The best countertop dishwasher under $500 for apartments is the Hermitlux 7-Program model. It needs no installation thanks to a built-in 5-liter water tank, fits five place settings and uses just 5 liters of water per cycle.
We compared seven top-rated countertop dishwashers under $500 on Amazon, using only the specs each brand lists. Prices, ratings and review counts come from Amazon at the time of writing and may change.
Countertop dishwashers are ideal for renters because many need no plumbing changes: you fill a tank or connect to the faucet. Below you’ll find our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews, a buying guide and answers to common questions.
Top 3 Countertop Dishwashers for Apartments
Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher with 7 Programs
COMFEE’ Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings
EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher with 40 dB OperationCountertop Dishwashers Under $500 Compared
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher with 7 Programs Best Overall | 5 place settings, 30+ items; fits 10.25" plates · 7 programs plus Delay, Child Lock and Dry | 4.4/5 4,626 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. COMFEE’ Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings Best Capacity | 6 place settings, up to 70 pieces · Energy Star; as little as 2.77 gallons per cycle | 4.1/5 3,760 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher with 40 dB Operation Quietest | Runs at 40 dB · Built-in 5L tank or faucet hookup | 4.4/5 1,050 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher Best Viewing Window | 4 place settings; fits 12" dishes at an angle · 5L tank or faucet mode | 4.4/5 2,528 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher Best Stainless Interior | 6 place settings · Energy Star certified | 4.2/5 1,339 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher with 1.32-Gallon Tank Best Budget | 1.32-gallon built-in tank or faucet hookup · 30+ items; plates up to 9.5" | 4.0/5 3,319 reviews | Check Price |
 | 7. HAVA R01 Countertop Dishwasher with Water Tank Best Water Saver | Built-in 5L tank or faucet · 4 place settings; fits 11" dishes at an angle | 4.4/5 967 reviews | Check Price |
1. Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher with 7 Programs – Best Overall
Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher, 7 Washing Programs Portable Dishwasher
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 4,626 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher is the best countertop dishwasher under $500 for apartments. It needs no installation thanks to a built-in 5-liter water tank, offers seven wash programs plus delay start, child lock and drying, and fits five place settings in a compact body. It costs about $300 with 4.4 stars from 4,626 Amazon reviews.
At 16.85 × 16.73 × 18.23 inches, it fits on most counters, and Hermitlux says it uses up to 83% less water than handwashing at just 5 liters per cycle. That combination makes it ideal for renters who can’t modify plumbing.
Key features
7 + 3 programs. Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, Self-clean and Glass, plus Delay, Child Lock and Dry.
Two water modes. Fill the 5L tank with the included funnel, or connect to your faucet.
Drying and freshness. 60 minutes of hot-air drying and 72 hours of automatic ventilation.
What it’s like to own
The 18-hour delay lets you run cycles overnight or during off-peak power rates. 14 water jets on top and bottom spray arms give 360° cleaning coverage.
Make sure there are at least 20.08 inches between your counter and upper cabinets, and expect a little residual water from factory testing.
Best for: Renters and small apartments.
May not fit: Large families.
2. COMFEE’ Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings – Best Capacity
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 from 3,760 reviews
Pros
Cons
The COMFEE’ Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher is the best high-capacity countertop model, at about $279 with 4.1 stars from 3,760 Amazon reviews. It holds 6 place settings and up to 70 pieces of tableware, suitable for 2–3 people.
It is Energy Star certified and uses as little as 2.77 gallons of water per cycle, with a 45-minute Speed program for busy days.
Key features
Powerful Heavy program. 12 nozzles and 360° spiral spray at up to 154°F.
8 washing cycles. Including Baby-Care, ECO, Glass and Rinse.
Flexible placement. Countertop, table or fitted into a cupboard.
What it’s like to own
At 17.2 × 21.7 × 19.7 inches, it is a bit larger than tank models but holds more. It connects directly to the faucet.
A suitable faucet adaptor is needed, and it has no built-in tank.
Best for: Couples and small families.
May not fit: Kitchens without a standard faucet.
3. EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher with 40 dB Operation – Quietest
EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable, 6 Programs with 40 dB, No Hookup
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 1,050 reviews
Pros
Cons
The EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher is the quietest pick for apartments, at about $249 with 4.4 stars from 1,050 Amazon reviews. It runs at just 40 dB, so you can wash dishes during calls or at night.
It needs no permanent setup: use the 5-liter tank or connect to a faucet, with a water-level indicator that tells you when it’s ready.
Key features
40 dB operation. Built for apartments and open kitchens.
6 programs. 29-minute Quick and Baby Care/Heavy at up to 167°F.
Drying and ventilation. 60 minutes of hot air and up to 73 hours of ventilation.
What it’s like to own
It holds 30+ items and includes a cutlery holder, fruit basket and kettle. It is ETL and DOE certified with a 1-year warranty.
A G3/4-inch faucet adapter must be purchased separately for faucet mode.
Best for: Open-plan apartments.
May not fit: Very heavy loads.
4. NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher – Best Viewing Window
NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers for Small Apartments
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 2,528 reviews
Pros
Cons
The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher is the best pick with a viewing window, at about $270 with 4.4 stars from 2,528 Amazon ratings. Its transparent dual-layer glass door and LED lamp let you check progress at a glance.
It holds 4 place settings and fits up to 12-inch dishes loaded at an angle.
Key features
Two water modes. Built-in 5L tank or faucet hookup.
Baby Care mode. 167°F wash for baby products and oily tableware.
3-in-1. Dishwasher, dryer and storage cabinet.
What it’s like to own
The Speed mode cleans dishes in just 29 minutes. All accessories, including hoses and a fruit basket, are included.
Capacity is lower than COMFEE and BLACK+DECKER models.
Best for: Couples and singles.
May not fit: Bigger households.
5. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Energy Star Countertop Dishwasher – Best Stainless Interior
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Certified, BCD6W, White
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 from 1,339 reviews
Pros
Cons
The BLACK+DECKER BCD6W is the best countertop dishwasher with a stainless steel interior, at about $300 with 4.2 stars from 1,339 Amazon reviews. It is Energy Star certified and holds 6 place settings.
A Quick Connect assembly hooks to your faucet, so you can connect when needed and disconnect when not.
Key features
7 wash cycles. Normal, Intensive, Eco, Glass, 90 Minutes, Rapid and Soak.
LED display. Shows remaining time and delay start.
Stainless interior. Durable and easy to keep clean.
What it’s like to own
Child lock adds safety. At 21.5 × 21.7 × 17.2 inches, it fits many countertops and stores in cupboards.
It is louder than EUHOMY at 60 dB and lacks a built-in tank.
Best for: Shoppers wanting a name brand.
May not fit: Kitchens without a faucet hookup.
6. COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher with 1.32-Gallon Tank – Best Budget
Amazon rating: 4.0/5 from 3,319 reviews
Pros
Cons
The COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher is the best budget countertop dishwasher, at about $249 with 4.0 stars from 3,319 Amazon reviews. Its 1.32-gallon built-in tank means no hookup is needed.
Its ultra-compact design washes 30+ items at a time while occupying a small area.
Key features
Hygiene cycle. Heats water up to 162°F.
Air Refresh. Circulates air to keep dishes dry and fresh.
Flexible water supply. Fill manually or hook to the faucet with included adapter.
What it’s like to own
It suits apartments, dorms, boats and RVs. Use dishwasher detergent, not dish soap.
It fits plates only up to 9.5 inches.
Best for: Tight budgets.
May not fit: Large dinner plates.
7. HAVA R01 Countertop Dishwasher with Water Tank – Best Water Saver
Countertop Dishwasher, 6 Programs Portable Dishwasher with Water Tank
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 967 reviews
Pros
Cons
The HAVA R01 Countertop Dishwasher is the best water saver, at about $289 with 4.4 stars from 967 Amazon ratings. HAVA says it uses just 5 liters per cycle, about a quarter of handwashing.
It holds 4 place settings and fits up to 11-inch dishes at an angle.
Key features
Two water modes. Built-in tank or faucet.
360° cleaning. 14 water ports on top and bottom spray arms.
Drying. 60 minutes of hot air and 72 hours of ventilation.
What it’s like to own
It operates at 950 W for energy savings. Pods, liquids or powders all work.
Capacity is smaller than 6-place models.
Best for: Eco-minded renters.
May not fit: Large households.
How to Choose a Countertop Dishwasher for an Apartment
Water tank vs faucet hookup
Built-in water tank models (Hermitlux, EUHOMY, NOVETE, COMFEE’ Mini, HAVA) need no plumbing at all. Fill the tank and run a cycle, which is ideal if your faucet isn’t compatible or your landlord prohibits changes.
Faucet-connected models (COMFEE’ 6-place, BLACK+DECKER) offer continuous water and often larger capacity, but need a compatible faucet and sometimes an adapter.
Capacity
Most compact models fit 4–5 place settings, enough for one or two people. Check maximum plate size: some only fit 9.5-inch plates.
For 2–3 people, choose a 6-place model like the COMFEE’ Energy Star or BLACK+DECKER BCD6W.
Size and clearance
Measure the space between your counter and upper cabinets. Hermitlux needs at least 20.08 inches and COMFEE’ Mini needs 19.6 inches.
Leave room for the door to open and for the drain hose to reach the sink.
Noise
Apartments with open kitchens benefit from quiet models. EUHOMY runs at 40 dB, quieter than many 50–60 dB models.
Delay start lets you run cycles while you sleep or are out.
Programs and drying
Look for quick cycles (29–45 minutes), heavy or baby-care cycles with high temperatures and a drying mode.
Hot-air drying with long ventilation keeps dishes dry and prevents odors in small spaces.
Efficiency
Energy Star models (COMFEE’ 6-place, BLACK+DECKER) save water and energy. Tank models use about 5 liters per cycle.
Always use dishwasher-specific detergent; regular dish soap causes suds problems.
FAQ
What is the best countertop dishwasher for apartments under $500?
The Hermitlux 7-Program Countertop Dishwasher, for its no-hookup water tank, seven programs and compact size.
Do countertop dishwashers need plumbing?
Not always. Models with built-in water tanks run without any hookup; faucet models connect temporarily with a quick connector.
How many dishes fit in a countertop dishwasher?
Typically 4 to 6 place settings, or about 30 to 70 items depending on the model.
Are countertop dishwashers worth it?
Yes for small households without a built-in dishwasher. They save time and typically use far less water than handwashing.
Can I use regular dish soap?
No. Use dishwasher-specific detergent; regular dish soap creates too many suds.
How loud are countertop dishwashers?
Between about 40 and 60 dB. EUHOMY is one of the quietest at 40 dB.
Final Verdict
The Hermitlux 7-Program is the best countertop dishwasher for apartments under $500, combining no-hookup convenience with useful programs.
Choose the COMFEE’ Energy Star 6-place for more capacity, the EUHOMY for quiet operation and the BLACK+DECKER for a stainless interior.
The COMFEE’ Mini is the best budget pick, and the HAVA R01 saves the most water.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Hermitlux 7-Program
- Best capacity: COMFEE’ Energy Star 6-Place
- Quietest: EUHOMY 40 dB
- Best stainless interior: BLACK+DECKER BCD6W
- Best budget: COMFEE’ Mini
Related buying guides: · ·
