We went for an over-the-sink wood version instead and it was a lifesaver-often doubling as an extra surface. No dishwasher either, but I wasn’t giving up those precious 9.5 inches to a clunky dish drainer. Watching anyone cook in that kitchen was like watching some sort of freak choreography: chopping on a small cutting board placed inside the sink and balancing bowls on top of burners.
These small appliances also have filters that need to be regularly cleaned, so check the owner's manual for instructions on how to clean your countertop dishwasher.In my Brooklyn apartment, I had exactly 9.5 inches of counter space next to the sink. While you shouldn't need to pre-rinse your dishes, don't forget to scrape off any excess food before loading them into the dishwasher for best results. Just keep in mind that even dishwashers with water tanks need to be near the sink to drain dirty water-but some customers have found success by directing the drainage hose into a bucket instead. Since it doesn't connect to your faucet, you can use your sink while it's running. Depending on which dishwasher you choose and the type of faucet in your kitchen, you might need to purchase a separate adapter (they're relatively inexpensive) to connect the two.Īlternatively, you could choose a countertop dishwasher with a built-in water tank, like this one from Farberware. Most of the options on this list have hoses that connect the appliance directly to your kitchen faucet.
Best for Small Apartments: CalmDo Portable Countertop Dishwasher.Best Design: Black+Decker Compact Countertop Dishwasher.Best Value: Danby Countertop Dishwasher.Best Overall: Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher.Here are the best countertop dishwashers. Our top pick, the Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher, has its own water tank, 5 cleaning cycles, and is incredibly quiet. We looked for countertop dishwashers that are energy-efficient, easy to operate, and a good value. To find the best countertop dishwashers, we searched for top-rated models that you can buy online. If the kitchen is close to your main living area, consider the noise level of the dishwasher. Most have hoses that connect directly to your sink, while others have their own water supply tank. You'll also want a countertop dishwasher that is easy to use and install. Or, if you have limited counter space, you can also place a mini dishwasher on a cart and wheel it to the sink as needed.
Make sure the dishwasher you choose is compact enough to fit on the counter space you have available. When shopping for countertop dishwashers, size is one of the most important factors to consider. In addition to saving time by not handwashing dishes, you'll also help the environment by conserving water. Compared to traditional full-size models, these mini dishwashers take up significantly less space and don't require any pricey remodeling.
An easy solution? Countertop dishwashers. Just because your tiny apartment didn't come with a built-in dishwasher doesn't mean you need to hand wash every plate.