To troubleshoot a countertop dishwasher, first check to ensure that the unit is properly connected to a power source and that the outlet is working. If the dishwasher is not turning on or not working properly, it could be due to a fault in the power supply.
Next, inspect the water supply and ensure that the water valve is open and the water is flowing freely. Check the inlet hose for any blockages or kinks that may be preventing water from entering the dishwasher.
If the dishwasher is not draining properly, check the drain hose for any clogs or obstructions. Clear any debris that may be blocking the flow of water and ensure that the drain hose is properly connected.
If the dishwasher is not cleaning dishes properly, make sure that the spray arms are not clogged with food particles or debris. Clean the spray arms and remove any obstructions that may be affecting the performance of the dishwasher.
Finally, if the dishwasher is still not working properly after performing these troubleshooting steps, consult the user manual for further guidance or contact the manufacturer's customer service for assistance.
Best Countertop Dishwashers in 2024
1
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
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【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
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【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
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【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
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【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
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【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
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【FRUIT MODE】A fruit basket is included so fruit and vegetables can be cleaned easily, ready to serve directly from the dishwasher
2
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
3
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
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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.
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【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.
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【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.
4
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
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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.
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[ 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.
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[ 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. )
5
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
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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.
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【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.
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【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.
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【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.
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【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.
6
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
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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)
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[ 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.
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[ 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.
7
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)
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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.
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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
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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
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5 Programs, 3-Cup Water Tank, Fruit/Veg Basket, High Temp, Air Dry
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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
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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
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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 best way to reset a countertop dishwasher?
The best way to reset a countertop dishwasher is to unplug it from the power source for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the dishwasher to fully reset and clear any error codes or issues it may be experiencing. Once the time has passed, plug the dishwasher back in and try running a cycle to see if the issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, consult the user manual for specific troubleshooting steps or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
How to fix a countertop dishwasher that is not filling with water?
- Check the water supply: Make sure that the dishwasher is properly connected to the water supply and that the water supply valve is turned on. If the valve is closed, open it to allow water to flow into the dishwasher.
- Check the inlet valve: The inlet valve is responsible for allowing water to flow into the dishwasher. If the valve is clogged or damaged, it may prevent water from filling the dishwasher. Clean or replace the inlet valve if necessary.
- Check the water inlet hose: The water inlet hose delivers water from the supply to the dishwasher. Make sure that the hose is not kinked or blocked, as this can prevent water from filling the dishwasher. If the hose is damaged, replace it with a new one.
- Check the float switch: The float switch is a safety feature that controls the water level in the dishwasher. If the float switch is stuck or faulty, it may prevent water from filling the dishwasher. Check the float switch and make sure it moves freely. If necessary, replace the float switch.
- Check the water level sensor: The water level sensor detects when the dishwasher is filled with water and signals the inlet valve to stop the flow of water. If the sensor is faulty, it may prevent water from filling the dishwasher. Test the water level sensor and replace it if necessary.
- Call a professional: If you have checked all the above steps and the dishwasher still does not fill with water, it may be a more complex issue that requires the expertise of a professional technician. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified appliance repair service for further assistance.
What is the best way to test the water temperature in a countertop dishwasher?
The best way to test the water temperature in a countertop dishwasher is to use a kitchen or food thermometer. Simply fill a cup or small container with water from the dishwasher, then place the thermometer in the water and check the temperature reading. Make sure to test the water temperature at the beginning, middle, and end of a wash cycle to ensure that it remains consistent throughout. Additionally, you can also refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for the recommended water temperature for optimal dishwasher performance.
How to fix a countertop dishwasher that is not spinning properly?
- Check for any obstructions: Make sure that there are no dishes, silverware, or anything else blocking the spinning arm or any other moving parts of the dishwasher.
- Clean the spinning arm: Remove the spinning arm from the dishwasher and clean it thoroughly to remove any debris or buildup that may be hindering its movement.
- Check the water supply: Make sure that the water supply to the dishwasher is adequate and that the water pressure is sufficient for proper operation.
- Check the pump and motor: If the spinning arm is not working properly, it may be due to a malfunction in the pump or motor. Check these components for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and replace them if necessary.
- Reset the dishwasher: Sometimes, simply turning off the dishwasher and then turning it back on can reset any errors or malfunctions and fix the spinning issue.
- Contact a professional: If you have tried all of the above steps and the dishwasher is still not spinning properly, it may be best to contact a professional appliance repair technician to diagnose and fix the issue.
How to troubleshoot a countertop dishwasher with a flashing light?
- Check the user manual: Many countertop dishwashers have troubleshooting guides in the user manual that can help diagnose the issue causing the flashing light.
- Power cycle the dishwasher: Turn off the dishwasher and unplug it from the power source for a few minutes. Then plug it back in and turn it on to see if the flashing light persists.
- Check water supply: Make sure the water supply is turned on and the water inlet hose is not kinked or blocked.
- Clean filters and spray arms: Remove and clean the filters and spray arms to ensure they are not clogged with food debris or mineral deposits.
- Check for blockages: Inspect the drain hose and air gap for any blockages that may be preventing proper drainage.
- Reset the dishwasher: Some models have a reset button that can be pressed to clear error codes and reset the dishwasher.
- Call customer service: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact the manufacturer's customer service for further assistance or to schedule a repair.
How to fix a countertop dishwasher with poor cleaning performance?
- Check the water temperature: Make sure the water entering the dishwasher is at the correct temperature. Most dishwashers require water between 120-150 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively clean dishes.
- Check the water pressure: Low water pressure can hinder the cleaning performance of a dishwasher. Make sure the water supply valve is fully open and the spray arms are not clogged.
- Clean the spray arms: Over time, food particles and debris can clog the spray arms, preventing them from effectively distributing water throughout the dishwasher. Remove the spray arms and clean out any blockages to improve cleaning performance.
- Check the detergent: Using the correct amount and type of detergent is crucial for proper cleaning performance. Make sure you are using a high-quality dishwasher detergent and following the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount to use.
- Clean the filter: A dirty filter can also impede the cleaning performance of a dishwasher. Remove the filter and clean it thoroughly to ensure optimal performance.
- Run a cleaning cycle: If your dishwasher has a cleaning cycle or option, run it to help remove any built-up grease, grime, or limescale that may be affecting cleaning performance.
- Check for hard water: If you have hard water, it can leave minerals and residue on dishes, making them appear dirty even after a wash cycle. Consider using a water softener or a rinse aid to help combat hard water deposits.
- Consult the manual: If you have tried all of the above steps and are still experiencing poor cleaning performance, consult the manual for your countertop dishwasher for further troubleshooting tips or consider contacting the manufacturer for assistance.
