9 Best Dishwashers for Small Kitchens (November 2026)

The best dishwashers for small spaces include the NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers for Small Apartments for flexible water supply, the COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 1.32Gal for a compact daily load, and the COMFEE' COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher for a larger countertop load.

On this page (4 sections)

1. How we chose dishwashers for small spaces
2. Which small dishwasher suits your kitchen?
3. How do you choose a dishwasher for a small kitchen?
4. Which dishwasher is the best fit for your small kitchen?

The best dishwashers for small spaces include compact countertop models and a narrow built-in option. The NOVETE is the best all-around countertop choice here, while the EdgeStar suits a kitchen with an 18 in built-in opening.

If floor space is scarce, countertop units keep the floor open but use valuable work surface. If you prefer a floor-standing option, compare portable dishwashers on wheels.

A built-in takes cabinet space and installation, but clears the counter once fitted.

For broader countertop choices, start with our countertop dishwasher guide. If your kitchen is part of a rental, compare the best small dishwasher for apartment options before settling on a fixed installation.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for flexible water supply

   NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers for Small Apartments

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a compact daily load

   COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 1.32Gal

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a larger countertop load

   COMFEE' COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Hermitlux Slim Countertop Portable Dishwasher for Small

   Best for a narrow counter
   Check it
5. 5

   FOHERE Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start

   Best for a small counter footprint
   Check it
6. 6

   EdgeStar 18 Inch Wide Built-In Dishwasher

   Best for an 18 in built-in opening
   Check it
7. 7

   EUHOMY 6 Programs Countertop Dishwasher Portable

   Best for a compact family load
   Check it
8. 8

   Midea Countertop Dishwasher Portable

   Best for 6 place settings
   Check it
9. 9

   COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher

   Best for steam and produce cycles
   Check it

How we chose dishwashers for small spaces

We compared the stated dimensions, capacity, installation type and water supply options for each model. The score weighs those details against the needs of a small kitchen, including counter width, available clearance and the type of installation you can use.

We favored compact footprints and flexible water supply for kitchens without spare floor space. Larger countertop models and the built-in EdgeStar remain in the roundup because they can serve buyers who prioritize capacity or a clear worktop.

A model's fit still depends on the exact counter, cabinet gap, faucet and drain path in your kitchen.

Which small dishwasher suits your kitchen?

The best fit depends on what space you can give up and how much dish capacity you need. A countertop dishwasher uses work surface, while a built-in model needs a cabinet opening and a permanent connection.

Best dishwashers for small spaces with flexible setup

NOVETE leads this group because it offers both tank filling and a faucet hose in a compact body. The COMFEE' mini and EUHOMY offer similar water supply choices, while the FOHERE has a shallower stated depth.

1

NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers for Small Apartments: Best for flexible water supply

9.7/10Our score

• 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 in
• 5 L built-in tank
• Faucet connection
• 4 place settings

A small footprint and two water supply choices make this a flexible countertop option. It holds 4 place settings and accepts plates up to 12 in when angled.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Tank and faucet supply options
• 4 place settings
• Plates up to 12 in when angled

Cons

• Needs counter space and room for the door

The NOVETE measures 16.9 in wide, 16.8 in deep and 18.1 in high. Its 5 L tank lets you fill it without a direct faucet connection, and it can also connect to a faucet with the inlet hose.

Its capacity is 4 place settings, with plates up to 12 in loaded at an angle. The five wash cycles include Normal, Speed, Soft, Baby Care/Heavy and Fruit, and the drying mode adds a hot air cycle.

This is a practical small dishwasher for a kitchen where you want a compact counter appliance without a fixed water line. If the machine may sit beneath a sink or in a tight cabinet, compare the space and access needs in our guide to a small dishwasher under sink.

Best for kitchens that need a choice of tank or faucet supply. Allow space for the unit, its door and the drain hose before choosing a counter location.

2

COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 1.32Gal: Best for a compact daily load

9.6/10Our score

• 17.13 x 16.53 x 17.24 in
• 5 L built-in tank
• Faucet connection
• 30+ items

This compact countertop model can wash 30+ items and use either a built-in tank or a faucet hose. Check overhead clearance because it needs more than 19.6 in between the counter and wall cupboard.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two water supply methods
• Washes 30+ items
• Six program options

Cons

• Needs more than 19.6 in of vertical clearance

The COMFEE' mini measures 16.53 in wide, 17.13 in deep and 17.24 in high, with a built-in 5 L tank. It can also connect to a kitchen faucet with its included hose and adapter.

It holds over 30 items, including plates up to 9.5 in, and has six programs: Normal, Rapid, Hygiene, Fruit, Glass and Air Refresh. Its listed clearance requirement is more than 19.6 in between the counter and wall cupboard, so check the gap before you place it under cabinets.

For a small kitchen with dishwasher space only on the counter, that overhead measurement matters as much as the footprint. The tank mode is useful when you can set the unit near the sink but do not want a faucet connection during each cycle.

Best for a compact daily load with tank filling. Make sure the cabinet gap exceeds 19.6 in and the drain hose can reach the sink.

3

COMFEE' COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher: Best for a larger countertop load

9.5/10Our score

• 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 in
• 6 place settings
• Up to 70 pieces
• Plates up to 10 in

The 6 place setting capacity suits buyers who can spare a wider, deeper counter area. It connects to a faucet with a suitable adapter and can also be fitted in a cupboard.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 6 place settings
• Up to 70 pieces
• Eight washing cycles

Cons

• Wider and deeper than the smaller countertop picks

This COMFEE' offers 6 place settings and room for up to 70 pieces, with plates up to 10 in. At 21.7 in wide and 19.7 in deep, it needs noticeably more counter area than the smaller tank models.

It connects to a faucet with a suitable adapter, and the maker describes placement on a table or fitting in a cupboard. Eight cycles include Heavy, Normal, Baby Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Mini-party and Rinse.

Choose it when a small kitchen needs more dish capacity and can spare a broad counter area. If that much counter space is unavailable, a single drawer dishwasher may be a better style to compare against a countertop unit.

Best for households that want 6 place settings on the counter. Measure depth as well as width, especially if the counter has a narrow front-to-back span.

4

Hermitlux Slim Countertop Portable Dishwasher for Small: Best for a narrow counter

9.4/10Our score

• 14.61 x 20.08 x 17.83 in
• 5 L built-in tank
• Faucet connection
• Over 30 pieces

At 14.61 in wide, this countertop dishwasher can suit a narrow worktop where wider models will not fit. Its depth is 20.08 in, so measure from the wall to the counter edge as well.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Narrow 14.61 in width
• Tank and faucet supply options
• Over 30 pieces

Cons

• Needs 20.08 in of counter depth

Hermitlux is the narrowest countertop option here at 14.61 in wide, though it extends 20.08 in deep. It has a 5 L tank and can also connect to a faucet, with room for over 30 pieces and plates up to 10.25 in loaded at an angle.

Its wash programs include Normal, ECO, Strong, Fast, Fruit and Super Strong, along with a separate drying function. The slim width can help on a narrow counter, but the depth may bring the front edge close to a walkway or cabinet door.

Use the width as a starting point, then check the full counter depth and hose route. See our small dishwasher dimensions guide for the measurements to compare before ordering.

Best for a narrow countertop with usable depth behind it. Confirm that the door can open without blocking nearby drawers or a walkway.

5

FOHERE Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start: Best for a small counter footprint

9.1/10Our score

• 16.2 x 15.5 x 17.8 in
• 5 L built-in tank
• Faucet connection
• 4 place settings

This model has the smallest stated depth among these countertop options, with a 5 L tank and faucet connection. It holds 4 place settings, with 12 in plates loaded at an angle.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 15.5 in depth
• Two water supply methods
• Delay start from 1 to 6 hours

Cons

• 4 place settings may not suit larger loads

FOHERE has a 15.5 in depth, the shallowest stated depth among the countertop picks here. It measures 16.2 in wide and 17.8 in high, with a 5 L tank or faucet hose for water supply.

The maker lists 4 place settings, including plates up to 12 in when angled. A delay start can be set from 1 to 6 hours, and drying and ventilation functions follow the wash.

This option is worth considering when the counter is shallow but still wide enough for a 16.2 in body. Its compact dimensions do not remove the need for overhead space, an accessible power outlet and a drain route.

Best for a shallow counter and smaller daily loads. Check the door swing and hose path before choosing its spot.

Best small dishwasher for a built-in opening

The EdgeStar is the built-in choice in this group, with a width of 17.6 in and capacity for 8 place settings. It needs a suitable cabinet opening, water supply and drain connection, unlike countertop models that can use a tank.

6

EdgeStar 18 Inch Wide Built-In Dishwasher: Best for an 18 in built-in opening

9.0/10Our score

• 17.6 in wide
• 32.5 in high
• 8 place settings
• Built-in installation

A built-in design keeps the counter clear and fits an opening sized for a narrow dishwasher. Confirm the cabinet opening and plumbing before choosing this permanent installation.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 8 place settings
• 17.6 in wide
• Leakage sensor

Cons

• Requires a built-in opening and installation

EdgeStar measures 17.6 in wide, 22.4 in deep and 32.5 in high. It holds up to 8 place settings and includes six wash cycles, a silverware basket and cup tray.

A built-in dishwasher can make sense when the counter is too valuable to give to an appliance and the cabinets have a narrow opening. The installation is less flexible, so measure the opening and confirm plumbing access before buying.

For a narrower permanent option, see our guide to the best 18 inch dishwasher. The EdgeStar is stated as 17.6 in wide, but the full cabinet opening and installation requirements still need to match your kitchen.

Best for a small kitchen with a ready built-in opening. Choose this only if the cabinet dimensions and connections suit a built-in model.

Best compact countertop options for more dish types

EUHOMY and Midea offer different tradeoffs: EUHOMY keeps a compact footprint and tank option, while Midea has 6 place settings but needs a much larger counter area. COMFEE's other countertop model adds a steam cycle in a similarly compact body.

7

EUHOMY 6 Programs Countertop Dishwasher Portable: Best for a compact family load

9.0/10Our score

• 16.85 x 16.73 x 18.03 in
• 5 L built-in tank
• Faucet connection
• Over 30 dishes

The EUHOMY combines a compact footprint with room for over 30 dishes. It needs more than 19 in of vertical clearance and a compatible faucet connection if you use hose mode.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Over 30 dishes
• Tank and faucet supply options
• Five wash programs plus drying

Cons

• Needs more than 19 in of vertical clearance

EUHOMY measures 16.85 in wide, 16.73 in deep and 18.03 in high. It holds over 30 dishes, takes plates up to 10.25 in and supports either its 5 L tank or a compatible faucet connection.

The five wash programs include Normal, Fast, Glass, Baby Care/Heavy Duty and Fruit, with a separate drying mode. EUHOMY recommends more than 19 in of vertical clearance above the counter, so measure the cabinet gap before choosing it.

Best for a compact unit with multiple cycle options. Its footprint is close to other small countertop models, so compare the exact width and depth against the space you have.

8

Midea Countertop Dishwasher Portable: Best for 6 place settings

8.8/10Our score

• 22 x 20 x 17.25 in
• 6 place settings
• Up to 70 pieces
• Faucet connection

This countertop model holds 6 place settings and up to 70 pieces, but its 22 in width and 20 in depth need a substantial worktop. It can connect to a faucet with a suitable adapter.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 6 place settings
• Up to 70 pieces
• Six wash cycles plus two functions

Cons

• Large footprint for a countertop model

Midea's countertop model holds 6 place settings and up to 70 pieces, including plates up to 10 in. The tradeoff is its 22 in width and 20 in depth, which can be difficult to fit in a kitchen with limited counter space.

It connects to a faucet with a suitable adapter and has six wash cycles plus Extended Dry and Power Wash functions. The stated noise level is 52 dB, and the maker gives water use of 2.77 gallons.

Best for a larger countertop load when counter space remains. Measure the available surface carefully, as its footprint is larger than the tank-based compact picks.

9

COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher: Best for steam and produce cycles

8.6/10Our score

• 16.53 x 17.13 x 17.24 in
• 5 L built-in tank
• Faucet connection
• Up to 10 in plates

This compact COMFEE' has a 5 L tank, faucet connection and a steam cycle. Its 16.53 in width is modest, but check the 19.6 in overhead clearance before setting it under a cabinet.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Steam and fruit programs
• 5 L tank or faucet supply
• Fits plates up to 10 in

Cons

• Needs more than 19.6 in of vertical clearance

This COMFEE' model measures 16.53 in wide, 17.13 in deep and 17.24 in high, with a 5 L tank and faucet option. It holds over 30 items, including plates up to 10 in.

Its programs include Normal, Rapid, Steam, Fruit and Glass, plus Air Refresh for drying. The stated overhead clearance is more than 19.6 in, so it needs a taller gap than the appliance height alone suggests.

Best for a compact kitchen that can use steam and fruit programs. Use standard dishwasher detergent rather than regular liquid dish soap, which the maker says can cause problems.

How do you choose a dishwasher for a small kitchen?

Choose by measuring the actual installation area, then match the format to your available counter, cabinet and plumbing. A small dishwasher for kitchen use can still be impractical if its hoses block a drawer or its door hits a walkway.

What measurements matter for a small dishwasher?

Measure the space in width, depth and height. For a countertop dishwasher, include the cabinet gap above it, the counter edge and any nearby drawer or appliance door that could be blocked.

Check the door opening area and where the inlet and drain hoses will run. The apartment size dishwasher dimensions guide covers fit checks for narrow kitchen layouts.

Is a countertop or built-in dishwasher better for limited space?

A countertop unit suits kitchens without a spare cabinet opening, but takes work surface while it runs. A built-in model keeps the counter free and can hold more dishes, but uses cabinet space and needs permanent connections.

Tank-fed countertop models give you more placement flexibility, though you still need an outlet and a safe drain route. A built-in is usually the more practical choice when the kitchen already has the right opening and connections.

Can a countertop dishwasher fit beneath a sink?

Some layouts may allow it, but measure the height and depth around the sink basin, plumbing and cabinet doors first. You also need access to load it and connect or route its hoses.

Review the small dishwasher under sink fit considerations before planning this setup. A model's listed body height does not account for every obstruction in your cabinet.

How much capacity should you choose?

Choose capacity around the dishes you use each day, not just the number of people in the home. A 4 place setting model can suit a smaller daily load, while a 6 or 8 place setting model may reduce how often you run cycles.

Check plate diameter and loading direction as well. Some compact models fit larger plates only at an angle, which changes how much space remains for bowls and cups.

How important is noise in an open kitchen?

Noise matters more when the dishwasher sits near a dining area or living room. Compare stated decibel levels where available, but remember the figures here are not reported for every model.

The quiet dishwashers db ratings guide explains how to read noise figures. Placement, room layout and the cycle can affect how noticeable a dishwasher sounds.

Which dishwasher is the best fit for your small kitchen?

Choose the NOVETE if you want a compact countertop dishwasher with both tank and faucet supply. Pick the EdgeStar if you have a narrow built-in opening and want 8 place settings, or the FOHERE if shallow counter depth is your main constraint.

For a rental or temporary setup, compare our guide to the best small dishwasher for apartment. If you are planning a compact home beyond the kitchen alone, the best dishwasher for tiny house guide covers a related space problem.

The right dishwasher for a small kitchen is the one that fits its full footprint, has a workable water and drain route, and holds the dishes you need to wash. Measure first, then choose the format and capacity that fit your daily routine.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for flexible water supply

   NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers for Small Apartments

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for a compact daily load

   COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 1.32Gal

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a larger countertop load

   COMFEE' COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best dishwasher for a small kitchen?

A countertop dishwasher is often the easiest fit when you have no built-in opening, while an 18 in built-in can serve more dishes if you have a suitable cabinet space. Compare the machine's width, depth and height with your counter, cabinet clearance and faucet before choosing.

A small footprint does not guarantee that the door or hoses will fit your layout.

Can a small kitchen have a dishwasher without plumbing work?

Yes. Several countertop models here have a built-in water tank, so you can add water manually instead of connecting a water line.

Some also connect to a faucet with a hose.

Check how the drain hose reaches the sink and whether your faucet needs an adapter before setting up.

Will a countertop dishwasher fit under wall cabinets?

Measure the vertical gap from the counter to the cabinet underside, then compare it with the dishwasher height and the maker's stated clearance. COMFEE' models in this group call for more than 19.6 in of clearance, and EUHOMY recommends more than 19 in.

Leave room to load the machine and route its hoses.

Is an 18 inch built-in dishwasher smaller than a countertop model?

An 18 in built-in is narrower than a standard full-size built-in but needs a cabinet opening and plumbing. A countertop model avoids a permanent opening, but it occupies counter space and may need a faucet connection or manual tank filling.

Compare the space each option uses in your own kitchen before deciding.

How do I measure for a dishwasher in a small kitchen?

Measure width, depth and height at the intended spot, including any cabinet trim or backsplash that reduces usable space. For a countertop model, also measure overhead clearance and the path for inlet and drain hoses.

For a built-in unit, measure the cabinet opening and check the required connections.