portable dishwasher more flexible for your needs. You can pick from options like normal, quick, and eco cycles. This helps you clean better based on how dirty your dishes are and how fast you need them done. Some dishwashers include special cycles like steam, fruit, or glass. These let you clean delicate items gently or heavy pots and pans without guessing.
Some models have shorter or half-cycles. These save water and energy and work well if you need dishes done in a hurry. Extra features like air refresh or extra drying help keep dishes clean and dry. They are useful when you wash tricky or fragile items.
More program choices make your dishwasher better suit your routine. It can handle different loads easily and keep dishes spotless with less effort.
Portability Features
When choosing a portable dishwasher for your apartment, think about how easy it is to move and fit into your space. Look for lightweight and small designs. These models can slide into tight spots on counters or in corners easily. Some have handles or wheels built in, so you can push them instead of lifting heavy appliances. This makes moving your dishwasher simple.
It’s good to pick a model that can stand alone or sit on your countertop. This gives you more options for where to place it. Try to find a dishwasher that is less than 20 inches wide because it takes up less room.
Flexible water options are helpful too. Some dishwashers have built-in water tanks, while others connect directly to faucets. This saves you from changing your plumbing.
FAQs
Do Portable Dishwashers Require Plumbing Connections?
Portable dishwashers typically don’t require permanent plumbing connections. You usually connect the hose to your sink’s faucet during use, making them easy to set up and move around without needing complex plumbing adjustments.
How Noisy Are Portable Dishwashers During Operation?
You’ll notice that portable dishwashers are generally quite quiet during operation, often producing noise levels similar to background conversations, making them a convenient choice for apartment living without disturbing your daily activities.
Can Portable Dishwashers Handle Large Pot Cleaning?
You might find portable dishwashers struggle with large pots, especially if they’re overly bulky, but some models feature adjustable racks and extra capacity, so check the specifications to guarantee they fit your big cooking utensils effectively.
What Are the Average Maintenance Costs for Portable Dishwashers?
You’ll typically spend about $50 to $150 annually on maintenance for your portable dishwasher, covering filter cleaning, part replacements, and occasional service. Regular upkeep keeps it running smoothly, preventing costly repairs down the line.
Are Portable Dishwashers Suitable for Use With Hard Water?
Hard water can cause mineral buildup in your portable dishwasher, but using a water softener or descaling agents can help prevent damage. You should regularly maintain it to keep performance ideal and extend its lifespan.
Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.
