7 Best Portable Dishwashers for Squeaky-Clean Dishes

By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: September 11, 2023
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The average American family does about 300 loads of laundry and dishes each year. If you’re looking for a way to make your life easier, consider investing in a portable dishwasher. A portable is a great way to free up space in your kitchen.

Among 15 products, we chose 7 best portable dishwashers with the hOmeLabs HME010033N at the top of the list. There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a portable dishwasher. First, make sure that it’s large enough to accommodate your needs, but not so large that it’s difficult to move around. Second, think about the features you want. Some dishwashers come with built-in water heaters, while others have multiple spray settings. And finally, consider your budget. Portable dishwashers start at around $200 and can go up to $1,000 or more.

Quick Summary

  • Most Silent: SPT SD-9241W
    "A wheeled 19-inch portable dishwasher with 8 place settings"
  • Editor's Choice: hOmeLabs HME010033N
    "A compact countertop dishwasher with 6 place settings and 6 wash cycles"
  • Best Eco-Friendly Model: EdgeStar DWP62SV
    "Energy Star-certified dishwasher with 7 wash cycles – fits comfortably on your countertop"
  • Best Countertop Dishwasher: Whynter CDW-6831WES
    "A great choice for families with little ones, thanks to the Baby Care cycle"
  • Budget Pick: Sunbeam DWSB3607RR
    "A vibrant and stylish countertop dishwasher that is very easy to connect"
  • Best Heat Drying Options: SPT Countertop Dishwasher SD-2201W
    "Compact dishwasher with 6 wash cycles and a quiet performance"
  • Best Low-Profile Countertop: Farberware FDW05ASBWHA
    "This model has dimensions of only 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3 inches and is one of the smallest best dishwashers on the market."

Top 7 Portable Dishwashers Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7512 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.9
1
Editor's Choice

hOmeLabs HME010033N

Features
  • Type: countertop
  • Wash cycles: 6
  • Place settings: 6
  • Overall dimensions: 17.2 x 19.6 x 21.6 inches
  • Weight: 44.1 lbs.
  • Warranty: 2 years

Extra features: Energy Star rating, built-in rinse agent dispenser

hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher is our Editor’s Choice as it ensures that anyone can use this with ease due to its user-friendly controls and operating system combined. This is a most convenient model with a visually pleasing control panel offering self-explanatory buttons where you can select from its six-wash cycle selection, and then just press the power button to start. There is also the opportunity to pause and delay your wash as and when preferred. Offering up to six standard place settings in its capacity, this Energy Star Certified model includes a cup rack, a detergent dispenser, a cutlery basket, and a larger basket, all in its durable stainless-steel interior. With practical stainless-steel spray arms, you can also access here a filter, rinse aid, a drain pipe connector, and a dispenser inlet pipe connector. This really is ready to go as soon as you place it in the desired location of your room! As soon as your preferred wash cycle is finished, the buzzer will sound for eight seconds to alert you, before switching off. Requiring the minimal amount of space, this is aimed at those smaller and more compact of kitchens but works to offer some great benefits such as streak-free dishes with each use.

Customers of the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher find this a fantastic smaller of portable dishwashers which is quiet in operation and really does offer brilliant clean results each time. In addition, hOmeLabs customer service is also highly rated for its efficiency when contacting them.

    What are its best features?
  • User-friendly
  • Energy star certified
  • Practical model
  • Alert buzzer
  • Offers streak free results
  • Good customer service
    What could be improved?
  • Drying ability questioned
  • Instruction manual claimed to be difficult
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2718 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
2
Best Eco-Friendly Model

EdgeStar DWP62SV

Features
  • Type: countertop
  • Wash cycles: 7
  • Place settings: 6
  • Overall dimensions: 19.7 x 21.7 x 17.2 inches
  • Weight: 44 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year, 90 days labor

Extra features: built-in rinse agent dispenser to minimize water spotting, faucet adapter and hose included

The EdgeStar DWP62SV is our pick for the Best Eco-Friendly Model as well as Amazon’s choice for the Best EdgeStar Countertop Dishwasher. This is an energy star rated model which offers up to six standard place settings availability. However rather than the usual number of six wash cycles, as with most portable dishwashers, this one has a total of seven. What’s more, the control panel has a visually pleasing digital display, ensuring that this fits in well to those more modern of kitchens, as well as making it the more natural to use. At just over 17 inches in height, this is designed to fit under most cupboards or counters and requires no permanent installation, making it the lower profile of choices. Better still, we believe this model offers to save you more money over time when it comes to water and energy bills. This is because it only uses 200 kilowatt-hours per year! Therefore, you can expect to make such savings of up to 61% approximately by using less energy than its similar portable countertop dishwashers. In addition, it’s claimed that this model can accommodate plates of up to 10.5 inches in diameter, which really does make it a practical choice.

Customers of the EdgeStar DWP62SV love the addition of an extra wash cycle than standard here and highly rate its ability and efficiency throughout. Also, being able to place those larger of plates into the dishwasher is also a greater benefit for many others looking to wash those plates and cutlery types that aren’t quite standard in size.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Seven wash cycles
  • Thoroughly energy efficient
  • Digital display
  • Accommodates 10.5 inches diameter plates
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Questions raised on plates sizes and amount
  • Some model parts considered cheap
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5299 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
3
Best Countertop Dishwasher

Whynter CDW-6831WES

Features
  • Type: countertop
  • Wash cycles: 6
  • Place settings: 6
  • Overall dimensions: 19.8 x 21.8 x 17.2 inches
  • Weight: 44 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year

Extra features: Energy Star certified, 1-24-hour timer, comes with quick connect adapter for a kitchen faucet, drain and inlet hose

The Whynter CDW-6831WES gets our pick here for the Best Rated Portable Dishwasher as it is a firm favorite with customers on Amazon, gaining many positive reviews. This is a small but incredibly powerful model which is also visually appealing, making it a great addition to any kitchen. Designed to save both water and indeed time, this is easily fitted under most cabinets and on countertops and encourages a quick and simple connection through its swift connect adapter, which is included. The user-friendly controls provide six standard wash cycles, including that of an Eco cycle. This control console is fully integrated and self-explanatory throughout. Additionally, there is also an added Baby Care cycle with this model which gently washes those more delicate of items such as baby bottles. There is also a delay timer which allows you to select from one to 24 hours in total. Easily maneuverable and perfect for where space is at a minimum, the Whynter CDW-6831WES works to provide maximum sanitation and maximum heat retention through its stainless-steel interior properties, making it extremely durable. Included with this are a dish rack and silverware basket, a drain and inlet hose and an automatic detergent and rinse aid dispenser. This is also an energy star qualified product.

Customers of the Whynter CDW-6831WES claim this works exceptionally well and is thoroughly quiet during the performance; perhaps even quieter than what the specification suggests! It’s also claimed to be the more accessible and practical of portable dishwashers to move around the room.

    Why are we impressed?
  • User-friendly
  • Baby care cycle
  • Delay timer
  • Easy to place around room
  • Durable
  • Quiet performance
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • More basic of model types
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8311 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.3
4
Best Low-Profile Countertop

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA

Features
  • Type: countertop
  • Wash cycles: 5
  • Place settings: 2
  • Overall dimensions: 17.3 x 17.3 x 16.5 inches
  • Weight: 36.38 lb.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

Extra features: 5-liter built-in water tank, air refresh, LED digital controls, automatic water level indicator, see through window, 62 dB

The Farberware FDW05ASBWHA dishwasher is a low-profile model designed to be placed and used on the countertop. This model has dimensions of only 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3 inches and is one of the smallest best dishwashers on the market. It has 5 different programs: normal, fast, fruit wash, baby objects wash, and glass.

It has a 5-liter tank that will allow you to use it without having to connect it to a water source. However, you also have the latter option. Its inside diameter is 12 inches. It is a great option for those who have very little space in their kitchens.

The tabletop dishwasher is also well suited for long-term campers or in a second home. The device could also be an option for single households with limited space. The space-saving mini dishwasher can be set up almost anywhere. The compact size of this device is an advantage. This also means that the device is not bulky. Furthermore, the device weighs only 36.4 lbs and thus significantly less than many other devices on the market.

The mini dishwasher is very energy-efficient, although it’s not classified in any energy efficiency class. It works at a low than normal noise level which does not exceed 62 lbs.

    What makes it special?
  • Comes with LED digital controls
  • Has an automatic water level indicator
  • See-through glass window
  • Moderate noise
  • Quite compact and energy-efficient
  • Has up to five washing programs
    What cons did we find?
  • May not fit on a countertop with cabinets above it
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6358 people in the past 30 days
9.1
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.1
5
Budget Pick

Sunbeam DWSB3607RR

Features
  • Type: countertop
  • Wash cycles: 6
  • Place settings: 6
  • Overall dimensions: 21.7 x 17.2 x 19.7 inches
  • Weight: 44.1 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year

Extra features: includes cutlery basket and cup shelf

Our budget pick here is the Sunbeam DWSB3607RR, however, though it may be the lower of models in price, it certainly offers high specifications when it comes to its performance capabilities! Working on providing power equal to that of its larger counterparts, this model is considered the perfect addition for those smaller homes due to its thoroughly useful compact design. Quickly installed and with no need for direct plumbing, a faucet adapter is included here, so having it up and running in no time is instantaneous. With an ability to choose from a total of six washing cycles you can opt for glass, speed, rinse, eco, heavy and indeed normal here. Allowing up to six standard size place settings overall, all that is required is to load the basket, add your detergent, and select the wash cycle and the machine does the job of washing the dishes all for you. With an automatic rinse aid dispenser which aims to prevent any water from forming droplets over your dishes, the result is spot free and streak free plates, cups, pots, pans, and cutlery. Additionally, the Sunbeam DWSB3607RR allows you to maximize all useable space throughout by strategically placing its cutlery basket and cup shelf in the most practical of places.

Customers of the Sunbeam DWSB3607RR offer some highly rated reviews and opinions of this model, stating it does a terrific job each time and often surprises many as to how well it can be stacked to accommodate a great range of items – while being one of the easier of portable dishwashers to connect and go.

    What makes it special?
  • Low price
  • High-performance capability
  • Quick setup
  • Simplistic to use
  • Spot free and streak free properties
  • Good use of interior space
    What cons did we find?
  • Customer service access problematic
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5510 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
8.9
6
Best Heat Drying Options

SPT Countertop Dishwasher SD-2201W

Features
  • Type: countertop
  • Wash cycles: 6
  • Place settings: 6
  • Overall dimensions: 21.6 x 19.6 x 17.2 inches
  • Weight: 48.5 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1 year

Extra features: faucet adapter included, Energy Star certified

The SPT SD-2201W Countertop Dishwasher gets our vote here for the Best Countertop Dishwasher and ticks Amazon’s boxes for the same reason as well! This is a straightforward model which is aimed at those smaller sized homes, apartments, or even office kitchens. However, though smaller in stature, it provides full-size power in performance. With the ability to quickly connect, this comes complete with a faucet adapter to make connecting it easy. This is spacious enough to accommodate up to six standard place settings and even comes complete with a silverware basket and dish rack to provide maximum efficiency here. There are six wash cycles available comprising of speed, soak, glass, light, normal, and heavy, and all of these are accessible at just the touch of a button. On the user-friendly control panel of this model, there are only three buttons; power, program and the start/rest button. Inside the SPT SD-2201W Countertop Dishwasher, you’ll find a stainless-steel interior and a stainless-steel arm spray, ensuring durability throughout. An automatic detergent and rinse agent dispenser are included with this product. If you’re short on space and indeed counter height, this portable dishwasher will fit between most countertops or cabinets with its low height of just 17.25 inches.

Customers of the SPT SD-2201W Countertop Dishwasher find this a simple model to hook up and one that offers a good quality of clean each time. Those stuck for space in their kitchen area also highly recommend this finding it fits perfectly and is quiet while in operation.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Smaller stature
  • Easily connected
  • Energy efficient
  • User-friendly
  • Quiet performance
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Wash and dry cycles claimed to be longer
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8426 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.7
7
Most Silent

SPT SD-9241W

Features
  • Type: 18-inch wheeled
  • Wash cycles: 6
  • Place settings: 8
  • Overall dimensions: 26 x 17.7 x 36 inches
  • Weight: 121 lb.
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

Extra features: Energy Star certified, time delay feature

The SPT SD-9241W is our Most Silent pick for Best All Round Portable Dishwasher as it works perfectly and indeed with reduced noise overall. With a larger than average capacity, being able to wheel this model to a preferred place, whenever you need to, is perhaps just one of its most significant benefits here. Additionally, whereas most portable dishwashers accommodate up to six place settings, this one has the space for up to eight. An energy star model, the SPT SD-9241W is one of the more simplistic to swiftly connect to your kitchen faucet, not requiring any direct plumbing or a permanent installation solution. The easy to use control panel features a time delay program allowing one to 24 hours in total, an error alarm for any fault codes, a warning indicator of low rinse aid and a button to select from the six wash cycles. The detergent and rinse aid dispenser are all automatic. These cycles include Speed, Rinse, Heavy, Light, Normal and All-in-1. With a stainless-steel interior, there is also a practical adjustable upper basket that adequately accommodates those larger of pots and pans. Providing a water temperature of up to 154 degrees Fahrenheit, the noise level for this product is average. Taking into account all the benefits of the machine, it’s the ability to provide the robust performance of a full-sized dishwasher then move it out of sight once it’s done that gets the most significant rating here.

    What are our favorite features?
  • Fully inclusive
  • Larger sized
  • Wheeled
  • Eight standard place settings
  • Quiet performance
    What could be better?
  • Higher cost
  • Long wash cycles
  • Not for the countertop
Also Product Ranking:


Things to Consider

We hope this selection of best portable dishwasher reviews gives you a clearer idea of the best type of portable dishwasher for your individual needs. However, before you decide to part with your cash, we want to offer you a little more detailed information about such product types before you make that final purchase. Below is a comprehensive buying guide which explains further those essential of features that we consider to be the most important when purchasing such an appliance as this.

Reasons to choose a portable dishwasher

7 Best Portable Dishwashers for Squeaky-Clean Dishes

When it comes to purchasing any type and size of dishwasher, the reasons for doing so are usually the same with most people; to save time when cleaning up after meals and rid of the mess that comes with having dishes piled high in the sink for some time! However, when people choose a portable dishwasher, they also usually have a specific need for a smaller type of model due to a lack of readily available space in the kitchen. By opting for a portable dishwasher, you can choose to make it a permanent fixture in the home or move it around using it as and when you need to. Additionally, they are perfect for RV’s, temporary accommodation, student accommodation, and even in the office kitchen.

Features to consider when choosing a portable dishwasher

We believe we have touched upon those most essential details, in the above reviews, that you should be looking out for when purchasing a portable dishwasher. These combined ensure you get the most versatile of models and one which will provide you with ample usage and durability for many years to come. However, when it comes to selecting that preferred model, we do recommend that you take your time to ensure that the model you have in mind is ultimately best suited for your individual and specific needs. All these reviewed portable dishwashers offer those features we consider are the more important that you’re most likely to want to access in such a product, and here we explain such features further.

Wash cycle selection

Most important for some is the number and indeed type of wash cycles their portable dishwasher can offer them. The usual wash cycles you’ll find are the primary six, including Speed, Rinse, Heavy, Light, Normal, and Eco. However, you may notice that the EdgeStar DWP62SV actually boasts a total of seven wash cycles in all! But it’s worth pointing out here that most people will usually find a cycle they like and then stick with it on a permanent basis! This may well be down to a more personal preference, but we recommend having a selection, such as in the cycles of these reviewed products above, to ensure that should you ever need to access them – you can do so at the touch of a button.

Place settings

All portable dishwashers should offer a guide as to how many standard plate settings they will accommodate. This gives you an idea of how many people they are suitable for, which is particularly important if you are a family. This is however just guidance and should be considered with the number of pots and pans you’ll most likely want to wash with these plate settings as well, as they will more than often reduce the amount if there are significant items to accommodate as well. On average, portable dishwashers provide room for six place settings, with the SPT SD-9241W here offering eight.

Overall dimensions

The overall dimension of your portable dishwasher will be of greater importance here if you find yourself needing to fit this appliance into a specific area, such as that underneath a cabinet or counter. In this case, the height available will be most important, so check you have enough space available to accommodate this. The models reviewed here range from 17 inches in height to 26 inches; therefore it will be necessary to check this figure if you have limited space available.

Sound level

Though any dishwasher shouldn’t be loud in operation, you can expect a low hum of the motor and perhaps note the water rushing around inside, especially if the environment around you is particularly quiet. However, they will not be anywhere near the noise level of a washing machine!

Look at each model you select and note where they mention a noise level figure.

All of these reviewed models are claimed to run exceptionally quiet during operation.

 

Delay feature

A delay feature may be preferable for you if you want to load up the dishwasher – but not start it on a cycle just yet. This means you can set it to a more convenient time to suit you instead. Many people prefer to do this with their portable dishwashers if the use of it would conflict with someone else needing to use the hot water. It’s also a favored feature with those that can take advantage of off-peak utility rates.

Energy Star certification

7 Best Portable Dishwashers for Squeaky-Clean Dishes

As well as the EdgeStar DWP62SV being our pick for the Best Eco-Friendly model, you’ll notice that these models reviewed here and perhaps many other portable dishwashers claim to be Energy Star Certified. We recommend such certification because it means that your chosen model is 12% more efficient than any of those non-certified appliances. This then means that they are indeed more efficient than those which merely meet energy efficiency minimum standards also. Such rated portable dishwashers cost less to run and are better for the environment as a result.

Weight

You may think that such a portable appliance can’t be that heavy, but another critical factor worth considering beforehand is the weight of the model.

This is especially important if you’re planning to place your dishwasher on top of a counter or other appliance or surface.

It’s also a good factor to consider if you plan on moving it around on a regular basis. For guidance, the average weight of our selected models here is around the 44 lbs. mark.

 

Warranty

Finally, you may want to pay attention to the warranty your chosen portable dishwasher offers, especially if you don’t want to face the prospect of spending any money on parts or buying a replacement, should something go wrong with it over time. A warranty is usually a great peace of mind, especially if you come to rely on your model!  The hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher offers a two-year warranty, but often you’ll find one-year warranties given on such models. However, be sure to find out exactly what the terms of each warranty are to make sure it’s suitable for your requirements.

FAQ

What is the “Eco” wash cycle for?

An eco-wash cycle is primarily designed to save energy. It does this by utilizing a longer cycle than standard but heating up the water slowly. Models with this cycle selection are usually the more energy efficient of products.

Do I need to clean my dishwasher?

It’s an excellent idea to get into the routine of cleaning your dishwasher out. Jobs such as cleaning debris from the filter and wiping the door seals should be done weekly. Topping up with salt and rinse aid should also be considered a regular cleaning habit as such, as this will also play a part in the effectiveness of your dishwashers cleaning abilities.

Though it’s not a job to be done too often, aim to remove and clean the dishwashers spray arms every six months, as well as running a cleaning cycle using a cleaning agent which is suitable for dishwashers.

How do I get rid of or avoid water stains on my dishes and cutlery?

Usually, if you notice water spots or stains on your dishes after a wash cycle, you can eliminate the problem quite quickly. More than often it’s due to an ineffective spray arm, which may need cleaning. This is why we recommend regularly cleaning this part of your dishwasher. You could be stacking your dishwasher incorrectly, therefore blocking the spray arm and stopping the soap dispenser opening. Also, check that you aren’t using too much dishwasher detergent or consider trying another if the problem persists. Try not to pre-rinse your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher and finally make sure the water in your appliance is not overly hot, so no more than 140 degrees Fahrenheit here.

Our verdict

Now that you’ve had a chance to read through our extensive review, hopefully, you’ve got a clearer idea of the best type of portable dishwasher for your needs. By making use of our detailed buying guide alongside our detailed reviews of each model, we’re confident we’ve armed you with the relevant information for making that final choice.

Our top pick here is the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher, which we feel offers the closest experience to a standard sized dishwasher and is a good allrounder. Second of our choices is the EdgeStar DWP62SV, proving such appliances need not be the most complicated to operate. Finally, our third choice here is the Whynter CDW-6831WES, a great choice for families with little ones, thanks to the Baby Care cycle.

In concluding, if you’re looking for a smaller sized dishwasher but want to experience the same cleaning qualities of that of the standard dishwasher sizes, these portable dishwashers are the perfect alternatives.

9,9
Total Score
hOmeLabs HME010033N - Editor's Choice
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