HAVA makes two countertop dishwashers worth knowing about, and the right one depends on your water. The HAVA Countertop Dishwasher with Water Tank (6 programs) is the better buy for most people: it runs without any plumbing, costs around $270–$310, and suits renters, dorms, RVs and small households. The HAVA Countertop Dishwasher with Water Softener costs roughly $70–$90 more and is worth it mainly if you have hard water that leaves spots and film on glasses.
Both are compact machines for one or two people, not replacements for a full-size dishwasher in a family kitchen. If you can live with refilling a tank and handwashing large pots, either HAVA is a practical way to stop washing plates and cutlery by hand.
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The Two HAVA Models Compared
| Feature | HAVA with Water Tank | HAVA with Water Softener |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Countertop | Countertop |
| Wash programs | 6 | Check listing |
| Water supply | Built-in water tank (no hookup needed) | Check listing for tank or faucet options |
| Water softener | No | Yes |
| Efficiency focus | Standard | Enhanced energy efficiency |
| Power | Standard 120V outlet | Standard 120V outlet |
| Typical price range | About $270–$310 | About $340–$390 |
Who Should Buy a HAVA
- Renters who cannot install a dishwasher or modify the faucet. The tank model needs no connection at all.
- One- and two-person households that generate a modest daily pile of plates, bowls, mugs and cutlery.
- RV owners and office kitchens where a permanent appliance is impossible.
- Hard-water areas, for the softener version specifically.
Who should skip it
- Families of three or more; an 18-inch portable or built-in with 8 place settings is the better fit.
- Cooks who want pots and baking sheets washed by machine.
- Anyone with very little counter space next to the sink.
What Stands Out
Plumbing-free operation (tank model)
The built-in water tank is the HAVA’s main selling point. Fill it with a jug, load the racks and start a program. There is no faucet adapter to fit, which matters because many modern pull-down faucets lack the threaded aerator that faucet-fed countertop dishwashers need. It also means your faucet stays free for other tasks while the dishwasher runs.
Six programs
Six wash programs give enough range to match the load: a quick cycle for lightly soiled breakfast dishes, a standard cycle for daily use and a heavier cycle for greasy plates and containers. Picking the right program saves water and time.
Water softener (softener model)
Hard water contains calcium and magnesium that leave white spots on glassware and scale inside the machine. A built-in softener removes some of these minerals before washing. The result is clearer glasses, better detergent performance and less scale on the heating element, which can help the machine last longer. If your kettle develops white crust quickly, you likely have hard water and the softener model is the better long-term buy.
Compact footprint
Countertop dishwashers like the HAVA typically take around 17–20 inches of counter width. Measure the height under your wall cabinets, since there needs to be room to open the door and for steam to escape.
Trade-Offs and Limits
Tank refills
The tank must be refilled before each cycle. It takes a minute but becomes tedious if you run more than one load a day.
Capacity
Countertop machines hold roughly a day’s worth of dishes for one or two people. Large plates, mixing bowls and pans quickly fill the space.
Drying
Drying is the weak spot of most compact dishwashers. Plastic items in particular often come out damp. Opening the door slightly at the end of the cycle helps steam escape.
Softener maintenance
Water softeners usually require regeneration salt, topped up periodically. It is a small chore, but if you skip it the softener stops working.
Setup Tips
- Place it beside the sink so the drain hose can empty into the basin without kinks.
- Level the unit on a firm surface so water drains fully at the end of the cycle.
- Run an empty cycle before the first real load to flush the system.
- Set the softener level (softener model) according to your local water hardness, which your water utility can tell you.
- Use the correct detergent amount. Compact machines need less detergent; too much causes suds and residue.
Everyday Usage Tips
- Scrape food scraps into the trash, but skip pre-rinsing; detergents work best with a little soil to act on.
- Face bowls and cups downward and toward the center spray.
- Do not block the spray arm with tall items.
- Clean the filter every week or two.
- Use rinse aid to improve drying and reduce spotting, especially without a softener.
Alternatives
| If you want | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic filling | Faucet-fed 6-place countertop dishwasher | No tank refills |
| WiFi control | Smart countertop model with app | Remote start and alerts |
| More capacity | 18-inch portable, 8 place settings | About a third more space |
| Lowest price | HAVA with Water Tank | Cheapest of the two HAVA models |
FAQ
Which HAVA should I buy?
Choose the tank model if your water is soft or average and you want the lowest price. Choose the softener model if you see white spots on glasses or scale around faucets.
Does the HAVA tank model need a drain connection?
It needs somewhere to drain. Most people place the drain hose in the sink.
Can it wash baby bottles?
Yes, though check the manual for the best program and follow the bottle maker’s guidance on sterilizing.
Verdict
The HAVA countertop dishwashers are sensible, compact machines for small households. The water-tank model is the easy pick for renters and anyone without a suitable faucet. The water-softener model costs more but pays off in hard-water areas with cleaner glassware and less scale.
