With the convenience of having a dishwasher, it is no wonder that so many people want to have one in their home. While most people will feel that the full-size models are ideal, there are also some options for people that do not have space for one of these larger units.
For some homes, it might be possible to accommodate one of the slimline models. They can work just as well as the larger machines, and they can fit 8-10 place settings. But what if you do not have space for a slimline machine? In that case, you could consider buying a table top dishwasher.
These smaller machines can fit right on your kitchen counter or a table, and they clean dishes just as well as their larger counterparts. Most tabletop dishwashers can fit six place settings, so they can hold a decent number of dishes, and, of course, they are easy to install.
You can just place one of these compact dishwashers near the sink, and most will have a quick connect adaptor that hooks up to the kitchen faucet. Since it doesn’t have to be plumbed in like other dishwashers, you can set the unit up when you need it and easily put it away when you are done.
A countertop dishwasher can be a good compromise for homes that lack the space for the larger units, but you do have to be aware that it can only fit about half as much per load as a regular size model. This can make one of these compact machines the perfect fit for a home that only has one or two people. It might even work well for a home with more people if they do not use many dishes, but once you get to four people and beyond, you would probably find that you have to run a lot of loads to keep up, and it wouldn’t be practical.
Running lots of loads to meet the needs of several people will not only take a fair amount of time; it will also be inefficient. While these machines do use less water and electricity per cycle, they tend to use more water and electricity per place setting. With that being the case, it will be more cost-effective in the longer term to get a larger machine if you have the room.
Another point to note (and not in a good way) is the price. Some buyers might think that they will save money by buying a cheap table top dishwasher, but they’ll be in for a shock when they head to the store. In most cases, a counter dishwasher will cost just about as much as a full-sized unit.
The market for tabletop dishwashers in the UK is much smaller than the market for larger machines. Since the larger machines can be mass-produced on a larger scale, it brings down production costs.
Even with all of this being true, a small countertop dishwasher will be the right fit for many people. One of the great things about the modern countertop units is that they perform just as well as the larger machines, and you can even find many of the same programmes and features.
Before moving on to our picks for the best table top dishwashers, we would like to consider a few other points. There is more to shopping for one of these machines than knowing that you need one, so let’s take a quick look at some factors to consider before you make a purchase.
What To Look For When Choosing the Best Table Top Dishwasher
While the selection of countertop dishwashers is (much) smaller than for larger models, you still have some options. In shopping for a compact, here are a few of the points that you may want to consider:
Programs & Features
The early compact appliances were not that versatile, and you could see a big difference compared to the full-sized machines. That is not the way that it is anymore. With the newer tabletop units, you can get many of the programs and features you would expect from the larger units.
Dimensions
If you are shopping for a countertop, then size is probably an issue. Before you start shopping, look at the space where you intend to use this unit. You want to make sure to find a machine that is going to fit the space.
If you have cabinets over the counter space where the machine will sit, you also consider the machine’s height. Measure the space and try to find a unit to match.
Most of these units are around 44 x 55 x 50 in cm. (H x W x D)
Interior Capacity and Space
Since these dishwashers are smaller, they have less interior room to work with. Consider how well the space is used and the design of the racks. As I mentioned earlier, most compact machines hold six place settings.
Concerning the interior, the important points are the ease with which the machine can be loaded and the versatility of the racks.
Installation
There are also several different installation methods you will find with table top dishwashers. So, this is definitely a factor to consider as you narrow down your choices. Many units require that you have some level of plumbing knowledge because the installation of a table top dishwasher is similar to that of a normal-sized dishwasher or even a washing machine.
Some table top dishwashers can be directly connected to the kitchen tap to access the water that way. If this is how it is installed, then you will have the waste pipe leading into the sink. This is going to be one of the easiest and most convenient installation options. It is an ideal option if you rent your space because it is a temporary plumbing solution and not anything more permanent.
Below you’ll find some of our top picks with the pros and cons of each model listed.
Our Recommendations for the Best Table Top Dishwasher
Here are our recommendations for the best table top dishwasher you can find in 2021.
1. Klarstein Amazonia Mini Dishwasher
Dimensions: 49.5 x 55 x 59
Weight: approximately 14 kg
If you are on the hunt for a compact dishwasher you can fit into a small kitchen space or even in a holiday home or weekend house, then the Klarestein Amazonia dishwasher is a great choice. It is a mini dishwasher that would work perfectly on a worktop or countertop.
It has energy-saving and water-saving construction and quiet operation. Its freestanding construction gives it an aesthetic appeal, and it has a clean looking three-button control panel.
It includes two cutlery trays and a funnel for dishwashing salt and aquastop to prevent water damage. It can clean up to eight place settings at a time and has six adjustable programs: Intensive, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 Minute Wash, and Fast.
2. electriQ Table Top Dishwasher
Dimensions: 43.8 x 55 x 50
Weight: 21 kg
This table top dishwasher has the perfect countertop design for those whose kitchens are smaller and tight on space. Despite its small and compact size, it can accommodate up to six place settings at a time. It features six different wash programmes, including a rapid wash that takes only 30 minutes when you find yourself in a rush. It also has Normal, Intensive, Eco, Glass, and a 90 min programme in addition to the rapid wash.
The timer delay can be set between 2 and 8 hours, so you can start the washing cycle when it is most convenient for you. This table top dishwasher has also been rated A+ for energy efficiency, which helps save on your monthly energy bills. It also uses less water than you would use if you chose to handwash dishes at the sink instead.
It even has enough space on its interior for a cutlery basket to keep everything organized. Along with all these high-quality features, you also have five wash temperatures that cater to different cycles and dishes and anti-flood, anti-leak protection.
3. Bosch Serie 4 Table Top Dishwasher
Dimensions: 45 x 55.1 x 50
Weight: 21.280 kg
This table top dishwasher from Bosch has a six place setting capacity and an A+ energy rating. It is a compact, high-efficiency dishwasher ideal for smaller kitchens and smaller households. It has a quiet operation at only 49 dB, so you can even run your dishwasher at night without disturbing anyone in the household.
It is one of the smaller options on our list and only has a six place setting capacity. The VarioSpeed allows the dishwasher to clean your dishes in half the time while still achieving optimal cleaning and drying results every time.
The AquaSensor uses just the right amount of water for every load, so you don’t waste water or have excess water consumption every time you run your compact dishwasher. The amount of water the dishwasher uses depends on how heavily or lightly soiled the dishes are.
AquaStop is a feature that protects itself against water damage. It is a double-walled feed hose. When water begins to collect in the hose’s casing, the flow of water stops automatically to protect against any water damage.
EcoSilence Drive is considered powerful, durable, quiet, and efficient. And the electronic delay timer means you can preset the programme and time you want the dishwasher to start at your convenience.
4. Cookology Mini Table Top Dishwasher
Dimensions: 43.8 x 50 x 81.2
Weight: Not specified
If you lack space but still want a dishwasher’s convenience in your kitchen, then this mini table top dishwasher by Cookology is something to consider. It connects as any other dishwasher would. However, it can also be fitted to your kitchen tap as long as you can connect it to a standard water hose with a suitable adapter.
The waste pipe can be worked into the plumbing or aimed down the kitchen sink. It has a six place setting capacity, which makes it the ideal choice for a bachelor, couple, or smaller family. It also has a modern and attractive design, so it looks good while sitting on your countertop.
You have seven cleaning programmes to choose from with this mini dishwasher, including Intensive, Normal, Eco, Rapid, 90 Minute, Glass, and Self-Cleaning. You also have a rinse aid and salt warning indicators, so you know when a refill is necessary.
5. Essentials Cue CDWTT20 Table Top Dishwasher
Dimensions: 51 x 55 x 50
Weight: 21 kg
The Essentials Cue Table Top dishwasher comes with everything you need to throw in the towel when it comes to handwashing your dishes. With this purchase, you get the table top dishwasher, silverware basket, detergent measuring spoon, measuring cup, salt funnel, water supply hose, U-shape hose holder, condensation strip, and instruction manual.
You can choose from six programmes: Eco, Glass, Intensive, Rapid, 90 Min, and Quick Wash. If you choose the Quick Wash programme, your dishes will be clean and ready to go in just 30 minutes.
This dishwasher also features a pull-out, lift up lower rack, a self-cleaning filter, overflow protection, and a rinse aid indicator and salt indicator on its digital display. It also has six water temperatures to choose from.
Conclusion
If you find yourself in a small space, but you want the convenience that a dishwasher has to offer, then a table top or compact dishwasher is exactly what you need for your smaller household. You can even find a smaller dishwasher with all the features you could find in any other standard dishwasher. Use our recommendations above as the starting off point for making your next appliance purchase.
