Key takeaways
- Renters without a dishwasher who want a machine they can take when they move.
- Singles and couples generating a day’s dishes at a time.
- Small families who are willing to run a cycle once or twice a day.
- Office kitchens and break rooms with mugs, glasses and lunch containers.
The Midea countertop dishwasher is worth buying if you want a full-capacity compact dishwasher from a major appliance maker at a reasonable price. It holds 6 place settings, the top of the countertop range, and carries Energy Star certification, so it is efficient enough to run daily without a noticeable hit to water or power bills. For apartments, condos and small kitchens with no built-in dishwasher, it is one of the most sensible all-round choices.
It is not designed for large families or big cookware loads, and as a portable unit it connects to your kitchen faucet rather than being plumbed in. If you can live with that routine, the Midea delivers dependable cleaning, efficient operation and the backing of one of the world’s largest appliance manufacturers, typically in the mid-range for countertop dishwashers, roughly $250–$400.
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Who It Suits
- Renters without a dishwasher who want a machine they can take when they move.
- Singles and couples generating a day’s dishes at a time.
- Small families who are willing to run a cycle once or twice a day.
- Office kitchens and break rooms with mugs, glasses and lunch containers.
Who Should Pass
- Households that need 12+ place settings in one load.
- Kitchens with very limited counter space near the sink.
- Anyone wanting smart controls or a built-in option; look at premium alternatives.
- Homes with no usable faucet connection and no interest in a water-tank model.
Key Specs
| Spec | Midea Countertop Dishwasher |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 6 place settings |
| Type | Portable countertop |
| Efficiency | Energy Star certified |
| Water connection | Kitchen faucet (portable setup) |
| Drain | Hose into sink |
| Power | Standard 120V outlet |
| Typical price range | About $250–$400 |
What Stands Out
Six place settings in a compact body
Countertop dishwashers generally range from 2 to 6 place settings. At 6, the Midea is at the top of the class, which means fewer cycles per week. A typical load might include plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, cutlery and a small saucepan, enough for a couple’s full day of meals.
Energy Star efficiency
Energy Star certification signals efficient use of water and electricity. Compared with washing by hand under a running tap, a certified compact dishwasher typically uses only a few gallons per cycle. Over a year of daily use, that is a meaningful saving for both utilities and time.
Major-brand backing
Midea is one of the largest appliance manufacturers in the world and builds appliances sold under several brand names. That scale generally translates into better parts availability and customer support than many generic countertop brands.
Portable and rental-friendly
No cabinets to modify, no permanent plumbing. Connect the inlet to the faucet, drop the drain hose into the sink, plug in and run. When you move, it moves with you.
Trade-offs and Limits
- Faucet tie-up during cycles. While the dishwasher is filling, the faucet is connected to it. Many owners run it after dinner or overnight.
- Counter space. Expect it to occupy a section of counter about the width of a microwave.
- Large items. Sheet pans, large skillets and tall vases will not fit well.
- Noise at ear level. Countertop dishwashers are closer to your ears than built-ins, so cycles are more noticeable.
- Faucet compatibility. Pull-down or sprayer faucets may need a different adapter.
Setup Tips
- Measure first: depth of counter, clearance under upper cabinets and the distance to the faucet.
- Install the faucet adapter by removing the aerator and threading on the adapter; confirm it matches your faucet thread.
- Position the drain hose securely in the sink so it cannot slip out during the pump-out.
- Level the unit on a firm surface to minimize vibration.
- Run a test cycle with no dishes to check for leaks.
Getting Clean, Dry Dishes
- Scrape food scraps, but skip heavy pre-rinsing; detergents need some soil to work on.
- Face plates toward the spray arm and angle bowls downward.
- Do not block the spray arm with tall items; spin it by hand before starting.
- Use rinse aid for better drying, especially with plastic containers.
- Clean the filter every couple of weeks to maintain performance.
- Use less detergent than you would in a full-size dishwasher.
How It Compares
| Option | Place settings | Water source | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midea countertop | 6 | Faucet | Energy Star, major brand |
| GE Profile countertop | 6 | Faucet or built-in | WiFi, premium price |
| Countertop with water tank | Typically 3–6 | Built-in tank | No hookup at all |
| 18-inch built-in | About 8 | Plumbed | Requires cabinet space |
If you want app control or the option to build the machine into cabinets later, the GE Profile is the premium alternative. If you cannot connect to a faucet at all, a water-tank countertop model solves that problem at the cost of manual refills.
Daily Routine with a Countertop Dishwasher
The easiest rhythm for most owners is to load throughout the day and run one cycle after dinner. Because the machine borrows the faucet while filling, starting it last thing in the evening keeps the sink free when you need it. In the morning, unload clean dishes and the cycle repeats. For two people, that typically means one load a day; for a family of three or four, plan on two.
If you host occasionally, run a cycle before guests arrive so the machine is empty and ready, then hand-wash oversized serving platters that do not fit.
FAQ
How much water does it use?
Energy Star countertop dishwashers typically use only a few gallons per cycle, usually less than hand-washing.
Can I use pods?
Yes, though measured powder or gel lets you use a smaller dose suited to compact machines.
Does it heat the water?
Countertop dishwashers generally heat water internally for hotter cycles; check the manual for this model’s cycle temperatures.
Verdict
The Midea countertop dishwasher hits the sweet spot of the category: 6 place settings, Energy Star efficiency and big-brand support at a mid-range price. For renters and small households, it is a straightforward way to get dishwasher convenience without remodeling.
