Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you should be stuck with hand-washing dishes. If you don’t have enough space for a full-size dishwasher, tabletop dishwashers are a fantastic alternative.
These smaller appliances sit on your counter and can hold a small family’s worth of dirty kitchenware.
We have reviewed a range of countertop dishwashers, bringing you the best options on the market.
Whether you live in a small apartment, a rented flat, or a mobile home, these compact dishwashers offer a range of programmes, user-friendly designs, and high-performance washing.
Keep reading to discover our top products for convenient dishwashing in the tiniest of spaces.
The Best Tabletop Dishwashers in the UK
1. Hermitlux HMX-DW03 Table Top Dishwasher
Dimensions: 42.5 x 42.8 x 45.8 cm
Number of washing programmes: Five washing programmes + one drying programme
Dishwasher capacity: Four place settings
Water supply: Water tank or tap connector
The Hermitlux HMX-DW03 Table Top Dishwasher stands out as an impressive performer, offering a perfect combination of efficiency and space-saving convenience.
Despite its compact design, it holds up to four place settings, and 25 cm dishes can fit in at any angle, ensuring versatility.
Further adding to its versatility, this dishwasher features five programmes: standard cleaning, fast cleaning, eco cleaning, strong cleaning, and fruit cleaning.
It can reach temperatures of 75°C on the strong cycle, making it effective at cleaning oily tableware and baby products. Plus, it has a convenient drying function that ensures your dishes come out dry, ready to be put away.
Setting up the Hermitlux HMX-DW03 is also straightforward. The countertop dishwasher supports two water supply modes: a built-in 5-litre water tank for instant use or a tap mode that connects easily to the machine.
We also love that you can watch the washing process through the glass door, and the top touch button makes choosing your setting as easy as ever.
2. Cookology CTTD8 Tabletop Dishwasher
Dimensions: 50 x 55 x 59 cm
Number of washing programmes: Eight washing programmes + one drying programme
Dishwasher capacity: Six place settings
Water supply: Plumbing or tap connector
The Cookology CTTD8 Tabletop Dishwasher is another great appliance with an eight-place setting capacity, making it an excellent solution for busy homes short on space.
It even fits full-sized dinner plates and features eight washing cycle options, catering to diverse dishwashing needs.
What stands out about this dishwasher is its vast range of functions. For a compact dishwasher, we were surprised to find a child safety lock, a delay-start timer, a touch control panel, and an extra drying cycle. This drying function ensures that cutlery and homeware are left extra dry, with steam contributing to a hygienic and sparkling finish.
If you want to make eco-conscious choices, the eco mode consumes less energy and water. Surprisingly, it uses less water than hand washing!
It is also one of the quietest dishwashers, operating at 49 decibels. You even have two water supply options: plumb it in like any other dishwasher or fit it to a kitchen tap—but you must buy an adapter for non-standard hoses.
3. COMFEE TD305-W Mini Plus Dishwasher
Dimensions: 43.5 x 42 x 46.8 cm
Number of washing programmes: Six washing cycles
Dishwasher capacity: Three place settings
Water supply: Water tank
The COMFEE TD305-W Mini Plus Dishwasher is another compact solution for flats and smaller living spaces.
It only holds three place settings but can accommodate plates up to 27 cm in diameter. This makes it a fantastic option for individuals or couples with larger dishes and tableware.
One of the standout features of this mini dishwasher is its ease of setup. No installation is required; simply add water to the 6-litre water tank.
We also love that the dishwasher door opens automatically at the end of each cycle. The fan drying function then circulates fresh air, ensuring faster drying of dishes while saving electricity and being environmentally friendly.
There are six washing cycles including hygiene, intensive, eco-friendly, and rapid cycles. These are easily controlled via the digital LED control panel.
Extra components, such as the water bottle rack and large utensil rack, are included, along with features like delay start timers and child locks.
If you run the high-temperature programme, the dishwasher even self-cleans!
4. Karlxtom TDQR03A Table Top Dishwasher
Dimensions: 42.5 x 42.8 x 45.8 cm
Number of washing programmes: Five washing programmes + one drying programme
Dishwasher capacity: Four place settings
Water supply: Water tank and tap connector
The Karlxtom TDQR03A Table Top Dishwasher is a 3-in-1 appliance that washes dishes and serves as a dish drying rack and storage solution.
The extra drying mode ensures 60 minutes of hot air drying and 72 hours of automatic ventilation, keeping your dishes stored dry and odour-free.
Despite its compact size, the Karlxtom dishwasher can hold four full-place settings, meeting the daily needs of a small family.
It features five washing programmes to cater to various needs, including a rapid 29-minute cycle and high-temperature wash for baby products.
The rotating spray arm covers every corner, dissolving grease stains and transforming dirty dishes into clean, ready-to-use items.
Using only 5 litres of water per wash, the dishwasher reduces water consumption by 80% compared to manual washing.
It’s also compatible with a water tank and tap mode for easy installation. It also comes with essential accessories, including a tableware basket, storage rack, cutlery basket, inlet hose, drain hose, fruit basket, pitcher, hose collar, and – of course – a handy user guide.
5. Bosch Series 4 SKS62E32EU Table Top Dishwasher
Dimensions: 45 x 55 x 50 cm
Number of washing programmes: Six washing programmes
Dishwasher capacity: Six place settings
Water supply: Plumbing or tap connector
The Bosch SKS62E32EU Table Top Dishwasher offers another perfect solution for small kitchens.
With a six-place setting capacity, it can handle up to 66 pieces at once and gives you six washing programmes to choose from, including the quick wash cycle that does your dishes in under 45 minutes.
Other notable washing programmes include the gentle glass programme for delicate glassware and the extra-dry option, which reaches higher temperatures to ensure thorough drying.
You can also set the dishwasher to auto mode. It then selects the best programme based on the level of soiling and load volume, taking the guesswork out of cleaning and optimising water and energy usage.
Bosch’s ActiveWater technology further helps maximises efficiency, delivering outstanding results while lowering energy consumption.
It does this through improved water distribution, filter technology, faster heating, and increased pump output.
Other great features include the convenient delay timer, easy-to-use LED display, and fail-safe leak protection.
6. Eklipt XWJ02-TMM Table Top Dishwasher
Dimensions: 42.5 x 42.8 x 45.8 cm
Number of washing programmes: Five washing programmes
Dishwasher capacity: Four place settings
Water supply: Water tank and tap connector
The Eklipt XWJ02-TMM Table Top Dishwasher is a compact 3-in-1 appliance, functioning as a dishwasher, dish dryer, and storage space for your kitchenware.
Despite its tiny footprint, the double-layer design accommodates four place settings—enough for a small family.
This mini dishwasher offers five wash programmes of various lengths, ranging from a 19-minute fruit wash to an 89-minute strong wash.
Aside from the cycle length, these programmes use different temperatures to cater to all dishwashing needs.
You’ll also appreciate the extra drying mode, which keeps your dishes clean, odour-free, and dry for extended storage periods.
The tabletop dishwasher features a dual water supply design, making it versatile for use in various settings.
For example, the 5-litre water tank can supply water in an RV, whereas you can connect the water inlet hose to provide water in a kitchen.
Additionally, the package includes all necessary accessories for convenient setup and use, including hoses, cutlery baskets, and fruit baskets.
7. Russell Hobbs RHTTDW6S Freestanding Compact Dishwasher
Dimensions: 50 x 55 x 44 cm
Number of washing programmes: Six washing programmes
Dishwasher capacity: Six place settings
Water supply: Water inlet hose
Finally, we have the Russell Hobbs RHTTDW6S Freestanding Compact Dishwasher. It is a perfect solution for those tight on space, delivering a deep clean for your dishes while fitting seamlessly on a countertop. Despite its compact size, it has the capacity to cater for up to six place settings.
This tabletop dishwasher offers six programmes to make deep cleaning your dishes easy. Select from intensive, universal, eco, glass, quick 90’, and rapid 30’ for when you’re in a rush.
The intensive mode tackles extra dirty dishes, while the glass programme ensures your delicate wine glasses come out sparkling.
The dishwasher also comes with a convenient delay timer ranging from 1 to 24 hours, allowing you to start the dishwasher at your preferred time.
Additionally, it features overflow and leak protection for added peace of mind during operation, and the user-friendly control panel makes selecting the desired programme easy.
How to Choose a Compact Dishwasher
Tabletop dishwashers are compact and convenient solutions for limited space or specific lifestyle needs. However, various factors come into play when choosing the best tabletop dishwasher. This buying guide will walk you through essential considerations to make an informed decision.
Size and capacity
Always start by measuring the space where you intend to place your dishwasher. This could be on your kitchen countertop, in a cupboard, or even in a campervan or RV.
Use a tape measure and write down your readings, as you’ll need to compare them to product dimensions.
Not all dishwashers are a standard size, and the appliance you buy needs to fit comfortably within this designated area.
Most tabletop dishwashers have a footprint ranging from around 40 cm to 55 cm in each direction, which can make quite a big difference when considering where the appliance will comfortably fit.
At the same time, you’ll also need to consider the number of place settings the dishwasher can accommodate. This is crucial for determining if it suits your household size.
Generally, countertop dishwashers with larger dimensions have a bigger capacity, but this isn’t always the case. Always compare both when choosing which dishwasher to buy.
Programmes and wash options
Although tabletop dishwashers are smaller than their full-sized counterparts, top models still have the same number of washing programme. Always look for dishwashers with multiple wash programmes, as a diverse range allows you to cater to different cleaning needs.
Some washing programme you’ll come across include normal, intensive, eco-friendly, rapid wash, and specialised options like glass or fruit. Depending on your needs, you might decide to prioritise some of these settings over others. For example:
- Rapid Wash: If time is a crucial factor, having a quick wash option can be beneficial for getting dishes done in a shorter timeframe. The length of rapid wash cycles varies, so check the cycle length for each appliance to find the quickest option.
- Intensive: The intensive wash programme is designed for heavily soiled dishes with stubborn stains or baked-on food, so it may be a priority depending on your meals. It uses high temperatures, making it a must-have for cleaning baby products, too.
- Glass Wash: Will you primarily use your tabletop dishwasher to clean glasses? If so, the glass wash programme is specifically crafted for delicate glassware and fragile items. It employs lower water temperatures and gentler spray patterns to prevent potential damage.
Additionally, most countertop dishwashers have drying functions. Effective drying ensures your dishes come out ready to use and reduces the need for manual drying.
Most dishwashers with drying programmemes also double as storage solutions, making them even more convenient for small homes.
Energy efficiency and water consumption
Energy efficiency is an important consideration when purchasing any appliance. Opting for a dishwasher with a higher energy efficiency rating translates to reduced environmental impact and results in cost savings on your energy bills over time.
In the UK, energy ratings are graded from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G the least. Unfortunately, dishwashers generally fall towards the lower end of the scale (F to G). However, you can find more energy-efficient dishwasher models that leverage advanced technologies.
Another way to lower utility bills and save the planet is to select a dishwasher that uses water efficiently. Most tabletop dishwashers have a lower water consumption than handwashing, making them a great choice for eco-conscious consumers, but some models take it even further.
The Bosch Series 4 SKS62E32EU Dishwasher is a great example. Its auto-mode setting chooses the washing programmeautomatically based on the number of dishes and how dirty they are, minimising the amount of water used. Features like this should be a priority if you’re conscious about keeping your environmental impact down.
Ease of use and control
Your tabletop dishwasher is supposed to take the hassle out of doing the dishes, not make it harder. Therefore, ease of use is a crucial consideration. Several factors can impact how easy it is to use an appliance, such as:
- User-friendly interface: Always look for well-labelled control panels that make selecting a wash programme and adjusting the settings easy. Some advanced models even come with touch controls for simplicity and LED displays for enhanced visibility and monitoring.
- Control options: Versatility in control options adds to the ease of use of a tabletop dishwasher. For instance, the ability to adjust the water temperature or activate additional drying options provides flexibility based on the types of dishes being washed.
- Delay timer: Delay start timers allow you to preset the dishwasher to start at a time that suits your schedule. This is particularly beneficial if you want to take advantage of off-peak energy hours or if you prefer to run the dishwasher when you are away from home.
- Audible alerts: We advise looking for tabletop dishwashers that provide audible alerts to indicate the completion of a wash cycle. This helps you to remember to unload the clean dishes without unnecessary delays.
Design and aesthetics
Although not essential to everyone, you might want to consider the design, colour, and finish of your tabletop dishwasher. Countertop dishwashers are designed to be kept on the counter for everyone to see, so their appearance can play a significant role in the overall aesthetics of your kitchen.
Choosing a dishwasher that complements your home aesthetic adds to the visual appeal of the space—it can make it feel like a seamless addition to your kitchen rather than an appliance that stands out. Some models come in sleek stainless steel finishes, while others offer a variety of colours to match different kitchen styles.
Water supply and installation
Tabletop dishwashers don’t need plumbing like standard dishwashers. However, you need to connect your countertop dishwasher to a water supply, which is generally done by either a water hose or a built-in water tank. Which is the better option depends on your requirements.
- Water hoses: These can be plumbed in like integrated dishwashers. Alternatively, some water hoses can be connected directly to a kitchen tap. This is a useful alternative if traditional plumbing connections aren’t practical, but you may need to purchase connectors.
- Water tanks: If you don’t have the option for direct plumbing or will be using your dishwasher on the go, you’ll need one with a water tank. Dishwashers with water tanks are also easier to install and don’t require any plumbing knowledge.
Some tabletop dishwashers offer dual water supply options, allowing connection to a water tank or a kitchen tap. This is a fantastic option if you’ll be using the appliance in various settings – such as in your household kitchen and in a motorhome.
Noise level
Noise level is crucial for many, especially if you plan to run the dishwasher at night. If your kitchen is part of an open living space or you have a small living arrangement, the noise emitted by the dishwasher becomes even more relevant.
If these things apply to you, look for dishwashers that mention low noise levels—these tend to have advanced insulation and soundproofing technologies. You can also look for appliances with lower decibel ratings. Most tabletop dishwashers emit between 49 and 60 dB of noise, with those on the lower end allowing you to run the appliance without sound disruptions.
Price and budget
Before researching the options available, setting a realistic budget is essential. Most tabletop dishwashers are under £300, but there is some variation. For example, the Bosch Series 4 Tabletop Dishwasher is a premium product that costs more than double this average.
While staying within your budget, compare the features different tabletop dishwashers offer. Consider all the factors mentioned above, such as the number of washing programmes, energy efficiency ratings, water consumption, and additional functionalities. This helps you get the best value for money within your specified budget range.
Although upfront costs are important, you should also consider long-term savings associated with energy-efficient and water-efficient models. While a slightly higher initial investment may be required, the operational efficiency of the dishwasher can lead to reduced utility bills over time.
The Verdict: What’s the Best Tabletop Dishwasher?
Overall, the Hermitlux HMX-DW03 is the best tabletop dishwasher in the UK. It offers a combination of efficiency, compact design, and thoughtful features at an affordable price—the perfect solution for small living spaces. We also love its versatility, with a dual-water supply, any-angle plate stacking, and five washing programmes.
If you have a slightly bigger budget, the Bosch Series 4 SKS62E32EU features auto-sensing technology to lower water and energy consumption. Or, if you hate the idea of cleaning your dishwasher, the self-cleaning COMFEE TD305-W Mini Plus Dishwasher is a must-have.
Hannah has a passion for cleaning. She worked her way around Australia by cleaning hostels in exchange for free accommodation and used her cleaning skills to bag a job as a chalet host for a luxury ski company in France.
