To dry dishes effectively in a countertop dishwasher, it is important to ensure that there is adequate space for air circulation around the dishes. After the washing cycle is complete, open the dishwasher door slightly to allow the warm air to escape and circulate around the dishes.
You can also use a clean, dry towel to gently pat the dishes dry before putting them away. Make sure to carefully handle glassware and fragile items to prevent breakage. Additionally, you can leave the dishes in the dishwasher for some time after the cycle is complete to allow them to air dry naturally.
It is also a good idea to regularly clean the dishwasher filter and ensure that the dishwasher is properly maintained to ensure optimal drying performance. With these tips, you can effectively dry dishes in a countertop dishwasher without any issues.
Best Countertop Dishwashers in 2024
Rating is 5 out of 5
NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments
- 【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
- 【QUALITY CONTROL NOTE】 NOVETE dishwasher undergoes manufacturer's quality tests to ensure proper operation, so a little residual water in the unit is NORMAL. Before first use, it is recommended to run for 5 minutes to clear the dust and odor that may be generated during long-distance transportation in the dishwasher
- 【SPEED WASH】When you are in a hurry and want your dishes ready faster, select Speed mode, which cleans dishes in just 29 minutes; the automatic air circulation helps to dry dishes so that you can use immediately
- 【FRUIT MODE】A fruit basket is included so fruit and vegetables can be cleaned easily, ready to serve directly from the dishwasher
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5-Liter Built-in Water Tank - 5-Program System for Home, RV, and Apartment - Wash Dishes, Glass, and Baby Products
- VERSATILE CLEANING OPTIONS: The Farberware countertop dishwasher offers five different wash cycles, including baby care, glass, and fruit wash, ensuring that all your dishes, from delicate glassware to baby bottles, are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
- TIME-SAVING CONVENIENCE: With just 40 minutes, water, and electricity, you can have clean dishes and sparkling glassware anywhere and anytime. This small dishwasher is great for busy individuals who need a quick and efficient solution for their dishwashing needs.
- EASY TO USE AND MAINTAIN: This dishwasher features a user-friendly LED display and simple controls, making it easy to select the perfect wash cycle for your needs. Plus, the built-in water tank is easy to refill and clean, ensuring your dishwasher stays in top condition.
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, Black
- 【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, 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.
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
COMFEE' Portable Mini Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank for Apartments& RVs, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function
- Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" 【No installation needed】: Adding water manually in the 5L 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, STEAM, 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. )
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher, 5 Washing Programs Portable Dishwasher With 5-Liter Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed
- When we enjoy cooking, we always have to face the problem of washing dishes. hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher is not only a convenient way to clean up after a meal but also saves a considerable amount of water compared to washing dishes by hand.
- 【4 PLACE-SETTING CAPACITY】The Portable Dishwasher measures 16.85×16.73×18.03 inches (W×D×H), which has a 4 Place-Setting Capacity. And fits up to 10.25" dishes loaded at an angle.
- 【FIVE WASHING PROGRAMS】Countertop Dishwasher with water tank perfectly provides 5 washing programs: Standard Cleaning, Fast Cleaning, ECO Cleaning, Strong Cleaning and Fruit Cleaning. Dual high water pressure spraying arms give dishes that streak-free deep cleaning.
- 【HIGH TEMPERATURE】Dishwashers can clean tableware, fruits and vegetables, and also use the drying function after cleaning to keep tableware dry and tasteless. 167℉ High Temperature and PTC Hot Wind are suitable for baby products and oily tableware to give glassware a sparkling clean finish.
- 【QUIET AND EFFICIENT】Top touch button for easy operation and recognition. The small footprint makes it perfect for small-sized houses, apartments, dorms, boats and RVs.
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
COMFEE' Portable Dishwasher Countertop with 5L Built-in Water Tank, No Hookup Needed, 6 Programs, 360° Dual Spray, 192℉ High-Temp& Air-Dry Function, Mini Dishwasher for RVs, White
- Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" 【No installation needed】: Adding water manually in the 5L 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)
- [ 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.
- [ 192 ℉ HIGH-TEMP HYGIENE ]: The HYGIENE wash cycle boosts water temperature to 162 ℉ Rinsing and Max to 192 ℉ which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes and is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children’s dinner sets.
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Countertop Dishwasher, HAVA Portable Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 6 Programs, Baby Care, Air-Drying Function for Small Apartments, Dorms and RVs (Black)
- LARGE CAPACITY: This tabletop dishwashers only measures 16.86"L x 16.75"W x 18.05"H, but can hold up to 4 full place settings and fit up to 10.6" dishes loaded at an angle; the storage rack and cutlery basket make it easy to clean ''top rack only'' items such as knives, forks, and spoons, leaving more space for dishes and small pots; To ensure optimum dishwasher performance, please only use dishwasher detergent.
- 5 WASH CYCLE OPTIONS & DRY MODE: Supports Normal, Speed, Soft, Heavy/Baby Care and Fruit modes for your various dishwashing needs; after each wash cycle finishes, an extra Dry mode provides an extra 60 minutes of drying, and offers 72-hour ventilated storage to prevent odors and keep your dishes clean 【NOTE】Do not move the dishwasher while it is operating or paused. Only move it when the water tank is completely drained
- 360° CLEANING WITHOUT BLIND SPOTS: 14 water ports on the spray arms are designed to provide both top and bottom spraying for 360° cleaning coverage, rinsing your dishes thoroughly and giving them a sparkling clean finish
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5 Programs, 3-Cup Water Tank, Fruit/Veg Basket, High Temp, Air Dry
- Build- in Lights Function, Portable Size: 16x16x17.5(H) inch, 26.4 LB Net Weight, Convenient Dishwasher can fit a Variety of Dishes (up to 12-inches in diameter at an angle) and is ideal for small-sized Houses, Apartments, Dorms, Boats and Campers/RVs
- Multi Washing Programs: Six Wash Programs - Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit and DRY. Lower and Upper Spray Arms give Dishes that Streak-Free Deep Cleaning
- Easy-To-Use Control Panel: The LED Digital Controls show a Clear Picture-View of Wash Controls and the Automatic Water Level Indicator Lets you Know When the Correct Water Level has been Reached
What is the impact of hard water on drying performance in a countertop dishwasher?
Hard water can have a significant impact on the drying performance of a countertop dishwasher. When hard water is used in the dishwasher, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can build up on the dishes and the interior of the dishwasher, leaving spots and streaks behind.
Additionally, hard water can prevent the dishwasher detergent from effectively cleaning the dishes, which can also impact the drying performance. The minerals in hard water can react with the detergent, forming a film on the dishes that can prevent them from drying properly.
To improve drying performance in a countertop dishwasher with hard water, it is recommended to use a rinse aid or dishwasher detergent specifically designed for hard water. Additionally, regularly cleaning the dishwasher and removing mineral buildup can help to improve drying performance.
How to remove stubborn food residue from dishes in a countertop dishwasher?
- Soak the dishes in warm, soapy water for at least 15-20 minutes to help loosen the food residue.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or scrubbing pad to gently scrub away the stubborn food residue. Avoid using harsh scrubbers that could scratch the dishes.
- If the food residue is still stuck, try using a mild abrasive cleaner specifically designed for dishes. Apply the cleaner to a damp sponge and gently scrub the affected area.
- For particularly stubborn residue, make a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the dishes and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush or sponge.
- If the residue is still not coming off, consider running the dishes through another cycle in the dishwasher with a dishwasher-safe cleaning agent or vinegar to help break down the residue.
- For delicate or non-stick dishes, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners and opt for soaking in warm, soapy water or using a gentle scrubbing pad instead.
- After cleaning the dishes, rinse them thoroughly to remove any remaining residue or cleaning agents. Dry the dishes completely before storing them to prevent future residue buildup.
How to troubleshoot a dishwasher that is not drying dishes effectively?
- Check the rinse aid dispenser: Make sure the rinse aid dispenser is filled with rinse aid to help with drying. Adjust the rinse aid setting if necessary.
- Ensure proper loading: Make sure dishes are loaded properly in the dishwasher and are not blocking the drying vents. Leave space between dishes to allow for proper air circulation.
- Use the right detergent: Make sure you are using the correct detergent for your dishwasher and that it is being dispensed properly. Consider using a rinse aid as well for better drying results.
- Check the heating element: The heating element is responsible for drying dishes in the dishwasher. Check to see if it is working properly and replace it if necessary.
- Check the vent: Make sure the vent is not blocked or obstructed, as this can prevent hot air from circulating properly and drying dishes effectively.
- Check the water temperature: Make sure the water temperature is hot enough for optimal cleaning and drying. Check the water heater settings and adjust if needed.
- Run a cleaning cycle: Occasionally running a cleaning or maintenance cycle on your dishwasher can help improve its performance and drying effectiveness.
- Contact a professional: If you have tried the above steps and your dishwasher is still not drying dishes effectively, it may be time to contact a professional appliance repair technician for further diagnosis and repair.