After living in three different apartments without built-in dishwashers, I finally decided enough was enough. The stack of dishes in my sink was getting ridiculous, and hand-washing everything was eating up an hour of my day. That's when I started researching portable dishwashers - and wow, what a game-changer.
Over the past two months, we tested 12 different portable dishwashers in real apartment settings. Some were fantastic, others... not so much. After dealing with connection issues, noise complaints from neighbors, and even a minor flood (thanks to a faulty adapter), we narrowed it down to the 5 models that actually deliver on their promises.
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These compact machines proved they can handle everything from wine glasses to greasy pans, all while fitting into spaces you'd never expect. The best part? Most of them use less water than hand washing - my water bill dropped by $15 last month alone.
Here's how all five portable dishwashers stack up against each other. Pay attention to the capacity differences - they matter more than you'd think.
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Let's get real about what you need to consider. I learned these lessons the hard way - including one memorable evening when I discovered my "perfect" dishwasher didn't actually fit under my cabinet.
When manufacturers say "6 place settings," they're talking about 6 dinner plates, 6 salad plates, 6 bowls, 6 cups, and corresponding silverware. In my experience, that translates to about 2-3 days of dishes for one person, or one day for a couple who cooks regularly.
The smaller 5-liter tank models? They're perfect for singles or light cooking. I fit 4 plates, 4 bowls, some silverware, and a few glasses in mine. Forget about pots and pans though - those need the larger units.
This decision changed everything for me. Tank models give you true portability - fill them up and run them anywhere near an outlet. The 5-liter tanks typically handle one full cycle, which is perfect for daily use.
Faucet-connect models offer larger capacity and continuous water supply, but you'll need the right adapter (most come with standard ones) and counter space near your sink. Pro tip: measure the distance from your faucet to the nearest outlet before buying.
Energy Star certified models use about 3.5 gallons per cycle compared to 6 gallons for non-certified ones. That's roughly 870 gallons saved per year if you run it daily. My COMFEE' Energy Star model added maybe $3 to my monthly electric bill while cutting my water bill by $15.
The non-certified models still beat hand washing though. Even the least efficient portable dishwasher uses less water than 10 minutes at the sink.
Anything under 50 dB is genuinely quiet - like a normal conversation. The 49 dB COMFEE' runs quieter than my refrigerator. Models at 60-62 dB are noticeable but not annoying. I run my 62 dB unit while watching TV without issues.
If you share walls with neighbors, stick to models under 55 dB and avoid running them after 10 PM. Trust me on this one.
Most portable dishwashers need about 17-22 inches of counter depth and 17-20 inches of width. But here's what nobody tells you: you also need 2-3 inches of clearance on all sides for ventilation.
For storage when not in use, the lighter models (under 40 pounds) can go in a closet or under a table. Anything over 45 pounds stays put - my back learned that lesson quickly. If you're considering an elegant black and oak kitchen design, these modern portable dishwashers actually complement the aesthetic quite well.
5L built-in water tank for true portability
6 washing programs including Steam and Baby Care
192°F high-temp sterilization cycle
Ultra-compact at 17.13 x 16.53 inches
62 dB quiet operation
700+ units sold last month
Check Latest Price on AmazonThis COMFEE' mini completely changed my small kitchen game. At just 17 inches square, it fits on my counter between the coffee maker and toaster, leaving room for food prep. The built-in 5-liter tank means zero plumbing hassles - I literally unboxed it, filled the tank, and ran my first load within 10 minutes.
The cleaning power surprised me. Last week's dried oatmeal bowl? Spotless. Yesterday's greasy pan? Clean. The 192°F sterilization mode even handled my roommate's questionable week-old coffee mug. The Steam program works particularly well on glasses - no water spots at all.
What really sold me was the convenience factor. The tank holds exactly enough water for one full cycle, and filling takes about 90 seconds with the included pitcher. The touch controls are intuitive - my technophobe mother figured them out immediately. The 6 programs cover everything: Normal for daily dishes, Rapid for lightly soiled items (29 minutes), Steam for glasses, Fruit for produce, Glass for delicate items, and Air Refresh for drying.
After three months of daily use, I've noticed some quirks. The plastic interior does hold onto strong smells - that curry night required an extra rinse cycle. Capacity is tight - I manage 4 plates, 4 bowls, cups, and silverware per load. Forget about fitting a 12-inch skillet. The 62 dB noise level is noticeable but not annoying - similar to a microwave.
Real User Experiences: Among the 5,007 reviews, users consistently praise the compact size and easy setup. One apartment dweller mentioned it "saved their sanity" after months of hand washing. However, several users reported issues after 8-10 months of heavy use, particularly with the door seal and heating element.
Best For: Singles, couples in studio apartments, RV travelers, or anyone wanting a truly portable solution without any installation requirements.
6 place settings capacity for 2-3 people
8 specialized washing programs
Energy Star certified efficiency
49 dB whisper-quiet operation
Stainless steel interior
45-minute speed program
Check Latest Price on AmazonUpgrading from the mini model to this 6-place setting COMFEE' felt like moving from a studio to a one-bedroom. The capacity difference is dramatic - I now wash dishes every other day instead of daily. The stainless steel interior is a game-changer for eliminating odors and improving drying.
At 49 dB, this thing runs quieter than my laptop fan. I've run it during Zoom calls without anyone noticing. The Energy Star certification isn't just marketing - my utility tracking shows it uses about 3.5 gallons per cycle versus the 6+ gallons I used hand washing the same load.
The 8 wash programs provide real flexibility. Heavy mode tackles baked-on lasagna at 154°F. Baby Care sterilizes bottles and sippy cups. ECO mode saves water for lightly soiled dishes. Speed mode gets things clean in 45 minutes when guests are coming. The specialized Glass program has eliminated every water spot from my wine glasses.
Setup requires a faucet connection, but the included adapters fit my standard faucet perfectly. The 6-foot inlet hose reaches across my counter, though you'll want it closer for aesthetics. At 46 pounds and measuring 19.7 x 21.7 inches, this isn't moving once you place it. Make sure you have the counter space and a nearby outlet.
Real User Experiences: With 2,880 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, users love the quiet operation and cleaning performance. Many couples call it "life-changing" for apartment living. The main complaints involve the size and weight - several users underestimated the counter space needed.
Best For: Couples, small families, or anyone who wants Energy Star efficiency with enough capacity for daily cooking.
6-place setting capacity with folding racks
7 comprehensive wash programs
Extra-drying function for better results
Fits 10-inch diameter dishes
Quick connect with included adapters
LED display for easy monitoring
Check Latest Price on AmazonFarberware brought their appliance expertise to this portable dishwasher, and it shows. The build quality feels premium - solid door hinges, smooth rack slides, and a reassuring weight that says "this will last." The white finish matches my other appliances perfectly, and if you're working with orange kitchen designs, the clean white provides nice contrast.
The 7 wash programs justify the higher price. Beyond the standard Heavy, Normal, and ECO, you get Baby Care for sterilization, Glass for delicate items, Speed for quick turnover, and Rinse for pre-cleaning. The Extra-Dry function adds 60°F heat during the final rinse, then extends drying time - my plastics actually come out dry.
The folding rack design is clever. Lower tines fold flat for pots, upper rack adjusts for tall glasses. I fit my 10-inch dinner plates easily, though my 11-inch serving platter is too big. The silverware basket is removable, which helps when loading odd-shaped items.
At 52.9 pounds, this isn't moving anywhere. Installation was straightforward with the included adapters, though I needed plumber's tape for a perfect seal. The 680-watt power draw is higher than others, but cycle times are shorter, so it evens out.
Real User Experiences: The 3,315 reviews highlight effective cleaning and quiet operation. Users appreciate the multiple programs, though some mention needing two cycles for heavily soiled pots. The main criticism is the weight and size.
Best For: Home cooks who need program variety and don't mind a permanent counter installation.
5L built-in tank or faucet connection
Baby Care with steam sterilization
Unique Fruit Wash program
Fits 12-inch diameter dishes
Dual water supply flexibility
43 pounds manageable weight
Check Latest Price on AmazonThis Farberware hits the sweet spot for RV life. The dual water supply means you can use the 5L tank while boondocking or connect to hookups at full-service sites. At 43 pounds, it's light enough to secure while driving but heavy enough to feel stable during operation.
The standout feature is versatility. Need to wash fresh farmers market produce? There's a program for that. Baby bottles need sterilizing? The Baby Care mode uses steam to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria. Regular dishes? Five programs handle everything from light rinses to heavy-duty cleaning.
The tank operation impressed me. Five liters gets you through one full cycle, and the indicator clearly shows when refilling is needed. When connected to a faucet, it performs like a traditional portable unit. The ability to switch between modes makes this perfect for varied living situations.
I tested the Fruit Wash program with farmers market strawberries - it uses cooler water and gentler spray patterns. Definitely niche, but nice for those who buy lots of fresh produce. The 12-inch dish capacity is generous for a tank model, though you're still limited to about 4 place settings per load.
Real User Experiences: Reviews are mixed at 4.2 stars from 3,565 users. Fans love the flexibility and specialized programs. Critics report water leaking issues and error codes, particularly E3 (heating element failure) after several months of use.
Best For: RV owners, people who want tank/faucet flexibility, or those needing baby item sterilization.
Lightest at 28.6 pounds
3-in-1: dishwasher, dryer, cabinet
72-hour automatic ventilation
14 water ports for 360° coverage
75% water savings vs hand washing
60 dB reasonable noise level
Check Latest Price on AmazonAt 28.6 pounds, the HAVA changed my perception of portable dishwashers. I actually move it to my dining table when I need extra counter space - try that with a 50-pound unit. Despite the lightweight build, it feels solid and well-constructed.
The 3-in-1 functionality is brilliant. After washing and drying, it becomes a storage cabinet with automatic ventilation every 3 hours for 72 hours. This keeps dishes fresh and prevents that musty smell. I often leave clean dishes inside until I need them again.
Cleaning performance exceeds expectations. The 14 water ports create genuine 360° coverage - I've watched through the window as water jets hit every surface. My stuck-on cheese from nachos? Gone. Dried coffee rings? History. The Heavy/Baby Care mode at high temperature sanitizes effectively.
The 5L tank handles one full cycle, and water efficiency is remarkable - it uses 75% less water than my hand washing routine. The LED display clearly shows program progress and remaining time. Touch controls respond instantly, though they're sensitive to wet fingers.
Note the 220V requirement - this won't work with standard 120V outlets without a converter. Some users missed this detail and had to return it. Also, while advertised as quiet, 60 dB is noticeable - comparable to normal conversation level.
Real User Experiences: With 797 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, users consistently praise the cleaning power and lightweight design. The ventilation feature gets lots of love. Main complaints center on drying performance and the cup rack being too high for some mugs.
Best For: Anyone prioritizing portability, renters who move frequently, or those wanting the storage cabinet functionality.
After installing five different portable dishwashers (and flooding my kitchen once), I've learned exactly what works and what doesn't. Here's your foolproof setup guide.
Most units come with adapters for standard faucets, but check your faucet type first. Remove the aerator from your faucet (that's the screened cap at the tip). If it has external threads, you're golden - the standard adapter will work. Internal threads need a different adapter, usually included.
Pro tip: Wrap plumber's tape around the threads before attaching the adapter. This prevents leaks and that annoying drip that develops after a few uses. Hand-tighten only - using tools can crack the plastic adapters.
Place your dishwasher on a level surface - even a slight tilt affects cleaning performance. I use furniture pads under mine to prevent counter scratches and reduce vibration noise. Leave 2-3 inches clearance on all sides for ventilation, especially the back where steam vents.
For faucet-connected models, position them so the hose has a gentle curve, not sharp bends. This prevents kinking and ensures proper water flow. The drain hose should slope downward into your sink - gravity is your friend here.
For truly portable units under 40 pounds, I recommend a sturdy utility cart. Roll it out when needed, tuck it away when done. IKEA's RÅSKOG cart ($39.99) perfectly fits most mini dishwashers and provides storage underneath.
Heavier units can live permanently on your counter if styled right. I've seen people build custom shelving above them or use the top as additional prep space with a cutting board. Just remember to leave ventilation space.
In my testing, yes - for normally soiled dishes. The spray arms and water pressure match built-in units. The limitation is capacity, not cleaning power. Heavily soiled pots might need the Heavy cycle or a quick pre-rinse, but daily dishes come out spotless.
Energy Star models add about $2-4 monthly with daily use. Non-certified models might add $5-7. Compare that to the $15-20 you save on water bills, and you're ahead financially. Plus, you get an hour of your day back.
Technically yes, but I don't recommend it. The constant pressure can wear out the adapter seals, leading to leaks. Plus, you lose faucet access. Takes 30 seconds to connect/disconnect - make it part of your routine.
Tank models (5L) handle about 4 place settings - perfect for one person or a couple eating light meals. Faucet-connected 6-place setting models handle 2-3 people's daily dishes comfortably. Think of tank models as "daily dish" machines and larger ones as "every other day" solutions.
Regular dishwasher detergent works fine, but use less than the package suggests. These units use less water, so less detergent is needed. I use half a tablet or 1 tablespoon of powder per load. Too much creates excess suds and leaves residue.
Based on user reviews and my research, expect 2-3 years for budget models with daily use, 3-5 years for quality brands like COMFEE' and Farberware. The key is regular maintenance - clean the filter monthly and run a cleaning cycle with vinegar every few months.
The 6-place setting models can fit smaller pots and pans (up to 10 inches). Tank models struggle with anything beyond a small saucepan. For serious cookware, you need the larger faucet-connected models, and even then, very large items won't fit.
Models with stainless steel interiors handle hard water better than plastic. The COMFEE' Energy Star model's stainless interior resists mineral buildup. Regardless of model, use rinse aid and run monthly vinegar cycles to prevent scaling.
After two months of testing and three months of daily use, I can confidently say portable dishwashers are worth every penny for apartment living. The COMFEE' Mini with built-in tank wins for pure convenience and portability - perfect for singles or couples in tight spaces. The COMFEE' Energy Star model delivers the best overall value with its larger capacity, quiet operation, and long-term energy savings.
The HAVA surprised me as the dark horse winner for anyone who values true portability. At under 30 pounds with excellent cleaning power, it's ideal for renters who move frequently. Skip the Farberware tank model unless you specifically need the fruit wash feature - the reliability concerns are too significant to ignore.
Whichever model you choose, you're gaining back roughly 7 hours weekly - time previously spent scrubbing dishes. That alone makes these machines worthwhile. Add in the water savings, the cleaner kitchen aesthetic, and the satisfaction of always having clean dishes ready, and it's a no-brainer upgrade for any small kitchen. Speaking of kitchen upgrades, these compact dishwashers pair beautifully with thoughtful kitchen gifts for the space-conscious cook in your life.