8 Best Compact Dishwashers for Small Spaces (November 2026)
The best compact dishwashers for small spaces include the COMFEE' COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher (best overall), the Hamilton Beach HBDW3208 Counter Top Portable Dishwasher for very quiet kitchens, and the COMFEE' Mini Countertop Dishwasher With 1.32 Gal Tank for faucet-free spots.
On this page (8 sections)
- The best compact dishwashers for tight counters, ranked
- How these compact dishwashers compare
- How we chose these picks
- What size compact dishwasher fits your counter?
- Faucet hookup or built-in tank: which do you need?
- How much noise should you expect from a compact dishwasher?
- Where does a compact dishwasher fit in a small kitchen?
- Which compact dishwasher should you buy?
The best compact dishwasher for small spaces for most homes is the COMFEE' COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, a 6-place-setting unit that washes up to 70 pieces of tableware and still fits on a 21.7 by 19.7 in counter. Pick the COMFEE' Mini tank model if no faucet is free, the EUHOMY for the fastest cycle and one of the quietest runs, or the NOVETE when the counter is genuinely tiny.
A compact dishwasher for small spaces earns its counter real estate only if it holds a full day's dishes and fits under your cabinets. That means checking two numbers before anything else: the cabinet's height and the plate size it accepts.
The picks below sort by how much daily washing they handle per square inch of counter. Every model here runs from a faucet or its own tank, so none needs a plumber or a permanent install.
They also share a factory water test, so a little moisture in the tub on arrival is normal and not a leak.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for very quiet kitchensHamilton Beach HBDW3208 Counter Top Portable Dishwasher
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for faucet-free spotsCOMFEE' Mini Countertop Dishwasher With 1.32 Gal Tank
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itEUHOMY 6 Programs Countertop Dishwasher Portable
Best for fast turnaround - 5
Check itMidea Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher
Best for delayed overnight runs - 6
Check itDanby MAS DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher
Best for delicate glassware - 7
Check itSPT SD-2225DWA Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher
Best for fitting under low cabinets - 8
Best for the smallest counterCheck it
The best compact dishwashers for tight counters, ranked
The COMFEE' 6-setting model leads because it balances capacity, cycle choice and a footprint that still leaves room to chop vegetables. The rest win on one specific constraint, such as a dry faucet, a 16 in counter or a whisper-quiet open kitchen.
A 6-setting tub holds about 70 pieces, so two to three people can run one load a day instead of two.
COMFEE' COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher: Best overall
- 6 place settings
- 8 wash cycles
- 45-minute Speed cycle
- 12 spray nozzles at up to 68 C
- Uses as little as 2.77 gallons
A full countertop load for two to three people, with eight cycles and a 45-minute Speed wash when you need dishes back fast.
Pros
- 8 wash cycles including Baby-Care and Glass
- 45-minute Speed cycle
- 12 spray nozzles and water up to 68 C
Cons
- Needs a faucet connection
- One of the larger cabinets here
This COMFEE' is the pick when two or three people generate a real sinkful every day. Its 6 place settings fit up to 70 pieces, including plates up to 10 in across, in a cabinet 21.7 in wide, 19.7 in deep and 17.2 in tall.
It's made by Midea, and the tub interior is plastic.
Eight cycles cover most situations, and the Speed program finishes in 45 minutes, which helps when guests keep coming. Heavy mode uses 12 spray nozzles and water up to 68 C to attack baked-on food.
The Mini-party cycle handles a table full of extra plates, while Baby-Care and Glass look after bottles and stemware. The Speed program also uses as little as 2.77 gallons of water.
The LED panel shows the cycle as it runs.
The faucet adapter and both hoses come in the box, so setup is a quick-connect job rather than a plumbing call. The unit weighs 46 lb, so lift it with help if you plan to move it.
The trade-off is the footprint: this is one of the larger cabinets here, so measure your counter before committing. If width is tight, look at the Mini or NOVETE below.
Hamilton Beach HBDW3208 Counter Top Portable Dishwasher: Best for very quiet kitchens
- 6 place settings
- Stainless steel interior
- Fits under most kitchen cabinets
- 34 dB noise rating
A 6-setting tub with a stainless interior and a 34 dB rating, built to slide under most kitchen cabinets.
Pros
- 34 dB noise rating
- Stainless steel interior
- Hooks to any kitchen tap
Cons
- Tallest cabinet here at 19.8 in
- No built-in water tank
Hamilton Beach is the pick for an open-plan kitchen where the dishwasher runs during dinner conversation. Its 34 dB rating is the quietest here, well below the 52 to 62 dB of the other models.
That gap matters in a studio or a living area that opens onto the kitchen.
The 6-setting tub matches the COMFEE' on capacity, and the stainless steel interior is easier to keep fresh than plastic. It connects to any kitchen tap and is shaped to fit under most kitchen cabinets.
It also weighs 35.3 lb, lighter than the 6-setting COMFEE', so a single person can shift it when cleaning day comes. The LED display is simple and the controls are a full console rather than a touch panel.
The cabinet is 23.81 in wide and 19.8 in tall, so it's the tallest pick and needs more headroom than the 17.24 in models. The faucet stays tied up during a cycle, so a second sink helps.
If your upper cabinets sit low, the SPT or NOVETE fit better. Otherwise this is the strongest choice for a quiet kitchen with a free faucet.
COMFEE' Mini Countertop Dishwasher With 1.32 Gal Tank: Best for faucet-free spots
- 1.32 Gal built-in water tank
- 6 programs plus Air Refresh drying
- 30+ items, plates to 9.5 in
- Hygiene cycle to 162 F
A small cabinet with its own water tank, so you can set it where no tap reaches and still run a Hygiene cycle at 162 F.
Pros
- Runs from a built-in 1.32 Gal tank
- Hygiene cycle heats water to 162 F
- Narrow 16.53 in cabinet
Cons
- Smaller plate size limit of 9.5 in
- 62 dB noise rating
This COMFEE' is the answer when the only free space is nowhere near a tap. Its 1.32 Gal built-in tank lets you fill it by hand and run a load without touching the faucet, or you can hook up the included hose when a tap is handy.
A water pitcher and filling guide come in the box to make refills easy. The hose is 1.44 ft long and the adapter for the faucet is included.
The cabinet is just 16.53 in wide and 17.24 in tall, so it slips into gaps the 22 in models can't. It washes 30+ items, with plates up to 9.5 in.
The Hygiene cycle heats water to 162 F, which suits baby bottles and greasy pans. An Air Refresh mode circulates air to dry dishes and keep odors down.
Six programs plus the drying mode cover Normal, Rapid, Hygiene, Glass and Fruit washing. The touch controls and LED display are easy to read.
The limits are real: 9.5 in plates won't take a full dinner plate, and the 62 dB rating is the loudest here. It also weighs 36.6 lb.
Pick it for a dorm, camper or office kitchen without a usable faucet.
EUHOMY 6 Programs Countertop Dishwasher Portable: Best for fast turnaround
- 29-minute Fast cycle
- 40 dB noise rating
- 60-minute hot air dry plus 73 hours ventilation
- 5 L tank or faucet hookup
A short, narrow cabinet with a 29-minute Fast cycle and a 40 dB rating, so it suits small kitchens where noise and time both matter.
Pros
- 29-minute Fast cycle
- 40 dB noise rating
- 60-minute dry plus 73 hours of ventilation
Cons
- Needs 19 in of clearance above it
- No liquid detergent allowed
EUHOMY wins when speed and quiet matter more than raw capacity. Its Fast cycle finishes in 29 minutes, and the 40 dB rating keeps it unobtrusive in a small apartment.
The cabinet measures 16.73 in wide and 18.03 in tall, so it needs more than 19 in of clearance above it. It handles 30+ dishes with plates to 10.25 in and runs from a 5 L tank or a faucet hose.
Drying is thorough: 60 minutes of hot air after the wash, then 73 hours of automatic ventilation to keep dishes fresh. You can switch the dry function on with any cycle except Fruit, or run it alone.
A stainless interior and an LED interior light round it out.
It only takes powder or tablets, never liquid detergent, and the faucet adapter isn't in the box, so check your tap size first. The inlet hose runs 4.92 ft and the water cup and fruit basket are included.
At 28.6 lb it's the lightest full-capacity tank model here. For a two-person kitchen that wants dishes back before the next meal, this is the pick.
Midea Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher: Best for delayed overnight runs
- 6+2 wash cycles
- Delay start from 1 to 24 hours
- 52 dB noise rating
- Uses 2.77 gallons
A 6-setting tub with delay start up to 24 hours and a 52 dB rating, so you can run it overnight on cheaper, quieter hours.
Pros
- Delay start from 1 to 24 hours
- 52 dB noise rating
- 6 place settings with 10 in plates
Cons
- Wider than the 16-17 in tank models
- Power Wash won't run with Auto or Rapid
Midea suits a household that would rather run dishes overnight. Delay start runs from 1 to 24 hours, so you can load after dinner and let the 52 dB cycle run while everyone sleeps.
It's a natural fit for an apartment with a time-of-use power plan.
It's a 6-setting tub with plates to 10 in and 6+2 cycles, and it uses 2.77 gallons on a normal run. The Power Wash option adds pressure for baked-on pans but won't combine with Auto or Rapid.
It also carries a childproof lock, which helps in a home with small children, and Energy Star certification keeps running costs down. The cabinet stands 17.25 in tall and 22 in wide, with push-button controls and an LED display.
Choose it for a schedule that never lines up with dishwashing. It weighs only 25.3 lb, so it's easy to move.
Skip it if your counter is narrow or you want every cycle option to stack.
Danby MAS DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher: Best for delicate glassware
- 6 wash cycles including Glass and Soak
- Stainless steel interior
- Delay start at 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours
- 52 dB noise rating
Six cycles built around glassware and soaking, in a 17.24 in cabinet with a stainless interior and a 52 dB rating.
Pros
- Glass and Soak cycles
- Stainless steel interior
- Delay start in 2-hour steps
Cons
- Uses 3.1 gallons on a normal cycle
- Cycle choice is narrower than the COMFEE'
Danby is the pick for a household with plenty of wine glasses and delicate mugs. Its Glass and Soak cycles handle fragile items and stuck-on food without a harsh wash, and the stainless steel interior resists stains.
A new spray arm and filter help it clean better than older designs.
It takes 6 place settings in a 21.65 in wide, 17.24 in tall cabinet. Delay start runs in 2, 4, 6 or 8-hour steps, and the 52 dB rating is mid-pack here.
A quick-connect faucet adapter is included. The normal cycle uses 3.1 gallons of water, which is more than the COMFEE' and Midea.
The glossy white finish and recessed handle keep the front looking neat.
The unit weighs 46.3 lb and offers six cycles from intensive to rapid. Pick it for delicate loads and a set-it-later schedule.
Otherwise the COMFEE' gives more cycles and lower water use for the same footprint.
SPT SD-2225DWA Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher: Best for fitting under low cabinets
- 17.24 in height
- 6 wash cycles
- Delay start
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
- Plates to 10.25 in
A low 17.24 in cabinet with a 10.25 in plate limit and an automatic detergent dispenser, for kitchens with tight overhead space.
Pros
- Low 17.24 in cabinet
- Fits plates to 10.25 in
- Automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser
Cons
- 55 dB noise rating
- Needs 31.8 in of depth with the door open
SPT fits where the taller models won't. Its 17.24 in cabinet height slides under low upper cabinets, and it still takes 6 place settings with plates to 10.25 in.
That plate limit beats the COMFEE' and Midea.
Six cycles include Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass and Speed, and delay start lets you schedule a run. An automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispenser means you fill it less often.
Energy Star certification covers the running cost. The unit weighs 43 lb and its LED display shows the cycle as it runs.
The tub is stainless steel.
Two limits matter. The 55 dB rating is louder than the EUHOMY and Hamilton Beach.
And the door needs 31.8 in of depth when fully open, so leave clearance behind the counter. Pick it for low cabinets, not for a quiet open kitchen.
NOVETE Countertop Dishwasher: Best for the smallest counter
- 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 in cabinet
- 5 L tank or faucet hookup
- 5 wash cycles including Baby Care
- 60-minute dry plus 72 hours ventilation
The smallest footprint here, with 4 place settings, a 5 L tank and room for 12 in plates loaded at an angle.
Pros
- Smallest cabinet in this group
- Takes 12 in plates at an angle
- Built-in 5 L tank
Cons
- Only 4 place settings
- Lower score than the bigger 6-setting picks
NOVETE is the pick when the counter is genuinely tiny. At 16.9 in wide and 16.8 in deep, it's among the smallest cabinets here, and the EUHOMY is narrower and shorter still, yet it takes 12 in plates loaded at an angle and 4 place settings.
The dual-layer glass door and LED light let you watch the cycle.
It runs from a built-in 5 L tank or an inlet hose, so a free tap isn't required. Five cycles include Baby Care at 167 F and a 29-minute Speed wash.
Drying is 60 minutes of hot air plus 72 hours of ventilation to keep dishes fresh. The storage rack and cutlery basket keep "top rack only" items separate, and a fruit basket is included for produce.
The inlet hose runs 61 in.
Four place settings won't cover a family's daily dishes, and the 7.9 score reflects that smaller load. It weighs 28 lb.
Pick it for one or two people in a studio, boat or camper where every inch counts. For a family, the COMFEE' or Midea carry more per load.
How these compact dishwashers compare
Capacity, footprint and water hookup separate these models more than cycle names do. A 6-setting tub needs a wider counter, while a tank model frees up your faucet at the cost of filling it by hand.
The table lines them up side by side so you can match a cabinet size to your own counter before reading further.
| Product | Best for | Size (W x D x H) | Capacity | Water hookup | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMFEE' COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher | overall | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 in | 6 place settings, plates to 10 in | Faucet adapter and hoses included | 9.4 |
| Hamilton Beach HBDW3208 Counter Top Portable Dishwasher | very quiet kitchens | 23.81 x 21.85 x 19.8 in | 6 place settings | Connects to any kitchen tap | 9.3 |
| COMFEE' Mini Countertop Dishwasher With 1.32 Gal Tank | faucet-free spots | 16.53 x 17.13 x 17.24 in | 30+ items, plates to 9.5 in | Built-in tank or included faucet hose | 8.9 |
| EUHOMY 6 Programs Countertop Dishwasher Portable | fast turnaround | 16.73 x 16.85 x 18.03 in | 30+ dishes, plates to 10.25 in | 5 L tank or faucet hose | 8.3 |
| Midea Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher | delayed overnight runs | 22 x 20 x 17.25 in | 6 place settings, plates to 10 in | Faucet adapter and hoses included | 8.3 |
| Danby MAS DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher | delicate glassware | 21.65 x 19.69 x 17.24 in | 6 place settings | Quick-connect faucet adapter included | 8.2 |
| SPT SD-2225DWA Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher | fitting under low cabinets | 22 x 20 x 18 in | 6 place settings, plates to 10.25 in | Faucet adapter and quick connect included | 8.1 |
| NOVETE Countertop Dishwasher | the smallest counter | 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 in | 4 place settings, plates to 12 in | 5 L tank or inlet hose | 7.9 |
How we chose these picks
We compared the specs that decide whether a countertop dishwasher works in a small kitchen: cabinet width, depth and height, plate size limits, water hookup type, noise rating and water use. Each model got a score for how well it fits the keyword's shopper, so the 6-setting faucet models rank above the 4-setting tank models.
We weighed capacity per inch of counter heavily. A unit that holds 70 pieces in 22 in beats one that holds 30 pieces in the same space for most homes.
We also favored models with a built-in tank for kitchens without a free faucet, and lower noise ratings for open-plan spaces. Cycle breadth and drying time counted too, since a long dry cycle changes when you can put dishes away.
The scores spread from 7.9 to 9.4 to reflect those real differences.
What size compact dishwasher fits your counter?
Measure the gap between your counter and upper cabinets first, then the free counter width. Most models here stand 17.2 to 19.8 in tall, and the EUHOMY asks for more than 19 in of clearance.
A 22 in wide model like the COMFEE' or Midea needs a clear stretch of counter; the 16.5 to 16.9 in Mini and NOVETE fit narrower gaps. Depth runs 16.8 to 21.85 in, so leave room for the hoses behind the unit as well.
Check the height under your cabinets
The SPT and the two COMFEE' models sit around 17.24 in tall, which clears most upper cabinets. The Hamilton Beach at 19.8 in is the tallest and needs the most headroom.
Add a few inches above the unit for the door swing and for loading.
Check the plate size it accepts
Six-setting models take plates to 10 in or 10.25 in, enough for a standard dinner plate. The Mini caps at 9.5 in and the NOVETE takes 12 in plates only when loaded at an angle.
Measure your largest plate before you buy.
Check the depth with the door open
The SPT needs 31.8 in of depth when its door is fully open, more than its 20 in cabinet depth suggests. Leave room behind the counter so the door clears a wall or a neighboring appliance.
The EUHOMY also asks for more than 19 in of vertical clearance, so measure up as well as out. An inlet hose of 1.44 ft on the Mini means the tap has to be close.
Faucet hookup or built-in tank: which do you need?
A faucet hookup gives unlimited water for back-to-back loads, while a built-in tank frees your sink. Pick the tank if the faucet is shared or far from the counter; pick the faucet model if you run several loads a day and don't want to refill by hand.
The included parts tell you what's in the box: the COMFEE' Mini and NOVETE ship a hose, and the EUHOMY's inlet hose connects to a G3/4 faucet; buy an adapter separately if yours doesn't match.
When a faucet connection wins
The COMFEE', Hamilton Beach, Midea and Danby all connect to a kitchen tap with an adapter. That means no refilling and no tank to clean.
The catch is that the faucet is tied up during a cycle, so a second sink helps. Our guide to the best countertop dishwasher covers more faucet-connected options.
When a built-in tank wins
The COMFEE' Mini, EUHOMY and NOVETE each carry a 1.32 Gal or 5 L tank. Fill it, run a load, and the sink stays free.
Tank models suit dorms, offices, boats and campers. The Mini's 1.32 Gal tank and the EUHOMY's 5 L tank both handle a full wash without a refill.
See the best RV dishwasher picks if your kitchen moves.
How much noise should you expect from a compact dishwasher?
Compact models run from 34 dB to 62 dB. Pick 40 dB or lower for an open kitchen, and accept 52 to 55 dB if the unit sits in a closed room or runs overnight.
The Hamilton Beach at 34 dB and the EUHOMY at 40 dB are the quietest here. The Midea, Danby and SPT land at 52 to 55 dB, which is normal conversation level.
The COMFEE' Mini at 62 dB is the loudest and best kept away from living space. If quiet matters most, compare the low-noise picks in our roundup of the best large countertop dishwasher, where bigger tubs still keep noise down.
Where does a compact dishwasher fit in a small kitchen?
A compact dishwasher fits on the counter beside the sink, in a cupboard cutout, or on a cart that rolls away when you need the space. Faucet models need to sit within hose reach of the tap; tank models need only a power outlet.
Either way, weigh the unit before you lift it onto a high shelf.
Countertop placement
Most models here are designed to sit on the counter under the upper cabinets. Leave the 19 in or more of vertical clearance the EUHOMY asks for and keep the door swing clear.
A compact dishwasher for small kitchen layout often works best beside the sink so the drain hose reaches.
Cupboard and cart placement
The COMFEE' and Midea can be fitted in a cupboard or set on a cart. A rolling cart lets you wheel the unit to the faucet for a load and store it out of the way afterward.
Just check the cart's weight limit: the COMFEE' weighs 46 lb and the Midea 25.3 lb. A tank model on a cart needs no hose at all, which makes it the easiest to tuck away.
Which compact dishwasher should you buy?
Buy the COMFEE' 6-setting model if you have a free faucet and a 22 in counter, because it carries the most dishes per load and the widest cycle choice. Pick the Mini for a faucet-free spot, the EUHOMY for a 29-minute wash and quiet run, or the NOVETE when the counter is truly tiny.
A compact dishwasher for small spaces is a compromise between load size and footprint. Decide which matters more in your kitchen, then match the model to your plate size and cabinet height.
If you're still weighing countertop versus built-in, the best large countertop dishwasher picks show what a bigger tub buys you.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for very quiet kitchens
Hamilton Beach HBDW3208 Counter Top Portable Dishwasher
9.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for faucet-free spots
COMFEE' Mini Countertop Dishwasher With 1.32 Gal Tank
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
How much counter space does a compact dishwasher need?
Plan for about 17 to 18 in of depth and 16 to 22 in of width, depending on the model. Leave 19 in or more of vertical clearance under upper cabinets so you can open the door and load it comfortably.
Do compact dishwashers need plumbing?
No, most models connect to a kitchen faucet with a quick-connect adapter and drain into the sink. Tank models skip the faucet entirely, so you fill the reservoir by hand and set the unit wherever there is power.
Can a compact dishwasher handle dishes for two people?
Yes. A 6-place-setting model holds about 70 pieces of tableware, enough for two to three people's daily dishes plus a few pans.
Four-setting models suit one or two people with fewer daily items.
Will a compact dishwasher fit under my kitchen cabinets?
Check the cabinet height before you buy. Most countertop models stand 17.2 to 19.8 in tall, and the EUHOMY asks for more than 19 in of clearance above it.
Measure the gap between your counter and upper cabinets first.
Do compact dishwashers dry dishes fully?
Most have an extra-dry or hot air function, and models like the EUHOMY and NOVETE run 60 minutes of hot air drying. Plastic items often stay damp, so open the door after a cycle to let steam escape.
