Looking for a dishwasher that saves energy and money without compromising on performance? Our team of product reviewers has evaluated leading models from COMFEE, Midea, and GE Profile to help you make an informed choice. We considered Energy Star ratings, capacity, wash cycles, and real-world usability, drawing from manufacturer specs and aggregated owner feedback. Whether you need a compact countertop unit for small kitchens or a slim built-in dishwasher, our guide highlights the best options at various price points. We focus on features that matter: efficient cleaning, noise levels, and ease of installation. Our picks are chosen for their balance of cost, energy savings, and reliability.
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, Black
We picked this because COMFEE’ countertop model combines Energy Star efficiency with a compact footprint and reliable performance, making it ideal for small kitchens.
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.7″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact countertop dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This counter top dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and plates up to 10 inches in diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are rigorously factory tested before shipping. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- Simple Installation- This COMFEE’ portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Designed for maximum flexibility, this mini dishwasher can be conveniently placed on a countertop/table or seamlessly fitted into a cupboard to save precious kitchen space. Whether you need a plug-and-play solution for your apartment or a built-in look for your small kitchen, this compact dishwasher adapts perfectly to your layout needs, offering professional-grade cleaning with minimal setup effort.
- 8 Washing Cycles- Most of the cleaning cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, helped with extra-drying function, and deliver sparklingly cleaned and dried dishes. Three more cleaning options, including Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse, are designed for COMFEE' compact dishwasher, providing high flexibility for you to choose in different situations.
- Powerful Wash Performance- This counter dishwasher portable features a Heavy Program with 12 washing nozzles and a 360° spiral spray for full-angle coverage. Combining high water pressure with temperatures up to 154°F, it efficiently removes grease and stubborn stains from heavily soiled dishes. Compact yet powerful, it ensures every dish is cleaned thoroughly and evenly.
COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher, Energy Star, Countertop, 6 Place Settings, with 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, White
We picked this because the COMFEE’ portable mini offers similar features at a more accessible price, with easy setup and solid cleaning for everyday use.
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, apartments. It fits up to 70 pieces of tableware (up to 10" plates). Note: Factory tested before shipped. Water inside is normal.
- Easy Installation- This COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Its flexible, compact design allows for convenient tabletop placement or built-in cupboard installation to perfectly fit your kitchen space.
- 8 Washing Cycles- COMFEE' compact dishwasher features Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Mini-party & Rinse. Enhanced with an extra-drying function, this portable dishwasher delivers sparkling clean and perfectly dried dishes every time.
- Powerful Wash Performance- This portable countertop dishwasher features a Heavy Program with 12 nozzles and 360° spiral spray. Combining high pressure and 154°F heat, it efficiently removes stubborn grease, ensuring a thorough, even clean.
Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher, Slim Space-Saving Design with Stainless Steel Tub, 8 Place Settings & 6 Washing Programs, Energy Star Certified Dishwasher with Heated Dry & High-Temp Wash, White
We picked this because the Midea 18-inch built-in delivers a slim design with stainless steel interior and powerful cleaning, perfect for those wanting built-in quality.
- Slimline Design with Large Capacity : The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
- 8 Place Settings Dishwasher : With dimensions of 22.6D x 17.6W x 32.4H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
- 6 programs+3 functions : The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
- Heated Dry : Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
Midea MDC22P2ASS Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 6+2 Washing Cycles Portable Dishwashers, Energy Star Dish Washer for Dorm, RV & Apartment, Silver
We picked this because the Midea MDC22P2ASS provides extra wash cycles and versatile performance, making it a strong contender for countertop users.
- A perfect size (H17.25″×W22″×D20″)- Holds up to 6 Place Settings perfect for 2-3 people. The Midea compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and plates up to 10 inches in diameter.
- Simple Installation- Can be connected directly to a faucet (a suitable adaptor is needed) and placed on a countertop or in a cupboard.
- 6+2 Washing Cycles- Includes Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick, Rinse and Delicate. Extended Dry and Power Wash functions help deliver sparkling clean and dried dishes. This countertop dishwasher also supports delay startup for 1-24 hours.
- Water Saving & Energy Star Certified- The tank design allows for easy addition of water, with a consumption of only 2.77 gallons.
GE Profile Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star, 6 place settings, 6 wash cycles, WiFi Connected, with Built-In Capabilities
We picked this because GE Profile offers trusted build quality and intuitive controls, with Energy Star certification and a user-friendly interface.
- 3 Easy Install Options, Countertop, built-in, or under-sink installation gives you the flexibility to place this compact dishwasher anywhere you need it. The included unicouple makes faucet hookup quick and simple.
- Large Capacity in a Small Footprint, Fits 6 place settings, 11" dinner plates, and up to 24 bar glasses. Ideal for apartments, condos, RVs, basements, and wet bars.
- Smart Features with Built-In WiFi, Connect with the SmartHQ app to customize cycles, monitor status, receive alerts, and unlock additional features from anywhere.
- Quiet & Efficient Performance, Operates at just 52 dBA, delivers ENERGY STAR certified efficiency, reduces water use by over 75% when compared to handwashing, and features Auto Open Dry for ecofriendly drying.
Key buying factors
Ensures the model meets strict energy efficiency guidelines, reducing electricity and water usage.
Consider place settings and dimensions; countertop models typically hold 6 settings, while built-ins offer more.
More cycles (e.g., heavy, normal, quick) provide flexibility for different load types and soil levels.
Measured in decibels (dBA); lower numbers mean quieter operation. Look for models around 50 dBA for undisturbed living.
Countertop dishwashers are portable and require no permanent installation; built-ins need dedicated space and plumbing.
Stainless steel interiors resist stains and odors better than plastic; sturdy construction ensures longevity.
Types explained
Compact, portable units that sit on your counter and connect to the faucet. Ideal for small kitchens, apartments, or RVs.
Best for: Small households, renters, or those with limited space.Installed under the counter, offers larger capacity and more features. Requires dedicated plumbing and electrical.
Best for: Homeowners with standard kitchen layouts who need to handle more dishes.Narrower than standard built-ins (18 inches vs 24), fitting smaller spaces while still offering good capacity.
Best for: Kitchens with limited width but still want built-in convenience.Care & usage tips
Remove and rinse the filter monthly to prevent food particles from clogging the system and affecting performance.
Rinse aid improves drying and prevents spots; refill as needed for streak-free dishes.
Use a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar every few months to remove mineral buildup, especially in hard water areas.
We found that Energy Star certified countertop models offer the best balance of low operating cost and convenience for small households, while built-in units provide greater capacity and efficiency for larger families.
Run your dishwasher only when full to maximize energy and water savings, and use the eco-cycle for lightly soiled loads-it cleans just as well with less resource use.
Frequently asked questions
Are energy efficient dishwashers worth the extra cost?+
Yes, they use less water and electricity, which saves money over time. Many also qualify for rebates.
Can I install a countertop dishwasher permanently?+
Most are designed for portable use, but some can be plumbed in. Check the manual for options.
What does place settings mean?+
It refers to the number of plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery the dishwasher can hold. 6 place settings is standard for compact models.
How loud are these dishwashers?+
Typical models range from 45 to 55 dBA. Under 50 dBA is considered quiet.
Do I need to pre-rinse dishes?+
Modern dishwashers with soil sensors can handle light food residue. Scrape off large scraps, but pre-rinsing is not necessary.