Best Dishwashers for Tiny Houses and Small Kitchens
The best dishwashers for tiny houses include the FOHERE 5 L Countertop Dishwasher for the smallest footprint, the HAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Softener for hard water in a tank model, and the COMFEE' 1.32 Gal Countertop Dishwasher for a tank that can also use a faucet.
On this page (12 sections)
- How we picked these six for small spaces
- Compare the six by size, hookup and programs
- The six best dishwashers for tiny houses in detail
- Tank or faucet for a tiny house
- How many place settings a tiny house needs
- Weight and moving a small dishwasher
- Where a small dishwasher lives between uses
- Drying, speed and noise in a small kitchen
- Power, drain and floor space checks
- What the water and energy claims mean for a small kitchen
- Care, filters and water left in a new unit
- Which dishwasher fits your tiny house
The best dishwasher for a tiny house is the FOHERE, because at 16.2 by 15.5 in it has the smallest footprint of the six and runs from a tank or a faucet. If your water is hard, the HAVA is the tank model to pick.
Every pick here is a countertop or portable unit that runs from a built-in tank, a faucet adapter or both, so none needs a permanent install. Built-in dishwashers are left out for that reason.
Start with the floor and counter space you have, then the hookup you can use, then how many place settings you need. Our countertop and portable dishwashers guide covers every type, and the RV dishwasher roundup shares many of the same limits.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for hard water in a tank modelHAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Softener
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a tank that can also use a faucetCOMFEE' 1.32 Gal Countertop Dishwasher
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itMidea 6 Place Setting Portable Dishwasher
Best for six place settings with a tank - 5
Check itFarberware 6 Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher
Best for a faucet hookup with folding racks - 6
Check itBLACK+DECKER BCD6W Countertop Dishwasher
Best for a rinse aid dispenser
How we picked these six for small spaces
We weighed footprint most heavily, then hookup and place settings, because those decide whether a dishwasher fits a tiny house at all. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
A tiny house often has shorter counters, a smaller sink and less floor than a standard kitchen. So we checked the width, depth and height of each unit against those limits before anything else.
Next we looked at the hookup. A tank model means you fill it by hand, and a faucet model depends on your faucet, so each card says which one applies.
Last, we checked weight and place settings. A heavy unit is harder to move into a small space, and place settings tell you how many people a load can cover.
Compare the six by size, hookup and programs
The FOHERE has the smallest footprint at 16.2 x 15.5 in, and the BLACK+DECKER and Midea need the most floor space.
| Product | Best for | Size | Hookup | Programs | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOHERE 5 L Countertop Dishwasher | the smallest footprint | 16.2 W x 15.5 D x 17.8 H in | 5 L tank or faucet hose | 5+1 wash programs | 8.9 |
| HAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Softener | hard water in a tank model | 16.75 W x 16.86 D x 18.05 H in | 5 L built-in tank | 8 wash programs | 8.7 |
| COMFEE' 1.32 Gal Countertop Dishwasher | a tank that can also use a faucet | 16.53 W x 17.13 D x 17.24 H in | 1.32 gal tank or faucet adapter | 6 programs | 8.4 |
| Midea 6 Place Setting Portable Dishwasher | six place settings with a tank | 22 W x 20 D x 17.25 H in | Tank or faucet | 6+2 cycles | 8.2 |
| Farberware 6 Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher | a faucet hookup with folding racks | 19.7 W x 21.7 D x 17.2 H in | Faucet quick connect with adapters | 7 wash programs | 7.9 |
| BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Countertop Dishwasher | a rinse aid dispenser | 21.7 W x 21.5 D x 17.2 H in | Faucet quick connect | 7 wash cycles | 7.6 |
Width is usually the first number to check, since it decides whether a unit fits between a cabinet and a wall. Depth matters too, because the door has to open in front of the counter.
Height is the next check. The HAVA is the tallest at 18.05 in, and the other five stand between 17.2 and 17.8 in.
The FOHERE, HAVA and COMFEE' 1.32 gal are built around a tank. The FOHERE and COMFEE' can also use a faucet, the Farberware and BLACK+DECKER are faucet models, and the Midea works with either.
For more compact tank and faucet units, see mini dishwashers for small kitchens.
The six best dishwashers for tiny houses in detail
The FOHERE leads because it has the smallest footprint and works with a tank or a faucet. The BLACK+DECKER ranks last because it is the heaviest pick and needs the most floor space.
FOHERE 5 L Countertop Dishwasher
- Delay start from 1 to 6 hours
- 60 minutes of PTC hot air drying
- LED-lit glass door
- Four place settings
The smallest footprint in this roundup, at 16.2 in wide. It runs from its 5 L tank or from a faucet, so the sink does not have to sit close to the spot.
Pros
- Smallest footprint in this roundup
- Runs from its tank or from a faucet
- Delay start from 1 to 6 hours
Cons
- Four place settings only
- FOHERE says each load uses 5 L, so a tank model needs frequent refills
The FOHERE is the pick when every inch counts. At 16.2 in wide, 15.5 in deep and 17.8 in tall, it is the smallest unit in this roundup.
It runs from its 5 L built-in tank, or from a faucet with the included hose and adapters. That gives you a choice if the sink is hard to reach from where the unit will sit.
FOHERE offers 5+1 wash programs. The Speed cycle runs a 29-minute quick wash, and the delay start can be set from 1 to 6 hours.
FOHERE rates it for four full place settings and says it suits two or three people. The glass door has an LED light, so you can watch the cycle without opening it.
FOHERE says each load uses 5 L of water, so a tank model needs a refill before most runs. Skip it if you need six place settings, since four is the limit here.
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Softener
- Built-in water softener with settings
- 18-hour delay start
- Child lock on the touch screen
- One-year warranty from HAVA
A 5 L tank with a built-in water softener. HAVA says the softener helps prevent limescale inside the machine and watermarks on dishes.
Pros
- Softener for hard water
- Small footprint with a 5 L tank
- One-year warranty from HAVA
Cons
- You fill the 5 L tank by hand for each load
- The softener setting has to match your water hardness
The HAVA is the pick if your water is hard and you want a tank model. It measures 16.75 in wide, 16.86 in deep and 18.05 in tall, so the footprint is small but the unit stands taller than the others.
HAVA says its built-in water softener helps prevent limescale inside the machine and watermarks on dishes. You set the softener to match your water hardness, so check that number before the first run.
The unit has a 5 L built-in tank, a touch screen with eight wash programs, a child lock and an 18-hour delay start. HAVA also says the tank removes the need for plumbing, and it gives a one-year warranty.
Skip it if your water is soft, or if you have low cabinets. At 18.05 in, it is the tallest pick here, so measure under your upper cabinets first.
COMFEE' 1.32 Gal Countertop Dishwasher
- Plates up to 9.5 in, 30+ items
- Air Refresh extra-drying mode
- Water pitcher in the box
- Faucet adapter included
A 1.32 gal built-in tank, about 5 L, with a faucet option. COMFEE' says the unit uses about one third the water of handwashing.
Pros
- Tank or faucet hookup
- Air Refresh helps dishes dry
- Fits 30+ items in a compact unit
Cons
- Needs at least 19.6 in between the counter and the upper cabinet
- Plates top out at 9.5 in
The COMFEE' 1.32 gal is a compact countertop unit that runs from its built-in tank or from a faucet with the included adapter. It measures 16.53 in wide, 17.13 in deep and 17.24 in tall.
The tank holds 1.32 gal, which is about 5 L, so the unit works in a kitchen with no faucet nearby.
It fits more than 30 items, with plates up to 9.5 in across. Its programs include Normal, Rapid, Fruit and Glass, and the Air Refresh mode helps dry the dishes and the machine.
The box includes a water pitcher and a drain hose. COMFEE' asks for at least 19.6 in between the counter and the upper cabinet, which matters in a small kitchen with low cabinets.
It weighs 36.6 lb, which is heavier than the FOHERE or HAVA. Skip it if your cabinets sit low or your plates are larger than 9.5 in.
Midea 6 Place Setting Portable Dishwasher
- Up to 70 pieces of tableware
- Energy Star certified
- Delay start from 1 to 24 hours
- Power Wash option
Six place settings in a portable unit rated at 52 dB. Midea says the tank design makes it easy to add water by hand, and it can also connect to a faucet.
Pros
- Six place settings
- Tank or faucet hookup
- Energy Star certified
Cons
- 22 in wide, the widest unit in this roundup
- Power Wash can't run with the Auto, Rapid or MachineCare+ cycles
The Midea is the pick for a full set of six place settings in a unit that also takes a tank. Midea says it fits up to 70 pieces of tableware, with plates up to 10 in across.
It measures 22 in wide, 20 in deep and 17.25 in tall. That makes it the widest unit in this roundup, so measure the floor before you consider it.
Midea says the tank design makes it easy to add water by hand. It can also connect to a faucet, so check your faucet first.
The cycles are six plus two, and the delay start runs from 1 to 24 hours. Midea gives the water use as 2.77 gallons, and it rates the unit at 52 dB.
Power Wash can't run with the Auto, Rapid or MachineCare+ cycles, so plan which cycle you'll use for heavily soiled dishes. Skip it if you need a narrow footprint, since 22 in of width is more than any other pick here.
Farberware 6 Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher
- Folding-down rack shelves
- Extra-drying on several cycles
- Quick connect adapters included
- Plates up to 10 in
Six place settings on a faucet hookup, with a cutlery basket in the box. Farberware says it suits small spaces such as apartments, RVs and boats.
Pros
- Six place settings in a 19.7 in wide unit
- Folding rack shelves and a cutlery basket
- Adapters included in the box
Cons
- Faucet-fed, so your faucet has to take the adapter
- Plates up to 10 in only
The Farberware is a six-setting countertop unit that connects to a faucet with the adapters in the box. It measures 19.7 in wide, 21.7 in deep and 17.2 in tall, so it is deeper than the FOHERE or HAVA.
Check your faucet first, including the aerator and whether it is a pull-down or spray model. Then follow the maker's manual for the adapters before you connect anything.
Farberware offers seven wash programs, including Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass and Speed. The extra-drying function adds heat to the final rinse on several cycles to help the dishes dry.
It has folding-down rack shelves and a cutlery basket. Farberware says it suits small spaces such as apartments, RVs and boats.
Skip it if your sink has no faucet that takes the adapters, since this is a faucet-fed unit. Plates up to 10 in are the limit, so larger dishes may need a hand wash.
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Countertop Dishwasher
- Quick connect faucet assembly
- Stainless steel interior
- Rinse aid and detergent dispensers
- Delay start up to 24 hours
Six place settings on a faucet quick connect, with a stainless steel interior. At 46.2 lb it is the heaviest pick, so plan the spot before you buy.
Pros
- Six place settings
- Stainless steel interior
- Rinse aid and detergent dispensers
Cons
- 46.2 lb, and the most floor space in this roundup
- Water has to drain to a nearby sink
The BLACK+DECKER BCD6W is the largest pick here, at 21.7 in wide and 21.5 in deep. At 46.2 lb it is also the heaviest, so plan the spot and the lift before you buy.
It holds six place settings and runs seven wash cycles, with a delayed start of up to 24 hours. It also has a child lock, a rinse aid dispenser and a detergent dispenser that takes powder, tablets and pods.
The quick connect assembly hooks to a faucet, and the kit includes a drain hose and a faucet adapter. BLACK+DECKER says the unit works anywhere with a faucet and an outlet nearby.
Water has to drain to a nearby sink, so check that spot first. For the full look at this model, read our BLACK+DECKER BCD6W review.
Skip it if your tiny house has tight floor space or no sink close by, since the unit needs both width and a nearby drain.
Tank or faucet for a tiny house
A tank model skips the faucet, but you fill it by hand. A faucet model depends on your faucet type, so check that first.
The tank units here are the FOHERE, HAVA and COMFEE' 1.32 gal. Each holds roughly 5 L, and FOHERE says one load uses about that much, so plan on refills during a busy day.
The Farberware and BLACK+DECKER are faucet models. The Midea works with a tank or a faucet, so it is the flexible choice if you may change setups later.
If the sink is within reach and your faucet takes an adapter, a faucet model saves the filling. If not, a tank model is the fallback.
A dishwasher for a tiny house with no faucet nearby
A tank model is the simplest option when the sink is far from the spot you want. It still needs power nearby and a place for the waste water to go.
Fill the tank by hand using the guide in the manual, and fill it before each run. Plan where the water goes before you start the cycle.
For a sense of how much water a cycle uses, read how much water an RV dishwasher uses. The water questions are the same in a tiny house, so the same numbers help.
Faucet hookups and what to check first
Check your faucet first, including the aerator type, the thread and whether it is a pull-down or side spray model. Then follow the maker's manual for the adapter.
If a connection leaks, turn off the water and unplug the unit. Follow the manual, and contact the maker or a repair pro if the problem keeps happening.
For a closer look at adapters, see best faucet adapters for portable dishwashers.
How many place settings a tiny house needs
Count the dishes you use in a day, then compare that count with the place settings each unit gives. Makers don't always count the same way, so treat the number as a guide.
The four-setting FOHERE suits a single cook or a couple. Six settings give more room in each load, which helps if you cook for guests or run the unit less often.
The COMFEE' 1.32 gal is rated by items, with 30 or more pieces and plates up to 9.5 in, so count your items instead of settings. HAVA gives no place setting count, so check its manual or ask HAVA before you order if load size matters.
If you wash large pans or platters, check the racks first. The BLACK+DECKER BCD6W can take long oval platters, and the HAVA has an adjustable basket.
Weight and moving a small dishwasher
Weights run from 25.3 lb for the Midea to 46.2 lb for the BLACK+DECKER among the five that give one, so plan the lift before you choose. A heavier unit is harder to carry through a narrow door or up a step.
The HAVA weighs 13 kg, or about 29 lb, and the FOHERE weighs 15 kg, or about 33 lb. The COMFEE' is 36.6 lb, so it is heavier than the FOHERE and lighter than the BLACK+DECKER.
Farberware gives no weight, so check with the maker if lifting matters to you. Over 30 lb, a second person makes the lift easier, and that covers the FOHERE, COMFEE' and BLACK+DECKER.
Measure the door and any turns on the path, since a unit that can't turn in the doorway won't reach its spot.
Where a small dishwasher lives between uses
A countertop or portable unit can come off the counter when you need the space. Midea says its unit can sit on a countertop or in a cupboard, and BLACK+DECKER says its unit stores in cupboards, pantries and kitchen shelves.
Empty the tank and the hoses, and let the unit dry before you put it away. A 46.2 lb BLACK+DECKER is a lot to lift onto a shelf, so a lighter unit suits a spot you'll lift to often.
Drying, speed and noise in a small kitchen
Only two of the six makers give a noise rating, and both are close. FOHERE rates its unit at 50 dB, and Midea rates its unit at 52 dB.
The FOHERE's PTC hot air drying runs for 60 minutes after the wash. HAVA has a heated dry option, and COMFEE' has an Air Refresh mode that circulates air to help dishes dry.
For a faster run, the FOHERE's Speed cycle is a 29-minute quick wash. The Midea has a Quick cycle among its six plus two, and the BLACK+DECKER has a Rapid cycle.
BLACK+DECKER gives no noise rating for the BCD6W, so ask the maker if sound matters in a shared room. A delay start can move a run to a time that suits you.
The FOHERE can delay a start by 1 to 6 hours, the Midea by 1 to 24 hours, and the BLACK+DECKER by up to 24 hours. Set the start so the noisy part of the run falls when you're awake.
Power, drain and floor space checks
Check the outlet, the drain and the floor space, since those three decide whether a unit works in a tiny house. Every unit here needs power nearby.
Keep the cord clear of the hoses and the drain, so nothing gets pulled loose when you slide the unit. Don't run a cord under a rug or across a walkway.
Waste water has to drain to a sink or to another place the manual allows. Read the drain hose length and any height limit in the manual before you pick a spot.
Measure these before you buy:
- The floor width and depth, plus the door swing
- The height under your cabinets, including any gap the maker asks for, such as the 19.6 in that COMFEE' gives
- The path from the door to the spot, including corners
- The distance to the outlet and the sink
Confirm where your sink water goes, whether that is a drain or a gray-water tank, and confirm that your power supply suits the unit. Ask a licensed plumber or electrician about anything that changes the drain or the wiring.
For the sizes behind these numbers, see small dishwasher dimensions.
What the water and energy claims mean for a small kitchen
The brands make water and energy claims, and those numbers come from them, not from us. Compare figures only when they measure the same thing.
FOHERE says a load uses 5 L, which it puts at 80 percent less than handwashing. COMFEE' says its 1.32 gal model uses about one third the water of handwashing.
Midea gives its water use as 2.77 gallons. HAVA says its ECO mode saves water and energy, but it gives no figure.
Midea and BLACK+DECKER both say their units are Energy Star certified. You can read what that label covers at Energy Star.
Care, filters and water left in a new unit
Clean the filter on the schedule in the manual, and expect a small amount of water in a new unit. HAVA and Midea both say that is normal.
BLACK+DECKER says that with daily use, the filter assembly should be cleaned once a week. Its three filters are the main, fine and coarse filters.
FOHERE says its filter system is easy to remove and its tank is quick to clean. If you store a unit in a closet, let it dry out first.
Which dishwasher fits your tiny house
Pick the FOHERE if floor space is the main limit, and pick the HAVA if your water is hard and you want a tank model. Size and hookup usually decide the choice, so confirm the drain and outlet spot before you order.
- Pick the FOHERE if floor space is tight and four place settings cover your needs.
- Pick the HAVA if you want a tank model with a built-in softener and a one-year warranty.
- Pick the COMFEE' 1.32 gal if you may switch between a tank and a faucet and have 19.6 in of clearance.
- Pick the Midea if you need six place settings and have room for a 22 in unit.
- Pick the Farberware if your faucet takes the adapters and you want six settings with folding racks.
- Pick the BLACK+DECKER BCD6W only if you have the floor space and a sink close enough for the drain.
A unit that fits the space but not the drain still won't work in your kitchen.
A dishwasher for a tiny house with two people
A couple who cooks at home may want six place settings, so the Midea, Farberware and BLACK+DECKER fit that need. A single person, or a couple who eats out often, may find the FOHERE's four settings enough.
If you have floor room for a rolling unit, see portable dishwashers on wheels.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for hard water in a tank model
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher With Softener
8.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a tank that can also use a faucet
COMFEE' 1.32 Gal Countertop Dishwasher
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What size dishwasher fits in a tiny house?
Most units here stand 17 to 18 in tall and measure 16 to 22 in wide, so width is the number to check first. The FOHERE is the smallest at 16.2 in wide, and the Midea is the widest at 22 in.
Can a tiny house dishwasher run without a faucet?
Yes, the FOHERE, HAVA and COMFEE' 1.32 gal all run from a built-in tank that you fill by hand, and the Midea also has a tank. Every unit still needs power nearby and a place for the waste water to drain.
Do I need a plumber to set up a countertop dishwasher?
Most of these units need no plumbing work, since they use a tank or a faucet adapter. Faucet models depend on your faucet type, so check it first, follow the manual and ask a licensed plumber about any change to your pipes or drain.
Which tiny house dishwasher holds the most dishes?
The Midea, Farberware and BLACK+DECKER BCD6W each hold six place settings, while the FOHERE holds four. The COMFEE' 1.32 gal takes more than 30 items with plates up to 9.5 in, so compare each count with the dishes you wash most.
