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The best countertop dishwashers for small kitchens
The Danby DDW631SDB is the best overall: it cleans strongly, fits six place settings and is Energy Star certified.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher | Black+Decker BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher | RCA RDW3208 Countertop Dishwasher |
| Price | about $425 | about $300 | about $227 |
| Why | It combines six-place capacity, Energy Star certification and strong cleaning performance. Reviewed measured about 96% stain removal in a 100-minute test, and Food Network recommends it as its overall pick. | Food Network names it its best-value pick at about $300, notably less than the Danby while still offering six-place capacity and Energy Star certification. It has seven cycles, a delay start and extra-dry option. | Food Network lists it at about $227 as its budget pick and says it holds six place settings, making it the lowest-priced recommended full-capacity model in these reviews. It includes electronic controls, a stainless-steel tub and a rinse-aid compartment. |
| Good to know | It is bulky, and Reviewed noted that spinach residue could redeposit on dishes. | It won’t fit dinner plates larger than 10 inches. | It offers only three wash cycles. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIIt combines six-place capacity, Energy Star certification and strong cleaning performance. Reviewed measured about 96% stain removal in a 100-minute test, and Food Network recommends it as its overall pick.
Good to know: It is bulky, and Reviewed noted that spinach residue could redeposit on dishes.
See on Amazonpicture by AIFood Network names it its best-value pick at about $300, notably less than the Danby while still offering six-place capacity and Energy Star certification. It has seven cycles, a delay start and extra-dry option.
Good to know: It won’t fit dinner plates larger than 10 inches.
See on Amazonpicture by AIFood Network lists it at about $227 as its budget pick and says it holds six place settings, making it the lowest-priced recommended full-capacity model in these reviews. It includes electronic controls, a stainless-steel tub and a rinse-aid compartment.
Good to know: It offers only three wash cycles.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon or the store when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Pictures marked "picture by AI" are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Measure the dishwasher’s height, width and depth against your counter and cabinets, and check that your plates fit. Choose a faucet-connected six-place model for larger loads, or a tank model if you can’t connect to a faucet.
Who this is for
These picks are for people with small kitchens, apartments or other spaces without room for a full-size dishwasher. The six-place models suit more dishes; the compact tank models are better for one or two people.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Danby DDW631SDB Countertop Dishwasher
It combines six-place capacity, Energy Star certification and strong cleaning performance. Reviewed measured about 96% stain removal in a 100-minute test, and Food Network recommends it as its overall pick. It connects to a faucet and has a stainless-steel interior, multiple wash cycles and a delay-start option. The roomy capacity makes it the most practical choice for regular use among these picks. You’ll need to leave it in place: it is heavier and takes up more counter space than the tank models. Check cabinet clearance and plate size before buying.
Good to know: It is bulky, and Reviewed noted that spinach residue could redeposit on dishes.
See on AmazonBest value: Black+Decker BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Food Network names it its best-value pick at about $300, notably less than the Danby while still offering six-place capacity and Energy Star certification. It has seven cycles, a delay start and extra-dry option. This is a faucet-connected model with a stainless-steel interior and a rinse-aid compartment. Its quieter operation and broad set of cycles make it a good fit for people who want a conventional countertop setup for less than the Danby. It is still a large appliance, so measure your counter and cabinet clearance first. Skip it if your dinner plates are over 10 inches across.
Good to know: It won’t fit dinner plates larger than 10 inches.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: RCA RDW3208 Countertop Dishwasher
Food Network lists it at about $227 as its budget pick and says it holds six place settings, making it the lowest-priced recommended full-capacity model in these reviews. It includes electronic controls, a stainless-steel tub and a rinse-aid compartment. Its three cycles—Speed, Normal and Heavy—cover the basics without a long menu of options. At about 35 pounds, it is relatively easy to move or put away between uses. It connects at the faucet, so check that the included hookup works with yours. Its height may be an issue under low cabinets.
Good to know: It offers only three wash cycles.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Reviewers compared cleaning and drying, capacity, ease of loading, controls, noise and energy use. Good Housekeeping tested standard loads with dried-on foods such as oatmeal, egg yolk, milk and coffee, then assessed how clean and dry the dishes were. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon or the store when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Pictures marked "picture by AI" are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.