HAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Water Softener Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The HAVA countertop dishwasher with a water softener suits small kitchens with hard water and no room for a full-size dishwasher. Its built-in 5 L tank, 8 wash programs and adjustable softener setting are useful, but you’ll need space for a unit about 17 in wide and 18 in tall.
On this page (8 sections)
- The HAVA countertop dishwasher with water softener at a glance
- How does the built-in softener help with hard water?
- What fits inside the HAVA?
- What are the wash programs and controls?
- Does it need a faucet connection?
- How does it compare with other compact models?
- What are the main trade-offs?
- Is the HAVA countertop dishwasher with a water softener right for you?
The HAVA countertop dishwasher with a water softener suits small kitchens with hard water and no room for a full-size dishwasher. Its built-in 5 L tank, 8 wash programs and adjustable softener setting are useful, but you’ll need space for a unit about 17 in wide and 18 in tall.
It’s a distinct model from HAVA’s 6-program tank dishwasher. Choose the softener version if hard-water care is a priority; consider the other model if you want a similar tank setup without the softener feature.
The HAVA countertop dishwasher with water softener at a glance
This HAVA is a tank-fed countertop dishwasher with an integrated water softener. It has 8 wash programs, a touch screen, child lock and an 18-hour delayed start function.
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Water Softener: Best for hard water
- Built-in water softener
- 5 L tank
- 8 wash programs
- 16.86 x 16.75 x 18.05 in
A compact HAVA model with a built-in water softener and tank. Its softener setting can be chosen to match your water hardness.
Pros
- Built-in softener setting
- Tank allows use without plumbing
- 8 wash programs
- Child lock and delayed start
Cons
- Needs counter space about 17 in wide and 18 in tall
- The softener setting needs to match local water hardness
The unit measures 16.86 in deep, 16.75 in wide and 18.05 in tall. Its interior measures 13 x 13.77 x 10.83 in with the tableware basket inside, so check your dishes and counter space before deciding it will fit your routine.
HAVA says the softener setting should match your water hardness. That gives you a way to tailor the setting to local conditions, while the 5 L built-in tank lets you run it without a plumbing connection.
What’s different about this HAVA model?
The key difference is the built-in water softener, alongside 8 wash programs and an optimized ECO mode. HAVA says the softener helps prevent limescale buildup inside the machine and watermarks on dishes.
This is not the same as HAVA’s separate 6-program dishwasher. That model has a 5 L tank and supports tank or faucet water supply, but its listed features don’t include a built-in softener.
How does the built-in softener help with hard water?
A softener is useful if hard water leaves mineral buildup or marks on dishes. HAVA says its integrated softener is designed to address those problems, and it instructs users to choose the setting based on water hardness.
Hard water can affect dishwashers in several ways. Our guide to hard-water dishwasher problems explains what to watch for and why the effects can vary.
A softener doesn’t remove the need to use dishwasher detergent or follow care instructions. For help choosing detergent, see our guide to dishwasher detergent for hard water.
Check HAVA’s manual for any salt requirements and the correct softener setup before use.
What fits inside the HAVA?
HAVA says its redesigned, adjustable tableware basket accommodates more items, but the interior dimensions are the clearest way to judge whether your dishes will fit. The space with the basket inside measures 13 x 13.77 x 10.83 in.
Compare those measurements with your largest plates, bowls and cups. Allow room to arrange items so water can reach them, and check the manual for loading guidance.
HAVA doesn’t state a place-setting count or maximum dish diameter for this model. If you regularly wash large plates or cookware, measure them first and compare them with the interior space.
A countertop model also needs a practical place to load and unload. Our guide to what fits in a 6-place-setting countertop dishwasher explains how capacity labels relate to everyday dish loads.
What are the wash programs and controls?
The HAVA has 8 wash programs and a touch screen. Its listed cycle options include Economy, Heated Dry, Intensive, Normal and Rapid; HAVA also describes an optimized ECO mode.
HAVA doesn’t state cycle times or water temperatures for each option. Check the manual when a particular load needs a specific setting, and use the program descriptions to match everyday dishes with the cycle.
An 18-hour delayed start can let you schedule a cycle for later. The child lock helps prevent unintended control touches, which may be useful in a busy home.
For a comparison of what different cycles can do, read how long countertop dishwasher cycles take. Use published times for the exact model when planning around a cycle.
Does it need a faucet connection?
No. The built-in 5 L tank allows you to add water without plumbing, so the dishwasher can work in a spot without a direct faucet hookup.
Before setup, check for a stable, level counter and a suitable place for the drain hose. Follow the manual’s instructions for filling, draining and connecting power.
Our countertop dishwasher setup guide walks through the placement decisions to make before the first cycle.
The exterior dimensions matter too. Leave room to open the door, load the basket and reach the controls, and check that overhead cabinets don’t interfere with access.
How does it compare with other compact models?
The HAVA’s main distinction is its built-in softener. These alternatives trade that feature for different drying options or a simpler configuration.
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Water Softener: Best for hard water
- Built-in water softener
- 5 L tank
- 8 wash programs
- 16.86 x 16.75 x 18.05 in
A compact HAVA model with a built-in water softener and tank. Its softener setting can be chosen to match your water hardness.
Pros
- Built-in softener setting
- Tank allows use without plumbing
- 8 wash programs
- Child lock and delayed start
Cons
- Needs counter space about 17 in wide and 18 in tall
- The softener setting needs to match local water hardness
The AIRMSEN also has a built-in water softener and a 5 L tank, plus hot air drying. It offers 8 programs and a 1–18 hour delay start; its Fruit cycle is an exception to the described hot air drying after other cycles.
Midea Countertop Dishwasher With 1.59 Gal Tank: Best for auto-open drying
- 1.59 gal built-in tank
- 5 wash programs and 2 functions
- Auto-open door
- 16.5 in wide
Midea offers a tank-fed countertop dishwasher with an auto-open door and fan-assisted drying. It does not have a built-in water softener.
Pros
- Auto-open door at cycle end
- Fan-assisted drying
- Built-in tank
- Child lock and leak protection
Cons
- No built-in water softener
- Needs more than 20.8 in of clearance below a wall cupboard
Midea’s 1.59 gal tank model has an auto-open door and fan-assisted drying. It does not have a built-in water softener, and its setup guidance calls for more than 20.8 in between the counter and wall cupboard.
HAVA 6-Program Countertop Dishwasher: Best for a simpler HAVA option
- 5 L tank
- 6 wash programs
- Tank or faucet supply
- Fits dishes up to 11 in at an angle
This HAVA model has a tank or faucet supply and 6 programs, including a drying mode. Its listed features don't include a built-in water softener.
Pros
- Tank or faucet water supply
- 6 wash programs
- Fits dishes up to 11 in at an angle
- Drying mode with 60 minutes of hot air
Cons
- No built-in water softener
- Fewer wash programs than the reviewed model
The HAVA 6-program dishwasher has a 5 L tank and can connect to a faucet, but its listed features don’t include a water softener. It may suit you if you want the HAVA tank format and don’t need the softener feature.
For a brand-to-brand comparison, see HAVA vs Hermitlux countertop dishwashers. To compare a countertop unit with a full-size appliance, read countertop vs built-in dishwashers.
What are the main trade-offs?
The HAVA’s strongest fit is a small kitchen with hard water and no convenient plumbing connection. Its tank, softener setting and 8 programs bring several useful features into a compact footprint.
The trade-offs are the counter space it needs and the attention required to set the softener for local water hardness. It also has no stated place-setting capacity or maximum plate size, so check your dishes against the interior measurements.
This is a specs-based comparison. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you’re shopping for.
Is the HAVA countertop dishwasher with a water softener right for you?
Choose the HAVA countertop dishwasher with a water softener if hard-water care, a built-in tank and several wash options matter more than having a stated place-setting count. Measure your counter and dishes, then confirm the softener setting and care steps in HAVA’s manual.
Choose AIRMSEN if you want a softener with described hot air drying, or the Midea if you prefer its auto-open door and don’t need a softener. For a general overview of compact models, start with countertop and tabletop dishwashers: what to know first.
For setup and model-specific instructions, use HAVA’s official site. Check the manual that comes with your exact model for current guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Does the HAVA countertop dishwasher have a water softener?
Yes. The HAVA countertop dishwasher reviewed here has an integrated softener, and its softener setting can be selected based on water hardness.
HAVA says this helps limit limescale inside the machine and watermarks on dishes.
Check the manual for the correct setting and any care steps for your water.
Does this HAVA dishwasher need a plumbing hookup?
No. Its built-in 5 L tank lets you add water without connecting the dishwasher to plumbing.
The unit is also described as portable, but you still need a suitable counter, access to power and a way to route the drain hose.
Follow HAVA’s setup instructions for placement and use.
How large is the HAVA countertop dishwasher with a water softener?
It measures 16.86 in deep, 16.75 in wide and 18.05 in tall. Leave room for the drain hose, power cord and the access needed to fill and load it.
Check the counter height and nearby cupboards before choosing a spot.
Is the HAVA water-softener model the same as the HAVA 6-program dishwasher?
No. The HAVA model reviewed here has a built-in water softener and 8 wash programs.
The separate HAVA 6-program model has a 5 L tank and 6 programs, but its listed features don't include a built-in softener.
Compare the model details before choosing.
