Looking for an energy-efficient dishwasher that saves water and electricity without sacrificing performance? Our team has evaluated top contenders, from compact countertop units to full-sized built-ins, focusing on Energy Star ratings, cycle options, and real-world usability. We considered published specs and aggregated owner feedback to bring you honest, practical advice. Whether you need a space-saving portable for a small kitchen or a slim built-in for tight spaces, this guide has you covered. We highlight key factors like place settings, wash cycles, and installation flexibility to match your lifestyle. Our picks are based on overall value, efficiency, and reliability-not marketing hype.
COMFEEโ 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 the COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher for its perfect balance of efficiency and portability. It holds 6 place settings, meets Energy Star standards, and connects easily to most faucets-ideal for small kitchens or dorms.
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2โณรW21.7โณรD19.7โณ) for 2-3 people, COMFEEโ 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 COMFEEโ 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 360ยฐ spiral spray for full-angle coverage. Combining high water pressure with temperatures up to 154ยฐF, it efficiently removes grease and stubborn stains from heavily soiled dishes. Compact yet powerful, it ensures every dish is cleaned thoroughly and evenly.
Honeywell 24 Inch Dishwasher with 12 Place settings, 7 Washing Cycles, Stainless Steel and Plastic Tub, UL/Energy Star- Stainless Steel
The Honeywell 24 Inch Dishwasher impressed us with its 12 place settings and 7 wash cycles, including a heavy-duty option. We like the stainless steel interior and quiet operation, making it a reliable choice for families.
- 12 PLACE SETTINGS: Racks are suitable to fit 12 place settings of dishes. There is a large removable cutlery basket.
- MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS: There are 7 washing cycles with 3 modes to choose from. Up to 24 hour delay start for you added convenience.
- DURABLE TUB: The tub is made of a stainless steel base with plastic sides efficiency performance.
- ENERGY STAR: Low energy consumption according to Energy Star standards.
COMFEEโ 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 chose the COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher for its compact footprint and Energy Star efficiency. It's a step up from countertop models with a larger capacity while still being portable-great for those who want flexibility without sacrificing performance.
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2โณรW21.6โณรD19.7โณ) for 2-3 people, COMFEEโ 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 360ยฐ spiral spray. Combining high pressure and 154ยฐF 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
The Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher stood out for its space-saving design. In our evaluation, we found it fits narrow spaces while still offering stainless steel durability and multiple cycles. Perfect for small kitchens needing a permanent solution.
- 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.
EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable with 6 Programs, 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments & RV, 167โ High-Temp, No Hookup Needed, Mini Dishwasher with Baby Care, Air Dry/Quick/ECO/Fruit/Normal Mode
We recommend the EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher for its built-in 5L water tank, which eliminates the need for a faucet connection. With 6 programs, it's ideal for RV, boat, or countertop use where plumbing is limited.
- ๐๐จ ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง, ๐๐๐ง๐ค ๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ญ, ๐๐๐๐๐ฒ ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ญ: No permanent setup required. Use the built-in 5L (1.32 gal) tank for countertop dishwasher mode, or connect the included hose to your faucet for continuous water supply. Our countertop dishwasher's water-level indicator tells you when itโs ready. No tools, no drilling, no stress-ideal for apartments, rentals, dorms, RVs, and flexible kitchens
- ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ญ, ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ : Built for apartments and open kitchens, this countertop dishwasher runs at a quiet 40 dB to maintain a peaceful space. Designed for daily comfort and convenience, it lets you wash dishes during work calls, late nights, or your nap time without disrupting your routine
- ๐๐๐ฌ๐ก, ๐๐ซ๐ฒ, ๐๐ญ๐๐ฒ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ก, ๐๐ฉ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐: After washing, enjoy 60 minutes of hot air drying, then up to 73 hours of automatic ventilation to help keep dishes dry and reduce odors. Drying works with most cycles and can also run independently when needed. *Forced drainage: long-press Dry + Power
- ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ข๐๐, ๐ ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐+ ๐๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐๐: Sized at 16.83 ร 16.73 ร 18.03 in, this portable dishwasher fits most countertops while holding 30+ items per load. Fits plates up to 10.25 in, plus bowls, cups, glasses, and full cutlery sets-organized with a cutlery holder, fruit basket, and kettle. *Compatible with G3/4-inch faucet connections, please purchase a faucet adapter separately
Key buying factors
Consider how many place settings you need. Countertop models hold 6 settings, while full-size units hold 12+. Measure your space carefully for built-in or portable options.
Look for Energy Star certification to ensure lower water and energy usage. Our picks all meet this standard for savings.
More cycles give flexibility for different loads-heavy, normal, quick, etc. Features like soil sensors and delay start can add convenience.
Quieter operation (around 45-50 dBA) is ideal for open kitchens. Check decibel ratings if noise is a concern.
Countertop and portable models need no permanent installation; built-in models require plumbing. Choose based on your kitchen setup and rental status.
Stainless steel interiors are durable and dry better. Look for reliable brands and positive owner feedback on longevity.
Types explained
Compact, sits on counter, hooks up to faucet. Holds 6 place settings. Ideal for small households or apartments.
Best for: Singles, couples, small kitchens, rentersRolls on wheels, connects to kitchen faucet. Offers larger capacity than countertop (often 6-8 settings) but needs storage space.
Best for: Those who move frequently or lack built-in spaceInstalled under counter, hardwired to plumbing. Available in standard 24-inch or slim 18-inch sizes. Most energy-efficient and quietest.
Best for: Homeowners, larger families, permanent kitchensCare & usage tips
Remove and rinse the filter under running water every month to prevent clogs and maintain washing performance.
Rinse aid enhances drying and prevents spots. Refill as needed for streak-free dishes.
Let the faucet run hot before starting to ensure the dishwasher fills with warm water for optimal cleaning.
In our evaluation, we found that Energy Star certification is a reliable baseline for efficiency, but real-world water and energy use can vary based on cycle choice and load size. Countertop models are surprisingly effective for small loads but use more water per dish than full-size units.
Our team recommends running the dishwasher only when full to maximize efficiency. For countertop models, pre-rinsing isn't necessary-just scrape food off. Also, using the eco cycle often saves the most energy and water.
Frequently asked questions
What does Energy Star certified mean?+
It means the model meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA, using less water and energy than standard models.
Can I install a countertop dishwasher permanently?+
Most countertop models are designed for temporary faucet connection, but some can be hardwired or permanently plumbed. Check the manual.
How many place settings do I need?+
A family of 2-3 can manage with a 6-place-setting unit. For 4 or more, a 12-place-setting full-size is better.
Are portable dishwashers as effective as built-in?+
Yes, they clean just as well, but may be noisier and have less capacity. They're a great option for renters.
What is the best cycle for energy savings?+
The 'eco' or 'light' cycle typically uses the least energy and water, though it may run longer. Use it for normally soiled dishes.