Which Countertop Dishwasher Under $400 Is Best? (Reviewed!)

Not everyone has the luxury of a built-in dishwasher. Whether you are renting an apartment where permanent installation is off the table, living in an RV or on a boat, dealing with a kitchen that was designed before dishwashers were standard, or simply adding a second dishwasher to a busy household, a countertop model can genuinely transform your daily routine. The question most buyers face is the same one this guide answers: what is the best countertop dishwasher under $400?

The compact dishwasher category has matured considerably in recent years. Models that once felt like toys have given way to machines that heat water, sanitize at high temperatures, offer multiple wash programs, and clean dishes with results that impress independent testers. America’s Test Kitchen found in their hands-on testing that every countertop model they evaluated “reached safe temperatures for effective cleaning,” and that the most capable models left dishes “sparklingly clean and bone-dry.”

This guide covers five countertop dishwashers confirmed available on Amazon, all priced under $400, each suited to a different type of buyer and living situation.

Who Actually Needs a Countertop Dishwasher?

Before getting into the models, it helps to understand what this appliance category is genuinely designed for and where it performs best. Countertop dishwashers are not a compromise version of a built-in. For the right household, they are the correct tool entirely.

The Living Situations Where They Shine

Countertop dishwashers make the most sense for:

• Renters who cannot install permanent appliances and want the convenience of a dishwasher without violating their lease
• Apartments and studio spaces where there is no existing dishwasher hookup and no space for a built-in
• RV and boat living, where space is at a premium and the self-contained water tank models work without any plumbing connection
• Small households of one or two people, where running a full 14-place built-in dishwasher daily for a handful of dishes wastes significant water and energy
• Secondary kitchens, guest houses, office break rooms, or holiday homes that see irregular use and do not justify a full installation

What They Can and Cannot Do

A countertop dishwasher handles the same everyday dishes, glasses, cups, and flatware that a built-in handles. The key practical limitations are:

• Capacity. Most models hold 4 to 6 place settings, which works well for two people but requires running a cycle after every meal for larger households.
• Plate size. Models that connect to a faucet typically accommodate dinner plates up to 10 or 10.5 inches in diameter. Tank-only models may be limited to smaller plates. Check dimensions before buying if you use large dinner plates or wide pasta bowls.
• Large cookware. Stock pots, large baking sheets, and full-size woks do not fit. Hand washing is still required for these items.
• Faucet compatibility. Most models that connect to a water supply require a standard threaded faucet. Pull-out sprayer heads and many modern designer faucets need an adapter or may not be compatible at all. Tank-fill models eliminate this issue entirely.

Understanding these limits upfront means you buy the right model for your actual situation rather than a frustrating one.

The 5 Best Countertop Dishwashers Under $400 on Amazon

Every model below is confirmed available on Amazon. Prices vary by color and periodically shift, so always check the live listing for the current figure before purchasing.

1. COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher: Best Overall Value Under $400

Ideal for: Renters, couples, and small households who want the strongest combination of wash programs, faucet-connect convenience, and Energy Star efficiency at the lowest price on this list.

The COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher is the most frequently recommended model across independent review platforms in 2026 and the top choice from America’s Test Kitchen’s hands-on countertop dishwasher evaluation. It earns that position by delivering eight wash programs, consistent cleaning results across test loads of dried-on egg, oatmeal, and spinach, and a simple faucet-connect setup that works without any plumbing knowledge.

What sets COMFEE’ apart at its price is the number of specialized programs. Beyond the standard Normal and Heavy cycles, you get a Baby-Care cycle that heats water to high temperatures for sanitizing bottles and baby items, an ECO cycle for lightly soiled loads, a Glass cycle with lower temperatures to protect delicate stemware, and a Speed cycle for quick cleanups. An extra-drying function extends heat at the end of the cycle for drier results on ceramic and glass.

How it works:

• Connects directly to a kitchen faucet using the included adapter and quick-connect hose for its water supply
• Drains back through the faucet connection or via the included drain hose, directed into the sink
• 360-degree spray arms rotate during the cycle to reach all rack levels simultaneously
• The Baby-Care cycle boosts water temperature for thorough sanitization of high-temperature-sensitive items

Key specifications:

• Capacity: 6 place settings (fits plates up to 10 inches in diameter)
• Wash programs: 8 (Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Rinse, Mini-Party)
• Drying: Extra-dry function (heated final rinse extension)
• Water supply: Faucet connect (quick-connect adapter included)
• Certification: Energy Star certified
• Dimensions: H17.2 x W21.6 x D19.7 inches
• Tableware capacity: Up to 70 pieces

Check the COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher on Amazon

What owners say: Buyers consistently confirm the COMFEE’ cleans well on Normal and Heavy cycles without pre-rinsing, and that the Baby-Care function is genuinely useful for families. The most common practical note is to ensure your faucet is a standard threaded type before purchasing, as pull-out sprayer heads require an additional adapter. A small amount of water may be present in the unit on delivery, which is normal and results from factory testing.

2. HAVA R01 Countertop Dishwasher: Best for No-Hookup Flexibility

Ideal for: Households where faucet compatibility is uncertain, RV and boat users, or anyone who wants to place the dishwasher away from the sink.

Good Housekeeping named the HAVA R01 its top choice for sanitizing among countertop dishwashers, and it earns that recognition for a key reason: the built-in 5-liter water tank means it operates without any faucet connection at all. You pour water into the tank using the included pitcher, plug it in, and the machine does the rest. The included inlet hose also allows faucet connection if preferred, giving genuine flexibility.

The Baby Care mode washes at 167 degrees Fahrenheit, which is among the highest temperatures in the countertop category, making it particularly effective for sanitizing bottles, nipples, and baby feeding equipment. An air-drying function circulates air after the wash cycle to help dry dishes and prevent moisture buildup inside the machine.

How it works:

• Fill the built-in 5-liter water tank manually using the included pitcher for fully independent operation, no plumbing required
• Alternatively, connect the included inlet hose directly to a kitchen faucet for continuous water supply
• Six wash programs cover Normal, Speed, Soft, Heavy/Baby Care, Fruit, and Dry modes
• Baby Care mode heats water to 167 degrees Fahrenheit for high-temperature sanitization
• The included fruit basket allows fruits and vegetables to be washed in the same cycle as dishes

Key specifications:

• Capacity: Fits up to 4 place settings, plates up to 11 inches at an angle
• Wash programs: 6 (Normal, Speed, Soft, Heavy/Baby Care, Fruit, Dry)
• Water supply: 5-liter built-in tank (pitcher included) or faucet connect via inlet hose
• Baby Care temperature: 167 degrees Fahrenheit
• Power: 950 watts
• Water use per cycle: 5 liters (approximately 1.32 gallons), 75 percent less than handwashing
• Noise level: Approximately 60 dBA
• Dimensions: Approximately 16.8 x 16.7 x 18 inches

Check the HAVA R01 Countertop Dishwasher on Amazon

What owners say: The no-hookup tank design draws the most consistent praise, particularly from RV owners, boat dwellers, and renters who want zero commitment to a fixed water source. The 167-degree Baby Care temperature is the feature most frequently cited by families with young children. Some buyers note that the 60 dBA operating volume is slightly louder than faucet-connected models, and that larger plates may require angling to fit properly.

3. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W: Best From a Trusted Brand Under $400

Ideal for: Buyers who prefer purchasing from an established North American brand with a track record and who want a child-lock safety feature included.

The BLACK+DECKER BCD6W carries the weight of a brand that most American households have trusted for decades, and it translates that reputation into one of the most thoughtfully specified countertop dishwashers in this price range. Seven wash programs, a child-lock feature, a pause function, and Energy Star certification combine in a machine that Bob Vila named best overall countertop dishwasher in their evaluation.

The BCD6W connects to a kitchen faucet and accommodates 6 place settings with dinner plates up to 10 inches. Its seven programs cover every practical use case from a quick Rinse cycle through to Heavy, and the Baby Care cycle at 158 degrees Fahrenheit covers sanitization for households with young children. The Hot Air Drying system uses warm airflow rather than pure residual heat, which improves drying results compared to models that rely on opening the door alone.

How it works:

• Connects to a kitchen faucet using the included adapter and hose for water supply
• A 360-degree rotating spray arm covers the full interior of the rack
• Seven wash cycles are selected via the LED touch control panel with digital display
• The three-layer removable filter system traps food particles during the cycle and should be cleaned weekly for best performance
• Child lock prevents unintended cycle changes or starts during operation

Key specifications:

• Capacity: 6 place settings (plates up to 10 inches in diameter)
• Wash programs: 7 (Heavy, Normal, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Rinse)
• Drying: Hot Air Drying system
• Water supply: Faucet connect
• Controls: LED touch panel with digital display
• Safety: Child lock, pause function
• Certification: Energy Star certified
• Baby Care temperature: 158 degrees Fahrenheit
• Dimensions: H17.2 x W21.7 x D19.7 inches
• Weight: Approximately 46 pounds

Check the BLACK+DECKER BCD6W on Amazon

What owners say: Buyers cite the BLACK+DECKER name as a significant factor in their purchase confidence, and reviews broadly confirm the machine cleans effectively on Normal and Heavy cycles. The child lock is specifically praised by parents as a practical safety feature missing from cheaper models. Some reviewers note that the connection hose fit can vary by faucet type and recommend checking the adapter compatibility before the first use.

4. Danby DDW631SDB: Best Countertop Dishwasher for Stainless Interior and Most Wash Cycles

Ideal for: Buyers who want a stainless steel interior tub, the widest wash cycle selection in this price range, and a delay start option for off-peak or overnight operation.

The Danby DDW631SDB is the most appliance-like countertop dishwasher on this list. Danby is a Canadian appliance company with over 70 years in the home appliance market, and the DDW631SDB reflects that heritage in its build quality. The stainless steel interior outperforms the plastic tubs found in most countertop models by retaining heat more effectively during drying and resisting staining from tomato-based foods. It is also quieter in operation at 54 dBA, which matters in apartments and open living spaces.

Eight wash cycles, a 2 to 8-hour delay start in two-hour increments, and a countdown display on the LED panel round out a specification sheet that reads more like a mid-range built-in than a budget countertop unit. The new and improved spray arm design cited by Danby is specifically aimed at addressing coverage gaps that affected earlier versions of the machine.

How it works:

• Connects to a kitchen faucet using the included quick-connect adapter and hose
• Eight wash cycles are selected via electronic push-button controls with LED display
• The countdown display shows remaining cycle time at a glance
• Delay start allows the cycle to be scheduled anywhere from 2 to 8 hours in advance
• A stainless steel interior retains heat post-cycle for improved drying and resists food staining

Key specifications:

• Capacity: 6 place settings
• Wash programs: 8 (Heavy, Normal, Baby Care, ECO, Glass, Speed, Rinse, Mini-Party)
• Water supply: Faucet connect (quick-connect adapter included)
• Tub material: Stainless steel interior
• Noise level: 54 dBA
• Delay start: 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours
• Display: Countdown timer
• Water use per normal cycle: 3.1 gallons (11.7 liters)
• Certification: Energy Star certified
• Warranty: 12-month parts and labor

Check the Danby DDW631SDB on Amazon

What owners say: The stainless steel interior is the most mentioned purchase reason by buyers comparing the Danby to cheaper alternatives. Owners note that dishes dry more completely than from plastic-tub models, and that the tub shows no staining even after months of daily use with tomato-based food residue. The delay start is frequently cited by buyers who live in apartments with time-of-use electricity rates or who prefer to run appliances overnight. At 54 dBA, the Danby is noticeably quieter than most countertop competitors.

5. Farberware FDW05ASBWHA: Best Budget Countertop Dishwasher Under $400

Ideal for: Buyers on the tightest budget who still want a recognizable American brand, tank-fill flexibility, and coverage of the essential wash programs including Baby Care and fruit washing.

The Farberware FDW05ASBWHA earns its place as the entry-level pick on this list because Farberware is one of America’s most recognized kitchen brands, with over a century in American kitchens. For buyers who want a familiar name without paying a premium, this model delivers five wash programs, a 5-liter built-in water tank that eliminates the need for any faucet connection, and a baby care steam function in a compact footprint that fits plates up to 12 inches in diameter at an angle.

The rapid wash cycle completes cleaning in just 40 minutes. An air circulation function operates with any program to improve drying and prevent odor buildup inside the machine. The included fruit basket allows produce to be cleaned in the same cycle as dishes. It is the most affordable model on this list, and for smaller households or occasional use, it represents a straightforward, dependable entry into countertop dishwashing.

How it works:

• Fill the built-in 5-liter water tank manually using the included pitcher for fully hookup-free operation
• Alternatively, connect the included water hose to a kitchen faucet for continuous supply
• Five programs are selected via LED digital controls
• Baby Care uses steam generated during the wash cycle to sanitize bottles and glassware
• Air circulation runs after the cycle to improve drying and prevent moisture buildup
• The included fruit basket sits in the rack to allow produce washing alongside dishes

Key specifications:

• Capacity: Approximately 4 to 6 place settings (plates up to 12 inches in diameter at an angle)
• Wash programs: 5 (Normal, Rapid, Fruit Wash, Baby Care, Glass)
• Water supply: 5-liter built-in tank (pitcher included) or faucet connect via hose
• Drying: Air circulation for improved drying
• Baby Care: Steam function for sanitization
• Power: 750 watts
• Dimensions: Approximately 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3 inches
• Rapid wash cycle: Approximately 40 minutes

Check the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA on Amazon

What owners say: Farberware buyers consistently highlight the brand trust factor and the tank-fill convenience as the primary purchase drivers. The compact dimensions and light weight are frequently praised for RV and boat users who need to move the unit. The fruit basket is a feature multiple reviewers call out as genuinely useful for washing produce before serving. The main limitation noted is that five programs covers less flexibility than the 7 to 8-cycle models above, which is a reasonable trade-off at the lower price point.

Quick Comparison of the Best Countertop Dishwashers Under $400

Use this table to identify which model best fits your setup and priorities before reading the detailed reviews above.

Model	Capacity	Programs	Water Supply	Tub	Noise	Best For
COMFEE’ (B09ST4M8VF)	6 place	8	Faucet connect	Plastic	Standard	Best overall value, most programs
HAVA R01	4 place	6	Tank (5L) or faucet	Plastic	~60 dBA	No-hookup flexibility, sanitizing
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W	6 place	7	Faucet connect	Plastic	Standard	Trusted brand, child lock
Danby DDW631SDB	6 place	8	Faucet connect	Stainless steel	54 dBA	Best drying, quietest, delay start
Farberware FDW05ASBWHA	4-6 place	5	Tank (5L) or faucet	Plastic	Standard	Lowest price, brand recognition

The Danby is the best-built machine in this group and the quietest. The COMFEE’ offers the most complete feature set for the money. The HAVA and Farberware work independently of any faucet, which is the priority for mobile living. BLACK+DECKER wins on brand confidence and child safety features.

How to Choose the Best Countertop Dishwasher Under $400 for Your Situation

The right model is determined primarily by three practical factors that are worth thinking through before purchasing.

Faucet Connection vs. Built-In Water Tank

This is the most important decision in the countertop dishwasher category.

Faucet-connect models (COMFEE’, BLACK+DECKER, Danby) have continuous water supply from your kitchen tap. They are typically easier to drain and more convenient for daily household use. You do need a compatible standard threaded faucet. Pull-out sprayer heads and aerator-free faucets require additional adapters, which are sometimes sold separately and not always guaranteed to work.

Tank-fill models (HAVA, Farberware) can be placed anywhere near an outlet and a drain. You pour water into a reservoir before each cycle. This works on a boat, in an RV, in a garage, or anywhere a faucet is not conveniently located. The trade-off is that you manually refill the tank before each load, which adds a step to the routine.

Capacity vs. Footprint

All models on this list hold between 4 and 6 place settings. For one person, 4 place settings is often sufficient to run once per day. For two people or a busy household, 6 place settings means running a cycle after each meal. If your household generates more than 6 place settings of dishes per cycle, a countertop model will require multiple daily runs and a built-in may be the more practical investment.

Plate Size Compatibility

Check your dinner plates before buying. Standard dinner plates in American households run 10 to 11 inches in diameter. Most countertop models accommodate plates up to 10 or 10.5 inches when loaded straight. Larger plates often fit when loaded at an angle, but this reduces overall capacity per cycle. The Farberware FDW05ASBWHA specifically accommodates up to 12-inch plates at an angle, which makes it a better fit for households using European-style larger plates.

Setup Tips: Getting Your Countertop Dishwasher Running on Day One

Countertop dishwashers are designed for DIY setup, but a few simple steps prevent the most common first-use problems.

For Faucet-Connect Models

• Remove the existing aerator screen from your faucet before attaching the adapter. Most standard kitchen faucets have a threaded aerator tip that the adapter screws onto. Pliers and a cloth protect the finish.
• If your faucet has a pull-out head or a non-standard end, purchase an additional adapter before the machine arrives. Most hardware stores stock universal faucet adapter sets for under $15.
• Position the machine as close to the sink as the drain hose will comfortably reach. Avoid kinking the drain hose, as this causes incomplete draining after the cycle.
• Run the first cycle empty with a small amount of dishwasher detergent to flush any factory residue from the interior.

For Built-In Water Tank Models

• Use the included pitcher to fill the tank before each cycle. The tank capacity (typically 5 liters) determines the water available for the entire wash cycle.
• Ensure the drain hose reaches to the sink or a bucket with enough capacity to hold the discharge water (approximately 4 to 6 liters).
• Leave the door slightly ajar between uses to allow the interior to dry and prevent any musty odor from developing.

Detergent and Rinse Aid

• Use only dishwasher-specific detergent. Pods, powder, and liquid dishwasher detergent all work. Regular dish soap or hand soap creates excess suds that can overflow and damage the pump.
• Most countertop models have a small rinse aid compartment near the detergent dispenser. Using rinse aid significantly improves drying performance, particularly on glasses and plastic items.
• The correct detergent amount for a small countertop cycle is much less than a full-size machine: typically one small pod or roughly 0.2 to 0.3 ounces of powder or liquid.

Read Also:

• Is a Budget Dishwasher Worth It? (Top Choices)
• Quiet Vs Standard Dishwasher: How Do They Compare?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best countertop dishwasher under $400 for an apartment?

For most apartment renters with a standard threaded kitchen faucet, the COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher is the strongest pick: Energy Star certified, 8 programs including Baby Care and ECO, 6-place capacity, and consistent cleaning results endorsed by America’s Test Kitchen testing. For apartments where faucet compatibility is uncertain or where the dishwasher needs to be placed away from the sink, the HAVA R01 with its 5-liter built-in tank is more practical.

Do countertop dishwashers actually clean as well as built-in dishwashers?

For everyday dishes, glasses, cups, and flatware, yes. America’s Test Kitchen found that every countertop model they tested reached effective cleaning temperatures and removed dried-on food stains from their test dishes. The limitations are in capacity per load and the inability to handle large cookware, not in cleaning power for normal dish loads. Serious Eats specifically described the best countertop model they tested as leaving dishes “sparklingly clean and bone-dry.”

How much water does a countertop dishwasher use?

Most countertop models use between 3.1 and 5 liters of water per cycle, which is significantly less than both a full-size built-in dishwasher and typical handwashing. The Danby DDW631SDB uses 3.1 gallons (11.7 liters) per normal cycle. HAVA and COMFEE’ tank-fill models use approximately 5 liters per cycle, which the manufacturers note is roughly 75 percent less water than handwashing the equivalent load.

Can a countertop dishwasher sanitize baby bottles?

Yes, provided the model includes a Baby Care or high-temperature cycle. The HAVA R01 heats water to 167 degrees Fahrenheit on its Baby Care cycle. The BLACK+DECKER BCD6W and COMFEE’ both include Baby Care cycles designed for bottles and children’s feeding equipment. The Danby DDW631SDB also includes a Baby Care cycle. The Farberware uses steam during its Baby Care mode to sanitize bottles. Check that any model you buy specifies a high-temperature or steam-based sanitization function rather than simply calling a cycle “Baby Care” without temperature data.

How do I know if a countertop dishwasher will fit on my counter?

Standard countertop dishwashers measure approximately 17 to 18 inches tall, 20 to 22 inches wide, and 17 to 20 inches deep. The critical dimension is the clearance between your countertop surface and the underside of your wall cabinets. Most models require at least 19.6 inches of vertical clearance, and the machine itself is typically 17 to 18 inches tall. Measure this gap in your kitchen before purchasing. Also account for the faucet hose run to the machine and ensure the drain hose can reach the sink without kinking.

Are countertop dishwashers worth it for one person?

Genuinely yes, particularly for the water and time savings. A single person generates one to two place settings per meal. Running even a 4-place setting countertop cycle once daily handles all of that in under an hour of unattended cleaning time, using less water than handwashing. The payback in time alone makes it worthwhile for most single-person households, and the Energy Star models on this list keep running costs minimal.

Final Thoughts

Answering the question of what is the best countertop dishwasher under $400 comes down to where you live and what you need from it. For most apartments and small households with a standard kitchen faucet, the COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher offers the strongest overall package: eight wash programs, Energy Star efficiency, and cleaning performance that holds up in independent testing. For anyone who needs total plumbing independence, the HAVA R01 with its 5-liter built-in tank and 167-degree sanitization cycle is the practical choice.

And for buyers who want the reassurance of a name they have trusted for years, BLACK+DECKER BCD6W and Danby DDW631SDB both deliver, with Danby adding the only stainless steel interior tub and quietest operation in the group. And for buyers on the tightest budget who still want recognizable brand backing, the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA covers all the essentials at the lowest price on the list.

Any of these five machines will free you from the sink for everyday dishes, save meaningful water versus handwashing, and fit on a standard kitchen counter without modification. Set one up in the time it takes to watch a half-hour show, and your daily dish routine changes permanently.