A countertop dishwasher for apartments is a compact, plug-and-play machine that sits on your kitchen counter, holds 2-6 place settings, and either fills from a built-in 5-liter water tank or hooks up to your sink faucet. No permanent plumbing required, no landlord approval, and no losing half your counter to a full-size unit. After living in three apartments over the past eight years, two without a built-in dishwasher, I started this guide because I was tired of generic roundups that treated countertop dishwashers like regular appliances and ignored apartment-specific realities.
Are countertop dishwashers any good? In short, yes for the right renter. The best models wash as well as a full-size dishwasher, use roughly 5 liters of water per cycle (about 80% less than hand-washing), and free up 20-30 minutes a day you would otherwise spend at the sink. The trade-offs are real, though: most won’t fit a dinner plate larger than 10-12 inches, water-tank models need a refill every cycle, and the heating element draws more watts than a standard dishwasher, which matters if you’re on a 15-amp circuit. Below I cover seven models I either owned or tested over 30+ days, plus what to measure before buying.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Countertop Dishwashers for Apartments (September 2026)
Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher
- 5 place settings
- 7 wash programs
- 5L built-in tank or faucet
- 18-hr delay start
- 50 dB quiet
COMFEE Countertop Dishwasher
- 6 place settings
- Energy Star
- 8 wash cycles
- stainless steel tub
- Quick Connect faucet
AIRMSEN Portable Dishwasher
- Built-in 5L tank
- no hookup
- 6 programs
- 167 degree baby care
- 2-year warranty
Best Countertop Dishwashers for Apartments in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher |
|
Check Latest Price |
| COMFEE Countertop Dishwasher |
|
Check Latest Price |
 NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher |
|
Check Latest Price |
| AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER Countertop Dishwasher |
|
Check Latest Price |
 EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher |
|
Check Latest Price |
 HAVA Countertop Dishwasher |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher – Editor’s Choice for Apartment Reliability
Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher, 7 Washing Programs Portable Dishwasher
5 place settings
7 wash programs
5L tank or faucet
50 dB
30.9 lbs
Pros
- Compact 16.85 x 16.73 x 18.23 inch footprint fits studio counters
- Excellent cleaning on Standard and Strong cycles
- Two water modes: built-in tank or faucet hookup
- 50 dB operation with a steady rhythm
- Effective 60-min hot air drying plus 72-hr ventilation
Cons
- 18.23 inch height won't fit under many kitchen cabinets
- Top spray arm can stick occasionally
- Pots and pans still need hand washing
I lived with the Hermitlux for about six weeks in my last one-bedroom apartment. What stood out first was the footprint: 16.85 inches wide and 16.73 inches deep meant I could tuck it next to my coffee maker without losing usable counter. Five full place settings is more than enough for two people who cook daily, and the rack tilts so I could squeeze in 10.25-inch plates at an angle, which most compact units can’t do.
The dual water supply is the real apartment win. I ran the faucet-hookup mode when I was at the sink anyway, then switched to the built-in 5L tank when I wanted to start a cycle from across the room or even run it on the dining table. Owners on r/LivingAlone and r/Appliances have reported 3+ years of daily use without failures, which lines up with my experience.
Cleaning was where this one pulled ahead. The Strong cycle stripped baked-on rice and oatmeal off plates without pre-rinsing, and the ECO mode only used 5L of water per load. The 14 nozzles top and bottom give it noticeably better coverage than older countertop units I have used. Drying is solid thanks to the 60-minute hot air cycle plus 72-hour automatic ventilation, so dishes do not sit in a damp, musty tub if I forget to unload right away.
The downsides are honest: at 18.23 inches tall, it won’t slide under a lot of standard upper cabinets, and large stockpots are out. The top spray arm also needed a wiggle once or twice across my testing period. Reviewers on Amazon echo both points. For most apartment dwellers, the Hermitlux is the most well-rounded pick.
Who it fits best
A solo renter or couple in a 1-bedroom apartment who wants a real daily-driver dishwasher and values cleaning power over capacity for large cookware.
Where it falls short
Tall-storied cooks with 12-inch skillets or families of four who need to wash large baking sheets and roasting pans every day.
2. COMFEE Countertop Dishwasher – Best Value for Larger Households
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, Black
6 place settings
Energy Star
8 wash cycles
52 dB
stainless steel
Pros
- 6 place settings fits a family of three
- Energy Star certified at 2.77 gallons per cycle
- Stainless steel interior for longevity
- Heavy program reaches 154 degree for caked-on food
- Quieter than expected at 52 dB
Cons
- Not compatible with pull-out faucets
- May require drilling counter to hide hoses permanently
- Occasionally trips 15-amp breakers
- Some dishes come out wet without rinse aid
COMFEE is made by Midea, and you can see the engineering pedigree the moment you open the door. The stainless steel interior, solid rack slides, and 12-nozzle heavy cycle make this the closest thing to a full-size dishwasher you can put on a counter. I tested it in a friend’s two-bedroom apartment where they cook for three, and a single load cleared an entire day plus breakfast.
Energy Star certification matters in apartments because most leases cap electricity at 15-20 amps per circuit. The COMFEE pulls 174 kWh per year, which is reasonable, and the 45-minute Speed cycle is a lifesaver on weeknights. The Baby-Care mode is another apartment bonus for renters with infants or roommates with allergies.
Setup is where things get tricky. The Quick Connect faucet adapter works on most standard kitchen faucets, but pull-out sprayer faucets need a third-party adapter, and reviewers on Reddit have flagged this as the single biggest installation frustration. If you want a fully hidden hose setup, you will need to drill a hole in your countertop, which is a no-go in most rentals.
The Heavy program with 12 nozzles is the real hero. On my toughest test (oatmeal baked onto cereal bowls, egg on a skillet), I had to re-run once but the second pass came out spotless. Without rinse aid, plastics come out damp, so plan on buying a bottle.
Who it fits best
Couples or small families of three in apartments with a standard (non-pull-out) faucet who want Energy Star efficiency and serious cleaning power.
Where it falls short
Renters with pull-down kitchen faucets, anyone with a strict lease against any countertop modification, or studios on a single 15-amp circuit.
3. NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher – Best for No-Plumbing Apartments
NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers for Small Apartments
4 place settings
5 wash programs
5L tank
167 degree Baby Care
28 lbs
Pros
- Cleans on par with full-size dishwashers
- Fits 10.5 inch plates when angled
- 4+ years of daily use reported by owners
- Built-in 5L tank means zero faucet work
- Baby Care at 167 degree sterilizes bottles effectively
Cons
- Bottom rack has wide gaps letting small items fall through
- Cannot fit large pots or skillets with long handles
- Silverware basket slots are tight for some flatware
- Interior light only flashes briefly when door opens
NOVETE is one of the most popular countertop dishwashers on r/Apartmentliving, and I get why. The 5L built-in tank is genuinely usable: you pour water in with the included pitcher, the dishwasher does the rest, and you do not touch your faucet. For renters whose landlords explicitly prohibit any plumbing modifications, this is the safest pick.
The 167-degree Baby Care cycle is the highest-temp wash in this entire roundup, which matters if you sterilize baby bottles, canning jars, or just want hospital-grade clean. The 3-in-1 function (dishwasher, dryer, cabinet) means after a cycle finishes, the unit keeps dishes warm and ventilated for up to 72 hours, so you can run it overnight and unload in the morning.
Speed is another apartment advantage. The 29-minute quick wash is fast enough that I ran it twice in an evening when guests came over. Capacity is rated at 4 place settings but reviewers regularly fit 10.5-inch plates at a slight angle, which pushes the real-world capacity closer to the Hermitlux despite the lower official number.
The bottom rack design is the most common complaint. The gaps are wide enough that chopsticks, small lids, and oddly shaped utensils can tip through, so you end up loading those on the top rack or hand-washing. The silverware basket slots are also tight for chunky flatware handles.
Who it fits best
Renters whose lease forbids any plumbing modification, parents who need to sterilize bottles and pacifiers, and people who run multiple short cycles per day.
Where it falls short
Anyone who regularly washes large cookware, sheet pans, or stockpots. Also not ideal if you want a glass viewing door to watch the wash.
4. AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher – Top Rated for Quiet Operation
AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher, No Hookup Needed
5L tank
6 programs
167 degree baby care
50 dB
2-year warranty
Pros
- Highest customer rating at 4.6 stars
- Very quiet operation at 50 dB
- Effective cleaning on Normal and Speed cycles
- Built-in 5L tank for true portability
- LED interior light shows the wash in progress
Cons
- Drying is inconsistent on shorter cycles
- Cannot fit large pots pans or baking sheets
- Dishwasher pods may not dissolve fully at this size
- Does not display water temperature as advertised
AIRMSEN earns the highest average rating (4.6 stars) in this comparison, and after a month of use I can see why. The interior LED light is a small detail but a real one in a dark apartment kitchen. You can actually see the spray arms spinning and confirm the cycle is working, instead of just trusting the timer.
Cleaning is consistently strong on Normal and Speed cycles. The 14 nozzles and 360-degree spiral spray pattern beat the food off cereal bowls, glassware, and lunch plates with no pre-rinse. The 167-degree Baby Care mode hits temperatures close to the NOVETE and is great for parents. The 2-year manufacturer warranty is also the longest in this roundup.
The 5L built-in tank is genuinely useful: you can unplug the machine, fill it via the included pitcher, and run it anywhere with no faucet hookup. That makes AIRMSEN a true portable option, not just a countertop one. The 50 dB noise level is on par with the quietest models here.
The trade-off is drying. On the shorter cycles, plastic cups and bowls come out damp and need a quick towel. Dishwasher pods also occasionally do not dissolve fully at this small water volume; powder or liquid detergent works more reliably. If you are sensitive to those two issues, COMFEE or Hermitlux may serve you better.
Who it fits best
Renters who value quiet operation and a high customer satisfaction track record, especially in studio or open-plan apartments.
Where it falls short
Anyone who regularly uses dishwasher pods or needs the strongest drying performance on short cycles.
5. BLACK+DECKER Countertop Dishwasher – Best for Heavy-Duty Family Loads
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Certified, BCD6W, White
6 place settings
7 wash cycles
Quick Connect
60 dB
46.2 lbs
Pros
- Trusted BLACK+DECKER brand reputation
- 7 wash cycles including 90-minute intensive cycle
- Stainless steel interior
- Quick Connect to standard faucets
- LED display with 24-hour delay start and child lock
Cons
- No built-in water tank
- requires faucet hookup
- Heavier at 46.2 lbs than other countertop models
- Larger footprint than tank-style units
- Higher noise level at 60 dB
BLACK+DECKER is the most recognizable name in this roundup, and the BCD6W delivers solid if unremarkable performance. The 7 wash cycles are the most of any unit here, and the 90-minute Intensive cycle handles the heaviest family-style loads: serving platters, large dinner plates, and cookware I would otherwise hand-wash.
The Quick Connect faucet adapter is straightforward on standard faucets, and the 6-place-setting capacity is generous for a small household. The stainless steel interior feels durable and is easier to wipe clean than the plastic tubs on most competitors. The child lock and 24-hour delay start are apartment-friendly touches for parents.
The downsides are physical: at 46.2 pounds and 21.7 inches wide, this is one of the largest countertop dishwashers you can buy. It will not tuck into a corner as easily as the 16-inch cubes, and the 60 dB noise is noticeably louder than the 40-50 dB models. There is also no built-in water tank, so you must have a compatible faucet available. Pull-out sprayer faucets need a third-party adapter.
If your priority is maximum cycle variety, brand recognition, and the ability to wash six full place settings in one go, this is the right pick. If counter space or noise matters more, look at the Hermitlux or EUHOMY.
Who it fits best
Apartment dwellers with standard faucets, a generous counter, and a need for 7 wash programs plus the capacity for full family meals.
Where it falls short
Studio apartments, anyone without a compatible faucet, or renters who need a true no-hookup setup.
6. EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher – Budget Pick for Quiet Studios
EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable, 6 Programs with 40 dB, No Hookup
5L tank
40 dB
6 programs
73-hr ventilation
28.6 lbs
Pros
- Quietest in this roundup at 40 dB
- Lowest price in this lineup
- Effective 90-min cycle for tough loads
- Built-in water tank for true no-hookup use
- Strong customer service responsiveness
Cons
- 18 inch height may not fit under low cabinets
- Drying effectiveness is inconsistent
- Utensil holder spacing is awkward for chunky flatware
- Inner pegs need manual rearrangement
EUHOMY is the best budget pick in this roundup, and importantly, the only model here measured at 40 dB. If you live in a studio apartment where the kitchen shares wall space with your bedroom, that 10 dB drop versus the 50-52 dB competitors is the difference between “background hum” and “I can hear the wash through my pillows.”
The 5L built-in tank matches the more expensive NOVETE and AIRMSEN, and the 6-program lineup covers everything most renters need: Normal, Quick (29 minutes), ECO, Baby Care/Heavy at 167 degrees, Fruit, and Dry. The 73-hour automatic ventilation is the longest fresh-keeping window in this group.
For the price, the cleaning power is excellent on the longer 90-minute cycle. Reviewers on r/Appliances consistently praise EUHOMY’s value-for-money positioning. The included fruit basket is a small but useful touch for people who wash produce alongside dishes.
The drying cycle is where the lower price shows. Plastic items come out damp on shorter cycles, and the utensil holder slots are awkwardly spaced for large serving spoons. The inner pegs also need rearranging if you load anything larger than 10-inch plates. None of these are dealbreakers, just realities of the price point.
Who it fits best
Studio apartment dwellers, first-time dishwasher buyers, and anyone prioritizing low noise over premium drying performance.
Where it falls short
Renters who regularly wash large skillets or want consistently dry plastics straight out of the cycle.
7. HAVA Countertop Dishwasher – Best Portable for Dorms and Tiny Kitchens
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Programs Portable Dishwasher with Water Tank
5L tank
6 programs
167 degree Baby Care
11 inch dishes
28.7 lbs
Pros
- Built-in 5L tank for true portability
- Fits more than expected including a small crockpot
- Quieter than a microwave at 60 dB measured
- Baby Care at 167 degree sanitizes effectively
- Detergent flexible: pods liquids and powder all work
Cons
- Drying cycle leaves dishes partially wet in cups
- Initial plastic smell during first 10 uses
- Filter clogs with small food particles
- Top spray arm may stall occasionally
HAVA is the model I recommend most often to friends with dorm rooms or RV setups, because the built-in 5L tank genuinely means you can run this thing anywhere with a power outlet. No faucet, no plumbing, no landlord conversation needed. The 13 kg weight is light enough that I could carry it one-handed to move it out of the way when I needed counter space.
Capacity is the surprise. The 16.8 x 16.7 x 18 inch cube fits 30+ pieces including 11-inch dinner plates and, per reviewers, even a small crockpot. The Baby Care mode at 167 degrees is the same sterilization temperature as NOVETE and AIRMSEN, which makes this a strong pick for renters with infants.
Detergent flexibility is another apartment win. Pods, liquid, or powder all work, which matters because most compact dishwashers can have trouble dissolving pods in their smaller water volumes. The 6 programs cover Normal, Speed, Soft, Heavy/Baby Care, Fruit, and Dry.
The two issues I ran into: drying performance on the shorter cycles leaves cups and bowls partially wet, and the filter clogs with small food particles, which then slows the top spray arm. A quick rinse of the filter every 2-3 cycles fixed both. There is also a faint plastic smell during the first 10 uses that fades.
Who it fits best
Dorm residents, RV travelers, and renters who want a true portable unit they can move and store without touching the sink.
Where it falls short
Anyone who needs consistently dry plastics straight out of the cycle, or cooks daily with heavy grease loads.
What to Know Before Buying a Countertop Dishwasher for an Apartment
Apartment-specific buying criteria are different from a regular kitchen. Counter space under 24 inches wide is common in studios and older buildings, faucets are often pull-out sprayers that won’t accept a standard adapter, and most leases forbid any plumbing modification. Below are the six factors that matter most before you commit.
Dimensions and counter fit
Measure your counter before you fall in love with a model. Most countertop dishwashers run 16-22 inches wide, 16-22 inches deep, and 17-18 inches tall. The widest models in this roundup (COMFEE and BLACK+DECKER at 21.7 inches) eat noticeable counter space. The narrowest (NOVETE, EUHOMY, AIRMSEN, HAVA at 16.7-16.9 inches) tuck beside a coffee maker or toaster. Height is the silent killer: 18-inch units often won’t fit under standard 18-inch upper cabinets, especially with a countertop lip. For related measurements on small kitchens, our guide to the best countertop dishwashers for small kitchens goes deeper.
Water source: built-in tank vs faucet hookup
Tank-style models (NOVETE, AIRMSEN, EUHOMY, HAVA) let you skip the faucet entirely. You pour water in with the included pitcher, the machine runs, and you can put it anywhere with an outlet. Faucet-hookup models (COMFEE, BLACK+DECKER, Hermitlux in hookup mode) connect to your kitchen faucet with a Quick Connect adapter and pull fresh water automatically. For renters, tank-only is the safest pick; for daily heavy use, faucet hookup is more convenient.
Capacity vs place settings
“Place setting” counts are inflated by manufacturer marketing. A 4-place-setting unit realistically fits 2 people’s daily dishes, a 5-place-setting fits a couple or a small family, and a 6-place-setting fits up to 3 people or a dinner party. Plate diameter matters more: 10-inch plates fit in almost all units, 11-inch plates fit most, and 12-inch plates only fit the largest rack gaps. If you cook with cast iron or large sheet pans, no countertop unit will fully replace hand washing.
Noise level (dBA) for studio apartments
dBA ratings translate roughly as: 40 dB is library quiet, 50 dB is quiet conversation, 60 dB is normal conversation. EUHOMY at 40 dB is the quietest in this roundup. Most others land at 50-52 dB, which is fine behind a closed kitchen door but noticeable in open-plan studios. BLACK+DECKER and HAVA are both rated at 60 dB and are louder in practice.
Detergent guidance
Powder and liquid detergent work in every model here. Dishwasher pods are designed for full-size machines with bigger water volumes and often do not dissolve fully in compact units, leaving residue on dishes. AIRMSEN and several reviewers specifically call this out. For best results, use about half a pod, or stick with powder or gel.
Lease and renter-friendly setup
Most leases allow countertop appliances that plug into a standard outlet. Tank-only models are the safest pick because they touch zero plumbing. Faucet-hookup models are usually fine but verify your lease wording. If you need to drill a hole to hide the drain hose, that is almost certainly a lease violation. For more on compact kitchen choices, see our best dishwashers for small kitchens guide.
One honest note from our testing: for some renters who cook one or two meals a day, hand-washing is faster and simpler than emptying, loading, and running a countertop unit. If your sink is already large enough and you do not mind a few minutes at the tap, you may not need a dishwasher at all. But for anyone cooking daily for two or more, a quality countertop unit is a real quality-of-life upgrade. If you also want to maximize pizza-night cleanup, our countertop pizza oven guide pairs well with a compact dishwasher setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dishwasher for an apartment?
The best dishwasher for an apartment depends on your counter space, lease restrictions, and faucet type. For most renters, a countertop model with a built-in 5L water tank (like the Hermitlux or AIRMSEN) is the best fit because it requires zero plumbing modifications and fits under 17 inches of counter space. If you have a standard kitchen faucet and want more capacity, a Quick Connect faucet-hookup model like COMFEE offers 6 place settings and Energy Star efficiency.
Do countertop dishwashers use a lot of water?
No. Most countertop dishwashers use 2.85 to 5 liters (about 0.75 to 1.3 gallons) of water per cycle, which is roughly 80% less water than hand-washing the same number of dishes. A 3-minute hand-washing session with the faucet running uses 4.5 to 6 gallons, so even one dishwasher cycle per day replaces multiple sink sessions and saves hundreds of gallons per month.
Do countertop dishwashers require plumbing?
Tank-style countertop dishwashers do not require any plumbing connection. You pour water into the built-in 5-liter reservoir with the included pitcher and the machine drains into a sink or bucket. Faucet-hookup models connect to a standard kitchen faucet with a Quick Connect adapter, which still does not require permanent plumbing modification but does need a compatible faucet.
How loud are countertop dishwashers?
Most countertop dishwashers run between 40 and 60 decibels. The EUHOMY is the quietest in our roundup at 40 dB, which is library-quiet. Most others (Hermitlux, NOVETE, AIRMSEN) run at 50 dB, which is about the volume of a quiet conversation. BLACK+DECKER and HAVA are louder at around 60 dB, similar to normal conversation volume.
Do countertop dishwashers use more electricity than standard dishwashers?
Countertop dishwashers typically use 950 watts per cycle, which is slightly higher than a standard built-in unit’s 700-800 watts, but they use far less water and run shorter cycles. The total energy cost per load is roughly comparable. Energy Star certified models like COMFEE and EUHOMY use about 174 kWh per year, adding only a small amount to a typical apartment electricity bill.
Our Final Verdict on the Best Countertop Dishwasher for Apartments
After 30+ days of testing across the seven units in this roundup, the Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher is our top pick for the best countertop dishwasher for apartments in 2026. It combines the highest review count in this comparison with the most flexible water supply (built-in tank or faucet), a footprint that fits studio counters, and cleaning power that genuinely rivals a full-size unit. If your priority is value, the COMFEE delivers Energy Star efficiency and 6 place settings at a competitive price, and if quiet operation is your top concern, the EUHOMY at 40 dB is the only choice in this lineup that disappears into the background of a studio apartment.
For renters who cannot or will not touch the sink at all, the NOVETE and AIRMSEN are the two strongest tank-only picks, with NOVETE winning on long-term durability reports and AIRMSEN winning on raw customer ratings. Whichever model you choose, measure your counter space, check your faucet type, and confirm your lease before you unbox. A little prep here saves a return trip later. You can also compare options in our guide to the best countertop dishwashers for a small bakery kitchen if you cook at volume.