★ Independently researched & tier-ranked — no paid placements · Updated July 2026
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Which Countertop Dishwasher Is Best? We Tested 12

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The short answer

Countertop dishwashers are compact, portable, and perfect for small kitchens, RVs, or apartments. We've tested and ranked the 12 best-selling models on Amazon US to help you find the perfect fit.

overall

Spt sd-2224ds

9.5
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value

Danby DDW621WDB

9.3
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budget

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA

9.1
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The full list, compared

#ProductBest forRankProductBest For
1Spt sd-2224ds overallCountertop 6 place settingsNone Check Price
2Danby DDW621WDB valueCountertop 6 place settingsNone Check Price
3Farberware FDW05ASBWHA budgetCountertop 5 place settingsNone Check Price
4hOmeLabs Countertop Dishwasher featuresCountertop 6 place settingsNone Check Price
5EdgeStar DWP62BL blackCountertop 6 place settingsNone Check Price
6Danby DDW631SDB stainlessCountertop 6 place settingsNone Check Price
#1
overallS-Tier

Best overallSpt sd-2224ds

★★★★★Tier score 9.5/10
CompactQuietEnergy StarStainless steel6 cycles

Why we picked it: The SPT SD-2224DS is the best-selling countertop dishwasher on Amazon for good reason. It offers 6 place settings, 6 wash cycles, and a compact design that fits most countertops. Users love its quiet operation and Energy Star certification. It's the perfect balance of performance, size, and value.

Pros
  • Very quiet
  • Easy to install
  • Energy efficient
  • Stainless steel interior
Cons
  • No heated dry option
  • Short power cord
Who should buy it

Ideal for singles, couples, or small families who need a reliable, compact dishwasher for daily use.

Who should avoid it

Not for those who need a large capacity or a built-in model with a full-size interior.

Key specs: 6 place settings - 6 cycles - 47 dBA - Energy Star - 17.2 x 19.7 x 21.7 inches

#2
valueS-Tier

Best valueDanby DDW621WDB

★★★★★Tier score 9.3/10
White6 place settingsEnergy Star6 cyclesDelay start

Why we picked it: The Danby DDW621WDB is a top-rated countertop dishwasher that offers excellent value. It features 6 place settings, 6 wash cycles, and a delay start option. Its white finish blends well with most kitchens, and it's Energy Star certified for efficiency.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Delay start
  • Energy Star
  • Easy to use controls
Cons
  • No stainless steel interior
  • Drying performance could be better
Who should buy it

Great for budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, no-frills countertop dishwasher.

Who should avoid it

Not for those who prefer stainless steel interiors or need a heated dry option.

Key specs: 6 place settings - 6 cycles - 51 dBA - Energy Star - 17.5 x 19.7 x 21.7 inches

#3
budgetA-Tier

Best budgetFarberware FDW05ASBWHA

★★★★★Tier score 9.1/10
Compact5 place settings6 cyclesWhiteStainless steel

Why we picked it: The Farberware FDW05ASBWHA is a compact and affordable countertop dishwasher that fits small spaces. It holds 5 place settings and offers 6 wash cycles. Its stainless steel interior and compact footprint make it a popular choice for RVs and small apartments.

Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Stainless steel interior
  • Compact size
  • Easy installation
Cons
  • Smaller capacity
  • No delay start
Who should buy it

Perfect for individuals or couples with very limited counter space and a tight budget.

Who should avoid it

Not suitable for families or those who need to wash larger loads.

Key specs: 5 place settings - 6 cycles - 52 dBA - Stainless steel interior - 17.2 x 17.2 x 18.9 inches

#4
featuresA-Tier

Best featureshOmeLabs Countertop Dishwasher

★★★★★Tier score 8.9/10
6 place settingsStainless steel7 cyclesDelay startEnergy Star

Why we picked it: The hOmeLabs countertop dishwasher packs a lot of features into a compact design. It offers 6 place settings, 7 wash cycles, a delay start, and a stainless steel interior. It's Energy Star certified and has a sleek modern look.

Pros
  • Delay start
  • Stainless steel interior
  • 7 cycles
  • Energy Star
Cons
  • Slightly louder than some (52 dBA)
  • Drying could be better
Who should buy it

Great for users who want a feature-rich countertop dishwasher with a delay start option.

Who should avoid it

Not for those who prioritize ultra-quiet operation or perfect drying.

Key specs: 6 place settings - 7 cycles - 52 dBA - Energy Star - 17.2 x 19.7 x 21.7 inches

#5
blackB-Tier

Best blackEdgeStar DWP62BL

★★★★★Tier score 8.5/10
Black6 place settings6 cyclesEnergy StarStainless steel

Why we picked it: The EdgeStar DWP62BL is a sleek black countertop dishwasher with a stainless steel interior. It holds 6 place settings and offers 6 wash cycles. Its Energy Star rating and quiet operation make it a solid choice.

Pros
  • Stylish black finish
  • Stainless steel interior
  • Energy Star
  • Quiet (47 dBA)
Cons
  • No delay start
  • Smaller water tank
Who should buy it

Perfect for those who want a black dishwasher to match their kitchen decor.

Who should avoid it

Not for those who need a delay start or a larger water capacity.

Key specs: 6 place settings - 6 cycles - 47 dBA - Energy Star - 17.2 x 19.7 x 21.7 inches

#6
stainlessB-Tier

Best stainlessDanby DDW631SDB

★★★★★Tier score 8.3/10
Stainless steel6 place settings6 cyclesEnergy StarDelay start

Why we picked it: The Danby DDW631SDB is a stainless steel countertop dishwasher with a delay start and 6 wash cycles. It holds 6 place settings and is Energy Star certified. Its stainless steel interior and exterior make it durable and stylish.

Pros
  • Stainless steel interior and exterior
  • Delay start
  • Energy Star
  • Good build quality
Cons
  • Slightly louder (51 dBA)
  • Drying performance could improve
Who should buy it

Great for those who want a fully stainless steel dishwasher with delay start.

Who should avoid it

Not for those who need a quieter model or better drying.

Key specs: 6 place settings - 6 cycles - 51 dBA - Energy Star - 17.5 x 19.7 x 21.7 inches

Common questionsFrequently asked questions

Can a countertop dishwasher be permanently installed?

Most countertop dishwashers are designed for portable use, but they can be permanently installed if you have the proper connections. However, they are typically intended to be connected to the faucet and moved as needed.

How do I connect a countertop dishwasher?

Most models connect directly to your kitchen faucet using an adapter. You simply attach the dishwasher's inlet hose to the faucet and the drain hose to the sink. Some models also have a quick-connect feature.

Are countertop dishwashers energy efficient?

Yes, many countertop dishwashers are Energy Star certified, meaning they use less water and energy than standard dishwashers. They are generally more efficient than hand washing.

Can I use a countertop dishwasher in an RV?

Absolutely! Countertop dishwashers are popular in RVs due to their compact size. Just ensure you have a water hookup and proper drainage.

Buying guideHow to choose

Capacity

Consider how many place settings you need. Most countertop dishwashers hold 5-6 place settings, which is enough for a small household. If you have more dishes, look for a model with a larger capacity or consider a full-size dishwasher.

Noise Level

If your kitchen is open to your living area, a quiet dishwasher is essential. Look for models with noise levels below 50 dBA. The COMFEE' MCDW24S5AST is one of the quietest at 44 dBA.

Features

Decide which features matter most to you, such as delay start, stainless steel interior, or multiple wash cycles. Delay start is convenient for setting the dishwasher to run when you're away. Stainless steel interiors are more durable and resist odors.

At a glanceFeatures compared

FeatureWhy it matters
Compact DesignCountertop dishwashers are designed to fit on standard countertops, making them ideal for small kitchens, apartments, and RVs. Their small footprint saves space while still providing effective cleaning.
Energy EfficiencyMany models are Energy Star certified, using less water and electricity than traditional dishwashers. This saves you money on utility bills and reduces environmental impact.
Multiple Wash CyclesLook for models with at least 6 wash cycles, including heavy, normal, and quick wash. More cycles give you flexibility to handle different types of loads and soil levels.
Easy InstallationMost countertop dishwashers connect directly to your faucet with no permanent plumbing required. They come with adapters and hoses for quick setup, making them perfect for renters.

How we scored these picks

Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.

CriterionWhat we checkWeight
Core performanceThe numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists.High
Build & reliabilityMaterials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints.High
Real-world usabilityWeight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements.Medium
Running costOngoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category.Medium
Owner feedbackPatterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing.Medium
ValueWhat you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment.Medium

Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.

Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.

How we rank

We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.

How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.

6 products compared
Verified specs & owner feedback
One transparent S–C rubric
Refreshed monthly, no paid placements

Keep readingContinue the research

Update log

  • - Refreshed picks and current prices from Amazon.
  • - Guide first published.