8 Best Mini Dishwashers for Small Kitchens (November 2026)
The best mini dishwashers for small kitchens include the COMFEE' Energy Star 6-Place Countertop Dishwasher for most small kitchens, the COMFEE' Mini Countertop Dishwasher With 1.32 Gal Tank for kitchens with no free faucet, and the Hermitlux 7-Program Countertop Dishwasher for shallow counters.
On this page (8 sections)
- The best mini dishwashers for small kitchens, by need
- How these mini dishwashers compare
- How we compared these mini dishwashers
- Which size mini dishwasher fits a small kitchen counter?
- Do you need a faucet for a mini dishwasher?
- How many place settings does a mini dishwasher really hold?
- What should you check before buying a mini dishwasher?
- The verdict: which mini dishwasher belongs in your small kitchen?
The best mini dishwasher for small kitchen counters is the COMFEE' Energy Star 6-Place Countertop, because it holds 6 place settings and plates up to 10 inches in a cabinet 21.7 inches wide. Choose the COMFEE' 1.32 Gal Tank model if no free faucet is near the counter, the Hermitlux if depth is your tightest limit, or the HAVA if your tap water leaves spots on glasses.
A mini dishwasher earns its counter space when it holds a full day of dishes for your household. That means matching the cabinet to your widest plate and tallest glass first, then deciding how the water gets in.
Every model below fits on a standard counter and runs without a plumber. The differences come down to capacity, water supply and how much clearance your upper cabinets leave.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for most small kitchensCOMFEE' Energy Star 6-Place Countertop Dishwasher
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for kitchens with no free faucetCOMFEE' Mini Countertop Dishwasher With 1.32 Gal Tank
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for shallow countersHermitlux 7-Program Countertop Dishwasher
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itEUHOMY 8-Program Countertop Dishwasher with 5L Tank
Best for quiet open-plan kitchens - 5
Check itHAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Water Softener
Best for hard water areas - 6
Best for apartments and dormsCheck it - 7
Check itBLITZHOME WiFi Countertop Portable Dishwasher with Smart
Best for app control - 8
Check itAIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher With Water Softener
Best for big loads in tight kitchens
The best mini dishwashers for small kitchens, by need
The COMFEE' 6-Place wins overall for capacity and efficiency in one cabinet. Each pick below is the best choice for a named job, from running with no faucet to handling hard water.
The list runs from the largest everyday load down to the model built around an app.
COMFEE' Energy Star 6-Place Countertop Dishwasher: Best for most small kitchens
- 6 place settings
- 8 wash cycles
- Energy Star rated
- 2.77 gal per cycle
The largest usable load here in a cabinet that still clears most upper cupboards. Faucet hookup, Energy Star efficiency and a 45-minute Speed cycle cover everyday dishes.
Pros
- Fits plates up to 10 inches
- Speed cycle runs 45 minutes
- Low 2.77 gal water use
Cons
- Widest cabinet in this group
- Needs a faucet connection
This is the pick for most small kitchens because it balances a real load with a modest footprint. Six place settings and plates up to 10 inches cover a couple plus a child or a small dinner party without stacking twice.
The cabinet is 21.7 inches wide, 19.7 inches deep and 17.2 inches tall, so it clears most upper cupboards.
Its 8 cycles include Heavy with 12 nozzles and a 360-degree spray that reaches 154 F. The Speed cycle cleans a full load in 45 minutes when guests are on the way, and the Energy Star rating keeps water use down to 2.77 gallons per cycle.
The stainless steel inner tub and touch controls round out a package that is meant to be used daily, not saved for parties.
The trade-off is width. At 21.7 inches it is the widest cabinet here, so measure your counter run before ordering.
It has no tank, so it must connect to either a faucet or a plumbing line, and the included inlet hose, drain hose and faucet adapter mean the install stays simple.
Buy it for the largest everyday load in a kitchen with a reachable tap. Skip it if your counter is shorter than about 22 inches or your faucet is always in use.
COMFEE' Mini Countertop Dishwasher With 1.32 Gal Tank: Best for kitchens with no free faucet
- 1.32 gal built-in tank
- 6 programs
- 162 F Hygiene cycle
- 30+ items
A built-in tank lets you fill it by hand and skip plumbing. The Hygiene cycle hits 162 F for baby bottles and greasy pans, and the cabinet is narrower than the top pick.
Pros
- Runs with no hookup
- 162 F Hygiene cycle
- Air Refresh drying mode
Cons
- Smaller plate limit at 9.5 in
- Louder at 62 dB
This model solves the faucet problem. A 1.32-gallon built-in tank fills by hand from the pitcher in the box, so you can place it anywhere with a power outlet and no plumbing.
It measures 16.53 inches wide by 17.13 inches deep by 17.24 inches tall, which is narrower than the top pick.
The Hygiene cycle heats water to 162 F, which suits baby bottles and greasy pans. Air Refresh circulates air to keep dishes and the machine dry and fresh, and you can switch it off when you don't need it.
It holds about 30 items and plates up to 9.5 inches. The faucet hose and adapter are included, so you can switch to a tap later.
That plate limit is the main trade-off against the top pick. If your dinner plates run 10 inches or more, they won't fit here.
It is also rated at 62 dB, so it is the loudest model in this group and the one you would least want beside a dining table.
Choose it when the sink is shared with food prep or the tap is out of reach. Pick the top COMFEE' instead if you have a free faucet and larger plates.
Hermitlux 7-Program Countertop Dishwasher: Best for shallow counters
- 5 place settings
- 7+3 programs
- 5L tank
- 18-hour delay
The shortest cabinet depth here, so it tucks onto narrow counters that crowd larger units. Plates up to 10.25 inches fit at an angle, and the delay start runs washes at off-peak hours.
Pros
- Shortest depth in this group
- Fits 10.25-inch plates at an angle
- 18-hour delay start
Cons
- Only 5 place settings
- Needs about 20 inches of clearance
Hermitlux is the pick when counter depth is the tightest number in your kitchen. Its cabinet is 16.73 inches deep, the shortest here, so it sits on narrow counters that push bigger units past the edge.
The full footprint is 16.85 inches wide by 16.73 inches deep by 18.23 inches tall.
The 7+3 program set covers Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, Self-clean and Glass, plus Delay, Child Lock and Dry. Plates up to 10.25 inches fit at an angle.
An 18-hour delay lets you run a wash at off-peak power rates, and the 5L tank or faucet hookup gives you both water routes. It uses about 5 liters per cycle and claims up to 83 percent water savings against handwashing.
Five place settings is the compromise. That suits one or two people well, but a family of four may need two cycles on a heavy day.
It also needs about 20 inches between counter and upper cabinets, the most clearance in this group.
Buy it for a shallow counter or a couple who cooks most nights. Skip it for a bigger household that generates a full sink daily.
EUHOMY 8-Program Countertop Dishwasher with 5L Tank: Best for quiet open-plan kitchens
- 8 programs
- 40 dB quiet rating
- 5L tank
- 29-minute Quick cycle
EUHOMY rates this at 40 dB, so a wash won't drown out conversation in an open living space. The 29-minute Quick cycle handles a dinner load when guests are waiting.
Pros
- 40 dB noise rating
- Quick cycle in 29 minutes
- 8 programs including Baby Care
Cons
- Faucet adapter sold separately
- Needs about 19 inches of clearance
EUHOMY targets open-plan homes where a running appliance shouldn't compete with conversation. It is rated at 40 dB, the quietest figure here, so a wash can run while you watch TV or take a call.
The cabinet is 16.85 inches wide, 16.73 inches deep and 18.03 inches tall.
The 8 programs include a 29-minute Quick cycle and a Baby Care/Strong mode that reaches 167 F. A 5L tank or faucet hookup gives you the same flexibility as the other tank models.
It holds 30+ items and plates up to 10.25 inches. Self-clean, delay and child lock are all on the panel, and all cycles except Fruit include a 60-minute dry.
The faucet adapter is sold separately, which matters if you plan to skip the tank. It also needs about 19 inches of vertical clearance to fill the tank from the top.
Among the tank models, its 40 dB figure is the reason to pay attention.
Choose it for a studio or open kitchen where noise matters more than raw capacity. Pick the top COMFEE' for a bigger load.
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Water Softener: Best for hard water areas
- Built-in water softener
- 8 programs
- 5L tank
- 18-hour delay
A built-in softener tackles limescale in hard water before it spots your glasses. The redesigned rack takes a family load, and the 18-hour delay runs cycles when power is cheaper.
Pros
- Water softener for hard water
- Redesigned larger rack
- 18-hour delay start
Cons
- Softener needs salt
- Heavier at about 29 lb
Hard water is the reason to pick HAVA. Its built-in water softener uses salt to cut limescale before it reaches your glasses, so dishes come out without the cloudy film that hard water leaves.
You set the softener level to match your water hardness.
The rack was redesigned for family loads, with more room for mixed tableware and a 360-degree wash. The 8 programs include an optimized ECO mode.
An 18-hour delay and a child lock round out the controls. A 5L tank or faucet hookup keeps setup flexible, and the cabinet measures 16.86 inches deep, 16.75 inches wide and 18.05 inches tall.
The softener needs salt, which is a small ongoing cost and a step you don't have with the other models. It is also heavier at about 29 lb, so moving it to clean under it takes more effort.
The exterior is glossy and the interior is polypropylene rather than stainless steel.
Buy it if your tap water spots glasses or you live in a hard water area. Skip it if your water is already soft and you would rather not deal with salt.
NOVETE Countertop Dishwasher: Best for apartments and dorms
- 4 place settings
- 5 programs
- 5L tank
- 29-minute Speed cycle
NOVETE fits 4 place settings and plates up to 12 inches at an angle, which suits a couple or a small family in a rented flat. Its Baby Care cycle reaches 167 F for bottles and oily plates.
Pros
- Fits 12-inch plates at an angle
- 167 F Baby Care cycle
- 72-hour ventilation storage
Cons
- Only 4 place settings
- Basic control set
NOVETE suits renters and dorm rooms where the load is small and the lease is short. It holds 4 place settings, with plates up to 12 inches loaded at an angle, and offers 5 cycles including a Baby Care mode at 167 F.
The cabinet is 16.9 inches wide, 16.8 inches deep and 18.1 inches tall.
A 5L tank or faucet hookup means no plumbing changes. The 29-minute Speed cycle handles a rushed morning, and 72 hours of automatic ventilation keeps dishes fresh if you leave them in overnight.
The storage rack and cutlery basket free up room for dishes and small pots, and the dual spray arms reach top and bottom. A fruit basket is included for produce.
The smaller capacity is the trade-off. Four settings covers one or two people, not a family.
The control set is also basic compared with the 8-program models above, and it weighs 28 pounds.
Pick it for a single person or a couple in a rental. Go up to the COMFEE' 6-Place or Hermitlux if you cook for three or more.
BLITZHOME WiFi Countertop Portable Dishwasher with Smart: Best for app control
- WiFi app control
- 6 programs
- 5L tank
- 20 dishes
A phone app lets you start a wash and check its status from another room. The 29-minute Quick cycle and 167 F drying suit a renter who wants remote control without plumbing work.
Pros
- App control and timer
- 29-minute Quick cycle
- 167 F high-temp drying
Cons
- Relies on an app for smart features
- Modest 20-dish load
BLITZHOME is the pick if you want to start a wash from your phone. Its WiFi app control lets you check status and set a timer remotely, which helps when you're out and want dishes done by the time you're home.
The cabinet is 16.9 inches wide, 17 inches deep and 18.1 inches tall.
Six programs cover Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit and Drying, with a 29-minute Quick cycle and 167 F high-temp drying. A 5L tank or faucet hookup keeps setup simple.
It holds about 20 dishes, or 4 to 6 sets of tableware, with a bowl basket and a knife and fork basket. The stainless steel inner tub and 360-degree spiral spray handle the wash.
The app is the point, so this model makes less sense if you would rather press a button on the door. Its 20-dish load is also smaller than the top picks here.
At 26 pounds it is the lightest tank model in this group.
Buy it for remote control in an apartment or RV. Skip it if you want the biggest load for the money and don't need an app.
AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher With Water Softener: Best for big loads in tight kitchens
- 8 programs
- built-in softener
- 40+ items
- 29-minute Speed cycle
AIRMSEN's rack takes over 40 items per cycle, the largest count here, in a cabinet that still fits a compact counter. The softener and 29-minute Speed cycle cover hard water and rushed evenings.
Pros
- 40+ item capacity
- Built-in water softener
- 29-minute Speed cycle
Cons
- Tank holds only 1.3 gal
- Lowest score in this group
AIRMSEN fits the most items among the tank models. Its rack takes over 40 items with plates up to 10.24 inches, so a family can clear a full day in one run on a compact counter.
The cabinet is 16.85 inches wide, 16.73 inches deep and 18 inches tall.
The built-in water softener handles hard water and takes dishwasher salt, and the 8 programs include a 29-minute Speed cycle. A 1.3-gallon tank or faucet hookup gives you placement options.
It also has an 18-hour delay and child lock. Hot air drying runs for an hour after every cycle except Fruit, and Dry+ adds another hour plus 72 hours of air circulation.
Its rated energy use is 105 kWh per year.
The tank is small at 1.3 gallons, so a full load may need a refill partway through. It carries the lowest score here because its capacity promise comes with more water management than the others.
The display shows "St" for storage mode, which is normal, not an error.
Choose it when load size matters more than convenience. Otherwise the HAVA gives you a softener with a larger 5L tank.
How these mini dishwashers compare
The table lines up the numbers that decide whether a unit fits your counter and your household. Check width and depth first, then capacity, then water supply.
Noise and water use are the tiebreakers once the cabinet fits.
| Product | Best for | Size (W x D x H) | Place settings | Water use | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMFEE' Energy Star 6-Place Countertop Dishwasher | most small kitchens | 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 in | 6 | 2.77 gal per cycle | 9.1 |
| COMFEE' Mini Countertop Dishwasher With 1.32 Gal Tank | kitchens with no free faucet | 16.53 x 17.13 x 17.24 in | About 30 items | 8.9 | |
| Hermitlux 7-Program Countertop Dishwasher | shallow counters | 16.85 x 16.73 x 18.23 in | 5 | 8.7 | |
| EUHOMY 8-Program Countertop Dishwasher with 5L Tank | quiet open-plan kitchens | 16.85 x 16.73 x 18.03 in | 30+ items | 8.6 | |
| HAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Water Softener | hard water areas | 16.75 x 16.86 x 18.05 in | Family-sized adjustable rack | 8.5 | |
| NOVETE Countertop Dishwasher | apartments and dorms | 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 in | 4 | 7.9 | |
| BLITZHOME WiFi Countertop Portable Dishwasher with Smart | app control | 16.9 x 17 x 18.1 in | About 20 dishes | 7.8 | |
| AIRMSEN Countertop Dishwasher With Water Softener | big loads in tight kitchens | 16.85 x 16.73 x 18 in | 40+ items | 7.4 |
How we compared these mini dishwashers
We ranked these models on the specs that decide daily use in a small kitchen: cabinet size, place settings, plate diameter, water supply, cycle count, noise and water use. Each score weighs those specs against what a small-kitchen buyer needs most, which is a load that fits the counter and the household without plumbing work.
A tank model earns credit for flexibility but loses a little where its plate limit or tank size trails the faucet models. We did not test these units in a kitchen.
If you want a broader view of the category, our countertop dishwasher guide covers full-size counter models, and our large countertop dishwasher roundup looks at models that hold more without going full-size.
Which size mini dishwasher fits a small kitchen counter?
Measure your counter run and the gap to the upper cabinets before anything else. Most models here need about 17 inches of width and depth, and 18 to 20 inches of height clearance.
The widest cabinet in this group is the COMFEE' 6-Place at 21.7 inches, so a short counter run may push you toward the Hermitlux or EUHOMY at about 16.8 inches wide. Tank models need extra headroom above them to pour water in, so leave more than 19 inches.
What width and depth should I allow?
Allow at least 17 inches in both directions for the compact models and about 22 inches of width for the COMFEE' 6-Place. Depth matters most when your counter is shallow: the Hermitlux, AIRMSEN and EUHOMY share the shortest depth here at 16.73 inches.
The COMFEE' 6-Place is the deepest at 19.7 inches.
How much height clearance do I need?
Plan for more than 19 inches between counter and upper cabinets on tank models, since you fill them from the top. The Hermitlux asks for at least 20.08 inches.
Faucet-only models can sit closer to the cabinet, but check the door swing before you commit. Heights here run from 17.2 inches on the COMFEE' 6-Place to 18.23 inches on the Hermitlux.
Can a mini dishwasher sit on a shelf or in a cupboard?
Yes. Most models here are freestanding, so you can set one on a counter, a table or a sturdy shelf as long as it has power and, for tank models, room to pour.
The COMFEE' 6-Place is also described as fitting into a cupboard for a built-in look. Keep the unit level so the tank fills evenly and the drain runs clear.
Do you need a faucet for a mini dishwasher?
No. Six models here run from a built-in tank you fill by hand, and most also accept a faucet hookup if you prefer it.
A tank gives you freedom to place the unit away from the sink.
The COMFEE' 6-Place is the main faucet-only model in this group. It connects to the tap with the included hose and adapter, so it needs a reachable faucet but no permanent plumbing.
If you want a unit you can move between rooms or take on trips, our RV dishwasher guide covers models built for that.
Tank or faucet: which is better for a small kitchen?
A tank is better when the sink is shared with cooking or the tap is out of reach. A faucet hookup is better when you want the largest load per cycle and don't want to refill a tank partway through a wash.
Tank sizes here run from 1.3 to 5 liters. The COMFEE' 1.32 Gal Tank and Hermitlux fill from a pitcher or funnel, while the HAVA, EUHOMY, NOVETE and BLITZHOME all hold 5L.
Can I switch between tank and faucet?
On most tank models here, yes. The COMFEE' 1.32 Gal Tank, Hermitlux, EUHOMY, HAVA, NOVETE and BLITZHOME all accept a faucet hose as well as the tank.
That means you can start on the tank and move to a faucet later if your kitchen changes. The EUHOMY needs a G3/4 inch faucet, and its adapter is sold separately, so check your tap thread first.
How many place settings does a mini dishwasher really hold?
Expect 4 to 6 place settings, or 20 to 40+ items depending on how the rack is arranged. A 4-setting unit suits one or two people, while a 6-setting unit covers a couple plus a child.
Plate diameter matters as much as the setting count. The COMFEE' 6-Place takes 10-inch plates flat, while the NOVETE handles 12-inch plates at an angle.
Measure your largest dinner plate before you pick. A rack rated for 40 items still won't take a platter that is too wide for the basket.
How many settings for one or two people?
Four settings is enough for a couple who runs one wash a day. The NOVETE and Hermitlux fit that need, and the NOVETE's 12-inch plate clearance helps if you use wide dinner plates.
The BLITZHOME's 20-dish load also covers two people with room for cups and cutlery.
How many settings for a family?
Choose 6 place settings or a 40+ item rack if you cook for three or more. The COMFEE' 6-Place and AIRMSEN cover that, though the AIRMSEN's smaller tank may need a refill on a full load.
For even bigger loads on a longer counter, a large countertop dishwasher holds more without going full-size.
What should you check before buying a mini dishwasher?
Check the plate limit, the noise rating and the drying method before you buy. These three decide whether the unit suits your dishes, your room and your patience.
The noise range here runs from 40 dB to 62 dB, which is a big gap in a small open kitchen. Drying matters too: hot-air drying leaves less water on plastics than a simple rinse cycle.
Water softeners help only if your tap water is hard.
Which models are quiet enough for an open kitchen?
The EUHOMY at 40 dB is the quietest here and suits a studio or open living space. The COMFEE' 6-Place at 52 dB is mid-range, while the COMFEE' tank model at 62 dB is the loudest.
If noise matters, favor the lower figure even at a smaller load. Run it while you are out of the room if your kitchen opens onto a living area.
Do I need a water softener?
Only if your tap water leaves spots on glasses or scale in your kettle. The HAVA and AIRMSEN both include softeners with salt settings.
In soft water areas you can skip the salt cost and pick a simpler model. The AIRMSEN notes that yellow water inside a new unit is normal and comes from the food-grade resin in its softener.
How much water does a cycle use?
Figures here run from about 2.77 gallons on the COMFEE' 6-Place to 5 liters on the tank models. A tank model uses roughly what you pour in, while a faucet model meters water from the supply.
All of them use less than a sink full of hot water for the same dishes. The AIRMSEN, Hermitlux and EUHOMY all cite water savings against handwashing.
What else should I plan for?
Set the unit on a level surface and leave room for the door to drop open. Tank models need a pitcher or funnel to fill, and the COMFEE' 1.32 Gal Tank, Hermitlux and AIRMSEN include one.
Faucet models need the tap free for the length of the cycle. And expect a little water inside a new unit, since every model here is factory tested.
The verdict: which mini dishwasher belongs in your small kitchen?
The COMFEE' Energy Star 6-Place Countertop is the best mini dishwasher for small kitchen counters when a faucet is within reach. It holds the most usable load of the faucet models here and uses the least water among faucet models.
Go down the list by need: the COMFEE' 1.32 Gal Tank for no-faucet placement, the Hermitlux for the shortest depth, the EUHOMY for quiet, the HAVA for hard water, and the AIRMSEN when you need the biggest rack. Measure your counter and cabinet gap first, then pick the model whose plate limit and water supply match how you cook.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for most small kitchens
COMFEE' Energy Star 6-Place Countertop Dishwasher
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for kitchens with no free faucet
COMFEE' Mini Countertop Dishwasher With 1.32 Gal Tank
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for shallow counters
Hermitlux 7-Program Countertop Dishwasher
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
How much counter space does a mini dishwasher take up?
Plan on roughly 17 inches of width and depth for most models here. Leave more than 19 inches of vertical clearance between the counter and upper cabinets on tank models so you can fill the tank.
Can a mini dishwasher fit under kitchen cabinets?
Usually yes if the gap is at least 20 inches. The tallest models here are about 18.2 inches, so measure the gap before you buy.
Tank models also need headroom to pour water in from the top.
Is a mini dishwasher worth it in a small kitchen?
Yes if handwashing takes time you would rather spend elsewhere. These units use about 5 to 10.5 liters per cycle against a sink full of hot water, and the largest here still fit on a normal counter.
