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Best overall: the GE GPT145SSLSS, an 18-inch portable dishwasher that Wirecutter named its top portable-dishwasher pick in a review updated September 18, 2026. For a 24-inch model with a sanitize cycle, consider the GE GPT225SGLBB; for a compact countertop machine, look at the Danby DDW631SDB; and for a countertop model with a water tank, the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA is a useful option. The BLACK+DECKER BDW100M* stands out in ENERGY STAR’s 2026 listing for its estimated energy and water use.
These recommendations draw on manufacturer specifications, ENERGY STAR records, and published reviews. Wirecutter reports testing the GE GPT145SSLSS, but the available sources do not establish one common controlled test protocol covering all five picks. Check exact model details, space, sink access, and current availability before buying.
Best portable dishwashers at a glance
| Model | Best for | Format | Place settings | Width × depth × height | Water connection | Sanitize or high-temperature cycle | Drying | Noise | Annual energy and water use | Portability and installation | Current price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE GPT145SSLSS | Best 18-inch portable option | 18-inch portable; GE product page | Not stated (GE product page; Wirecutter) | 18-inch width; depth and height not stated (GE product page) | Portable units require a sink connection; confirm the included adapter and hose arrangement for this exact model. | Sanitize cycle (GE product page) | Not stated (GE product page; Wirecutter) | Not stated (GE product page; Wirecutter) | Not stated (GE product page; Wirecutter) | Wirecutter named it its top portable-dishwasher pick in a review updated September 18, 2026. Allow floor space and access to a sink. | Not stated in the cited sources. |
| GE GPT225SGLBB | Best 24-inch and sanitize-focused option | 24-inch portable; GE product page | Not stated (GE product page) | 24-inch width; depth and height not stated (GE product page) | Portable units require a sink connection; confirm the included adapter and hose arrangement for this exact model. | Sanitize cycle. GE says its high-temperature rinse sanitizes and reduces by 99.999% the bacteria found on dishes. | Not stated (GE product page) | Not stated (GE product page) | Not stated (GE product page) | Allow floor space and sink access; check the specific installation details before purchase. | Not stated in the cited sources. |
| BLACK+DECKER BDW100M* | Efficiency-led option | Format not stated in the ENERGY STAR record | 12 (ENERGY STAR, 2026) | Not stated (ENERGY STAR, 2026) | Not stated in the ENERGY STAR record. | Not stated in the ENERGY STAR record. | Heated drying (ENERGY STAR, 2026) | Not stated in the ENERGY STAR record. | 240 kWh/year and 3.2 gallons/cycle — ENERGY STAR, 2026. | Not stated in the ENERGY STAR record; confirm the machine’s format and hookup before planning its location. | Not stated in the cited sources. |
| Danby DDW631SDB | Best compact countertop option | Countertop; Tom’s Guide | 6 (Tom’s Guide) | Approximately 19.69 × 21.65 × 17.24 inches (Tom’s Guide; verify the order of dimensions against the current product listing before measuring) | Not stated in the cited review details. | Eight cycles are listed, including heavy and baby-bottle; a sanitize cycle is not stated (Tom’s Guide). | Not stated (Tom’s Guide) | 54 dB (Tom’s Guide) | 203 kWh; the cited guide does not specify the time period or water use. | Countertop footprint: compare the cited approximate measurements with available width, depth, and clearance. Exact hookup arrangement is not stated in the cited review details. | Not stated in the cited sources. |
| Farberware FDW05ASBWHA | Best countertop option with a water tank | Countertop; Food Network | Not stated in the cited review. | Not stated in the cited review. | Food Network identifies it as a countertop dishwasher with a water tank; tank capacity and alternate hookup details are not established here. | Not stated in the cited review. | Not stated in the cited review. | Not stated in the cited review. | Not stated in the cited review. | A tank makes it a candidate if you cannot or do not want a permanent faucet connection. Check the current manual for filling, draining, and placement requirements. | Not stated in the cited sources. |
“Not stated” means the cited source details available for this comparison do not establish the value; it is not a claim that the feature is absent. Dimensions, cycle options, and hookup requirements can vary by exact model suffix or listing, so confirm them in the current manual or product page.
Which model fits your kitchen?
Choose GE GPT145SSLSS if you want a reviewed 18-inch portable
GE describes the GPT145SSLSS as an 18-inch portable dishwasher with a stainless-steel interior and sanitize cycle. Wirecutter’s review, updated September 18, 2026, names it its top portable-dishwasher pick and says both 18-inch and 24-inch versions are ENERGY STAR certified. That makes it the clearest choice here if you want a full-size portable format and value a published expert review. It still needs floor space and access to a sink.
#1 Best Overall
- 6 Place Setting- A perfect size (H17.2″×W21.7″×D19.7″) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact countertop dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs, and apartments. This counter top dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware and plates up to 10 inches in diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are rigorously factory tested before shipping. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- Simple Installation- This COMFEE’ portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Designed for maximum flexibility, this mini dishwasher can be conveniently placed on a countertop/table or seamlessly fitted into a cupboard to save precious kitchen space. Whether you need a plug-and-play solution for your apartment or a built-in look for your small kitchen, this compact dishwasher adapts perfectly to your layout needs, offering professional-grade cleaning with minimal setup effort.
- 8 Washing Cycles- Most of the cleaning cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, helped with extra-drying function, and deliver sparklingly cleaned and dried dishes. Three more cleaning options, including Speed, Mini-party, and Rinse, are designed for COMFEE' compact dishwasher, providing high flexibility for you to choose in different situations.
- Powerful Wash Performance- This counter dishwasher portable features a Heavy Program with 12 washing nozzles and a 360° spiral spray for full-angle coverage. Combining high water pressure with temperatures up to 154°F, it efficiently removes grease and stubborn stains from heavily soiled dishes. Compact yet powerful, it ensures every dish is cleaned thoroughly and evenly.
- Rapid Cleaning & Eco-Friendly- Save time and money with the high-efficiency Speed Program, which cleans dishes in just 45 minutes—perfect for parties and busy schedules. This Energy Star dishwasher is designed for maximum resource savings, using as little as 2.77 gallons of water per cycle. Enjoy a powerful, quick clean that significantly reduces utility costs without compromising performance, making it the ideal water-saving solution for eco-conscious households.
Choose GE GPT225SGLBB if you want a 24-inch portable and a sanitize cycle
GE lists the GPT225SGLBB as a 24-inch ENERGY STAR portable dishwasher with a stainless-steel interior and sanitize cycle. GE says the high-temperature rinse “sanitizes and reduces by 99.999% the bacteria found on dishes.” That is the manufacturer’s claim, not a result established by a shared independent test in the sources here.
Choose BLACK+DECKER BDW100M* if the ENERGY STAR efficiency figures matter most
ENERGY STAR’s 2026 record lists this model with 12 place settings, heated drying, soil sensing, estimated annual energy use of 240 kWh, and water use of 3.2 gallons per cycle. Against the federal reference values in that record—307 kWh/year and 5.0 gallons/cycle—ENERGY STAR lists the model as 22% better on annual energy use and 36% better on water use. The record does not establish the machine’s format, dimensions, or hookup, so verify those details before treating it as a fit for a particular kitchen.
Rank #2
- 𝐍𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 — 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐭, 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭: No permanent setup required. Use the built-in 5L (1.32 gal) tank for countertop dishwasher mode, or connect the included hose to your faucet for continuous water supply. Our countertop dishwasher's water-level indicator tells you when it’s ready. No tools, no drilling—ideal for apartments, rentals, dorms, RVs, and flexible kitchens. * For a better fit, we kindly recommend reserving sufficient countertop space and leaving more than 𝟏𝟗 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 of vertical clearance between the countertop and upper cabinets before use
- 𝟒𝟎 𝐝𝐁 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 — 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠: Built for apartments and open kitchens, this countertop dishwasher runs at a quiet 40 dB to maintain a peaceful space. Designed for daily comfort and convenience, it lets you wash dishes during work calls, late nights, or your nap time without disrupting your routine
- 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡, 𝐃𝐫𝐲, 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 — 𝐔𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝟕𝟑𝐇: After washing, enjoy 60 minutes of hot air drying, then up to 73 hours of automatic ventilation to help keep dishes dry and reduce odors. Drying works with most cycles and can also run independently when needed. *Forced drainage: long-press Dry + Power
- 𝐋𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝟑𝟎+ 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞: Sized at 16.83 × 16.73 × 18.03 in, this portable dishwasher fits most countertops while holding 30+ items per load. Fits plates up to 10.25 in, plus bowls, cups, glasses, and full cutlery sets—organized with a cutlery holder, fruit basket, and kettle. *Compatible with G3/4-inch faucet connections, please purchase a faucet adapter separately
- 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐔𝐬𝐞: Optimized as a portable dishwasher countertop for plates, bowls, cups, utensils, baby items, and pet accessories. For best results, scrape off heavy grease or burnt-on residue before loading. A practical, honest fit for everyday meals
Choose Danby DDW631SDB if a countertop footprint suits your household
Tom’s Guide describes the Danby as a six-place-setting countertop dishwasher, lists noise at 54 dB and energy use at 203 kWh, and identifies eight cycles: heavy, normal, rinse, rapid, glass/soak, baby-bottle, and eco. Its approximate dimensions—19.69 × 21.65 × 17.24 inches—are a starting point for space planning, not a substitute for checking the current manual’s dimension order and required clearances. Measure the available counter depth and width, and check height clearance as well.
Choose Farberware FDW05ASBWHA if you need a countertop water-tank option
Food Network identifies this countertop model as having a water tank, making it a candidate when a permanent faucet connection is not practical or wanted. The cited review does not establish the tank capacity or cycle count. Consult the current product manual and listing for filling, draining, dimensions, and operating requirements before purchase.
Rank #3
- Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" No installation needed: Adding water manually with the water filling guide included in the 1.32Gal built-in water tank, you can put the dishwasher in any suitable place without connecting to tap water. Or it can be hooked to the kitchen faucet directly with the included water hose (Adapter included).Water pressure : 0.04 - 1.0MPa.
- Ultra-compact Design: The ultra-compact design allows the dishwasher to wash 30+ items（Max to 9.5-inch plates) at a time while occupying a small area, which is ideal for small houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs.
- 6 Program Options: NORMAL, RAPID, HYGIENE, FRUIT, GLASS washing programs, and AIR REFRESH extra drying mode meet all your daily needs. Note: Use the standard dishwasher powders or detergents because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems. (No detergent is needed for the FRUIT program, and RAPID just needs half of the standard quantity. )
- High-Temp Hygiene: The Hygiene cycle heats the water up to 162℉, making it great for really dirty dishes and even safe for cleaning your little one's dinnerware.
- Extra Drying & Freshness: The Air Refresh mode circulates air to keep both your dishes and the machine dry and fresh. It helps remove moisture and odors, and if you don't need it, you can turn it off anytime.
Portable versus countertop: plan around the connection and the footprint
“Portable” does not mean installation-free. A full-size portable model needs floor space and a sink connection, so check that its hoses can reach the sink and that the sink remains usable while the dishwasher is running. Confirm whether the exact unit includes the faucet adapter you need and how its drain hose is arranged.
A countertop machine takes less floor space but occupies work surface and still needs a workable way to fill and drain. A built-in water tank may reduce reliance on a faucet hookup, but it does not remove the need to plan where the appliance sits or how wastewater is handled. Measure the actual location and check the model’s manual before deciding that either format will fit.
Rank #4
- 【SMALL SIZE, LARGE CAPACITY】This portable dishwasher only measures 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 inches, but holds 4 full place settings and fits up to 12" dishes loaded at an angle, easily meeting daily needs for a family of 3-4; the double-layer design offers enough space for 4 x serving bowls, 4 x cups, 4 x small plates, 4 x dinner plates, 7 x spoons, 7 x forks and 7 x knives; perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats, and campers/RVs
- 【NO INSTALLATION NEEDED】This countertop dishwasher supports 2 water supply modes, including a faucet mode and water tank mode; a built-in 5 L water tank allows instant use when fully filled. The automatic water level indicator lets you know when the correct water level has been reached; to use the faucet mode, simply connect the water inlet hose to the machine and faucet
- 【BABY CARE MODE】This compact dishwasher offers 5 wash cycles - Normal, Speed, Soft, Baby Care/Heavy, and Fruit; the Baby Care/Heavy mode with 167 °F washing temperature is suitable for baby products and oily tableware, which rinses them thoroughly and gives glassware a sparkling clean finish
- 【3-IN-1 FUNCTION】Featuring a Dry mode, this machine is equipped with the features of a dishwasher, dryer, and cabinet, making taking care of your dishes and glassware a breeze; 60 minutes of hot air drying will automatically start after the wash cycle is finished, keeping your dishes dry and odorless; 72 hours of automatic ventilation stores your tableware in sanitary condition, providing clean dishes whenever you need them
- 【FULLY EQUIPPED】The storage rack and cutlery basket make it easy to clean ''top rack only'' dishwasher safe items such as knives, forks, and spoons, leaving more space for dishes and small pots; lower and upper spray arms give dishes a streak-free deep cleaning, and the included fruit basket stores fruits and vegetables neatly and cleans them
Do portable dishwashers clean as well as built-ins?
The sources cited for these five models do not provide a common controlled comparison against built-in dishwashers, so they do not establish that portable machines clean equally well—or worse. The available evidence is model-specific: for example, GE lists sanitize cycles on its two portable picks, and Tom’s Guide lists eight cycle options for the Danby. Those specifications do not by themselves establish comparative cleaning performance. Choose by verified features and fit, and consult independent testing that directly compares the exact models if cleaning performance is your deciding factor.
How much water and electricity do they use?
The clearest paired figures in the cited evidence are for the BLACK+DECKER BDW100M*: ENERGY STAR’s 2026 listing gives estimated annual energy use of 240 kWh and water use of 3.2 gallons per cycle. ENERGY STAR compares those values with federal reference figures of 307 kWh/year and 5.0 gallons/cycle, respectively. Do not treat those numbers as universal for portable dishwashers; the other picks do not have matching energy-and-water figures established in the cited source details.
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- 【6 Place Setting】- A perfect size(H438×W550×D500mm) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware, and a plate size of up to 10 inches diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
- 【Simple Installation】- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Depending on your needs, it can be flexibly placed on the table or fitted in the cupboard.
- 【8 Washing Cycles】- Most of the cleaning cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass and Speed, helped with extra-drying function, deliver sparklingly cleaned and dried dishes. Three more cleaning options, including Speed, Mini-party and Rinse, are designed for COMFEE' compact dishwasher, providing high flexibility for you to choose in different situations.
- 【Heavy Program】- Heavily soiled dishes are cleaned evenly with 12 washing nozzles, accompanied with 360° spiral spray wash to ensure complete washing of all the dishes from all angles. Also, high water temperature, which is up to 68℃, together with high water pressure, offer you the best cleaning towards the most stubborn stains.
- 【Speed Program】- Only takes you 45 minutes to get all dishes cleaned, perfect for hurry-up situations, like holding a multi-round party. Accompanied with Energy Star compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.
Tom’s Guide reports 203 kWh for the Danby DDW631SDB but does not specify the time period in the cited details, so it is not directly comparable with an annual estimate. For other models, check their current ENERGY STAR record or manufacturer documentation for the precise rating and measurement basis.
Quick Recap
What to verify before ordering
- Exact model suffix: match the full model number on the current product page and manual.
- Fit and clearance: measure the counter or floor location, including depth, width, height, and the room needed for doors and hoses.
- Water and drain setup: confirm faucet adapter compatibility, included parts, hose routing, and any tank-filling or draining steps.
- Power and upkeep: check the electrical requirements, detergent guidance, and warranty in the current manual.
- Current certification and availability: ENERGY STAR listings, retailer stock, and prices can change; confirm them at the time of purchase.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
