Nothing kills the feel-good buzz of a great communal meal like a pile of dirty dishes. While those of you with small kitchens or living on the road in an RV might fantasize about having a dishwasher, chances are you thought they were out of reach, purely for logistical reasons.
Not necessarily! Thanks to advancements in tech, there are many very effective — not to mention adorable — small dishwashers on the market. Typically less than 24 inches wide, these pint-sized powerhouses can feature incredibly sophisticated options like eco-wash modes and boast enough space to fit 12 place settings.
If your dishwasher can’t be installed, you’re going to want to make sure the one you buy clamps to a faucet. Other than that, a portable dishwasher works the same way a regular one does. Here are things to keep in mind before settling on a purchase:
Type:There are two main types: countertop and freestanding. You should consider your space and figure out what style you want before reading further.
Size: For a family of four, a 24-incher is probably more practical than an 18-inch-wide washer — there are simply more dishes to do! But take a look at other size indications, too. Only a few washers on our list will accommodate 12-inch plates, a deal breaker if you have large dinner plates.
Noise Level: For some people, noise from machines is no big deal. For others, a vacuum or lawnmower is maddening. We include machines at a range of noise levels.
Smart Features:Before making your final selection, keep your eyes on energy use, number of wash cycles, superior drying, retractable hoses, and built-in water tanks; some will be essential depending on your needs and kitchen set-up, while others will be unimportant.
We dove in and did the research to find the best range of portable dishwashers, with a wide variety of users and budgets in mind. Let the post-dinner fun glow live on, and leave dish duty in your past.
This is the best large-scale portable dishwasher on the market. While it’s smaller than a standard dishwasher, it has everything you need and expect. It features two racks with the capability of washing 12 place settings, a child lock, delay start, adjustable tines, a basket, and a utensil separator.
It does wash at 54 decibels, which puts it on the average to noisier end of the spectrum. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Autosense cycle measures soil levels and adjusts cleaning power as needed; for an especially filthy load, there is a sanitize option. This GE comes with a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
This Farberware is a great option for folks without a faucet hookup. This dishwasher allows you to clean on the go, thanks to its built-in water tank (there’s also a water hose included, just in case you do have a hookup). The compact design fits dishes up to 12 inches in diameter, and when the door is closed, it’s just 17.3 inches wide.
You can clean two place settings, making it ideal for small families or singles. The five washing programs give you the flexibility and thorough clean of a standard dishwasher. There’s also a fruit basket included, so you can wash produce in the dishwasher, too, if that appeals. The machine runs at 62 decibels, which is above average in the noise department.
This GE portable is just 18 inches wide but has all of the design aesthetics and cleaning power of a regular-sized model. This portable also features a retractable, self-storing hose, making storage of the machine a snap.
This dishwasher will power through eight settings at a time, cleaning and drying well with a soil sensor that adjusts cleaning power as it goes. It registers at 52 decibels, making it slightly quieter than many comparable options.
The dishwasher, like most other portables, comes equipped with wheels, which makes moving it around easy.
This 18-inch-wide portable dishwasher will power through eight full place settings, with everything emerging sparkling clean from the six cleaning cycles available. The portable dishwasher comes on wheels with an adjustable top rack, which will accommodate taller dishes. The dishwasher is also designed for plates up to 10 inches in diameter.
The setup is easy, with a simple hookup to a faucet; a 59-inch hose is included. A silverware basket, child lock, LED display, convenient detergent, and rinse aid dispensers, plus a delay start option, are also included. This dishwasher’s sleek look matches its top-notch performance, and its 52 decibels place it on the lower end of noise.
If you’re a foe of noise, this 34-decibel RCA is worth a look. In addition to providing just a hum while operating, the dishwasher features six different washing cycles, a hard food filter, and a heated drying system, and is also easy to install and operate.
The dishwasher blasts through six standard place settings, easily connects to kitchen faucets, has a durable stainless steel interior tub, and uses less water than many comparable options. And for those hoping to keep their dishwasher on hand 24/7, this countertop option will work in most — even very small — kitchens.
This countertop dishwasher is a win if you have a small kitchen with big cleaning needs. It's Energy Star-compliant with low water consumption, enough room to clean six full place settings, a silverware basket, durable stainless steel interior, and six convenient wash cycles.
The dishwasher runs at 52 decibels, which is on the quieter end. The setup is a snap, with a hose that works with most kitchen faucets.
For those who want to set up their washer prior to use, there is a delay start option. And if you don’t want to keep the dishwasher on the counter all the time, it can niftily be popped inside a standard-sized cabinet.
If your small space is matched by an equally tiny budget, this Zerodis dishwasher is a fantastic option. The easy-to-use ultrasonic dishwasher can be placed directly in a washbasin or sink, saving both time and elbow grease. You just set it to turn off for 15 minutes, then watch as it does the scrubbing and washing for you.
The mini dishwasher supports USB plug-in use, which then generates high-speed vibration and high-pressure water spray. This dishwasher is so small and light, you can pack it in an overnight bag and even use it to help you scrub up at hotels.
If you’d like to watch what’s happening inside your dishwasher, this Kapas peekaboo portable is a great option. It is also one of the smallest classic portables on the market, while still fitting dishes up to 12 inches in diameter.
The dishwasher offers five wash programs and the choice to fill by the built-in tank or included water hose. For those who want a dishwasher in multiple settings, the built-in water tank option is also key. The accessories include an inlet hose, a drain hose, a fruit basket, a cutlery tray, a hose collar, and a cup.
This sleek Whirlpool is a splurge, but it is well worth it if you want premium cleaning power. The three cycles offer a 1-hour quick clean cycle, which manages to get things spotless in 60 minutes. There is also a high-temperature option for loads with baked-on messes and serious soiling, as well as a delay-start option.
The Whirlpool also offers a heated dry option, guaranteeing your dishes will emerge dry and streak-free. Designed, engineered, and assembled in the U.S.A., the 24-inch-wide model features a butcher-block-style wood top, making it as attractive as it is practical. It should be noted that it operates at a high-noise level of 64 decibels, about the same as a loud vacuum.
This 18-inch Energy Star portable dishwasher offers six washing programs and is capable of cleaning eight full-place settings. A drain hose, faucet adapter, Rinse Aid indicator, stainless steel interior, adjustable upper rack, and time delay feature are included. It's easy to set up and use and then a cinch to put away.
This Energy Star-rated washer uses less water and power than comparable models, with excellent cleaning results. A machine with a normal noise level of 52 decibels, this dishwasher is a great permanent solution for those with studio apartments or small kitchens.
Kathleen WillcoxKathleen Willcox is a journalist who writes about parenting, technology, shopping, food and wine.
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