Best Dishwashers 2025 – Top 10 Dishwasher Reviews

The chore of washing dishes by hand can be time-consuming and, let’s be honest, a bit of a drag. For many, a dishwasher is a kitchen essential, providing convenience and often more hygienic and water-efficient cleaning than handwashing.

While traditional built-in dishwashers are common, the rise of compact, countertop, and portable models has made mechanical dishwashing accessible even in smaller spaces like apartments, dorms, RVs, or older homes without existing plumbing for a full-sized unit.

Choosing the “best” dishwasher depends heavily on your living situation, available space, household size, and desired features. This article will explore key considerations when buying a dishwasher, particularly focusing on the types present in your list, and highlight some popular options to help you achieve sparkling clean dishes with less effort.

What to Look For When Buying a Dishwasher

Finding the right dishwasher means considering features that align with your living space and dishwashing habits. Here are the important factors to keep in mind:

1. Type and Installation:

Dishwashers come in several types to fit different setups:

• Built-in: These are permanently installed under the counter and require dedicated plumbing and electrical connections. They offer a seamless look and often the largest capacity.
• Portable (Freestanding): These are on wheels and can be moved. They typically connect to your kitchen faucet for water and drain into the sink, offering flexibility but requiring floor space.
• Countertop: These compact units sit on your counter and can connect to the faucet or use a built-in water tank for easy setup in spaces without plumbing. Consider your kitchen’s layout and existing connections to determine the best type for you.

2. Size and Capacity:

Dishwasher capacity is measured in “place settings.”

• Standard Built-in/Portable: Great for families, typically holding 12-14+ place settings.
• Compact Portable (18″): A good fit for smaller households, often holding around 8 place settings.
• Countertop: Ideal for individuals or couples with minimal dishes, usually holding 2-6 place settings. Choose a size that comfortably handles your typical load size.

3. Water Source:

For portable and countertop models, consider how they get water.

4. Faucet Hookup:

Convenient for temporary use, connecting directly to your kitchen faucet.

5. Built-in Water Tank:

Offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to place the dishwasher anywhere you can drain it, as you manually fill a reservoir. Many models offer both options.

6. Wash Cycles and Options:

Look for cycles that match your needs, like Normal, Heavy, Light, or Quick washes. Options like Sanitize or Heated Dry can add extra convenience and cleaning power.

7. Drying Method:

How well dishes dry is important. Options like heated drying, condensation drying, or air drying via automatic door opening can impact how ready your dishes are to put away after a cycle.

8. Noise Level:

Measured in decibels (dBA), a lower number means a quieter dishwasher. This is a key factor if your kitchen is close to living areas.

9. Energy and Water Efficiency:

Look for ENERGY STAR certification to help save on utility bills and reduce environmental impact.

10. Additional Features:

Consider helpful extras like adjustable racks for fitting taller items, soil sensors that optimize the cycle, delay start options, or even smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control.

Overall Best Pick: COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop

Rating: 8.8/10

Reason: Offers outstanding flexibility with dual water supply options (tank and faucet hookup) in a compact, user-friendly design, making it highly adaptable and a top performer for apartment, RV, and other small-space living needs.

Image	Name	Details
	Midea Portable Countertop Dishwasher	Type: Countertop Wash Programs: 6 (Normal, Heavy, ECO, Glass, Speed, Rinse) Capacity: 6 place settings Special Features: Energy-saving, delay start, LED display Water Source: Faucet connection Ideal For: Small kitchens, apartments, dorms	Check Price
	COSMO COS-DWD24FBR	Type: Built-in Wash Programs: 4 (Heavy, Normal, ECO, Rapid) Capacity: 12 place settings Special Features: Stainless steel tub, fingerprint-resistant, heated drying Water Source: Direct plumbing Ideal For: Full-size kitchens, families	Check Price
	SPT SD-9263SSB	Type: Portable Wash Programs: 6 (Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, 90 Min, Rapid) Capacity: 8 place settings Special Features: Adjustable upper rack, delay start Water Source: Faucet connection Ideal For: Medium households, temporary installations	Check Price
	NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher	Type: Countertop Wash Programs: 5 (Normal, Speed, ECO, Heavy, Fruit) Capacity: 4 place settings Special Features: Built-in water tank, baby care mode, fruit wash Water Source: Built-in tank or faucet Ideal For: Small apartments, RVs, dorms	Check Price
	COMFEE’ Portable Mini Countertop Dishwasher	Type: Countertop Wash Programs: 6 (Normal, Rapid, Steam, Fruit, Glass, ECO) Capacity: 4 place settings Special Features: Built-in 5L tank, no hookup needed, steam clean Water Source: Built-in tank or faucet Ideal For: RVs, small kitchens, travel	Check Price
	Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher	Type: Countertop Wash Programs: 5 (Standard, Fast, ECO, Strong, Fruit) Capacity: 4 place settings Special Features: Transparent window, high-temperature drying Water Source: Built-in tank or faucet Ideal For: Dorm rooms, compact living spaces	Check Price
	BLITZHOME Portable Countertop Dishwasher	Type: Countertop Wash Programs: Multiple (via app) Capacity: 4 place settings Special Features: WiFi/app control, 162°F high-temp wash Water Source: Built-in tank or faucet Ideal For: Tech-savvy users, smart homes	Check Price
	EUHOMY Mini Portable Countertop Compact Dishwashers	Type: Countertop Wash Programs: 5 (Normal, Quick, ECO, Strong, Fruit) Capacity: 4 place settings Special Features: LED display, dry mode, compact build Water Source: Built-in tank or faucet Ideal For: Apartments, students, mobile use	Check Price
	AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher	Type: Countertop Wash Programs: 5 (Normal, Speed, ECO, Heavy, Fruit) Capacity: 4 place settings Special Features: Narrow body design, fruit wash, auto dry Water Source: Built-in tank or faucet Ideal For: Ultra-compact spaces, minimalists	Check Price
	AooDen Portable Countertop Dishwasher	Type: Countertop Wash Programs: 6 (Normal, Fast, ECO, Heavy, Fruit, Dry) Capacity: 4 place settings Special Features: Drying function, LED touch screen Water Source: Built-in tank or faucet Ideal For: Apartments, small families, easy setup	Check Price

Top 10 Best Dishwashers in 2025: Expert Picks and Reviews

Here are our top 9 picks of the best dishwashers in 2025

1. Midea Portable Countertop Dishwasher ― Great Countertop Option with Helpful Drying Features

Rating: 8/10

Reason: Offers convenient features like auto door open and a dual drying system to tackle drying challenges effectively in a portable countertop unit.

The Midea MDC17P2DWW is a user-friendly portable countertop dishwasher designed for easy use in small living spaces like apartments, dorms, or RVs. A major plus is its built-in 6L water tank, giving you the freedom to place and use it almost anywhere without needing a constant connection to a kitchen faucet. It also conveniently offers the option for a direct faucet hookup if that suits your setup better. This model comes equipped with a selection of wash programs to handle various types of loads, from everyday dishes to more specific needs. A particularly appreciated feature is its auto door open function at the end of the wash cycle.

This, combined with a dual drying system, significantly enhances the drying process, helps prevent moisture buildup, and reduces lingering odors, leaving your dishes more ready to put away.

Overall, the Midea MDC17P2DWW is a solid performer in the countertop dishwasher category. Its thoughtful features aimed at improving convenience and drying make it a practical and effective solution for individuals or small households dealing with limited kitchen space.

Bottom Line: A highly convenient countertop dishwasher, especially if you value flexible placement and features that help improve drying performance, making dish care easier in a small kitchen.

2. COSMO COS-DWD24FBR― A Reliable Full-Size Built-In Choice

Rating: 8.5/10

Reason: A solid, full-size built-in dishwasher offering ample capacity and standard features for reliable cleaning in a typical kitchen setup.

The COSMO COS-DWD24FBR is a classic 24-inch built-in dishwasher, designed to be a permanent and integrated fixture in your kitchen. It’s an excellent choice for homes that have existing plumbing and electrical connections for a dishwasher, or for those undergoing a kitchen remodel where a seamless look is desired.

This model features a front control panel for easy access and operation. One of the main advantages of this dishwasher is its generous capacity, thanks to a tall tub design. This allows you to fit a large number of dishes – typically 12 to 14+ place settings – making it ideal for families or households that frequently cook and entertain.

It can also comfortably accommodate larger items like pots, pans, and tall dinner plates that might not fit in smaller units. The dishwasher offers a range of standard wash cycles and options to handle various cleaning needs, ensuring your dishes come out sparkling. While installation requires professional help or a confident DIYer for plumbing and electrical hookups, once in place, it provides the convenience and performance expected from a full-sized dishwasher.

Bottom Line: An excellent traditional dishwasher for homes that can accommodate a built-in unit, providing reliable cleaning performance and ample space for everyday dishwashing needs.

3. SPT SD-9263SSB― Practical Portable for More Capacity

Rating: 8.2/10

Reason: Offers a valuable step up in capacity compared to countertop models, with convenient portability for users who can’t install a built-in.

The SPT SD-9263SSB is an 18-inch wide portable dishwasher, presenting a smart solution for households that need more dishwashing capacity than a compact countertop unit but cannot accommodate a permanent built-in model. This is a freestanding unit equipped with wheels, allowing you to easily move it around your kitchen as needed. Its portable design means you typically roll it to your kitchen sink to connect a hose to the faucet for water supply and let the drain hose empty into the sink during the cycle.

While this requires manual hookup for each wash, it offers significant flexibility in kitchens without dedicated dishwasher plumbing. The 18-inch width is narrower than standard portable dishwashers, making it a better fit for smaller kitchen layouts, yet it still provides a useful capacity of around 8 place settings.

Featuring a durable and attractive stainless steel exterior, this SPT model offers a good balance between size, capacity, and portability. It’s a practical choice for individuals or smaller families looking for automated dishwashing that can be stored away when not in use, providing more convenience than consistently washing larger loads by hand.

Bottom Line: A highly practical portable dishwasher for individuals or small families needing more dish capacity than a countertop unit without the ability to install a permanent dishwasher.

4. NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers― Accessible Compact Dishwashing

Rating: 6.5/10

Reason: Represents the accessible entry point to automated dishwashing for very small spaces, offering basic functionality and flexibility.

The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher is designed to bring convenient automated dishwashing to smaller living spaces like apartments, dorms, RVs, and more. Its compact size allows it to fit easily on most countertops, providing a handy solution when a full-sized dishwasher isn’t an option. A key feature appreciated by users is its dual water supply system, which includes a built-in 5L water tank. The built-in water tank is particularly useful as it means you don’t need a direct, continuous connection to a kitchen faucet for every wash.

You simply fill the tank manually, offering greater flexibility in where you can place and use the dishwasher. For those who prefer it, the unit also comes with an inlet hose to connect directly to your kitchen faucet, providing a continuous water source. This NOVETE model typically offers a selection of 5 washing programs, giving you options for different cleaning needs, including a Baby Care cycle which is a valuable addition for parents.

It also often includes an air-dry function and sometimes an LED light inside. Overall, it’s a well-rounded countertop dishwasher that provides essential cleaning functions and convenient water options for flexible use in small spaces.

Bottom Line: A great option for bringing the convenience of a dishwasher to the smallest spaces, providing basic function and flexibility for individuals or couples with minimal dish loads.

5. COMFEE’ Portable Mini Countertop Dishwasher- Best For Flexible and no Hookup Use

Rating: 8.8/10

Reason: Its seamless integration of both tank and faucet water supply options, coupled with a compact size, makes it the most adaptable and convenient solution for a wide range of small-space living scenarios on this list.

The COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop truly shines as a top choice for anyone navigating the challenges of limited kitchen space, whether in an apartment, RV, dorm, or other unique living situation. Its most remarkable feature is the built-in 5L water tank, which liberates you from the need for a constant, direct faucet connection for every single wash cycle.

This means you can place the dishwasher in the most convenient spot and simply fill the tank manually to get started. Adding to its impressive versatility, this unit also provides the option for a standard faucet hookup using an included adapter and hose. This dual water supply capability makes it incredibly adaptable to different setups and user preferences. Despite its mini size, designed to fit comfortably on a countertop, it offers multiple wash programs tailored to handle various types of dishes and cleaning requirements effectively.

The COMFEE’ mini dishwasher is a fantastic solution for simplifying daily cleanup. Its ease of use, flexible water sourcing, and compact form factor make automated dishwashing a practical reality even in the smallest spaces, allowing you to enjoy more free time instead of standing at the sink.

Bottom Line: An outstanding choice for anyone needing a dishwasher in a small space where traditional plumbing is unavailable or inconvenient. Its ability to operate without a direct faucet connection makes it incredibly versatile and easy to use.

6. Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher― Versatile Countertop with Dual Water Options

Rating: 7.8/10

Reason: Offers a good selection of 5 wash programs and the flexibility of dual water supply options, providing solid functionality in a countertop design.

The Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher is a portable appliance designed for convenient placement and use on your kitchen counter. It aims to provide more tailored cleaning options than very basic compact models by featuring a useful selection of 5 distinct washing programs. This allows users to choose the most appropriate cycle for different types of dishes and levels of dirt, from quick washes to more intensive cleaning.

A significant advantage of this Hermitlux model is its dual water supply capability. It is designed to work with a built-in water tank, which you manually fill for each use, offering flexibility in placement away from the sink. Additionally, it typically includes the option for a standard faucet hookup, providing continuous water supply if that is a more convenient setup for your kitchen.

This combination of multiple wash programs and flexible water input methods makes the Hermitlux countertop dishwasher a versatile and practical tool for individuals or small households in limited spaces. It offers a good balance of cleaning options and ease of use, making the task of washing dishes less of a chore.

Bottom Line: A reliable countertop dishwasher that gives you more control over how you wash your dishes with multiple cycles and convenient water input options, ideal for small spaces.

7. BLITZHOME Portable Countertop Dishwasher― Smart Countertop with Modern Convenience

Rating: 7/10

Reason: A unique option that adds the convenience of smart features (WIFI) to a portable countertop dishwasher design.

The BLITZHOME Portable Dishwasher Countertop brings a touch of modern technology to compact dishwashing by incorporating WIFI smart features. This connectivity allows you to pair the dishwasher with a smartphone app, offering the convenience of controlling and monitoring the appliance remotely.

You can start or pause cycles, check the remaining time, and potentially customize settings all from your phone, adding a new level of ease to your kitchen routine. As a countertop model, it is designed to be compact and portable, fitting comfortably in smaller kitchen spaces. It likely offers the dual water supply options common in this category: a built-in water tank that you fill manually for flexible placement, and the option for a direct faucet hookup for a continuous water source.

It also includes a selection of multiple wash programs and drying features. Blitzhome is a brand incorporating smart features into its product line. For users who are enthusiastic about smart home technology and appreciate the ability to manage their appliances from afar, the BLITZHOME dishwasher offers a unique appeal.

While the core function is still dish cleaning in a compact format, the added smart features enhance the overall convenience and user experience.

Bottom Line: A good choice for tech-savvy individuals who want the added convenience of controlling their countertop dishwasher from their smartphone, in addition to its core dishwashing functions.

8. EUHOMY Mini Portable Countertop Compact Dishwashers ― Simple and Functional Countertop

Rating: 6.2/10

Reason: Provides essential countertop dishwasher functionality in a compact design, making automated cleaning accessible for minimal needs.

The EUHOMY Mini Portable Countertop Dishwasher is designed as a straightforward and accessible option for making dishwashing easier in small living environments like apartments, RVs, or dorm rooms. Its primary focus is on providing the core benefit of automated dish cleaning where space is limited and installing a full-sized dishwasher isn’t practical or possible.

This compact unit typically offers flexible water supply options to suit different setups. You can often use it with a built-in water tank, which requires manual filling for each cycle but allows for placement away from a direct water line. Alternatively, it usually provides the option to connect directly to a kitchen faucet using an adapter and hose. It includes a selection of basic wash cycles sufficient for handling everyday dishes and cutlery.

The EUHOMY mini dishwasher is a simple and functional appliance that appeals to users with minimal dish loads who are looking for a convenient alternative to handwashing. It’s a no-frills option that delivers on the basic promise of automated cleaning in a space-saving design, making it a helpful addition to very small kitchens.

Bottom Line: A good basic option for users who need a simple, space-saving dishwasher for very small amounts of dishes and prioritize ease of use over extensive features.

9. AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher ― Countertop Highlighting No-Hookup Convenience

Rating: 7.5/10

Reason: It has a 5L built-in water tank, directly appealing to users who prioritize the convenience of no-hookup operation with clear capacity information.

The AIRMSEN Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a practical compact dishwasher that puts a clear emphasis on its built-in water tank, making it a great choice for users who value the convenience of operating the unit without needing a continuous connection to a kitchen faucet. This is particularly beneficial in small living spaces like apartments, RVs, or vacation cabins where plumbing setups might be limited or inconvenient for a standard hookup.

The prominently featured 5L built-in water tank allows you to simply fill the reservoir before starting a cycle, offering flexibility in where you place the dishwasher. For users who do have easy faucet access, the unit also typically includes the option for a standard faucet hookup using an adapter and hose, providing a continuous water supply.

This AIRMSEN model offers multiple wash programs suitable for handling daily dishwashing needs in a compact size. By clearly highlighting the size of its water tank, it helps users easily understand the manual refilling process and confirms its suitability for no-hookup operation, making it a convenient and appealing option for small-space living.

Bottom Line: A solid and convenient countertop dishwasher option, especially for users who value the flexibility and ease of a built-in water tank for operating the unit without relying on a continuous faucet connection.

10. AooDen Portable Countertop Dishwasher- Best for Small Spaces & No Plumbing Needed

Rating: 7.5/10

Reason: This dishwasher excels as a compact, portable solution due to its built-in water tank, eliminating the need for permanent plumbing, making it ideal for apartments, RVs, and dorms with limited space.

The AooDen Portable Dishwasher offers a compact and convenient solution for dishwashing in small living spaces. This includes apartments, RVs, dorm rooms, or anywhere a traditional dishwasher isn’t an option. Its standout feature is a 5-liter built-in water tank, which means you don’t need any permanent plumbing installation. Simply fill the tank, and the dishwasher is ready to go. For added flexibility, it also includes an option to connect directly to a faucet.

This unit provides 5 versatile wash programs to handle different cleaning needs. You can choose from Intensive for heavily soiled items, Normal for everyday loads, ECO for energy efficiency, Rapid for quick washes, and even a dedicated Fruit wash. This range ensures you can get your dishes clean efficiently, accommodating various types of loads common in smaller households.

Beyond washing, the AooDen also prioritizes user convenience. It features a PTC hot air drying mode that ensures your dishes come out thoroughly dry and ready to put away. An added delay function allows you to postpone the wash cycle for 1 to 12 hours, fitting seamlessly into your schedule. Its small size also makes it easy to place on a countertop, and it’s generally quiet during operation.

Bottom Line: This portable dishwasher is a convenient, space-saving solution for small living situations, offering versatile washing with its built-in tank, despite a few minor reported quirks.

Choosing the Best Dishwasher for You: A Complete Buyer Guide

Choosing the best dishwasher, especially among the varied portable and countertop options, requires understanding your needs and the features that matter most.

Determine the Right Type and Size for Your Space and Needs: Consider your available space (countertop, floor, or under-counter) and the number of dishes you typically wash.

• For standard built-in installation and large families, the COSMO COS-DWD24FBR is best, providing necessary capacity.
• For needing more capacity than countertop without built-in hookups (18″ portable), look at the SPT SD-9263SSB, a practical compromise.
• For limited space like apartments/RVs, any of the Countertop/Compact models are suitable, offering convenience in a small footprint.

Decide on Your Water Source Preference (for Portable/Countertop): Do you want the convenience of a built-in tank or prefer faucet hookup? Many offer both.

• For prioritizing a built-in tank and offering excellent overall versatility, the COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher is the top recommendation.
• For prioritizing a built-in tank and good drying features, the Midea MDC17P2DWW is a strong contender. For offering the flexibility of both tank and hookup options, most Other Countertop models are suitable.

Evaluate Wash Cycles and Drying Capabilities: Consider the types of loads you wash and how important dry dishes are to you.

• For users who want enhanced drying (dual drying system), the Midea MDC17P2DWW stands out, offering features to improve drying results.
• For users wanting a good range of wash programs (5 cycles), the Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher is a strong option.
• For a full range of standard cycles and options (built-in), the COSMO COS-DWD24FBR is the model to consider.

Consider Smart Features or Other Conveniences: Some dishwashers offer modern features like app control or specific design benefits.

• For users who want smart features (WIFI connectivity), the BLITZHOME Portable Dishwasher is the unique option on this list.
• For a standard built-in with features like a tall tub, the COSMO COS-DWD24FBR is the choice. For their core convenience of fitting in small/portable spaces, any of the Countertop or Portable models are valuable.

By evaluating these factors based on your living situation and dishwashing habits, you can select a dishwasher from your list that best fits your needs and simplifies your kitchen routine.

FAQ

What is a place setting in dishwasher capacity?

A: A “place setting” is a standardized measure used to indicate dishwasher capacity. It typically includes a large dinner plate, a small plate, a bowl, a cup, a saucer, and a set of cutlery (fork, knife, spoons). Dishwasher capacity is stated as the number of these settings that can fit in a single load. This helps you estimate how many dishes you can wash at once.

Do countertop dishwashers need a water hookup?

A: Many modern countertop dishwashers offer flexible water supply options. They can connect to a kitchen faucet using an included adapter and hose (requiring disconnection after use), or they may have a built-in water tank that you manually fill for each cycle, requiring no direct plumbing connection. Choose the method that is most convenient for your setup.

Are portable dishwashers water efficient?

A: Yes, most dishwashers, including portable and countertop models, are designed to be more water-efficient than washing dishes by hand, especially when running a full load. ENERGY STAR certified models use even less water and energy.

What is the difference between a portable and a countertop dishwasher?

A: A countertop dishwasher is a small, compact unit designed to sit on a kitchen counter with very limited capacity. A portable dishwasher is a larger (often 18″ or 24″) freestanding unit on wheels that connects to the sink and generally offers significantly more capacity than countertop models.

Can I install a countertop dishwasher under the counter?

A: Countertop dishwashers are not designed for permanent under-counter installation. They lack the necessary features and certifications for this type of setup and should only be used on a countertop or other stable surface as intended.

Conclusion

Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes! With the variety of dishwashers available today, including innovative countertop and portable models, finding a solution that fits your space and lifestyle is easier than ever.

By considering the type and size that suits your needs, preferred water source, available wash cycles, and useful features, you can select a dishwasher from options like those reviewed to handle the post-meal cleanup. Reclaim your time and enjoy the convenience and hygiene of automated dishwashing, no matter the size of your kitchen.