3 Best Compact Dishwashers for Small Apartments That Save Space and Shine Bright
Living in a small apartment means choosing appliances that maximize space without sacrificing performance, and compact dishwashers fit that bill perfectly. These portable models, often just 16-20 inches wide, come with features like multiple wash modes, built-in water tanks, and simple faucet connections—great for tight spots. They operate quietly and efficiently, leaving your dishes spotless. Curious which models stand out and meet all your needs? Let’s explore the top contenders that make clean-up easier without cluttering your space.
Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5L Water Tank and 6 Modes
- 【No Plumbing Needed】: Connect directly to kitchen faucets using included adapters allowing instant setup of this...
- 【Space-Smart Design】: Compact 17.2-inch wide counter top dishwasher fits narrow kitchen counters while cleaning...
If you live in a small apartment and want a good dishwasher that doesn’t take up much space, the Portable Countertop Dishwasher from TROPOW is a great choice. It measures only 17.2 inches wide, so it fits easily on narrow countertops. This means your kitchen stays open and doesn’t feel crowded. It has a built-in 5-liter water tank that connects to your faucet with included adapters. You don’t need to do any permanent plumbing.
The dishwasher offers six wash modes. You can pick from gentle to heavy cleaning depending on what you need. The 162°F high-temperature cycle helps to clean dishes thoroughly and kills germs. It’s lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to move around. It works well for quick washes and is energy-efficient.
Best For: small households, singles, or renters who want a small, portable dishwasher that fits on narrow counters and doesn’t need permanent installation.
Pros:
- Fits small kitchens and rental apartments well
- Easy to set up—just connect to your faucet
- Comes with six wash options and a high-temperature sterilize cycle
Cons:
- Can handle only up to six place settings, so it may not be good for large families
- Some users experienced minor transit damage, but sellers fixed it quickly
- Washing takes longer than built-in dishwashers, so it’s not ideal for many quick loads
Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5 Programs
- Build- in Lights Function, Portable Size: 16x16x17.5(H) inch, 26.4 LB Net Weight, Convenient Dishwasher can fit a...
- Multi Washing Programs: Six Wash Programs - Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit and DRY. Lower and Upper Spray Arms give...
A portable countertop dishwasher with five wash programs is a great choice for anyone who wants a compact, easy-to-use machine that cleans dishes well. It measures just 16x16x17.5 inches and weighs only 26.4 pounds. Because of its small size, it fits easily on most kitchen counters. It’s perfect for small homes, apartments, RVs, or boats. It can handle dishes up to 12 inches in size.
This dishwasher has six different programs: Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, and DRY. You can choose the best one depending on what you need. The dual spray arms spin and spray water from different angles. This helps remove dirt quickly and leaves dishes streak-free. The LED control panel makes it simple to select and start the cycle you want.
You can use this dishwasher in two ways. Connect it directly to a water hose or fill its built-in water tank. This helps you save space and makes it easier to use wherever you are.
Who should buy this? People living in small spaces like apartments, dorms, RVs, or boats. It’s also good for anyone who wants a portable and versatile machine for daily dishwashing.
Pros:
- It’s small, light, and easy to move.
- It has many programs to clean different types of dishes.
- You can choose to hook it up to a water hose or use the built-in tank.
Cons:
- It can only hold a small number of dishes at once.
- If not connected to a water source, you might need to refill the tank often.
- It works best for small or lightly soiled dishes. It may not be ideal for large pots or very dirty pans.
This dishwasher is a smart, space-saving option for busy people or small households. It makes cleaning dishes simple and quick, with programs for all kinds of needs.
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 great choice if you want a small, reliable dishwashing machine. It’s perfect for tight spaces like apartments, dorm rooms, or RVs. The dishwasher measures just 17.2 inches high, 21.6 inches wide, and 19.7 inches deep. It fits easily on most kitchen counters. It can wash up to 6 place settings or 70 pieces of tableware. It can hold plates up to 10 inches in size.
This dishwasher weighs 46 pounds, so it is sturdy but still portable. It’s made from stainless steel and plastic, with a sleek black look. It is also Energy Star-rated. This means it uses less water and energy. It uses only 2.85 gallons of water per wash and 174 kWh of energy each year. That helps you save both space and power.
Who should use this dishwasher? It’s a good fit for small households, people living in dorms, or travelers in RVs. It clean dishes well while saving water and energy.
Some good points about this dishwasher:
- Its small size makes it easy to fit in tight spots and it can handle plates up to 10 inches.
- It operates quietly, with only 52 decibels of noise, so it won’t disturb your home.
- It offers different wash cycles like Heavy, Speed, and Baby-Care, so you can choose the right one for each load.
Some things to watch out for:
- Its height might be a problem if your cabinet space is very low. You might need to lift or place it carefully.
- Some users find it tricky to fit larger or oddly shaped plates inside.
- The parts needed for installation may not be available everywhere, which could make setup harder.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Compact Dishwashers for Small Apartments
When selecting a compact dishwasher, you’ll want to contemplate its size and how well it fits in your small space, ensuring it doesn’t turn your kitchen into a cluttered mess. Think about water connection options—some models hook up easily to your sink, while others might need additional adapters—because nobody wants a DIY plumbing project when they’re just trying to clean dishes. Don’t forget to look at wash cycle variety, energy ratings, and noise levels; after all, a quiet performer with energy savings can make a big difference in your daily routine.
Size and Space Needs
When you choose a dishwasher for a small apartment, measure your space carefully. Dishwashers usually come in sizes from about 16x16x17.5 inches to 20x20x21 inches. Make sure the model you pick fits in your space without feeling crowded. Check the height and width to see if the door can open easily and hoses have enough room. Think about the size of your dishes. A 10- or 12-inch plate should fit easily inside. Also, consider how much you wash. For small households, a dishwasher that holds 4 to 6 place settings works well. Make sure there is enough space for air flow and easy access for installation and cleaning. Measuring right now helps you avoid buying a dishwasher that is too big or too small later.
Water Connection Options
Choosing the right water connection for your small dishwasher is important. Some dishwashers have built-in water tanks. You can fill these tanks by hand. This is useful if you rent your home or don’t have easy access to plumbing. No permanent connection is needed. Just refill when empty, and you’re ready. Other dishwashers connect directly to your faucet. They come with adapters and hoses. This way, the water flows straight from your sink. It’s a quick and permanent solution. Some models even let you switch between filling from the tank and connecting to the faucet. This adds more flexibility. When choosing, think about how easy it is to install. A tank is easier to move but needs refilling often. A direct connection is faster to set up but fixed in one place. Also, consider your space and plumbing. Do you plan to move soon? These factors help you pick the best water connection for your needs.
Wash Cycle Variety
A variety of wash cycles helps your small dishwasher clean better. Different dishes and dirt levels need different settings. Options like heavy, quick, eco, and delicate let you choose what works best. Heavy cycles work well for baked-on food. Quick cycles are good when you need clean dishes fast. Eco cycles save water and energy for lighter loads. Delicate cycles protect fragile items.
Some dishwashers have high-temperature cycles that reach up to 162°F. These are great for sterilizing dishes and killing germs. Others have special modes like fruit wash or extra-drying. These features add more ways to clean different kinds of loads.
Switching between these cycles helps you save water, energy, and time. You can pick the right cycle for each load. This keeps your dishes clean and the dishwasher in good shape. Having many options makes it easier to care for your dishes, whether they are heavy or delicate.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
When choosing a dishwasher for a small apartment, look for energy efficiency. An energy-efficient model uses less electricity. One good sign is an Energy Star label. This label means the dishwasher uses power smartly. It cleans dishes well while saving energy. These dishwashers often have better wash cycles and insulation. They waste less energy and water. A dishwasher with an Energy Star label can use 20-50% less energy than a regular one. Picking an efficient dishwasher helps save money on bills. It also helps protect the environment. Making this choice is simple and good for the planet.
Noise Level Considerations
Since noise level can affect how enjoyable your small apartment feels, it’s important to know how loud your dishwasher gets when it runs. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Lower numbers mean quieter machines. Most portable dishwashers make sounds between 45 and 55 dB. This is quiet enough so you can talk or watch TV while it runs. You can even run it late at night without waking anyone up. Some dishwashers have special features like insulation or soundproofing. These help block out noise by absorbing or blocking sound waves. For the quietest experience, pick a dishwasher that makes 50 dB or less. Some models also have extra quiet technologies or “quiet mode” options. These help keep your home peaceful and make cleaning easier without disturbing your daily life.
Ease of Installation
Getting a compact dishwasher set up is easy when you pick the right model. Look for dishwashers that have simple connections, like ones with built-in water tanks or parts included to connect to your faucet. This way, you don’t have to spend a lot of time figuring out where the hoses go. A control panel that’s simple to use and clear instructions help you put it together quickly without needing a handyman or watching many videos. Choose models that don’t need many tools or special parts, so you can get it done with what you already have at home. Lightweight designs, around 26 to 32 pounds, make moving and placing the dishwasher simple. Also, see if the dishwasher can fill with water in different ways, such as with dual systems that use built-in tanks or hoses outside. This makes installation easier no matter how your kitchen is set up.
Drying Capabilities
Let’s talk about drying features in compact dishwashers. Good drying is important because it helps your dishes come out clean and ready to use. Many dishwashers have air-dry options. These save energy by drying dishes without using extra heat. This can help you save on your utility bill.
But drying success can vary. Some dishwashers leave dishes completely dry. Others may leave some moisture, which means you might need to wipe them with a towel. Some models have heated drying elements that make dishes dry faster, but they might use a little more electricity. Extra modes like fan-only drying or longer cycles can also help remove stubborn moisture from dishes.
How you load your dishwasher also matters. Leave enough space between dishes and put open surfaces facing upward. This helps air flow better and dries dishes more effectively. When you load your dishwasher properly, your dishes will come out shiny, dry, and ready for use.
Maintenance Requirements
Taking care of your compact dishwasher may not be exciting, but it is very important. Regular cleaning keeps your machine working well and helps it last longer. Clean the filters and spray arms often. This makes sure water flows properly and your dishes come out clean. If you live in an area with hard water, descaling your dishwasher once in a while is a good idea. This prevents minerals from building up and clogging parts. After each wash, empty the drainage system. This helps prevent bad smells and stops food pieces from causing clogs. Check the door seals and hoses regularly. Replace them if they are cracked or damaged. When needed, clean your dishwasher with safe detergents. This keeps it fresh and working better for a longer time. Think of it as giving your dishwasher a quick spa day!
FAQs
How Energy-Efficient Are These Compact Dishwashers?
You’re curious about energy efficiency, and these compact dishwashers generally use less water and power than full-sized models. By choosing ENERGY STAR rated units, you guarantee you’re saving energy while keeping your dishes sparkling clean.
Do Portable Dishwashers Require Additional Plumbing?
You wonder if portable dishwashers need extra plumbing. Generally, they don’t require permanent hookups; you just connect the water inlet and drain hose when you use them, making installation simple and flexible.
What Is the Typical Lifespan of a Compact Dishwasher?
You’ll find that most compact dishwashers last around 7 to 10 years with proper use and maintenance. To extend their lifespan, keep them clean, check for issues regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended usage guidelines.
Can These Dishwashers Handle Hard Water Situations?
You wonder if these dishwashers handle hard water well. Generally, many compact models include built-in water softeners or resist build-up, but you should check specific features, as performance varies depending on the brand and model you choose.
Are Replacement Parts Easily Accessible for Repairs?
You’ll find replacement parts for these dishwashers are generally accessible through manufacturer websites, authorized dealers, or online marketplaces. Just guarantee you know your model number to quickly locate the right components during repairs.
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.
