The Countertop Dishwasher Review

If you’re living in a pre-war walk-up in NYC, a cozy studio in San Francisco, or living the van life across the Midwest, you know the struggle. The sink is always full, counter space is non-existent, and installing a built-in dishwasher is forbidden by your landlord.

For years, countertop dishwashers were dismissed as gimmicky toys for dorm rooms. But after spending weeks testing the latest models on the market, I can tell you: that era is over. These machines have evolved into legitimate, high-performance appliances that can scrub lasagna off a casserole dish just as well as their full-sized cousins.

Before we dive into the reviews, I want to share some crucial insights from our testing—including why these machines are becoming essential for a specific group of people often overlooked by tech reviewers.

Advertising Disclosure

Our rankings and product recommendations are created through independent research, data analysis, and customer feedback. We may receive a commission when you purchase through links on our site. This does not affect our reviews or product comparisons.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps us continue providing valuable content and product insights.

More Than Just Convenience: The Accessibility Factor

While testing these units, we realized their impact goes far beyond just saving 20 minutes of chores. For many, a countertop dishwasher is an essential assistive device.

• For the Neurodivergent (ADHD): The “Executive Dysfunction” barrier is real. Seeing a pile of dirty dishes can be paralyzing. These machines remove the friction. You load it, press a button, and walk away. The “body doubling” effect of hearing the machine work can actually help maintain momentum for other tasks.
• For Chronic Pain & Mobility Issues: If you suffer from back pain, POTS, or arthritis, standing at a sink for 15 minutes is physically painful. These units allow you to clean up without the physical toll.
• Sensory Processing: For those who have sensory aversions to touching soggy food or dirty sponges, these machines are a mental health lifesaver.

What Brands Won’t Tell You

1. The “Tank” vs. “Hookup” Decision

• Hookup Models (e.g., Danby, Black+Decker): These connect to your faucet. They hold more (6 place settings) and use water pressure to clean. The catch: They hijack your sink faucet for 90 minutes.
• Tank Models (e.g., HAVA, Hermitlux): You pour water into the top manually. They are truly portable and can go anywhere (even on a rug if you have a bucket). The catch: You have to manually pour about 5 liters of water every time.

2. The Drying Dilemma In our tests, this was the biggest differentiator. Older or budget models use Residual Heat Drying (using the heat from the hot water). This leaves plastics soaking wet. If you hate hand-drying, look for models with PTC Hot Air Drying or Fan Assist. I’ve noted which is which below.

3. The OEM Secret Here is a secret from the repair bench: When you strip away the branding, the internal components (motors, pumps) of a Danby, a Black+Decker, and a Comfee are remarkably similar. They are likely built in the same massive manufacturing hubs. The difference lies in the exterior finish, the control board programming, and most importantly, the customer support based in the USA.

The Hands-On Review: Top 10 Countertop Dishwashers

I’ve run these machines through cycles of dried ketchup, peanut butter, and oatmeal. Here is how they stacked up.

1. Danby DDW631SDB (The Reliable Workhorse)

This is widely considered the gold standard for “Hookup” models.

• The Wash Test: It swallowed a full day’s worth of dishes for two people. I fit four large 10.5-inch dinner plates, four bowls, and a saucepan. The water pressure is genuinely impressive; it blasted off dried egg yolk that I intentionally left for 24 hours on the “Intensive” cycle.
• Specific Detail: The “Quick Connect” adapter is metal, not plastic, which feels much more secure than cheaper competitors. However, the silverware basket takes up a lot of prime real estate in the rack.
• Pros: Incredible durability (stainless steel tub). Fits under most standard cabinets (17.2 inches tall). Low noise (54dB).
• Cons: It uses Residual Heat Drying. If you don’t open the door immediately after the cycle ends to let the steam out, your plastics will be wet. You must use a rinse aid (like Jet-Dry) with this machine.

2. Comfee WQP6-3602F (Best Performance for the Price)

Often found at a slightly better price point than the Danby, the Comfee feels like its cooler, younger sibling.

• The Wash Test: I loved the “Heavy” cycle on this machine. It handled a small scorched saucepot that I was sure I’d have to scrub by hand. It’s also surprisingly quiet (49dB)—I could watch TV in the same room without turning up the volume.
• Specific Detail: Unlike the Danby, this model has a “Rapid” cycle that is actually useful (45 minutes), but be warned: the rapid cycle does not dry. You have to towel dry manually.
• Pros: 8 versatile wash cycles. The “Extra Drying” function actually helps reduce the wetness on plastics compared to the Danby. Modern design fits well in renovated apartments.
• Cons: The quick-connect adapter provided is sometimes plastic-heavy depending on the batch; be gentle with it to avoid cross-threading..

3. HAVA R01 Compact (The RV & Studio Favorite)

If you don’t have a standard kitchen faucet (or just hate hoses), this is the one to get.

• The Wash Test: This is a “Tank” model. I poured 5L of water into the top, and the machine beeped loudly when full. The standout feature is the PTC Hot Air Drying. My dishes came out bone-dry, which is rare for this category. The blue UV LED light inside gives it a futuristic, sterile vibe.
• Specific Detail: The “Speed” mode is a lightning-fast 29 minutes. I used this for wine glasses and snack plates during a party, and it was a lifesaver.
• Pros: Zero installation required. Excellent drying performance. “Baby Care” and “Fruit” wash modes are genuine value-adds (comes with a fruit basket).
• Cons: Capacity is smaller (4 place settings). Large American dinner plates (11 inches) are a tight squeeze; you have to tilt them aggressively or they hit the spray arm.

4. Black+Decker BCD6W (Best Design & Aesthetics)

If you care about how your kitchen looks, the Black+Decker wins.

• The Wash Test: It functions very similarly to the Danby, but the user interface is much better. The LED display is integrated into the handle, and the black glass front looks premium. It fit my 10-inch plates easily.
• Specific Detail: The controls are touch-sensitive, not physical buttons. This makes wiping the front panel clean very easy, but I did accidentally turn it on once by leaning against it (thankfully, it has a Child Lock).
• Pros: Solid US brand support. The racking system feels slightly more intelligent, allowing for smoother loading of bowls. Very quiet operation.
• Cons: You pay a “pretty tax” for the design; it’s often pricier than competitors with similar cleaning specs. The drain hose provided is a bit short for some deep counters.

5. Hermitlux Portable Countertop (The “Window” Experience)

This is the direct competitor to HAVA, featuring a glass window so you can watch the magic happen.

• The Wash Test: Watching the spray arms spin is oddly satisfying and excellent for people with ADHD who need visual confirmation that chores are getting done. It cleaned fruit (grapes and apples) gently and effectively in the special basket using the 19-minute Fruit cycle (cold water).
• Specific Detail: The top-fill hole is located conveniently, but the machine is sensitive. If you pour water too fast and create bubbles, it might trigger a “full” sensor error before it actually has 5L. Pour slowly!
• Pros: Top-fill tank means no plumbing needed. Great compact size. High-temperature wash (167°F) for hygiene.
• Cons: Like many tank models, if you forget to drain the wastewater into a bucket (if not using a sink), you will have a flood. There is no auto-shutoff for the drain hose.

6. AIRMSEN AE-TDQR03 (The Sanitization Expert)

I call this the “New Parent Special.”

• The Wash Test: I tested the “Baby Care” mode which utilizes steam and high temperatures (167°F). It gets hot. Afterward, it goes into a 72-hour ventilation mode. I left damp dishes in there for a weekend trip, and when I came back, they didn’t smell musty at all.
• Specific Detail: It has upper and lower spray arms, which is a big plus. Many smaller units only have a bottom arm. This ensures cups on the top shelf get thoroughly rinsed inside.
• Pros: Excellent hygiene features. Steam cleaning cuts through grease well. Storage mode is brilliant for forgetful users.
• Cons: The wash cycles, especially Baby Care, are long (nearly 90 minutes).

7. Farberware FDW05ASBWHA (The Versatile Classic)

Farberware was one of the first to popularize the tank-style dishwasher.

• The Wash Test: It comes with a specialized basket for baby bottles, which allows the water jets to get right inside the nipples and bottles. The 40-minute rapid cycle is perfect for when you run out of clean forks during a dinner party.
• Specific Detail: Be careful with the water tank cap. If you lose it or don’t screw it on tight, steam can escape and warp your upper cabinets over time.
• Pros: Reliable brand history. The fruit wash basket is well-designed.
• Cons: The internal height is a bit restrictive for taller glasses compared to the HAVA. The “Fruit” cycle uses cold water, so don’t expect it to sanitize apples, just rinse them.

8. Novete TDQR01 (The Budget-Friendly Choice)

If you want the HAVA features but want to save some cash, keep an eye on this one.

• The Wash Test: It feels lighter and slightly more “plasticky” than the premium models, but it cleans just as well. The “Speed” cycle takes only 29 minutes and did a decent job on lightly soiled breakfast dishes (yogurt bowls, coffee mugs).
• Specific Detail: It operates at 50dB, which is essentially the sound of a quiet conversation. You won’t hear it from the next room.
• Pros: Very affordable (often on sale). Super fast wash cycle. Quiet.
• Cons: Build quality feels less robust. The door latch feels a bit stiff and requires a firm push to lock.

9. SPT (Sunpentown) SD-2225DS (The Industrial Tank)

SPT isn’t pretty, but it doesn’t quit.

• The Wash Test: This machine feels industrial. The hose connection was the most secure of the bunch—zero leaks, even with high water pressure. It’s basic, lacking fancy touchscreens, but it simply works.
• Specific Detail: It has a “Mini Party” indicator light (often misinterpreted), which is actually an error code system on some older units, but generally, the interface is “set it and forget it.”
• Pros: Extremely low failure rate. Easy to find replacement parts in the US.
• Cons: It looks dated (like an office appliance from 2010). Residual drying only—expect wet plastics.

10. RCA RDW3208 (The Bare Essentials)

For the absolute tightest budgets.

• The Wash Test: It washes dishes. That’s it. Don’t expect dry plastics or steam sterilization. It essentially replaces your hands scrubbing with a sponge.
• Specific Detail: The rack layout is a bit weird; the tines are spaced oddly for deep cereal bowls, making them hard to stack efficiently.
• Pros: Lowest entry price. Simple mechanical operation.
• Cons: Louder than the rest. Racks are prone to rusting sooner if not cared for.

Troubleshooting Guide: Living with a Countertop Dishwasher

During my long-term testing, I ran into issues so you don’t have to. Here is how to fix the most common panic moments:

1. The Dreaded “E4” Error (Overflow) If your machine starts beeping and won’t stop, it likely thinks it’s flooding.

• The Cause: usually using standard dish soap (Dawn/Palmolive) instead of dishwasher detergent. The suds confuse the sensor. Or, the machine isn’t level.
• The Fix: The “Tilt Method.” Unplug the machine. Tilt it backward 45 degrees over a towel. Water will drain out of the back base. Let it sit for 24 hours to dry out. It should reset.

2. Leaking from the Faucet Adapter

• The Fix: This is almost always due to the rubber washer inside the adapter being loose or missing. Use “Plumber’s Tape” (Teflon tape) on your faucet threads before screwing on the adapter. It costs $1 and solves the problem instantly.

3. Dishes Aren’t Drying

• The Fix: If you bought a model without a heater (like Danby or SPT), you must use Rinse Aid (like Jet-Dry). It breaks the surface tension of water so it slides off dishes. Without it, plastic will never dry.

Final Thoughts: Which One is Right For You?

After hundreds of wash cycles, here are my definitive recommendations:

1. Best Overall (The Renter’s Choice): Danby DDW631SDB. It replaces a full-size dishwasher in capacity and power. If you have a standard faucet and counter space, buy this one.
2. Best for RVs / Van Life / Dorms: HAVA R01. No plumbing needed, excellent drying, and compact. It is the ultimate freedom machine.
3. Best for New Parents: AIRMSEN AE-TDQR03. The sanitization and storage features give you peace of mind for baby bottles that hand washing can’t match.
4. Best for Design Lovers: Black+Decker BCD6W. It’s the only one that actually makes your kitchen look better, not more cluttered.

One final tip: Before you buy, measure the distance between your countertop and your upper cabinets. You usually need 18-20 inches of clearance. Don’t be the person who has to return it because it missed fitting by half an inch!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 10 Best Under Counter Fridges, 10 Best Small Gas Grills