Key takeaways
- Best for: renters, one or two person households, apartments, condos without a dishwasher, office kitchens.
- Nice for: people who want to run loads at off-peak hours or overnight.
- Not for: large households, very limited counter space, or non-standard faucets.
The SPT SD-2225DWA is a dependable countertop dishwasher for small households that want Energy Star efficiency and practical convenience features like delay start and an LED display. It fits next to the sink, connects to the kitchen faucet and handles a day of dishes for one or two people. It usually sells for about $240 to $280, which is right in the sweet spot of the countertop dishwasher market.
Buy it if you rent, have no room for a built-in, and want to run loads overnight or while you’re out using the delay start. Skip it if you need to wash large pots every day, have a pull-down faucet that won’t take an adapter, or have a household of four or more; a rolling portable or built-in dishwasher is better there.
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Who it’s for
- Best for: renters, one or two person households, apartments, condos without a dishwasher, office kitchens.
- Nice for: people who want to run loads at off-peak hours or overnight.
- Not for: large households, very limited counter space, or non-standard faucets.
Key specs
| Spec | SPT SD-2225DWA |
|---|---|
| Type | Countertop, faucet-connected |
| Capacity (class) | About 6 place settings |
| Efficiency | Energy Star certified |
| Convenience | Delay start, LED display |
| Finish | White |
| Power | Standard 120V outlet |
| Typical price range | About $240–$280 |
Capacity reflects the typical 6 place setting countertop class; confirm on the listing for this specific version.
What stands out
Delay start
Delay start lets you load the dishwasher after dinner and set it to run hours later. That’s useful if your utility has cheaper off-peak rates, if you want it to run while you sleep or are at work, or if you need the kitchen faucet free during the evening. Since the faucet is tied up while a countertop dishwasher fills, scheduling the run for later is a real quality-of-life feature.
LED display
The LED display shows cycle status and remaining time, so you know when the load will finish. That’s a step up from basic dial-controlled countertop units.
Energy Star efficiency
Energy Star certification means lower water and electricity use than non-certified models. Countertop dishwashers in this class use only a few gallons of water per cycle, which is considerably less than washing the same dishes by hand under a running tap.
SPT’s compact focus
SPT (Sunpentown) has offered compact appliances such as countertop dishwashers, mini fridges and portable air conditioners for years, and its countertop dishwashers are a familiar option in small kitchens.
Trade-offs
- Counter footprint: it takes up roughly the space of a large microwave next to the sink.
- Faucet adapter: works with standard faucets; pull-down and pull-out faucets often need a workaround.
- Capacity: large dinner plates and tall glasses can be tricky; big pots won’t fit.
- Drying: plastic items often stay damp; use rinse aid and open the door after the cycle.
- Noise: it is louder than an insulated built-in because it sits on the counter.
Setup tips
- Measure. Check the counter depth and the height to your upper cabinets, leaving room for the door to open fully.
- Check the faucet threads. Remove the aerator; the quick-connect adapter must thread onto the faucet.
- Route the hoses. Keep inlet and drain hoses short and free of kinks, with the drain hose emptying into the sink.
- Level it. Make sure the dishwasher sits level for proper draining.
- Run a test cycle empty to check for leaks.
Usage tips
- Run the hot water tap before starting so the dishwasher fills with hot water.
- Use a small dose of detergent; countertop tubs are small.
- Scrape plates, but avoid pre-rinsing; detergent needs some food soil to work well.
- Don’t block the spray arm with tall items.
- Rinse the filter weekly and descale occasionally if you have hard water.
How it compares
| Model | Capacity | Standout features | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPT SD-2225DWA | About 6 settings | Delay start, LED display, Energy Star | White |
| COMFEE’ Countertop | 6 settings | 8 programs, including Baby-Care | Black |
| BLACK+DECKER BCD6W | About 6 settings | Energy Star, familiar brand | White |
All three share similar capacity and price. Choose the SPT for scheduling and a clear display, the COMFEE’ for program variety and a black finish, and the BLACK+DECKER for brand familiarity.
Running costs
Countertop dishwashers are inexpensive to run. Most of the energy goes into heating water, and a compact cycle uses only a few gallons, so the yearly cost is typically small compared with a full-size dishwasher. Using the delay start to run loads during off-peak hours can reduce costs further if your utility offers time-of-use pricing. The ongoing expenses are detergent, rinse aid and an occasional cleaner for hard-water buildup.
Loading for best results
With limited space, loading matters. Put plates in the rack slots facing the center, bowls at an angle, and cups and glasses upside down at the edges. Lay cutlery in the basket with handles down for spoons and forks and handles up for knives. Leave the center clear so the spray arm can rotate freely.
Verdict
The SPT SD-2225DWA is a well-rounded countertop dishwasher that adds useful extras such as delay start and an LED display to Energy Star efficiency. For renters and small households, it is a practical and affordable way to stop hand washing dishes in 2026.
FAQ
Does it need a special outlet?
It plugs into a standard grounded 120V outlet. Use a GFCI outlet near the sink and avoid extension cords.
Can I leave it permanently connected?
Some owners install a dedicated faucet or under-sink connection, but that requires plumbing work. Check the manual for approved setups.
