The Best Countertop Dishwashers So You Never Have to Hand Wash Again

Not every kitchen is created equal—which means not every kitchen comes equipped with the all mighty dishwasher (or has the space for it). That’s why countertop dishwashers are a compact, portable, and energy efficient way to keep your dishes clean, your kitchen organized, and crosses a tedious chore off your to-do list. Here’s how to choose the right countertop dishwasher—with peace of mind that it’ll work just as hard as its full-size counterparts.

Most countertop dishwashers work by hooking up to the faucet of your kitchen sink. That means your faucet can’t be used until the wash cycle is complete. If that’s an issue, look for a dishwasher with a built-in water tank so it’s completely free standing and can operate on it’s own.

If you’re concerned that a mini, countertop dishwasher won’t get the job done the way the big ones can—don’t be. Many mini versions have a variety of wash cycle options, just like the big ones do. And, this is especially handy if you’re specifically using your countertop dishwasher to sanitize baby bottles. Most have a “baby care” cycle for peace of mind that your baby items are disinfected, hygienic, and safe for littles ones to use.

Sometimes you need your dishes cleaned thoroughly—but done quickly. Look for a countertop dishwasher with a speed wash cycle. Most can get your dishes cleaned in around 45 minutes. Another powerful feature to look out is an internal water heater that gets to high temps to rid your dishes of germs and potentially harmful bacteria.