Best Mini Dishwashers for Small Kitchens
The best mini dishwashers include the COMFEE' 5 L for a faucet hookup with an adapter included, the HAVA 5 L Softener for homes with hard water, and the Midea 6 Place Settings for a bigger load in a small kitchen.
On this page (14 sections)
- The 6 best mini dishwashers for small kitchens in detail
- Side by side: size, water supply and cycles
- How we picked these six mini dishwashers
- Clearance above the counter
- Water tanks, faucets and refills
- Cycles, drying and detergent
- Noise, energy and water: what the makers say
- Which size suits your household
- What fits inside a mini dishwasher
- Loading tips for a small rack
- Weight: what you will lift when you move it
- Renters and small kitchens: what to check first
- Who should skip a mini dishwasher
- Which mini dishwasher is the best fit for you
Five of the six mini dishwashers here run from a 5-liter tank, and five can also connect to a faucet. The COMFEE' leads because it adds a faucet adapter in the box to a 16.5-inch footprint.
We compared six countertop models on size, water supply, cycles, clearance and what each maker says about noise and water. Each card covers who the model suits and what to check first.
Start with the space. A mini dishwasher still needs room above it, and three of these models ask for 19 inches or more.
The countertop and portable dishwashers guide explains the main types before you narrow the list.
Our picks at a glance
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The 6 best mini dishwashers for small kitchens in detail
The COMFEE' scores highest because it fits 30 or more items into a 16.5-inch-wide unit and includes a faucet adapter. The Hermitlux scores lowest because it holds four settings, needs 19.88 inches of clearance and may arrive without a funnel.
COMFEE' 5 L
- 30 or more items per load
- Adjustable rack and see-through window
- Air Refresh mode
- Quick-connect inlet hose with adapter
A 5 L tank and an included faucet adapter in a unit that's 16.5 inches wide. COMFEE' says it uses about a third of the water of handwashing.
Pros
- Faucet adapter included for a sink hookup
- COMFEE' says Air Refresh helps keep dishes and the machine dry
- Adjustable rack and see-through window
Cons
- Needs at least 19.6 in between the counter and the upper cabinet
- Weighs 36.6 lb, the heaviest here
- Plates up to 9.5 in only
The COMFEE' is the mini model with a faucet adapter in the box, so it runs from its tank or from the sink. It holds 30 or more items per load, and plates up to 9.5 inches fit inside.
The quick-connect inlet hose comes with the adapter and measures 59 inches. Measure from your faucet to the spot where the unit will sit, and check your faucet first.
COMFEE' names six programs, including Normal, Rapid, Fruit, Glass and Air Refresh. COMFEE' says Air Refresh circulates air to help keep the dishes and the machine dry, and you can switch it off.
The adjustable rack and see-through window make loading and watching a cycle easier. COMFEE' says the unit uses about a third of the water of handwashing.
It asks for at least 19.6 inches between the counter and the upper cabinet, and it's the heaviest model here at 36.6 lb. Skip it if your cabinets sit lower than that.
Our COMFEE' countertop dishwasher review covers another COMFEE' tank model.
HAVA 5 L Softener
- Integrated water softener
- Child lock
- 18-hour delayed start
- 8 wash programs
An integrated water softener with settings for your water hardness, plus a child lock and an 18-hour delay start.
Pros
- Water softener with hardness settings
- Child lock and an 18-hour delayed start
- One-year warranty from HAVA
Cons
- HAVA doesn't state a place setting count
- Described as a tank model, with no faucet adapter named
The HAVA is the one to pick if your water runs hard. It has an integrated water softener with settings you choose by your water hardness, which HAVA says helps prevent limescale and watermarks on dishes.
The 5-liter tank sits inside the unit, and HAVA describes it as a no-plumbing model for a dorm, apartment, kitchen or RV. Expect to refill the tank by hand.
It has eight wash programs, including Economy, Intensive, Normal and Rapid, plus a heated dry option. A child lock and an 18-hour delayed start add everyday control.
HAVA doesn't state a place setting count. The inside measures about 13 by 13.8 by 10.8 inches, so judge the load by the basket.
HAVA gives a one-year warranty and notes that a little water left in the unit out of the box is normal.
Skip it if you want a faucet connection, since HAVA describes this one as a tank model. Our HAVA countertop dishwasher review covers a different HAVA model.
Midea 6 Place Settings
- 6 place settings
- Delay start from 1 to 24 hours
- 52 dB operation
- Energy Star, Midea says
Six place settings in a 22-inch-wide unit, the largest load in this roundup. Midea says it's Energy Star certified.
Pros
- Six place settings, the most in this roundup
- Delay start and 52 dB operation
- Quick-connect inlet hose included
Cons
- Power Wash can't run with Auto, Rapid or MachineCare+
- At 22 inches wide, it's the widest unit here
The Midea is the largest model here, and it's the one to pick when a mini dishwasher still has to handle dinner for two or three. It holds six place settings and up to 70 pieces of tableware, with plates up to 10 inches.
The cycles are Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick, Rinse and Delicate, with Extended Dry and Power Wash on top. Power Wash can't run with Auto, Rapid or MachineCare+, so read the manual before you pick a combination.
A delay start runs from 1 to 24 hours, and Midea puts the noise at 52 dB. A childproof lock is built in.
Midea says the unit is Energy Star certified and puts its water use at 2.77 gallons. A quick-connect inlet hose comes with it, but Midea says a suitable adaptor is needed for your faucet, so check your faucet first.
At 22 inches wide it's the widest unit here, so check how much counter run you have. Skip it if your counter is tight, because the width is the trade-off for the bigger load.
EUHOMY 5 L
- 30 or more items per load
- Plates up to 10.25 in
- Up to 73 hours of ventilation
- EUHOMY says 40 dB
A quiet 5 L unit that EUHOMY says runs at 40 dB, with up to 73 hours of ventilation after drying.
Pros
- Fits 30 or more items and plates up to 10.25 in
- Up to 73 hours of ventilation after drying
- Drain hose and inlet hose included
Cons
- The faucet adapter is sold separately
- EUHOMY recommends more than 19 in of clearance
The EUHOMY is the one to choose for a quiet kitchen, since EUHOMY says it runs at 40 dB. It's a 5-liter model that connects to a faucet with a separate adapter.
It fits 30 or more items per load, and plates up to 10.25 inches fit inside. The box includes the inlet and drain hoses, a cutlery basket, a fruit basket and a storage rack.
The six programs include Normal, Quick, ECO, Fruit and Dry, plus a heavy-duty cycle. EUHOMY says Quick runs for 29 minutes.
Drying runs 60 minutes with hot air after most cycles, and then the unit ventilates for up to 73 hours. EUHOMY says that helps keep dishes dry and reduces odors.
For a faucet, EUHOMY says the unit works with G3/4-inch connections and asks you to buy the adapter separately. It recommends more than 19 inches of clearance, and it weighs 28.6 lb.
EUHOMY gives a one-year warranty and says the unit is ETL and DOE certified. Skip it if you want a faucet connection without buying anything extra.
FOHERE 5 L
- 16.2 in wide
- 4 place settings
- Hot air drying for 60 minutes
- Hose and adapters included
The narrowest unit here at 16.2 inches wide, with a glass door and hot air drying after the cycle.
Pros
- Narrowest unit here at 16.2 in wide
- Drying and ventilation after the cycle
- Hose and adapters included for faucet use
Cons
- Four place settings, so bigger loads need more runs
- The Fruit cycle runs without detergent
The FOHERE is the narrowest unit here at 16.2 inches wide and 15.5 inches deep. It holds four place settings, including 12-inch plates set at an angle, five bowls, four cups and seven utensils.
It runs five programs, including Normal, Speed, ECO and Fruit. Speed is a 29-minute quick wash, and the Fruit cycle runs without detergent.
The unit runs from its 5-liter tank or from your faucet with the included hose and adapters. FOHERE says one load uses 5 L, which it puts at 80 percent less than handwashing.
After washing, it dries with 60 minutes of hot air and then ventilates for 72 hours. The glass door has LED lighting, so you can watch the cycle.
It accepts pods, powder or liquid detergent, except on the Fruit cycle. It runs at 50 dB and weighs about 33 lb.
Skip it if you need more than four settings. A bigger household will run it more often.
Hermitlux 5 L
- Glass door
- Tank or faucet mode
- 4 place settings
- Fits 10.25 in plates at an angle
A glass door and two water modes, so you can fill a tank or connect to a faucet.
Pros
- Glass door to watch the cycle
- Tank or faucet mode
- Fits 10.25 in plates at an angle
Cons
- Hermitlux says some units may arrive without the adapted funnel
- Needs 19.88 in of clearance
- Four place settings
The Hermitlux is for a counter where you want to see the cycle. The glass door lets you check the wash without opening it, and the unit holds four place settings.
It runs five programs: Standard, Fast, ECO, Strong and Fruit cleaning. Dual spray arms with high water pressure spread water over the dishes.
Two water modes give you options: the 5-liter tank filled with a funnel, or a faucet connection. Hermitlux says the funnel gives you control over the water flow and helps prevent overflow.
It needs at least 19.88 inches between the countertop and the wall cabinets. It fits dishes up to 10.25 inches loaded at an angle, and it weighs about 26.5 lb.
Hermitlux names an inlet hose but no faucet adapter, so check your faucet first. It also says some units may arrive without the adapted funnel, so check the box when it comes.
Skip it if you need six or more settings. The Midea is the better fit for a bigger load.
Side by side: size, water supply and cycles
Widths are close across this group, so depth and height often decide the fit. The FOHERE is the narrowest and shallowest model, the COMFEE' is the shortest, and the Midea is the widest at 22 inches.
Sizes in the table are width x depth x height, in inches.
| Product | Best for | Size | Water supply | Cycles | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMFEE' 5 L | a faucet hookup with an adapter included | 16.53 x 17.13 x 17.24 in | 5 L tank or faucet with adapter | 6 programs | 8.8 |
| HAVA 5 L Softener | homes with hard water | 16.75 x 16.86 x 18.05 in | 5 L tank inside the unit | 8 programs | 8.6 |
| Midea 6 Place Settings | a bigger load in a small kitchen | 22 x 20 x 17.25 in | Tank or faucet via quick-connect hose | 6 cycles plus 2 functions | 8.5 |
| EUHOMY 5 L | a quiet kitchen | 16.73 x 16.85 x 18.03 in | 5 L tank or faucet, adapter sold separately | 6 programs | 8.3 |
| FOHERE 5 L | the narrowest counter | 16.2 x 15.5 x 17.8 in | 5 L tank or faucet hose | 5 programs | 8.0 |
| Hermitlux 5 L | watching the cycle | 16.85 x 16.73 x 18.03 in | 5 L tank or faucet | 5 programs | 7.6 |
Five of the six use a 5-liter tank, and three name a faucet adapter in the box: the FOHERE, COMFEE' and Midea. EUHOMY sells its adapter separately, Hermitlux names none, and HAVA is a tank model.
How we picked these six mini dishwashers
We compared the six on width, depth and height first, then water supply, cycles, clearance and what comes in the box. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
A mini dishwasher is only useful if it fits the space, so the footprint came first. Next we looked at how each unit gets water and how many place settings it holds.
Models that state their clearance, adapter and place settings clearly scored higher. Where a detail was missing, we noted it on the card rather than guessing.
We didn't rank on size alone. A narrow unit with a vague water supply or clearance scored lower than a slightly larger model with clear specs.
Clearance above the counter
Three of the six state a clearance: COMFEE' at 19.6 inches, EUHOMY at more than 19 inches, and Hermitlux at 19.88 inches. FOHERE, HAVA and Midea give none, so measure before you buy any of them.
Measure from the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinet, and note any light fixture or outlet in the way. A unit under a tight cabinet is hard to load.
For a wider look at how much room these units need, read our small dishwasher dimensions guide.
Measure the gap the right way
Write down the gap at the left and right ends of the counter. Use the smaller number, since a cabinet that dips lower on one side decides the fit.
Compare that number with the clearance each maker gives: 19.6 inches for COMFEE', more than 19 for EUHOMY and 19.88 for Hermitlux.
If your gap is close to a model's number, leave a little margin. Extra room helps when you slide the unit in and out.
Water tanks, faucets and refills
A 5-liter tank is the most common water supply here, and you fill it by hand. A tank is small, so expect to refill it between runs.
FOHERE says a load uses 5 L, so with a 5-liter tank you'll refill about once per load.
A faucet connection saves refilling, but it depends on your faucet. Check your faucet first: the aerator type, its thread size and whether you have a pull-down or spray faucet all change the adapter you need.
Follow the manual for the hookup. If you're unsure, contact the maker before you connect anything.
If you'd rather compare tank models with other countertop options, the best countertop dishwashers with a water tank roundup covers them in more depth.
Cycles, drying and detergent
The programs are close across this group, with five to eight on most models. Normal is the program for everyday loads, and the others cover quick washes, heavier loads and fruit.
Drying is a strong point on several models. The FOHERE and EUHOMY both add timed hot air drying and then ventilation, and the COMFEE' has an Air Refresh mode that you can turn off.
Detergent matters too. The FOHERE accepts pods, powder or liquid detergent except on its Fruit cycle, and EUHOMY says to use dishwasher detergent only.
Short programs are common here. FOHERE's Speed and EUHOMY's Quick are both 29-minute washes, which suits a light load you need soon.
Noise, energy and water: what the makers say
EUHOMY says its unit runs at 40 dB, FOHERE puts its noise at 50 dB, and Midea puts its at 52 dB. COMFEE', HAVA and Hermitlux give no noise figure.
The Midea is the only one of the six that says Energy Star, a federal program you can read about at energystar.gov. EUHOMY says its unit is ETL and DOE certified, and FOHERE says it's ETL-certified.
Water figures are thin in this group. Treat FOHERE's 80 percent figure, the COMFEE' one-third claim and Midea's 2.77 gallons as the makers' numbers, not independent results.
Which size suits your household
Four settings suit a couple and occasional guests. Six settings cover a small family that runs the dishwasher most days.
The COMFEE' and EUHOMY both fit 30 or more items, which helps when a load is mostly small pieces and cups. Count your dishes before you pick a size.
Plates matter too, since the COMFEE' stops at 9.5 inches and the Midea at 10. The EUHOMY and Hermitlux fit 10.25 inches, and the FOHERE takes 12-inch plates at an angle.
The best mini dishwasher for a couple
For two people, the FOHERE and Hermitlux hold four place settings, which covers most meals. Both are narrow enough for a crowded counter.
The COMFEE' suits a couple that wants the faucet option, because its adapter is in the box. It holds 30 or more items, so a couple has plenty of room.
Choose the narrowest unit that still fits your dishes. A couple usually doesn't need the largest model here.
What fits inside a mini dishwasher
Mini racks hold small plates, bowls, cups and utensils, but large platters and sheet pans rarely fit. Wash those by hand or plan a second run.
Most models here fit plates of about 10 inches. The FOHERE takes 12-inch plates at an angle, and the Hermitlux takes 10.25-inch dishes the same way.
HAVA gives an inside size of about 13 by 13.8 by 10.8 inches, which is a good guide to the basket. Bowls and cups usually fit well, and utensils go in the basket.
Loading tips for a small rack
A small rack rewards careful loading. Face bowls and cups down, and leave a gap between items so the water can reach them.
Scrape food off first. EUHOMY recommends scraping off heavy grease or burnt-on residue before loading, so follow that advice.
Keep knives with the points down and away from the spray arms. Lay long utensils flat in the basket so they don't block the arms.
Use only the detergent your model needs. FOHERE says pods, powder and liquid detergents work in most cycles, but not in the Fruit cycle.
EUHOMY's water-level indicator shows when the tank is ready, so use it instead of guessing.
Weight: what you will lift when you move it
Weight runs from 25.3 lb for the Midea to 36.6 lb for the COMFEE'. The Hermitlux is about 26.5 lb, the EUHOMY 28.6 lb, the HAVA about 28.7 lb and the FOHERE about 33 lb.
A full 5-liter tank adds about 11 lb of water, so empty it before you carry the unit. Follow your manual for draining the tank and for moving the unit.
If you share a kitchen or move often, the lighter units are easier to put away between uses. A heavy unit tends to stay on the counter all the time.
Renters and small kitchens: what to check first
Check your lease before you add a faucet adapter. Some landlords want a say in any change to the plumbing, even a change that comes off easily.
Measure the counter run and the clearance above it. A renter's kitchen is often tight, so a unit that works in a photo may not fit the space.
If you move often, count the hose and adapter as part of the unit. They're small, easy to lose and needed for any faucet connection.
For more options that suit a rental kitchen, read our best countertop dishwashers for apartments roundup.
Who should skip a mini dishwasher
A household that cooks for six or more every day will run a mini unit many times a week. A larger model suits that routine better.
Skip a mini dishwasher if you can't fit the clearance above the counter. Several of these units need 19 inches or more, and a tight cabinet makes loading hard.
Skip it if you can't get water to it easily. Most of these use a 5-liter tank, and a faucet connection depends on the thread at your sink.
Skip it if you need a big rack for platters and sheet pans. The fit section above shows what the baskets handle.
Which mini dishwasher is the best fit for you
Pick the COMFEE' if you want a faucet adapter in the box and can give it 19.6 inches of clearance. Pick the HAVA if your water runs hard and you want a child lock and a delay start.
Pick the Midea if you need six place settings and have 22 inches of width. Pick the EUHOMY if a quiet kitchen matters most, and buy its faucet adapter before you start.
Pick the FOHERE if your counter is the narrowest space you have. Pick the Hermitlux if you want to see the wash through the door and can give it 19.88 inches.
Start with the narrowest space you have, then choose the water supply you can live with. Weigh the number of place settings last, since a smaller unit simply means running it more often.
For more countertop picks to compare with these, see best countertop dishwashers with a water tank.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest mini dishwasher?
The FOHERE is the narrowest at 16.2 inches wide and 15.5 inches deep, and it holds four place settings. The Hermitlux, EUHOMY and HAVA are close in width, so compare depth and height too and measure your counter run before you choose.
Do mini dishwashers need a faucet hookup?
Not always, since each one runs from a built-in tank you fill by hand, and five of the six can also connect to a faucet. Check your faucet first and follow the manual, because EUHOMY sells its adapter separately and Hermitlux names none.
How much clearance does a countertop mini dishwasher need?
Clearance depends on the model, and three give a figure. COMFEE' asks for at least 19.6 inches between the counter and the upper cabinet, Hermitlux asks for 19.88 and EUHOMY recommends more than 19, so measure that gap with the cabinets in place first.
Do mini dishwashers use much water?
Some makers give a figure, such as FOHERE's claim of 80 percent less water than handwashing and Midea's 2.77 gallons of water use. These are the makers' own numbers, not independent results, so compare them with care and check the manual for your cycle.
