The best countertop dishwasher for most people with a budget around $300 is the COMFEE’ 6-place-setting model: it is Energy Star certified, offers 8 wash programs including Speed, Baby-Care, ECO and Glass, and fits the typical apartment counter. If you cannot or do not want to connect to a faucet, the HAVA countertop dishwasher is the pick, because its built-in water tank lets you fill it by hand and run it anywhere there is an outlet.
The Midea 6-place-setting Energy Star model is a strong alternative to the COMFEE’ with a similar capacity and a well-known brand behind it, while the BLACK+DECKER BCD6W suits buyers who want a simple white machine from a familiar name. Prices move often in this category, and all four regularly sell at or below roughly $300 during sales, so check the current price before you decide.
Our top picks
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.7″×D19.7″) for…
- Simple Installation- This COMFEE’ portable dishwasher can be…
- 8 Washing Cycles- Most of the cleaning cycles,…
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher- 【NO INSTALLATION NEEDED】 HAVA Countertop Dishwasher supports 2…
- 【LARGE CAPACITY】 This tabletop dishwasher only measures 16.9"…
- 【6 PROGRAM OPTIONS】 Supports Normal, Speed, Soft, Heavy/Baby…
Midea Countertop Dishwasher Portable- A perfect size (H17.25″×W22″×D20″)- Holds up to 6…
- Simple Installation- Can be connected directly to a…
- 6+2 Washing Cycles- Includes Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick,…
| Product | Key specs | |
|---|---|---|
| COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher | 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.7″×D19.7″) for… Simple Installation- This COMFEE’ portable dishwasher can be… 8 Washing Cycles- Most of the cleaning cycles,… | Check price |
| HAVA Countertop Dishwasher | 【NO INSTALLATION NEEDED】 HAVA Countertop Dishwasher supports 2… 【LARGE CAPACITY】 This tabletop dishwasher only measures 16.9"… 【6 PROGRAM OPTIONS】 Supports Normal, Speed, Soft, Heavy/Baby… | Check price |
| Midea Countertop Dishwasher Portable | A perfect size (H17.25″×W22″×D20″)- Holds up to 6… Simple Installation- Can be connected directly to a… 6+2 Washing Cycles- Includes Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick,… | Check price |
 BLACK+DECKER Countertop Dishwasher | With this incredible BLACK+DECKER portable dishwasher, you find… Set your wash cycle and time with ease… Hook up your must-have white dishwasher with a… | Check price |
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Quick picks
- Best overall: COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher (6 place settings, 8 programs)
- Best no-hookup option: HAVA Countertop Dishwasher with water tank
- Best brand alternative: Midea Countertop Dishwasher, 6 place settings
- Best simple white unit: BLACK+DECKER BCD6W
Side-by-side comparison
| Model | Capacity | Programs | Water supply | Energy Star | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMFEE’ Countertop | 6 place settings | 8 | Faucet connection | Yes | Black |
| HAVA Countertop | Compact (about 4–5 settings class) | 6 | Built-in tank | Check listing | Varies |
| Midea Countertop | 6 place settings | Multiple | Faucet connection | Yes | Varies |
| BLACK+DECKER BCD6W | 6 place settings | Multiple | Faucet connection | Yes | White |
Most 6-place-setting countertop dishwashers measure roughly 17–22 inches wide, about 17–18 inches tall and 19–20 inches deep, so they need a clear stretch of counter and at least 18 inches of space under the upper cabinets. Measure before ordering.
The picks in detail
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher – best overall
The COMFEE’ gives you the most features for the money in this list. Six place settings covers a day’s dishes for two people or one meal for a small family. Its 8 programs include a fast Speed cycle for lightly soiled dishes, a hotter Baby-Care cycle for bottles and feeding gear, a Glass setting for delicate items and an ECO cycle that cuts water and energy use. Energy Star certification means lower running costs than older compact machines.
Best for: couples, small apartments and RVs with a faucet nearby.
Trade-offs: it needs a faucet adapter connection, which takes over the sink tap while it runs. The black finish also shows water spots.
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher – best without a faucet hookup
The HAVA’s built-in water tank is the deciding feature. You fill the tank, choose one of six programs and let it run, with no adapter and no hose across the sink. That makes it ideal for renters with pull-down faucets that do not accept adapters, dorm kitchenettes, offices and RVs where water lines are inconvenient.
Best for: anyone who cannot connect to a faucet.
Trade-offs: manual refilling every cycle, and tank-fed units are usually a little smaller inside than faucet-fed 6-setting machines.
Midea Countertop Dishwasher – best brand alternative
Midea manufactures a large share of the compact appliances sold in the US, and its 6-place-setting countertop model is Energy Star certified. It is a natural choice if you prefer a bigger appliance brand for warranty and parts support, or if it is cheaper than the COMFEE’ on the day you shop.
Best for: buyers who value brand support.
Trade-offs: like the COMFEE’, it requires a faucet connection, and drying plastics fully is a weak point for the whole category.
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W – best simple white option
The BCD6W is a white, Energy Star certified countertop dishwasher with 6 place settings. White appliances blend into older kitchens and rentals with white fixtures, and BLACK+DECKER’s appliance line is widely available, which helps if you ever need a replacement part.
Best for: white kitchens and buyers who want straightforward controls.
Trade-offs: its price tends to sit near the top of the under-$300 range, so it is less of a bargain when not on sale.
How to choose a countertop dishwasher on a budget
1. Faucet-fed or tank-fed
Faucet-fed models like the COMFEE’, Midea and BLACK+DECKER connect to the kitchen tap with a quick-connect adapter. They fill automatically and are usually larger inside. Tank-fed models like the HAVA are more flexible but need refilling. Check whether your faucet has a threaded aerator; most pull-down and pull-out faucets do not accept standard adapters.
2. Capacity
A place setting is roughly a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, glass, cup and cutlery. Six settings in practice means about 6 plates plus glasses, mugs and utensils. That is right for one or two people running the machine daily.
3. Programs that actually matter
You will use three cycles most: normal, quick and eco. Extras like baby-care (higher temperature) and glass (gentler) are useful for specific households. More programs do not mean better cleaning.
4. Energy Star
Energy Star certified compact dishwashers are tested to use less water and electricity than standard models. Over several years, the difference shows up on utility bills, especially if you run the machine daily.
5. Space and clearance
You need counter depth of about 20 inches, height under the cabinets of about 18 inches plus room to open the door, and an outlet within reach of the power cord. Avoid using extension cords for dishwashers.
6. Drainage
All four drain through a hose into the sink. Keep the hose secured so it cannot slip out mid-cycle.
Running costs and care
- Use compact-machine detergent pods or reduce powder dose to avoid excess suds.
- Add rinse aid; it noticeably improves drying in compact units.
- Clean the filter once a week and run an empty hot cycle with a dishwasher cleaner monthly.
- Leave the door ajar after each cycle to let moisture escape and prevent odors.
FAQ
Do countertop dishwashers clean as well as full-size ones?
For everyday plates, glasses and cutlery, yes. They struggle with large pots and pans simply because those do not fit.
Which is easiest to install?
The HAVA, because it only needs an outlet. The others need a compatible faucet and a few minutes to fit the adapter.
Can I use a countertop dishwasher in an RV?
Yes, if your RV can supply the required wattage from shore power or a generator. A tank-fed model avoids dealing with RV water pressure.
