A dishwasher is a perfect asset for any kitchen, but not everybody has enough space for a standard dishwasher. Furthermore, those on rental agreements may not have permissions to permanently install a dishwasher and maybe looking for a smaller or temporary option that they can easily take with them once they move out.
If this sounds like you, then perhaps the perfect choice is a table top dishwasher. These dishwashers can be placed on the counter top or fitted into a smaller cupboard space, making them perfect for smaller kitchens.
Table top dishwashers also don’t have to be permanently plumbed in. Read here on how to plumb-in and install a table top dishwasher. If you lack the correct plumbing connections you can choose to use your kitchen tap for the incoming water and point the dishwasher waste pipe straight into the sink. This isn’t the prettiest solution but is necessary for some people who crave the use of a dishwasher but are limited by their kitchen.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a huge amount of choice when it comes to table top dishwashers, but in this guide, we present the 6 best table top dishwashers available on the market today.
Our Top Recommended Table Top Dishwashers…
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Cookology Mini Table top Dishwasher |
| Check Price Now |
 | COMFEE' Mini Plus Dishwasher |
| Check Price Now |
 | Zanussi ZDM17301SA Table Top Dishwasher |
| Check Price Now |
Table tops are much easier to install because many models don’t need to be plumbed in. Simply connect a hose to your taps for fresh water, and put one down the sink for waste. Easy!
Generally, these machines only have about 6 place settings, which is almost half the space of a full-size dishwasher. That being said, if you have a large family, a counter top dishwasher will not be too effective. All though table tops are Eco-friendly, running constant loads will use a lot of water and electricity, resulting in higher bills. Therefore, if you have space a full size or slimline will be more cost-effective over time.
Table of Contents
How To Choose The Best Table Top Dishwasher
The number of available table top dishwasher models is less than normal sized dishwasher, but there are still some great options available, and many keep up in terms of quality and ability.
We’ll move on to the best-buy list in the next section, but first I want to run you through some key points you should know before making a purchase.
Dimensions
Consumers looking for a table top model all have one thing in common; space issues. Before you make a decision, make sure you have taken the time to measure the area which you can place it. Once you have measurements, look for a machine that will sit comfortably in that area. Also double-check you will have storage space!
Capacity & Space
As stated earlier, most of these models have only 6 place settings. A lot of owners will tell you they have to do larger plates, pots and pans by hand still. However, there are a few that have adjustable interior so you will be able to squeeze in larger items without and real issues. Another note you should make is, how often will you use it? Can it cope with your washing demands? Make sure you have queried these before buying.
Programs and Features
When they first came to market, table tops were very basic to say the least. Now many models have just as many programs as full-sized units. Our reviews will show you the features of individual units.
Installation
Due to the different installation methods of table top dishwashers, it’s definitely a factor for consideration when choosing a model. Most units will require some level of plumbing knowledge as installing those dishwashers uses the same process as a normal-sized unit or a washing machine.
Some models can be connected straight to the kitchen tap to provide fresh water, with the waste pipe being put in the sink. This method is considered the easiest and most convenient option where possible, and can be perfect for those living in rented accommodation who are only looking for a temporary plumbing solution.
Looking for a different type of dishwasher or further guidance? Check out our other buyer guides and help pages below:
- Freestanding Dishwashers (Buyers Guide)
- Slimline Dishwashers (Buyers Guide)
- Detergent, Salt, Rinse Aid and Dishwasher Cleaner (Buyers Guide)
- UK Dishwasher Dimensions and Sizing Guide
- How to Plumb-in and Install a Table Top Dishwasher
The Best Table Top Dishwashers
#1 Klarstein Amazonia Mini Table Top Dishwasher
A beautiful and compact table top dishwasher with 6 different wash programs, stretching from Eco, and quick, to intensive.
Every mode available can clean even the dirtiest of dishes without strain on the unit itself.
It holds an A+ energy rating making this home appliance a really efficient asset to your life.
Its freestanding build makes moving and installing much easier than, what would be, a strenuous task. Installation takes 10 minutes (or less) because no real plumbing practices need to be carried out.
Simply hook the fresh water feed up, and put the waste pipe in the sink. After that, you will be ready to go! What’s more, this model can be integrated and following the instructions provided, it’s fairly easy.
Using the dishwasher is very simple. With Klarsteins Amazonia the interface is very neat and well designed, with icons and three buttons. LED lights indicated what mode or setting the unit is on and also displays the time remaining of the current cycle.
It holds 6 place settings, which is fairly good for a table top. Owners share a common review about the Klarstein Amazonia , and that is how great it cleans pot and pans on intensive. I must say you will not be able to add other items when you have them loaded and large dishes tend to be an issue with space inside, but as table top dishwashers go, consumers love the quality and design.
We give our #1 rating to this appliance because of all-round quality and the amazing aesthetics.
Not only will you be extremely happy with the results, but you will also love the appearance of the Klarstein Amazonia in your kitchen. Plus, the price tags on these come in wide ranges, it’s considered to be a cheap table top dishwasher.
Related: We also highly recommend the newer Klarstein Amazonia 8 model. Click here to read our in-depth comparison of the Klarstein Amazonia 6 Vs Klarstein Amazonia 8.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 place settings
- Dimensions: 55cm (w) x 49.5cm (d) x 43.5cm (h)
- Weight: 21kg
- Energy rating: A+
- Noise level: 49dB
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
- Klarstein Amazonia 6 manual(s): User Manual
Pros:
- Beautifully designed
- Great cleaning power
- Easy to install
- Can be integrated
Cons:
- Not a lot of room for large dishes
#2 Cookology Mini Counter Top, Tabletop Dishwasher
The Cookology CTTD6WH model is an excellent smaller dishwasher that fits right on the counter or in a cupboard for your convenience. It’s available in a sleek black colour, plus there are also models in silver or white too.
This freestanding compact appliance measures 55cm width by 50cm in-depth and 43.8cm tall. So, it’s substantial enough to fit a single, slide-out basket/tray inside for a 6-place capacity despite its seemingly small stature. Its understated design allows it to disappear into the background if that’s what you wish.
While this is a tabletop dishwasher, it’s an adaptable one! It’s possible to plumb it directly into your existing system if you wish to do so (perhaps you plan to live there for a year or longer). The model connects up using a water hose just like with an integrated dishwasher.
Conveniently, it’s also possible to use it temporarily without plumbing it in. Just remove the aerator from the kitchen tap and fit either a 22mm coupler or a ¾-inch bush (available online or at a local DIY centre). Then connect the hose to the tap to use the active water supply.
For the wastewater, this would either go through the regular plumbing (again, like with an integrated dishwasher) or place the wastewater pipe in the sink. The pump permits up to 60cm in elevation from the source to the sink above.
The design is sleek and will fit into its surroundings. The single tray/basket slides out easily and includes a separate cutlery basket at the front-centre. The display is easy to see, and indicators are present for all 7 programmable cycles. The control buttons let you select the right programme for your needs using the separate LED display as a guide. Also, there are indicators for salt and rinse aid to alert when they need refilling.
Cookology hasn’t skimped on the cleaning cycles. There are 7 generous programmes to choose between. These include the following:
- Intensive – For seriously soiled plates, bowls, cutlery and pots, and pans.
- Normal – For contents that aren’t lightly or seriously soiled – somewhere in the middle.
- ECO – The energy-saving programme which consumes less water or energy.
- Rapid – The quick programme for contents that are only marginally soiled and won’t be dried at the end to save time.
- 90-minutes – A longer programme for thorough cleaning.
- Glass – A gentler programme to clean and take care of glassware.
- Self-cleaning – The programme to use when needing to clean the dishwasher.
The energy rating is A+ but will use more energy on the Intensive programme. The sound level is a reasonable 49dB, so it’s possible to run this in a flat without keeping everyone awake at night.
To facilitate loading the dishwasher but setting it to run later in the day or overnight, there’s a 24- hour timer facility too.
Also, the 1-year warranty provides some added protection too.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 place settings
- Dimensions: 55cm (w) x 50cm (d) x 43.8cm (h)
- Weight: Unstated
- Energy rating: A+
- Noise level: 49dB
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Cookology CTTD6WH manual(s): Unavailable
Pros
- 6 place settings
- Attractive design
- Quiet operator
- ECO mode to save on energy and water use
- Trustworthy brand
#3 Bosch Serie 4 Table Top Dishwasher
The Bosch Serie 4 is another well designed and reliable appliance from Bosch.
Bosch appliances are usually more expensive than other brands, but they’re a well-known, reputable brand, and this table top dishwasher possesses immense quality.
The Bosch Serie 4 model holds 6 places settings with adjustable racking, which is convenient for large items such as dinner plates. Inside you will find the Vario basket system for silver baskets, cutlery and cups.
It has 6 wash programs, including Eco, which is natural for a model with an A+ energy rating, for higher work efficiency. What’s more, the Bosch also boast glass protection technology, so when it detects fragile items, it will be more delicate.
There are two special features offered by the Serie 4 SKS62E32EU; Extra Dry and VarioSpeed:
- Extra Dry: This feature increases the temperature during the final rinse and uses an extended drying phase, which ensures that even plastic containers are dry at the end of the cycle
- VarioSpeed: This feature reduces program times by 20-50% but at the cost of additional energy and water usage
The looks and build are very impressive. A completely stainless steel model in silver adds a vibrant effect to your kitchen. You will never get sick of looking at it as most previous buyers will tell you. They also praise how wonderful and reliable the Bosch table top dishwasher is. As well they admire how quiet operation is, considering it’s a bigger table top dishwasher than most. With silence plus you will barely hear it working as the noise emitted is only 49dB.
Installing the dishwasher can be tricky for some because it’s not as simple as most units. It does connect to a washing machine inlet and outlet, so for those ready to do that yourself be prepared to call out a professional for help! In some places, installation can take a few hours. Not all is lost though, because it’s a freestanding model, the dishwasher is mobile enough to be installed in the most appropriate location.
Once installed, using the Bosch table top dishwasher is as easy as 1 2 3… Easy to use buttons and dial are on the face of this unit with LED lights that indicate the time left, salt low, and rinse aid refill.
Editors note: This guide was updated on 12th October 2019 to replace the Bosch Serie 2 with the Bosch Serie 4, now that the Serie 2 is no longer available. There is no difference in Dimensions, Weight, Noise and Energy Rating between the 2 models. The key difference between the 2 models is the addition of a 6th program (pre-rinse) and the new VarioSpeed feature.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 place settings
- Dimensions: 55.1cm (w) x 50cm (d) x 45cm (h)
- Weight: 21.28kg
- Energy rating: A+
- Noise level: 49dB silence Plus
- Warranty: 2 years when registered online (5 year extended warranty available)
- Bosch Serie 4 SKS62E22EU manual(s): User Manual
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Reliable
- Includes 2 Special programs: VarioSpeed and Extra Dry
- Adjustable racking
- Includes AquaStop; a feature designed to prevent water damage. Bosch provided a lifetime warranty in the case of water damage
Cons:
- Higher priced than the Klarstein Amazonia table top dishwasher
#4 electriQ 6 Place Freestanding Table Top Dishwasher
This fantastic compact, freestanding model is a great appliance for small areas and is our top pick for those shopping on a budget.
ElectricQ is a brand that wishes to be ‘the Aldi of the electrical world’, with ElectriQ Managing director Victor Stoica stating he “…really admires companies such as Aldi which, rather than focusing on popular brands, know that the same products can be made or sourced cheaper at the same quality but for a much lower price”.
With that quote in mind, those who regularly shop at Aldi (or Lidl for that matter) should have a good understanding of what to expect with an ElectricQ appliance; a no-frills product at a bargain price.
ElectriQ purposely designed this unit for holiday homes and caravans, as well as the kitchen. Ease of use has been the main point with the electriQ. Plumbing in the dishwasher can be done two ways. You can connect it straight to the kitchen tap (ideal for everyone!) or it can be plumbed the same way a full-size dishwasher would be.
With the user simplicity in mind, the model has six place settings, with a cutlery basket. Whilst the capacity isn’t the most, for couples or single households there is more than enough room to fill your needs.
Boasting a cleaning performance rating: A, all 6 wash programs produce great results. Rapid wash is only 30 minutes, with an Eco cycle taking over 2 hours. The unit has an A energy rating, which is lower than most, but still ensures less water is used than manually hand washing.
The drying feature within the electriQ is a downfall of the model. The time it takes to completely dry the load can take an hour or more. Having said that most drying features on table top dishwashers are not all high quality. But this lacks in other areas as well such as energy rating.
Consumers who owned the electricQ boast about the installation and its good cleaning power. However, we think it’s not the most complete all-round table top dishwasher, unless you’re buying a simple one for a holiday home or something alike. This unit will work well if not operated regularly. We recommend this on a basis you own a chalet or caravan and so on.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 place settings
- Dimensions: 55cm (w) x 50cm (d) x 43.8cm (h)
- Weight: 21kg
- Energy rating: A
- Noise level: 51dB
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- electriQ Compact Table Top Dishwasher manual(s): Unavailable
Pros:
- Ideal for holiday homes
- Very small and compact
- Good washing power
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Only has an ‘A’ level energy rating
- Drying feature
#5 Zanussi ZDM17301SA Compact 6 Place Dishwasher
A fantastic compact table top dishwasher that does the job you need it to perfectly. With 6 place settings, you have plenty of room inside for a few larger plates (9 inches or less) with some cups and glasses. The Zanussi is only 43.5cm tall, which does cause some issues if you have any larger plates or tall glasses.
However, what you do load inside is sure to come out very clean using either one of the 6 wash programs available. Quick wash on this unit is only 30 minutes long and as long as the spoiled items are not too tough, the Zanussi will deal with them effectively. For the best performance, a long hot wash is ideal as this dishwasher will remove the toughest of stains from glasses, pans, pots, just as effectively as a full-sized model.
The noise omitted from this model is 50dB which is fairly quiet. You will know it’s on when you’re standing near it, but from another room, you won’t hear a whisper!
The “A class” drying feature is a bit misleading in all honesty. Don’t get me wrong it does work if you have it on a long cycle. But at the end of a quick wash, the load will still be wet, so more often than not you will have to do some manual drying.
Installing the Zanussi can be an issue for some. It does not attach to your kitchen taps like our #1 pick does so, you may require some professional help unless you are knowledgeable about plumbing in appliances. Despite that, it is a freestanding model, so mobility is not a huge deal if you have access to install it elsewhere.
Once installed, the dishwasher is very user-friendly. It has three buttons which you can change, programs, timing and operates the drying feature. As well, the digital display screen indicates the time remaining and has alert notifications for salt levels etc.
Many buyers of this model are impressed with it’s cleaning power, especially on tougher stains such as limescale. The drying mode does not suit them all, but some find it helpful to them. Generally, they are happy because it does exactly the job they want it to do, and it’s fairly priced!
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 place settings
- Dimensions: 55cm (w) x 50cm (d) x 43.5cm (h)
- Weight: 24.3kg
- Energy rating: A+
- Noise level: 50dB
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Zanussi ZDM17301SA manual(s): User manual
Pros:
- Immense cleaning power
- Very easy to use
- Good value
Cons:
- Small interior
- Drying feature not the best
- Complicated installation (for the average user)
#6 Klarstein Amazonia 8 Table Top Dishwasher
The Klarstein Amazonia 8 is the newest counter top dishwasher in the Klarstein range.
Note: We’ve placed the Amazonia 8 model last on the list, but we believe it deserves to share the top spot with the Amazonia 6 model. We’ve only listed it last to give you a flavour of the other top-rated brands and appliances available first, to prevent saturating the list with the Klarstein models.
The Klarstein Amazonia 8 has two cutlery trays installed which hold 8 place settings for larger families. There are six programmable wash modes to choose between. The fastest which handles lightly soiled kitchen wear, plates and glasses can be finished in just 35 minutes. However, the intensive wash mode requires 180 minutes to complete.
The display on the front provides a simple button layout making it easy to understand how to work this dishwasher. The appliance boasts an energy rating of A+. The maximum power usage per year is estimated at 205kWh with just under 300 cycles, and you can expect a water usage of approximately 2,240 litres per year.
The maximum plate size is approximately 27cm in diameter with several smaller 25cm diameter plates that can also fit inside the trays.
The Aquastop system is present to control the water supply to allow just enough water inside but never too much to avoid any overflowing. The inlet, outflow and power cables all measure 1.5 metres. The hoses come pre-installed too.
We love the design of the Klarstein Amazonia 8 and think it would fit beautifully in many different kitchens. There’s even a sliver version of the model if that is better suited to the design of your kitchen.
Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 place settings
- Dimensions: 55cm (w) x 49.5cm (d) x 59cm (h)
- Weight: 28kg
- Energy rating: A+
- Noise level: 49dB
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
- Klarstein Amazonia 8 manual(s): User Manual
Pros:
- Much larger than others on this list with the ability to hold 8 place settings
- Beautiful and modern design
- Great cleaning power
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Costs around £400
Verdict – Best Table Top Dishwasher
Having a table top dishwasher can really make your life a lot easier, in some respects. Having said that, you still want to buy the best one.
As you can see from our reviews, we strongly believe the Klarstein Amazonia 6 is the best model you can buy.
Not only does it boast strong visual appeal, but also great capacity, with fantastic washing results, and many other features. Plus, what absolutely cemented it, was the price point it has been given.
For a high-end table top dishwasher, you are looking at paying upwards of £400. The Klarstein Amazonia 6 is way below that mark, and produces better results than the more expensive appliances available.
We hope our reviews have helped you make a great choice, and we welcome any questions or comments you may have regarding the best table top dishwashers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do table top dishwashers work?
Generally, these types of dishwashers use a quick connect adapter that connect to a standard sink faucet for water intake. They have a drain hose in the back of the unit that allows for drainage to run directly into a sink.
Do table top dishwashers save water?
Table top dishwashers can use as little as 11 litres. Handwashing uses up to 100 litres of water, so any dishwasher is better than suffering through washing dishes in the sink, and it does indeed save water in the long run.
Can you run a table top dishwasher with cold water?
The dishwasher will heat the water on its own to the optimum cleaning temperature. To save a bit of time it’s more efficient to add hot water so it can heat up quicker.
Founder of homeappliancegeek.com, avid cook, and lover of Asian food.
Signature dishes include Thai Red Curry, Chicken Saag, Bibimbap and Sushi.
Massive clean freak; a habit baked-in after spending 9 years in the catering industry.
The one appliance he couldn’t live without? Easily the dishwasher (total relationship saver!).
Fantastic article and reviews. Really helpful, thankyou!