Living in an apartment often means sacrificing space, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the convenience of a dishwasher. Whether you’re dealing with a tiny kitchen or just want to reclaim your counter space, a compact dishwasher can be a game-changer. This guide reviews the top apartment-sized models, focusing on capacity, ease of installation, and cleaning performance.
We’ve tested and compared a range of options, from countertop units that sit on your counter to built-in models that fit under your sink. You’ll learn about key features like water tank options, wash cycles, and noise levels, so you can choose the perfect dishwasher for your living situation. Let’s dive in.
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Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, Stainless Steel Tub
Best forBuilt-in under-sink installation
- Slim fit for small spaces
- Stainless steel tub
ConsiderRequires permanent installation
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 6 Place Set…
Best forCountertop use with faucet hookup
- Easy faucet connection
- 8 wash cycles
ConsiderTakes up counter space
Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, Stainless Steel Tub
Best forDigital control panel enthusiasts
- Digital controls are user-friendly
- Stainless steel tub
ConsiderNeeds professional installation
Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, Stainless Steel Tub
Best forAdjustable interior for various dishes
- Spacious flexible interior
- Multiple wash programs
ConsiderBuilt-in only, not portable
BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher, Energy Star, BPD8B, Black
Best forPortable use with wheels
- Wheels for easy mobility
- 8 place settings capacity
ConsiderTakes up floor space when in use
COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 1.32Gal Built-in Water Tan…
Best forNo-hookup tank operation
- No installation required
- High-temp hygiene cycle
ConsiderManual water filling
EUHOMY 6 Programs Countertop Dishwasher Portable, 40dB, 360° Coverage
Best forQuiet operation in open kitchens
- 40 dB quiet operation
- Tank or faucet option
ConsiderCountertop space required
COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher Portable, 6 Place Settings, Energy Star
Best forEnergy-efficient small households
- Energy Star certified
- 8 wash cycles
ConsiderRequires faucet hookup
EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher Portable, 6 Programs with 40 dB, No Hookup
Best forExtended drying and ventilation
- 73-hour ventilation
- Quiet 40 dB operation
ConsiderCountertop footprint
Midea Countertop Dishwasher Portable, 6 Place Settings, Energy Star
Best forWater-saving compact cleaning
- Low water usage
- 6+2 wash cycles
ConsiderSmall capacity
Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher – Slim and Spacious
Brand: Midea
A reliable built-in option for apartments needing a space-saving, permanent dishwasher.
The Midea 18-inch built-in dishwasher is a great choice for apartment dwellers who want a permanent solution without taking up too much floor space. Its slimline design fits neatly under a counter or sink, and the adjustable legs let you customize the height to match your kitchen. The stainless steel tub is durable and helps with drying, while the digital control panel makes it easy to select your preferred cycle.
With an 8-place setting capacity, you can wash a full day’s dishes for a small household. It offers six programs—Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse—plus three extra functions like Heated Dry and Hi-Temp wash. The Heated Dry function ensures your dishes come out dry and ready to put away, which is a huge plus for busy mornings.
- Slim fit for small spaces
- Stainless steel tub
- Heated dry function
- Requires permanent installation
- Limited to 8 place settings
COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher – Compact and Versatile
Brand: COMFEE'
A versatile countertop dishwasher that's easy to install and great for small households.
The COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher is perfect for apartments, dorms, or RVs where space is at a premium. Measuring just 17.2 by 21.7 by 19.7 inches, it fits on most countertops and can handle up to 6 place settings—ideal for 2-3 people. Installation is simple: just connect it to your faucet with the included adaptor, and you’re ready to go.
This portable dishwasher offers 8 washing cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, with an extra-drying function for sparkling results. The Heavy program uses 12 water jets to tackle tough, baked-on food, making it a powerful little machine. It’s Energy Star certified, so you can save water and electricity while keeping your dishes clean.
- Easy faucet connection
- 8 wash cycles
- Energy Star certified
- Takes up counter space
- Limited capacity for larger families
Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher – Digital Convenience
Brand: Midea
A smart built-in choice with easy-to-use digital controls and efficient drying.
This Midea 18-inch built-in dishwasher offers the same slim design and large capacity as its sibling, but with a focus on digital controls. The digital control panel is intuitive, letting you quickly choose from six programs like Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse. The stainless steel tub is not only durable but also enhances drying performance.
With adjustable legs, you can fit it under most counters, and the 8-place setting capacity is perfect for everyday use. The Heated Dry function is a standout feature, ensuring your dishes are dry and ready to use. Whether you’re washing a quick load or a full dinner set, this dishwasher delivers consistent results.
- Digital controls are user-friendly
- Stainless steel tub
- Heated dry ensures dry dishes
- Needs professional installation
- No portable option
Midea 18 Inch Built-in Dishwasher – Flexible Interior
Brand: Midea
A flexible built-in dishwasher that accommodates different dish sizes with ease.
Another excellent offering from Midea, this 18-inch built-in dishwasher emphasizes flexibility. The interior is spacious and adjustable, allowing you to fit plates, bowls, and glasses of various sizes. The slim body is easy to install, and the adjustable legs ensure a perfect fit under your counter.
It comes with six programs and three functions, including Heated Dry and Hi-Temp wash, which are great for sanitizing dishes. The digital control panel is straightforward, and the stainless steel tub adds durability. If you need a dishwasher that can adapt to your changing dishware, this model is worth considering.
- Spacious flexible interior
- Multiple wash programs
- Stainless steel tub
- Built-in only, not portable
- May require custom installation
BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Portable Dishwasher – On Wheels
Brand: BLACK+DECKER
A portable powerhouse that's easy to move and fits a good amount of dishes.
The BLACK+DECKER 18-inch portable dishwasher is a fantastic option for apartments where you can’t do a permanent installation. It comes on wheels, so you can move it around and set it up alongside your counter when needed. The countertop space on top is a bonus for extra prep area.
With an eight-place setting capacity, it can handle dinner plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery. It offers six wash cycles, including Normal, Heavy, Rapid, Glass, Eco, and more, giving you flexibility. The adjustable upper rack and stainless steel tub are practical features, and the Energy Star rating means it’s efficient.
- Wheels for easy mobility
- 8 place settings capacity
- Adjustable upper rack
- Takes up floor space when in use
- Requires faucet connection
COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher – No Hookup Needed
Brand: COMFEE'
A convenient, tank-based dishwasher that works anywhere without plumbing.
If you’re looking for a dishwasher that requires no installation at all, the COMFEE’ portable mini dishwasher with a built-in water tank is perfect. You simply fill the 1.32-gallon tank manually, and it’s ready to wash. This makes it ideal for apartments, RVs, or even offices where a faucet connection isn’t possible.
Despite its ultra-compact size, it can wash over 30 items, including plates up to 9.5 inches. It offers six programs: Normal, Rapid, Hygiene, Fruit, Glass, and an Air Refresh drying mode. The Hygiene cycle heats water to 162°F, which is excellent for sanitizing baby bottles or cutting boards.
- No installation required
- High-temp hygiene cycle
- Compact but holds 30+ items
- Manual water filling
- Smaller capacity than larger models
EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher – Quiet and Efficient
Brand: EUHOMY
A quiet, flexible countertop dishwasher that's perfect for small apartments.
The EUHOMY countertop dishwasher is designed for busy households that need a quiet, efficient cleaning solution. Measuring 16.83 by 16.73 by 18.03 inches, it fits neatly on your countertop and can load over 30 dishes at once. It operates at just 40 dB, so you won’t be disturbed while it runs.
You can use it with the built-in 5-liter tank or connect it to a faucet for continuous water supply. It offers five programs: Normal, Fast, Glass, Baby Care/Heavy Duty, and Fruit, covering all your daily needs. The enhanced drying function ensures your dishes are dry and ready to store.
- 40 dB quiet operation
- Tank or faucet option
- Five versatile programs
- Countertop space required
- Not suitable for large pots
COMFEE' Countertop Dishwasher – Energy Star Certified
Brand: COMFEE'
An energy-saving countertop dishwasher with a wide range of cycles.
This COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher is another great option for apartments, offering 6 place settings and fitting up to 70 pieces of tableware. It’s designed for 2-3 people and is ideal for dorms, RVs, and small kitchens. Installation is simple with a direct faucet connection, and its compact size allows for convenient tabletop placement.
It boasts 8 washing cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse, all enhanced with an extra-drying function. The Heavy program delivers powerful wash performance, tackling tough messes with ease. Being Energy Star certified, it’s both water and energy efficient.
- Energy Star certified
- 8 wash cycles
- Fits up to 70 pieces
- Requires faucet hookup
- Countertop space needed
EUHOMY Countertop Dishwasher – Long Drying and Ventilation
Brand: EUHOMY
A smart choice for those who value long-lasting dryness and freshness.
The EUHOMY countertop dishwasher stands out with its extended drying and ventilation features. After washing, it provides 60 minutes of hot air drying, followed by up to 73 hours of automatic ventilation to keep dishes dry and reduce odors. This is perfect for people who don’t want to unload immediately.
It operates at a quiet 40 dB, making it suitable for open-plan apartments. You can use the built-in 5L tank or connect to a faucet for flexibility. With a capacity of 30+ items, it’s great for daily use. The six programs cover Normal, Fast, Glass, Baby Care, Fruit, and more.
- 73-hour ventilation
- Quiet 40 dB operation
- Tank or faucet mode
- Countertop footprint
- Not for large families
Midea Countertop Dishwasher – Water-Saving Design
Brand: Midea
A water-wise countertop dishwasher that's perfect for eco-conscious apartment dwellers.
The Midea countertop dishwasher is a compact and efficient option for apartments, holding up to 6 place settings for 2-3 people. It’s perfect for dorms, RVs, and small kitchens. Installation is simple—connect it to your faucet with the included adaptor and place it on your countertop or in a cupboard.
It features 6+2 washing cycles, including Auto, Heavy, Normal, Quick, Rinse, and Delicate, plus Extended Dry and Power Wash functions. The tank design allows for easy water addition, and it uses only 2.77 gallons per cycle, making it highly water-efficient. Energy Star certified, it’s a great eco-friendly choice.
- Low water usage
- 6+2 wash cycles
- Energy Star certified
- Small capacity
- Requires faucet connection
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right apartment-sized dishwasher depends on your space, plumbing, and daily needs. This guide covers key factors to help you make an informed decision, from capacity to installation type.
- Capacity: Consider how many place settings you need. Countertop models typically hold 6 settings, while built-in 18-inch units can handle 8. For a couple, 6 is often enough; for a small family, go with 8.
- Installation Type: Choose between built-in (permanent under-counter) or portable (countertop or on wheels). Built-in saves counter space but requires installation; portable offers flexibility and easy setup.
- Water Source: Some portables connect to a faucet, others have a built-in tank. Tank models are great for RVs or places without a nearby faucet, but require manual filling.
- Noise Level: If you have an open-plan apartment, look for models around 40 dB to avoid disturbance. Quieter models are more comfortable for everyday use.
- Wash Programs: More cycles give you flexibility—look for Heavy, Quick, Glass, and ECO. Extra functions like Heated Dry or Baby Care add convenience for specific needs.
Conclusion
Apartment living doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the convenience of a dishwasher. Whether you prefer a built-in model like the Midea 18-inch for a permanent solution, or a portable countertop unit like the COMFEE’ or EUHOMY for flexibility, there’s a perfect fit for your space.
Consider your counter space, installation preferences, and how many dishes you wash daily. For most apartments, a countertop model with 6 place settings is ideal, but if you have more room, an 18-inch built-in offers greater capacity. Choose the one that best matches your lifestyle and enjoy sparkling clean dishes without the hassle.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.