5 Best Tiny House Dishwashers - The Compact Kitchen

Welcome to the world of tiny house living, where every inch counts and space-saving appliances are a must-have.

As someone who has lived in a tiny place for years, sometimes the kitchen may be in the same room as the dining and living area, and sometimes where I need to sleep as well (I recall the tiny room from college)! Trust me, It’s not pleasant resting alongside those mounds of dirty smelling dishes.

Hence, I know firsthand the challenges of finding the perfect dishwasher that can fit in a tiny kitchen and still clean dishes effectively.

But don’t worry, fellow small living space lovers! I’m here to share my top 5 best tiny house dishwashers with you, which will make your life easier and your dishes sparkle clean.

So, let’s dive in and find the perfect one for you!

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In a hurry? See our top picks:

Top picks

Best built-in/portable Dishwasher

SPT SD-9263 18” Wide Portable Dishwasher

Space-saving: 4.2/5
Noise level: 4.6/5
Ease of use: 4.2/5
Size: 17.64″D x 23.63″W x 35.63″H

See price on Amazon

Best Countertop Dishwasher

COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher CDC22P1BBB

Space-saving: 4.8/5
Noise level: 4.6/5
Ease of use: 4.8/5
Size: 20.6″D x 21.6″W x 17.2″H

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What’s on the checklist?

Here are some of the essential factors to consider when choosing a compact dishwasher:

Size and Capacity: Choose the machine that fits your kitchen and your dishes.
Energy Efficiency: Look for an Energy Star-rated products to save money and reduce your environmental impact.
Noise Level: If you want to keep your home quiet, choose a dishwasher with a low decibel rating.
Wash Cycles and Features: Think about how you live and what kind of dishes you have to choose the right wash cycles and features for your dishwasher.
Installation and Maintenance: Choose a product with clear instructions and few parts that is easy to set up and take care of.

Top 5 Best Tiny House Dishwashers

Frigidaire FFBD1831US

The Frigidaire FFBD1831US is a high-performing model that is ideal for small places such as tiny homes or apartments. This 18-inch built-in dishwasher features an ADA-compliant dual spray arm technology that offers a complete cleaning every time.

With an Energy Star certification, you can save money and energy while enjoying its wonderful features. It also includes six cleaning cycle options, including Energy Saving, Heavy Wash, and Rinse, making it simple to use. It also operates quietly at 52 DBAs, making it ideal for use while still in the same room, perfect for people living in a small house, where you share places for working, cooking and entertaining.

Pros

Space-saving design allows cleaning of up to 8 place settings in one cycle
Dual spray arm system ensures a thorough clean every time
Energy Star certified, allowing you to save on energy and costs
Six cleaning cycle options make it easy to use
Quiet operation at 52 DBAs allows for use while in the same room
ADA compliant to meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Cons

It may not fit larger items
Some users experienced difficulty with installation

My personal notes:

Being a user of the Frigidaire FFBD1831US, I can attest to its excellent quality. It fits well in my small kitchen, and the dual spray arm mechanism ensures that my dishes are completely cleaned at all times.

The six cleaning cycle options are simple to use, and the quiet operation allows me to use it while being in the same room. But, I’ve discovered that the drying function isn’t always efficient with tough stains, leaving blotches on plates. Also, certain larger things might not fit in.

Overall, I strongly suggest the Frigidaire FFBD1831US to anyone searching for a high-quality, space-saving dishwasher.

Frigidaire FFBD1831US

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SPT SD-9263 18” Wide Portable Dishwasher

The SPT SD-9263 18″ Wide Portable Dishwasher is an excellent addition to any kitchen. Its trendy and modern design, attractive exterior, and powerful cleaning skills make it a must-have.

This ENERGY STAR-rated dishwasher with 8 place settings can quickly connect to any kitchen faucet, making it simple to use. There are six wash routines available: heavy, normal, eco, glass, 90 minute, and speedy. A rinse aid caution sign, a stainless-steel interior, and an adjustable upper rack to accommodate larger plates and pots are also included.

The SPT SD-9263 additionally has an automatic detergent and rinse agent dispenser, a timer, and an error alert with fault codes.

Pros

Energy Star rating makes it energy-efficient
Quick and easy connection to any kitchen faucet
Six wash programs for customized wash cycle
Automatic detergent and rinse aid dispenser
Adjustable upper rack to accommodate larger plates and pots
Stainless-steel interior for durability

Cons

The top rack comes off the rails easily
Flimsy rails and cords
Water leakage when used with side/detached sprayer faucet

My personal notes:

Overall, I believe that the SPT SD-9263W is a great dishwasher with energy-efficient features, easy installation, and customized wash cycles. It is quiet and can easily be rolled, making it easy to move around.

However, the top rack comes off the rails too easily, and the rails seem flimsy. Also, water leakage may occur when used with a side/detached sprayer faucet.

Nonetheless, its sleek design, durable stainless-steel interior, and automatic detergent and rinse aid dispenser make it a great choice for anyone looking for a portable dishwasher for their small house.

SPT SD-9263 18” Wide Portable Dishwasher

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Danby 18 Inch Built in Dishwasher

Danby’s 18-inch Built-in Dishwasher is an excellent solution for anyone living in a studio or apartment. This Energy Star compliant dishwasher has a low-water consumption rate, holds up to 8 place settings, and has 6 wash cycles to choose from, making it easy to clean up after meals. It’s equipped with a stainless steel tub and operates quietly, so you won’t even notice it’s running.

Pros

Space-saving 18-inch built-in dishwasher
Energy Star compliant with low water consumption
Stainless steel tub for maximum durability
Quiet operation at only 52db
6 convenient wash cycles
Delay start feature allows you to pre-select a desired start time

Cons

No drying feature
Limited capacity compared to larger models
Only available in black, white, or stainless steel

My personal notes:

3 years ago, I moved into a new small apartment, and I was on the hunt for an efficient dishwasher that wouldn’t take up too much space. This Danby was the perfect solution.

It’s compact and fits perfectly in my kitchen, and the Energy Star compliance means I’m saving money on my water bill. I love the stainless steel tub, which makes it easy to clean and will last for years. The machine runs quietly, so I can do dishes at night without waking anyone up.

The only downside is that it doesn’t have a drying feature, but I just open the door and let the dishes air dry.

Danby 18 Inch Built in Dishwasher

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Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher

Are you looking for a portable and convenient dishwasher for your mobile home, boat, apartment, or RV? The Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher is an excellent option for you.

This dishwasher has a built-in water tank, which means you don’t need to connect it to a water source or leave your kitchen faucet running. With five washing programs and a compact design, this little boy is perfect for small living spaces.

Pros

Built-in water tank allows for portability and ease of use
Economical and energy-efficient, using only 5 liters of water per wash
Offers five wash programs, including a glass wash cycle for baby bottles and a fruit wash cycle
Includes a fruit basket for washing fruits and vegetables
Lower and upper spray arms ensure dishes are cleaned streak-free
Automatic air circulation helps to dry dishes after the wash cycle
Clasps shut with a magnetic lock to prevent accidental opening

Cons

Not compatible with rinse aids or detergent pods
Smaller capacity than other countertop dishwashers, accommodating only two dining sets and a serving bowl

My personal notes:

As someone who lives in a small apartment, I highly recommend the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher. Its compact size allows it to fit seamlessly into my living space, and the built-in water tank eliminates the need for a water hookup.

The fruit basket and fruit wash cycle are a great bonus, and I appreciate the machine’s energy efficiency. I do wish it had a larger capacity, but it’s not a deal breaker for me. Overall, the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a reliable and convenient choice for anyone living in a small space.

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher

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COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher CDC22P1BBB

If you are living in a mobile home, dorm, RV, or apartment, you understand how difficult it may be to find space-saving equipment. Nevertheless, with the COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher CDC22P1BBB, you will no longer have to worry about washing dishes by hand. This little man has a 6-place setting capacity and is ideal for 2-3 persons.

Pros

Easy installation with accessories and simple plumbed connection steps.
Multiple washing cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Rinse, and Mini-Party.
Energy Star compliant, which saves on water and electricity.
Can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware, including a plate size of up to 10 inches diameter.

Cons

The drain line can get twisted, causing the machine to stop working correctly.
The water supply/drain hose should be longer.
It may not fit tall dishes, but you can work around this by tilting the dishes.

My personal notes:

I bought the COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher as a gift for a friend’s new tiny house, and I’m really pleased with its performance. It is simple to install, and I was able to connect it directly to the faucet.

I enjoy that it has numerous washing cycles from which I can select the one that best suits my needs. The Heavy program works well on extremely filthy dishes, and the Speed program is ideal for cleaning dishes rapidly.

One thing to keep in mind is that the drain line might become twisted, which occurred to me, but I was able to untwist it. Overall, I would recommend this product to anyone who lives in a tiny space and wants to save time and effort on dishwashing.

Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher

See price on Amazon

BONUS: Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher

If I didn’t go with the COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, this Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher is the best alternative. I adore this product due to its small size and powerful cleaning capabilities, however the design let me down a little.

Pros

Compact size fits into even the smallest kitchens
4 place-setting capacity and fits up to 11″ dishes loaded at an angle
5 washing programs for versatile cleaning
Dual high water pressure spraying arms provide a streak-free deep cleaning
High-temperature washing and PTC hot wind for a sparkling clean finish
Unique glass door allows you to check the washing progress
Clear LED display and easy-to-use touch control panel

Cons

Needs 5 liters of water to run, which may not be clearly stated in the product information

My personal notes:

I like that there are different washing programs and that it washes at a high temperature, which makes sure that the dishes are always sparkling clean. The one-of-a-kind glass door is a lovely addition that allows me to monitor the washing process. Basically, the look and feel are entirely subjective.

Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher

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Editor’s pick

After a lot of research and thinking about different brands and models, I think the SPT SD-9263 18″ Wide Portable Dishwasher is the best dishwasher for a tiny house.

Not only is this dishwasher energy-efficient with its ENERGY STAR rating, but it also has an easy and quick installation process, making it a breeze to set up in any tiny house kitchen. The six wash programs let you choose your own wash cycle, so your dishes will always come out clean. Additionally, the automatic detergent and rinse aid dispensers make the cleaning process even more effortless.

The upper rack is adjustable, which is a big plus because it makes it easy to fit larger plates and pots. The inside is made of stainless steel, which makes it stronger and more likely to last for years.

Even though it has some problems, like the top rack coming off the rails easily and the rails themselves being weak, the pros of the SPT SD-9263 are far superior than the cons. Additionally, it’s a perfect fit for anyone living in a tiny house or with a small kitchen, as it can handle heavy loads while remaining easy to move around.

SPT SD-9263 18” Wide Portable Dishwasher

See price on Amazon

In conclusion, the SPT SD-9263 18″ Wide Portable Dishwasher is a great investment for anyone who wants a reliable, energy-efficient, and small dishwasher for their tiny house. Its sleek design and powerful cleaning skills make it a must-have for any tiny house kitchen.

F.A.Q

A built-in dishwasher is meant to stay in your kitchen permanently, usually under your countertop. It is hard to move because it is connected to your home’s plumbing and electrical systems. Built-in dishwashers are usually bigger than portable or countertop dishwashers, and they have more features, like high temperature settings and multiple wash cycles. In addition, they are usually more expensive than portable or countertop dishwashers.

A portable dishwasher, as its name suggests, can be moved from one place to another. It features wheels and a water supply hose that attaches to your kitchen sink faucet. Portable dishwashers are a good option for people who don’t want to install a permanent one or who live in a small space, like a tiny house. They are, however, smaller and less powerful than built-in models, and while in use, they might take up valuable counter or storage space.

A countertop dishwasher is the smallest form of dishwasher and is designed to sit on your counter. It is normally intended for lighter loads and can only hold a limited number of dishes. Countertop dishwashers are great for people who don’t have much room or who only need to wash a few dishes at once. They are usually less powerful than built-in or portable ones and may lack some functions.

In summary, built-in dishwashers are permanent fixtures in your kitchen and are typically larger and more powerful, portable dishwashers are portable and connect to your sink faucet, and countertop dishwashers are compact and sit on your countertop. Each type of dishwasher has its own pros and cons, and the best one for you will depend on your needs and preferences.

A suitable dishwasher noise level is generally considered to be between 44 and 60 decibels (dB). Decibels are a unit of sound measurement; the lower the number, the quieter the dishwasher.

Dishwashers that operate at 44–50 dB are regarded as very quiet and are appropriate for usage in open-concept living spaces or tiny residences where noise can be heard. Devices with an operating noise level of 50–60 dB are still quite quiet and may be used in most houses without interfering with daily activities.

It is important to note that noise levels might vary based on the features and settings of a dishwasher. A dishwasher with a built-in sound insulation system, for example, may operate more quietly than one without one. Some dishwasher models also have a “silent mode” or “night mode” that makes the dishwasher even less noisy.

Yes, you can use a dishwasher in a little house with hard water, but you should examine how hard water affects the dishwasher’s performance and longevity.

Hard water is heavy in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave mineral deposits on dishes and the dishwasher itself. These deposits can cause clogs and damage to the dishwasher’s internal components over time, lowering the dishwasher’s lifespan.

You can use a water softener or add a rinse aid to your dishwasher to reduce the impact of hard water. A water softener can remove minerals from the water before it enters the dishwasher, and a rinse aid can help avoid mineral deposits on dishes and the dishwasher interior.

Furthermore, some dishwasher models include built-in water softening systems or filters that can aid in the removal of minerals from hard water. If hard water is a concern in your location, you may want to investigate models with these qualities when buying for a dishwasher for a tiny house.

Yes, you can run a dishwasher off-grid with solar power in a tiny house, but it will rely on numerous things, including the size of the dishwasher, its energy efficiency, and the capacity of your solar power system.

To run a dishwasher off the grid with solar power, you need a solar power system that can make enough electricity to run the dishwasher. The energy used by the dishwasher, which is usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, will determine the size of the solar power system.

When shopping for an off-grid small house dishwasher, seek for models with an ENERGY STAR rating, which shows that the dishwasher is energy-efficient and can help you save money on energy. You might also want to think about getting a smaller dishwasher, which uses less energy than larger versions.

In addition to the energy consumption of the dishwasher, you also need to consider the capacity of your solar power system. There will need to be enough solar panels, batteries, and other parts to make and store enough electricity to run the dishwasher. A person who installs solar power systems can help you figure out how much power you need for your specific needs.

No, pre-rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher is not required. The majority of modern dishwashers are built to manage food debris and oil. But, if there are huge chunks of food on your dishes, scrape them off before loading them in the dishwasher.

Sure, you can fill the dishwasher with hot water from the faucet. But, if your hot water temperature is set too high, it can damage or malfunction the dishwasher. For the recommended water temperature, consult the manufacturer’s instructions.

No, you shouldn’t put regular dish soap in your dishwasher because it can make too many suds and cause the water to overflow. Dishwasher detergents are designed to produce little suds while cleaning well in the dishwasher.

If you accidentally put too much detergent in your dishwasher, you may experience excessive suds and overflow. To remedy this, stop the dishwasher and scoop out excess suds with a sponge or towel. Then, run a rinse cycle to remove any remaining soap.

Cleaning your dishwasher at least once a month is suggested to ensure good operation and to prevent the accumulation of filth or food particles.

The best way to clean a dishwasher is to first remove any loose debris or food particles from the dishwasher’s filter and interior. Then, run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar and baking soda to deep clean and deodorize the dishwasher.