Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You want a countertop dishwasher that actually dries your dishes, not just one that leaves them wet. The real problem is that many compact models clean well but fail on drying. This guide helps you find the few that deliver both.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You will learn which compact dishwasher fits your kitchen size, your daily dish load, and your need for dry, cabinet-ready results.
Quick Picks
- EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable — Best Overall
- Midea MDC17P2DWW Countertop Dishwasher — Best Drying
- AIRMSEN Large Slim Countertop Dishwasher A01 — Slim Pick
- EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher with 6 Programs — Versatile Pick
- HAVA Countertop Dishwasher R01 — Best Value
- Midea MDC22P2ASS Countertop Dishwasher — Power Pick
- SPT SD-2224DS Compact Countertop Dishwasher — Classic Pick
- BLITZHOME Portable Countertop Dishwasher — Budget Pick
How To Choose The Best Compact Dishwasher
Not all compact dishwashers clean and dry the same way. A few specs separate the models that give you dry, sparkling dishes from those that leave you hand-drying everything.
Drying System: Hot Air vs. Passive
Customer reviews report dryness as the top complaint. A machine with a dedicated hot-air drying cycle and a ventilation fan (a turbofan that moves warm air) produces dishes you can put straight into the cabinet. Models that rely only on leftover heat from the wash often leave plastic cups and deep bowls wet.
Water Source: Tank vs. Faucet Hookup
A built-in water tank (usually 5L or 1.32 gallons) lets you place the dishwasher anywhere. You fill it with a pitcher — no permanent connection needed. That works in dorms, RVs, or rentals. A faucet hookup gives you unlimited water for longer cycles but needs counter space near the sink and an adapter (a fitting that matches your faucet’s threads).
Wash Programs and Temperature
Look for a high-temperature cycle — usually labeled Heavy, Baby Care, or Hygiene — that reaches 167°F. That heat dissolves grease and sanitizes baby bottles. A Quick mode under 30 minutes works for lightly soiled daily dishes. A dedicated Fruit wash uses cool water so it cleans produce without cooking it.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Water Source | Drying Method | Max Temp | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUHOMY 8-Program | Versatile Daily Use | 5L Tank or Faucet | Hot-Air Drying | 167°F | Amazon |
| EUHOMY 6-Program | Budget-Friendly Options | 5L Tank or Faucet | Hot-Air + 73h Ventilation | 167°F | Amazon |
| SPT SD-2224DS | Established Reliability | Faucet Only | Heated Rinse (Passive) | — | Amazon |
| HAVA R01 | RVs and Travel | 5L Tank or Faucet | 60m Hot-Air + 72h Ventilation | 167°F | Amazon |
| BLITZHOME | Smart Control | 5L Tank or Faucet | High-Temp Drying | 167°F | Amazon |
| Midea MDC17P2DWW | Drying Performance | 1.59gal Tank or Faucet | Auto-Open + Turbofan | — | Amazon |
| Midea MDC22P2ASS | Larger Households | Faucet Only | Extended Dry (Fan) | — | Amazon |
| AIRMSEN A01 | Slim Fit + Capacity | 1.4gal Tank or Faucet | Heated + 72h Ventilation | 167°F | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable, 8 Programs
With 8 separate cycles you get a dedicated setting for almost every load — baby bottles, wine glasses, or fresh fruit — all in one machine.
The number of cycles — Normal, ECO, Quick, Baby Care, Glass, Fruit, Self-Clean, and Dry — makes this unit the most flexible on the list. The Baby Care cycle reaches 167°F to sanitize bottles and dissolve grease. The Quick mode finishes in 29 minutes for lightly soiled daily dishes. Two spray arms rotate 360° (in a full circle) so water covers every surface inside the 16.14″D x 15.75″W x 18.11″H chamber.
You do not need a permanent faucet hookup unless you want one. The built-in 5L tank (about 1.32 gallons) lets you fill it with a pitcher. That makes the dishwasher usable in a dorm or RV where plumbing is not an option. Buyers report the unit is easy to load and cleans well even without a direct water line. One reviewer noted they drain into a 5-gallon bucket. The catch is drying: plastic items and deep containers can stay damp after the hot-air cycle, so you may need to open the door briefly to finish drying. Unlike the Midea MDC17P2DWW’s auto-open door, there is no fan to force dry air over stubborn plastic bowls.
Standout Features
- 8 wash programs including a 167°F Baby Care mode for sanitizing
- 5L water tank allows no-hookup placement anywhere
- Dual spray arms provide full 360° coverage
Honest Limitations
- Drying cycle leaves some plastic items and deep bowls damp
- Not designed for bulky pots or large baking trays
- Inlet hose may kink easily; some buyers replaced it with stainless steel
Best for most: You want a do-it-all countertop dishwasher with a program for every load and the freedom to place it anywhere without plumbing. The 8-program set is class-leading at this level of versatility.
Skip if: You need perfectly dry plastics straight out of the cycle and do not want to crack the door open afterward — the Midea MDC17P2DWW handles that better.
2. Midea MDC17P2DWW Countertop Dishwasher
The door pops open on its own after the cycle ends, releasing steam so the turbofan (a small fan that moves air) can dry your dishes fast.
Midea solves the wet-dish complaint that plagues many countertop models. The Auto-Open mechanism cracks the door, and the built-in turbofan circulates fresh air over the dishes. You get cabinet-dry plates with much less moisture on plastic items than you would from the passive drying systems on most competitors. The unit holds 30+ items and fits plates up to 10.6 inches.
The 1.59-gallon (6L) built-in water tank and a water filling guide let you set it on almost any counter without a faucet. The 5+2 functions include Normal, Rapid, Hygiene, Fruit, and Glass, plus two extras: Auto-Open and Delay Start. Owners mention it is quiet and roomy for two people. A few noted that early units had leakage issues, which the company resolved with an updated version. The drying system here is noticeably better than the EUHOMY 8-Program model, which leaves plastics damp.
Why It Excels
- Auto-Open door and turbofan deliver noticeably better drying than competing models
- 1.59-gallon tank and spill-free fill guide simplify setup without plumbing
- Hygiene cycle suitable for deep cleaning and sanitizing
Be Aware
- Some early units had leakage reported; newer replacements appear to fix this
- Requires 4-5 pitchers of water per fill — plan for the extra step
- Takes up significant counter space; measure carefully before buying
Drying champion: You are tired of pulling damp dishes out of a countertop washer. This Midea really delivers dry results thanks to the auto-open door and turbofan. It is the best pick if you prioritize dryness over having a high program count.
The trade-off: You will need patience with the manual water fill — each cycle uses five pitchers of water — and the counter footprint is substantial.
3. AIRMSEN Large Slim Countertop Dishwasher A01
At only 14.2 inches deep, it slips into tight counter gaps while holding more dishes than its slim size suggests — up to 5 place settings.
The AIRMSEN A01 solves a common problem: many countertop dishwashers are too deep to fit on small counters. This unit is just 14.2 inches front-to-back yet holds plates up to 11.8 inches when you remove the upper rack. The interior is 25% larger than previous models, letting you load long items up to 18.5 inches (including pan handles). Three high-pressure spray arms deliver 360° coverage, and every cycle except Fruit alternates hot and cold water 3–4 times for a thorough clean.
You can fill the 1.4-gallon tank by kettle or directly from a faucet. The 7 wash programs include an Express cycle at 28 minutes and a Fruit cycle at 9 minutes. You can add an extra hour of heated drying through the Air Refresh option, then 72 hours of intermittent ventilation to keep the interior fresh. Customers note it is very quiet and sturdy, with a clear glass door to watch the wash. A few noted the first unit was defective, but the replacement worked well. This model’s 14.2-inch depth is a full 7.5 inches shallower than the Midea MDC17P2DWW, making it the best fit for narrow counters.
what separates it
- Slim 14.2-inch depth fits narrow counters where other models cannot
- 2-level rack design and large interior hold up to 5 place settings plus long pans
- 3 spray arms and alternating hot/cold water for deep cleaning
Watch Out For
- Allow at least 23.5 inches of overhead clearance for refilling the water tank
- Some early units had manufacturing defects; verify after purchase
- Dry cycle on Fruit and Delicate modes does not use hot air
Great for tight counters: Your counter space is measured in inches. The AIRMSEN A01 fits where other models cannot. The slim depth and generous interior make it a smart pick for narrow kitchens and small apartments.
Not for you if: You want a single-cycle drying solution that works on every program — Fruit and Delicate skip the hot-air dry.
4. EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher with 6 Programs
A 29-minute quick wash plus a separate drying cycle give you everyday flexibility without the higher price of the 8-program version.
This 6-program EUHOMY model cleans over 30 items (plates up to 10.25 inches) in its 16.85″D x 16.73″W x 18.03″H frame. The Baby Care mode hits 167°F for sanitizing, and the Quick cycle finishes in 29 minutes — useful for a small load after dinner. What sets this apart from the 8-program sibling is the drying system: after each wash, the machine runs 60 minutes of hot-air drying followed by 73 hours of automatic ventilation, which helps prevent odors from trapped moisture.
The unit uses a 5L tank or a faucet hookup (G3/4-inch compatible, a standard thread size). Reviewers point out the dishwasher is quiet, spacious enough for one or two people, and cleans well when dishes are not overcrowded. One buyer mentioned the cup rack is not very useful and hard water can leave residue. Unlike the 8-program version, this model does not have a dedicated Glass or Self-Clean cycle, but the ECO mode and long-duration ventilation are strong trade-offs.
Strong Points
- 29-minute Quick cycle and 167°F Baby Care mode for sanitizing
- 73-hour automatic ventilation keeps the interior fresh and reduces odors
- Dual water supply: tank mode or faucet connection
Weaknesses
- Drying performance on plastics is inconsistent; a few droplets often remain
- No dedicated Glass or Self-Clean cycle like the 8-program model
- Hard water may leave mineral spots without additional treatment
A solid mid-range choice: You want a reliable quick wash and long ventilation drying without paying more for extra programs. The 73-hour fresh-air cycle is a unique perk at this price level.
Not ideal for: You want a dedicated glass cycle or need perfectly dry plastics straight from the machine — step up to the 8-program model or the Midea MDC17P2DWW.
5. HAVA Countertop Dishwasher R01
A compact cube that uses only 5L of water per cycle — the brand claims that is 75% less water than handwashing — which cuts your water bill.
The HAVA R01 measures 16.9″ L x 16.8″ W x 18.1″ H, holds up to 4 place settings with plates up to 11 inches loaded at an angle, and washes over 30 items in a single load. The 6 programs include Normal, Speed, Soft, Heavy/Baby Care, Fruit, and Dry. The Baby Care mode washes at 167°F, and the drying cycle lasts 60 minutes at hot air followed by 72 hours of ventilation. The 5L tank lets you place it anywhere; the drain hose empties into a sink or a bucket.
Shoppers say that after 81 uses, the machine still works well for a family of five. The tank mode avoids competing with the shower for hot water. One owner reported the utensil holder slots are too narrow for large-handled cutlery, but the top rack can be removed. The HAVA is quieter than a full-size dishwasher and uses roughly 5L of water per load. There is no rinse aid compartment (a dispenser that adds a wetting agent to prevent spots), so reviewers recommend detergent pods with built-in rinse agents like Cascade Platinum. The Midea MDC17P2DWW dries better, but the HAVA costs less upfront.
What Works
- Uses only 5L of water per cycle — significantly less than handwashing
- Baby Care mode at 167°F sanitizes bottles and pet bowls
- 72-hour auto-ventilation after the drying cycle prevents musty odors
Shortcomings
- No rinse aid dispenser; detergent pods with rinse agents work best
- Narrow utensil slots may not fit large-handled knives or serving spoons
- Dishes may be slightly damp after the dry cycle; open door to finish
Value-minded buy: You want reliable cleaning and a solid drying cycle without spending top dollar. This is a strong choice for a single person or a couple in an apartment or RV.
Downside: The narrow silverware basket and missing rinse aid dispenser mean you need to pick your detergent carefully to avoid spots.
6. Midea MDC22P2ASS Countertop Dishwasher
This model holds 6 place settings (70 pieces) and runs at just 52 dB (a decibel level quieter than a normal conversation).
The Midea MDC22P2ASS is larger than most countertop models at 20″D x 22″W x 17.25″H, holding up to 70 pieces of tableware — enough for a small family. It is Energy Star certified and uses only 2.77 gallons of water per cycle. The 6+2 washing cycles include Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick, Rinse, and Delicate, plus Extended Dry and Power Wash functions. The Power Wash option delivers a 360° spiral spray at 52 dB.
Unlike the tank-based models on this list, the MDC22P2ASS requires a direct faucet connection. It comes with a quick-connect inlet hose and adapter, but you need to check if the adapter matches your faucet threads. Buyers report it cleans better than high-end built-in dishwashers, but caution that the hoses hold about 1.5 cups of water after disconnecting, so keep a bucket handy. The unit is heavy at 25.28 pounds and needs a level surface to avoid leaks. It is significantly quieter than the 8-program EUHOMY, which some owners mention hums at a higher noise level.
Why It Stands Out
- Largest capacity on this list at 6 place settings (70 pieces)
- Very quiet operation at 52 dB — quieter than most conversations
- Energy Star certified with a low water consumption of 2.77 gallons
Potential Drawbacks
- Requires a faucet hookup; no built-in water tank for manual filling
- Heavy at 25.28 pounds; needs a stable, level counter or cart
- Hoses retain water after detaching, requiring a bucket for drainage
For bigger loads: You regularly cook for 2–3 people and want a countertop model that handles a full meal’s worth of dishes in one go. The MDC22P2ASS is the largest and quietest option here. The Power Wash function and 52 dB noise level make it a pleasure to run overnight.
Skip if: You need a no-plumbing, tank-based unit — this model requires a permanent or semi-permanent faucet connection.
7. SPT SD-2224DS Compact Countertop Dishwasher
A durable stainless-steel machine with 7 wash cycles and a delay-start timer (2, 4, 6, or 8 hours) so you can run it when electricity is cheapest.
The SPT SD-2224DS has a stainless steel interior and 7 wash cycles: Heavy, Normal, Light, Mini Party, Rinse, Speed, and Soak. The delay start timer can be set for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours. It connects to your faucet via a universal adapter and quick-connect hose. At 19.69″D x 21.65″W x 17.24″H, it is one of the widest units here — 22% wider than the EUHOMY 8-program model — so measure your counter space first.
Owners praise the cleaning power on heavy cycles, but note actual run times are longer than the manual states. One customer observed a normal cycle took 150 minutes versus the manual’s 110 minutes. The unit is heavy (a two-person lift, according to some) and the dish rack has many specific slots that can feel restrictive with oddly shaped items. The faucet adapter may reduce water flow, and the hoses need draining after each use to prevent stale water. Unlike the EUHOMY 8-program model, there is no water tank, so this machine stays tied to the sink.
Trusted Features
- 7 wash cycles including a dedicated Soak mode for stuck-on food
- Delay start with 2/4/6/8-hour options for off-peak scheduling
- Stainless steel interior resists odors and staining over time
Real-World Hiccups
- Cycle times run longer than advertised — normal can take 150 minutes
- Very wide at 21.65 inches; may not fit on standard countertops
- No built-in water tank; requires a permanent faucet connection
For the patient buyer: The SPT cleans thoroughly and is built to last. Plan for longer cycle times and a wide footprint. It works well if you have ample counter space and do not mind the slower pace for deep cleaning.
Not for: Anyone with limited counter width or who needs a quick-turnaround wash — the cycles take longer than most competitors.
8. BLITZHOME Portable Countertop Dishwasher
This is the only smart dishwasher on the list — you can start or check a cycle from your phone using the app.
The BLITZHOME adds app-based control, letting you monitor status or set a timer remotely. It offers 6 programs: Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, and Drying. The Quick mode finishes in 29 minutes, and the high-temperature drying hits 167°F. Two spray arms provide 360° cleaning coverage, and the unit holds 4–6 place settings (about 20 dishes).
The dishwasher uses a 5L tank or a faucet connection. Customers note it is easy to fill via pitcher. The large transparent window lets you watch the wash. A few customers noted the unit is too tall to fit under standard cabinets; it needs to sit on an open countertop. The drain hose suction cup is weak — one reviewer taped theirs down to keep it in place. The app works for scheduling, but some buyers never used it and were still happy with the machine’s basic performance. Compared to the EUHOMY 8-program model, you lose four cycles but gain phone control.
Unique Perks
- App-based smart control for remote monitoring and scheduling
- Large transparent window to observe the washing process
- 6 programs with a 29-minute Quick mode and 167°F drying
Limitations
- Too tall for under-cabinet placement; requires open counter space
- Drain hose suction cup is weak and may need tape for security
- Soap overfill can stop the spray arms from spinning
For the tech-savvy: You like the idea of starting the dishwasher from your phone while you are in another room — or you want the cheapest smart-appliance entry point. The BLITZHOME fits the bill while staying affordable.
skip it if: You need a machine that tucks under your cabinets; this one sits too tall to fit in that space.
Understanding the Specs
Water Tank vs. Faucet Hookup
A water tank (measured in liters or gallons) lets you place the dishwasher anywhere because you fill it manually with a pitcher. A faucet hookup gives you unlimited water but ties the machine to your sink. Models with both options give you maximum flexibility — use the tank in a dorm or RV and switch to the faucet at home. If you choose a faucet connection, make sure the hose fitting matches your faucet’s thread size (commonly G3/4-inch).
Drying System: Hot Air vs. Ventilation
A hot-air drying cycle actively blows warm air over your dishes, significantly reducing moisture on plastics and deep bowls. Some machines add an automatic ventilation phase (often 72–73 hours) that cycles fresh air through the interior to prevent musty smells. Less expensive models rely on passive residual heat, which often leaves plastic items wet. The most effective drying systems combine hot air with a fan or an auto-open door that releases steam.
FAQ
Can I use a compact dishwasher without hooking it up to my faucet?
How many dishes does a typical compact dishwasher hold?
Why are my dishes still wet after a cycle?
Is a compact dishwasher more water-efficient than handwashing?
Can I wash baby bottles in a compact dishwasher?
How quiet are compact dishwashers compared to full-size models?
Do I need special detergent for a compact dishwasher?
Will a compact dishwasher fit under my standard kitchen cabinets?
How long does a typical wash cycle take on a compact dishwasher?
What should I do about hard water spots on my dishes?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the compact dishwasher winner is the EUHOMY 8-Program model — its 8 wash programs cover everything from baby bottles to fruit, and the 5L tank gives you freedom to place it anywhere without plumbing. If you want the best drying performance, get the Midea MDC17P2DWW with its auto-open door and turbofan. And for narrow countertops where every inch counts, the AIRMSEN A01 packs the most capacity into a slim 14.2-inch deep frame.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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