5 Countertop Dishwashers for Small Apartments & RVs
By: Jen | April 3, 2026 | We may get commissions for links in this post.
If you’re living in a small apartment or RV or just don’t have a lot of counter space, a portable dishwasher might be the perfect solution for you. These compact dishwashers are designed to be easily moved and stored, making them ideal when you need a dishwasher that can be tucked away when not in use.
In this article, we’ll take a quick look at some of the best portable dishwashers on the market and then help you choose the one that’s right for you.
Buying Guide
There are some features and factors you’ll need to consider before making a purchase.
Size and Capacity
Portable dishwashers come in a many sizes and capacities. Some are nearly the same size as a built-in dishwasher. Others are very compact.
Take a look the available space in your kitchen or RV and the number of dishes you need to wash on a regular basis. A compact dishwasher should be fine for a small household, while a larger model may be better for a bigger family or if you entertain often.
Energy Efficiency
Look for a dishwasher with an Energy Star rating to ensure that it is energy efficient. This will not only save you money on your utility bills but also help reduce your environmental impact.
Noise Level
Dishwashers can be noisy, so consider the noise level of the model you are considering. Look for a dishwasher with a decibel rating of 50 or lower for a quieter operation.
Wash Cycles and Options
Different dishwashers offer different wash cycles and options. Look for a model with a variety of cycles, including a heavy-duty cycle for tough stains and a quick wash cycle for lighter loads.
Some dishwashers also offer options such as delayed start, sanitize, and half-load.
Features and Accessories
Consider any additional features or accessories that may be useful for your needs. Some portable dishwashers come with a built-in water softener, while others offer adjustable racks and cutlery baskets for more efficient loading.
Best Portable Dishwashers
If you live in a small apartment or have limited space in your kitchen, a portable dishwasher can be a game-changer. These compact machines are designed to fit on your countertop or under your sink, and they offer the same cleaning power as a full-size dishwasher. In this article, we've rounded up the best portable dishwashers on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you're looking for a basic model or one with all the bells and whistles, we've got you covered.
Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher
The Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher is compact and versatile. The fact that it doesn't require a hookup will make it a great choice for travelers or anybody for whom a hookup wouldn't be a good option.
Pros- Its 5-liter built-in water tank makes it convenient for any location, no need for hookup.
- The dishwasher offers five different wash cycles, including baby care, glass, and fruit wash. All your dishes, from delicate glassware to baby bottles, are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
- With just 40 minutes, water, and electricity, you can have clean dishes and sparkling glassware anywhere and anytime.
- It may not fit larger dishes over 12 inches in diameter.
- The dishwasher may not be able to handle heavily soiled dishes.
- The dishwasher may not dry dishes as well as a full-sized one.
The Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher is compact and portable, making it great for small kitchens, apartments, RVs, and even camping trips. Its 5-liter built-in water tank means you no longer need to worry about hooking up to a water source. Fill the tank, plug it in, and let the powerful 5-program system take care of the rest.
The dishwasher is not just limited to cleaning dishes. It also features a baby care function, which lets you steam-clean and sterilize baby bottles, making it great for anyone with babies.
The glass and fruit wash programs are designed to give your glassware a sparkling clean finish and gently wash your fruits and vegetables.
Its user-friendly LED display and simple controls make it easy to select the perfect wash cycle for your needs. Plus, the built-in water tank is easy to refill and clean, ensuring your
dishwasher stays in top condition.
NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher
The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher is one of the most compact in the list, and yet it has a great capacity. That makes it great for very smalll spaces and travel.
Pros- Small size, large capacity
- No installation needed
- 3-in-1 function
- Not suitable for larger items
- May not dry dishes completely
This compact dishwasher is perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs. It only measures 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches, but holds 4 full place settings and fits up to 12" dishes loaded at an angle, easily meeting daily needs for a family of 3-4. The
double-layer design offers enough space for 4 x serving bowls, 4 x cups, 4 x small plates, 4 x dinner plates, 7 x spoons, 7 x forks, and 7 x knives.
The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher supports 2 water supply modes, including a faucet mode and water tank mode. A built-in 5 L water tank allows for instant use when fully filled. The automatic water level indicator lets you know when the correct water level has been reached. To use the faucet mode, simply connect the water inlet hose to the machine and faucet.
Featuring a Dry mode, this machine is equipped with the features of a dishwasher, dryer, and cabinet, making taking care of your dishes and glassware a breeze. 60 minutes of hot air drying will automatically start after the wash cycle is finished, keeping your dishes dry and odorless. 72 hours of automatic ventilation stores your tableware in sanitary condition, providing clean dishes whenever you need them.
The storage rack and cutlery basket make it easy to clean "top rack only" dishwasher safe items such as knives, forks, and spoons, leaving more space for dishes and small pots. Lower and upper spray arms give dishes a streak-free deep cleaning, and the included fruit basket stores fruits and vegetables neatly and cleans them.
COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher
The COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher is the only one on the list that's actually Energy Star rated. That means it will use less electricity than most and save you money.
And it has 8 modes of cleaning, which should cover all your needs.
Pros- With 6 place settings and a plate size of up to 10 inches in diameter, it's perfect for small households, dorms, RVs, and apartments.
- The dishwasher is easy to install and can be connected to the faucet directly, so you don't need to worry about complicated plumbing.
- It has 8 washing cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Rinse, and Mini-Party, which makes it versatile enough to handle different types of dishes and cleaning needs.
- The dishwasher is a bit bulky, so it may take up a significant amount of counter space.
- Some users have reported that the dishwasher doesn't always dry dishes completely, which means you may need to towel-dry them after the cycle is finished.
The COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher is a great option if you're looking for a portable, compact dishwasher that can handle your daily cleaning needs. With 8 washing cycles and a capacity of 6 place settings, it's versatile enough to handle different types of dishes and cleaning needs. It's also easy to install, so you don't need to worry about complicated
plumbing or installation.
One of the biggest advantages of this dishwasher is its size. With dimensions of H17.2"³Ã - W20.6"³Ã - D21.6"³, it's perfect for small households, dorms, RVs, and apartments. It can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and has a plate size of up to 10 inches in diameter, which makes it suitable for most types of dishes.
In terms of washing cycles, the COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher has 8 different options, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Rinse, and Mini-Party. This makes it versatile enough to handle different types of dishes and cleaning needs. The Heavy program, for example, is great for heavily soiled dishes, while the Speed program can clean dishes in just 45 minutes.
However, there are some downsides to this dishwasher. For one, it's a bit bulky, so it may take up a significant amount of counter space. Some users have also reported that the dishwasher doesn't always dry dishes completely, which means you may need to towel-dry them after the cycle is finished.
RCA Portable Dishwasher
This RCA portable dishwasher has the advantage of being from a trusted brand in home appliances. It also uses less water than many of its competitors.
And it's very big compared to the others, which will be a plus if you have the room and a minus if you need something smaller.
Pros- Holds up to 8 standard place settings
- Low water consumption
- Easy to connect to any kitchen tap
- Hose connector at the bottom may leak
- Long run time
The RCA RDW1809 is a portable dishwasher that can hold up to 8 standard place settings. It's easy to connect to any kitchen tap and has a low water consumption, which can help you save on your water bill. However, some buyers have reported that the dishwasher may arrive with dents or scratches, and the hose connector at the bottom may leak.
If you're looking for an affordable portable dishwasher that can get the job done, the RCA RDW1809 might be worth considering. However, keep in mind that it may take longer to run than other models, and you may need to be careful when connecting the hose to avoid leaks.
KAPAS Portable Countertop Dishwasher
If you're looking for a dishwasher that's easy to use and can fit a variety of dishes, the KAPAS Portable Countertop Dishwasher might be the right choice for you.
Pros- The LED digital controls are easy to use and provide a clear picture view of wash controls.
- The dishwasher offers six wash programs, including Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, and Dry.
- You can fill the dishwasher with water from either the built-in tank or a water hose.
- The dishwasher can only fit dishes up to 12 inches in diameter at an angle, so larger dishes may not fit.
- Some customers have reported issues with leaks or the dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly.
- The drying time can be longer than expected, so you may need to wait longer to use your dishes again.
The KAPAS Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a convenient option for those who don't have a lot of space or want a dishwasher that's easy to move around. The LED digital controls make it easy to choose the right wash program, and the dishwasher can be filled with water from either the built-in tank or a water hose.
One of the best things about this dishwasher is the variety of wash programs it offers. Whether you need a quick wash or a more thorough clean, there's a program that will work for you. Plus, the lower and upper spray arms ensure that your dishes get a streak-free deep cleaning.
However, there are some downsides to this dishwasher. It can only fit dishes up to 12 inches in diameter at an angle, so larger dishes may not fit. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with leaks or the dishwasher not cleaning dishes completely. Finally, the drying time can be longer than expected.
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