5 reasons to consider a tabletop dishwasher

Not to be confused with compact dishwashers, a tabletop dishwasher is typically a smaller, cheaper and more portable option.

While not an ideal long-term dishwashing solution, they can be handy for use in small living spaces, or for those who live alone and don't create much washing up. They're also useful in a holiday home or caravan, and some people even use them as a temporary solution during a kitchen renovation.

Here are six reasons you might consider getting one, plus advice from our dishwasher expert. 

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1. You live alone

A full-size dishwasher isn't very practical in a solo household – it can take a long time to fill it, and you might find yourself running short of mugs or teaspoons by the end of the week. You could, of course, run a half-load, but that's not the most energy-efficient way to use a dishwasher.

If this is the case for you, a tabletop dishwasher could be a good idea. They're generally designed to wash about two table settings.

But, if you have room in your kitchen, you may wish to consider a slimline dishwasher instead. Even if you don't fill it up every day, you could run a half-load or use a soak program to partially clean your dishes so they don't start to smell. 

Considering a slimline model? Check out the best slimline dishwashers according to our tests

2. You have a caravan or holiday home

Some tabletop dishwashers require plumbing in, but you can get models that don’t. If you have a caravan or holiday home, a non-plumbed tabletop model is a great option. Its portability means you can stow it away when not in use, and perhaps use it at home when not travelling. 

Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions and hook it up to your kitchen sink. Most will require you to fill a reservoir with water before running a cycle, and the dirty water is usually expelled via a hose. 

If you can accommodate a plumbed-in model, a compact model might be better than a tabletop. Check out our best compact dishwashers

3. You’re a student

Student accommodation doesn't always come with a dishwasher, and washing up by hand is a chore at the best of times – never mind when living in shared accommodation with messy housemates.

A tabletop dishwasher can help alleviate the dishes-in-the-sink situation. You might even be able to keep it in your room if it's got a sink, but make sure your university allows it, and ensure you ventilate properly to avoid issues with mould and damp.

If you're heading to university soon, check out the best laptops for students and the best student bank account perks and freebies

4. You're renovating your kitchen

Having a kitchen makeover and can’t access your dishwasher for a while? A tabletop model can help take the edge off the chaos. Even if you're unable to cook, a dishwasher can keep the mountain of mugs and glasses at bay, at the very least (and save you from having to do the washing up in the bathroom sink).

If the work is extensive, why not consider hiring a temporary kitchen pod? They can sit on your driveway, and many come equipped with a washing machine, fridge, oven and dishwasher. 

If you're planning on renovating soon, find out how much you can expect to spend in How much does a new kitchen cost in 2024?

5. You need a second dishwasher

If you already have a dishwasher but find it's regularly full and chugging away, a second dishwasher could be helpful. Not all of use are blessed with kitchens large enough to accommodate two full-size dishwashers, however. 

An additional slimline or compact dishwasher could be the ideal solution, but if you don't have the cabinet space, or don't want the hassle of installation, a tabletop model could be a good option, especially if your kitchen worktop is constantly littered with dirty mugs.

A lack of worktop space is a common kitchen bugbear – find out what the others are in 7 things people regret most about their kitchen design

Our expert says

Andy Laughlin, Which? dishwashers expert:

'We haven’t tested any true tabletop dishwashers, but we have reviewed some compact dishwashers. These can either sit on your countertop or be integrated into a cupboard or drawer in your kitchen. Unfortunately, they’ve generally been poor at cleaning in our tests, use a lot of energy and water, and are awkward to load. Some are even Don’t Buys.

'If you really don’t have space for a slimline dishwasher and are set on a dinky dishwasher, then you might need to cope with slightly less effective cleaning of your dishes.

'It's always important to stack your dishwasher carefully to get the best results, but this is even more important with compact or tabletop models. See how to load your dishwasher for our top tips.'

Get a great full-size or slimline model without breaking the bank. Head to the best cheap dishwashers

How does a tabletop dishwasher work?

Tabletop dishwashers work in a similar way to regular dishwashers, with spinning jets of water running on a cycle working to clean your dishes.

Some need to be plumbed in, while others require a water reservoir to be filled up prior to cleaning, or a hose to be attached to your tap to supply them with water.

You'll need to give your tabletop dishwasher somewhere to empty out the dirty water, too – most have a hose that you can direct into your kitchen sink.

Where to buy a tabletop dishwasher

• Amazon countertop dishwashers tend to sit around the £200 mark. There are plenty of brands to choose from, including Russell Hobbs and Cookology.
• B&Q has a small selection of tabletop dishwashers, which vary between £200 to around £350. Depending on the model you choose, you could wash between two and eight place settings.
• Cookology sells its own tabletop dishwashers online, and has 15 different models, some with as little capacity as two place settings but ranging up to eight. Most models are available in standard black, white or grey, while others also come in blue, orange or gold. 
• Currys stocks a few countertop models online, including Russell Hobbs-branded models. Expect to spend between £200 and £300 here.

Is it more efficient to wash your dishes by hand or in a dishwasher? Find out in dishwasher vs hand washing