I have rented three apartments without dishwashers and decided early on I was not going to spend my life at the sink. Over the last four years I have tested both countertop and rolling portable dishwashers, including in one place where the faucet had a non-standard aerator that ate up two adapter trips to the hardware store. Here are the ones worth your time.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Place Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Farberware FCD06ABBWHA | Countertop | 6 |
| hOmeLabs Compact | Countertop | 6 |
| BLACK+DECKER BCD6W | Countertop | 6 |
| Danby DDW1804EBSS | Rolling | 8 |
| GE GPT225SSLSS | Rolling | 12 |
1. Farberware FCD06ABBWHA - Best Overall Countertop
This is the unit I currently own. Six place settings fit easily once you learn the rack geometry, and the steel interior keeps water hot through the heavy cycle. The included faucet adapter worked on my standard kitchen faucet without drama. Cycles run 75 to 100 minutes depending on the program, and dishes come out properly dry thanks to the heated rinse. It is loud at around 58 dB. I never run it during a movie.
2. hOmeLabs Compact - Best Display and Controls
The hOmeLabs unit has the friendliest control panel of any countertop I tested. Clear cycle labels, a child lock that actually works, and a delay-start option I used to run dishes overnight. Cleaning power on standard cycle is on par with the Farberware. One downside is the air-dry default leaves spots, so use rinse aid and pick the heavy cycle for plastics. Faucet adapter quality is decent but not as solid as Farberware.
3. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W - Best for Tank-Fill Use
What sets this one apart is the built-in water tank, so you can run it without hooking up to a faucet at all. I tested this in an RV-style setup and it worked great for two days of light dish loads. Tank holds about 1.3 gallons. Cleaning is solid on the heavy cycle, average on quick. A good pick for boats, tiny homes, or kitchens with weird faucets.
4. Danby DDW1804EBSS - Best Mid-Size Rolling Unit
When I had a larger rental with floor space but no built-in, I went with the Danby on casters. Eight place settings handled a family-of-four load. Top works as a butcher block when stowed, which I used as bonus counter space. Loud at 62 dB and the wheels mark hardwood, so use a mat. Cleans well on auto.
5. GE GPT225SSLSS - Best Full-Capacity Rolling
This 24-inch GE is essentially a built-in on wheels. Twelve place settings, six wash cycles, and a stainless interior that drains cleanly. I tested one at a friend’s place and the wash quality matched a permanently installed dishwasher. Heavy at over 130 pounds, so plan for help moving it. Pricier, but if you stay long-term and may eventually convert it to built-in, this is the smart buy.
How to Choose
Start by measuring counter space and faucet style. If you have a pull-down or non-aerator faucet, prioritize a tank-fill model like the BLACK+DECKER. For couples or solo cooks, a six place setting countertop unit handles two days of dishes. For families, a rolling 12-place unit makes more sense. Always check noise ratings if your kitchen opens into living space, and budget another twenty dollars for rinse aid and a quality detergent because the cheaper pods leave streaks in compact units.
Frequently asked questions
Do portable dishwashers need plumbing?+
No special plumbing. They connect to your kitchen faucet with an included adapter and drain into the sink. Some compact models with internal tanks do not even need that.
Will a countertop dishwasher fit a dinner plate?+
Most countertop models fit 10 to 10.5 inch plates. If you own larger dinner plates, check the rack dimensions before buying or choose a full-size rolling unit.
Are portable dishwashers loud?+
Louder than built-ins. Expect 52 to 62 dB versus 44 dB for premium built-ins. Run them in the evening rather than during work calls.