Not every home or apartment has the option to install a traditional built-in dishwasher. Maybe you’re renting, living in a tiny home, or need something for your RV or cabin. That’s where dishwashers without plumbing come in. These handy appliances make dish duty easier than ever, no hardwiring or custom installation required! But which models actually get your dishes clean, fit your lifestyle, and are worth the money? This guide reviews the best dishwashers without plumbing for 2024—with expert tips to help you choose the right one.
Quick Picks: Our Top Portable & Plumbing-Free Dishwashers
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Best Overall:
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
— Outstanding cleaning power and convenience, ideal for small households. -
Best Budget:
Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
— Affordable, easy to use, and requires zero plumbing. -
Best Premium:
Novete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
— Sleek, powerful, and packed with features for families and gourmet kitchens.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Dishwasher Without Plumbing
Here’s what to consider before you buy:
- Water Source: Look for dishwashers with a built-in water tank, so you don’t have to connect to a tap. Most portable models hold 4–5 liters per cycle.
- Drainage: Ensure there’s an included drain hose you can place in a sink or bucket. No permanent connection needed.
- Capacity: Most countertop units fit 2–6 place settings per cycle—plenty for singles, couples, or a small family.
- Cycle Options: More cycles mean better cleaning for different loads: quick, heavy, eco, baby care, glass, and fruit wash are popular features.
- Noise Level: Look for quiet operation (50–55 dB is typical) if you live in a small space or plan to run it at night.
- Dimensions: Measure your countertop or table—make sure the unit fits under your cabinets and near an outlet.
- Portability: Choose lighter models if you want to move your dishwasher between rooms, RVs, or homes.
- Warranty & Service: Reputable brands with at least 1-year warranties and responsive customer support are a smart bet.
Detailed Reviews: Best Dishwashers Without Plumbing (2024)
1. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
- Who It’s For: Renters, apartment dwellers, or small households wanting plug-and-play convenience and proven reliability.
- Key Benefits:
- Fits up to 6 place settings—rare for portable units
- No direct plumbing required—fill and drain manually
- 7 wash programs: normal, intensive, eco, glass, 90 min, rapid, soak
- LED display and child lock for safety
- Pros:
- Best-in-class cleaning with powerful spray arms
- Easy to fill water tank (no tap hookup needed)
- Quiet (54 dB) and energy efficient
- Durable, trusted brand
- Cons:
- Takes up a bit more counter space than smaller models
- No heated dry cycle (air dry only)
- Final Verdict: If you want the convenience of a “real” dishwasher with no plumbing, this BLACK+DECKER is hard to beat.
See the BLACK+DECKER BCD6W on Amazon
2. Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
- Who It’s For: Budget-conscious buyers, college students, or RV owners who want a basic, hassle-free dishwasher.
- Key Benefits:
- Holds 2–4 place settings—compact but efficient
- Built-in 5-liter water tank—no faucet hookup needed
- 5 wash programs: normal, rapid, fruit wash, baby care, glass
- Steam function for heavy duty and baby bottles
- Pros:
- Very affordable (often under $350)
- Super easy to set up anywhere
- Good cleaning performance for size
- Lightweight and portable (under 40 lbs)
- Cons:
- Best for singles or couples (limited capacity)
- Long “eco” cycle compared to bigger dishwashers
- Final Verdict: Perfect for tight budgets and small spaces. No tools or plumbing needed—just plug in and go!
Check the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA on Amazon
3. Novete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
- Who It’s For: Small families, busy couples, or anyone who wants extra features and style in a plumbing-free dishwasher.
- Key Benefits:
- Fits 4 full place settings (plates up to 12 inches)
- 5-liter built-in tank or direct faucet connection (dual option)
- 5 wash cycles, including baby care and fruit wash
- Powerful drying mode and clear LED controls
- Pros:
- Sleek design—looks great on any countertop
- Whisper-quiet operation (50 dB)
- Sanitizes bottles, baby gear, and glassware
- Top-rated customer service
- Cons:
- Priced at the premium end (often $400+)
- Tank needs refilling every cycle
- Final Verdict: Worth it for families or cooks who need power, features, and a modern look.
See the Novete Dishwasher on Amazon
4. KAPAS Portable Countertop Dishwasher
- Who It’s For: Travelers, tiny home owners, or anyone who wants a truly portable dishwasher for flexible use.
- Key Benefits:
- Compact (16.75″ x 16.5″ x 18″), fits most RV or small kitchen counters
- Dual water source: built-in 5L tank or direct faucet hookup
- 6 wash programs, including “rapid” and “fruit” cycles
- Transparent window to watch dishes get clean
- Pros:
- Super portable and lightweight
- Easy to move and store when not in use
- Good cleaning for a portable unit
- Cons:
- Smaller capacity than some countertop competitors
- No heated dry (uses residual heat/air dry)
- Final Verdict: The KAPAS is a great “take anywhere” dishwasher for renters, campers, or seasonal use.
See the KAPAS Portable Dishwasher on Amazon
5. COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher
- Who It’s For: Studio apartment residents, office kitchens, or anyone wanting quick cycles and low water usage.
- Key Benefits:
- 3 place setting capacity—mini but mighty
- 5L tank or faucet fill
- 8 washing programs: heavy, normal, baby-care, eco, glass, fruit, rapid, air refresh
- Auto-open door for faster drying
- Pros:
- Compact and easy to store
- Quick “rapid” wash cycle (40 min)
- Minimal water use per load
- Auto door release to let out steam
- Cons:
- Smallest capacity in this lineup
- No traditional heated dry
- Final Verdict: Best choice for the smallest kitchens or for supplementing hand-washing.
See the COMFEE’ Mini Dishwasher on Amazon
6. HAVA R01 Portable Dishwasher
- Who It’s For: RV travelers, boaters, or anyone seeking a high-capacity, zero-plumbing solution.
- Key Benefits:
- Fits up to 4 place settings
- Built-in 5L tank or direct fill from faucet
- 5 cleaning programs, including heavy and fruit wash
- Intuitive LED controls and clear viewing window
- Pros:
- Good value for size and features
- Quiet and easy to set up anywhere
- Reliable cleaning performance
- Cons:
- No advanced drying—air dry only
- May require more frequent refilling for large loads
- Final Verdict: Solid pick for campers, cabins, or anyone needing “real dishwasher” cleaning power without installation.
See the HAVA R01 Portable Dishwasher on Amazon
Comparison Table: Best Dishwashers Without Plumbing
| Name | Water Source | Capacity | Wash Cycles | Size (inches) | Noise | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER BCD6W | Tank | 6 place settings | 7 | 21.7 x 21.5 x 17.2 | 54 dB | View |
| Farberware FDW05ASBWHA | Tank | 2–4 place settings | 5 | 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3 | 62 dB | View |
| Novete Countertop | Tank/Faucet | 4 place settings | 5 | 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 | 50 dB | View |
| KAPAS Portable | Tank/Faucet | 3–4 place settings | 6 | 16.7 x 16.5 x 18 | 58 dB | View |
| COMFEE’ Mini | Tank/Faucet | 3 place settings | 8 | 16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 | 49 dB | View |
| HAVA R01 | Tank/Faucet | 4 place settings | 5 | 16.9 x 16.8 x 18.1 | 50 dB | View |
Frequently Asked Questions: Dishwashers Without Plumbing
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How do dishwashers without plumbing work?
Most use a built-in water tank you fill before each cycle and a drain hose you place in your sink or bucket. No permanent hookup is needed. -
Do these dishwashers clean as well as built-in models?
Yes, for small loads! Modern portable dishwashers offer strong spray, heat, and sanitation. For very heavy or greasy loads, you may need two cycles or a quick pre-rinse. -
Are plumbing-free dishwashers energy efficient?
Most use about 0.3–0.6 kWh per cycle and 3–5 liters of water—far less than hand washing! -
How do I drain the water?
Simply place the drain hose in your sink or a bucket—gravity does the rest. -
Can I use these in an RV or off-grid?
Yes—many models are designed for RVs, cabins, dorms, or any location with an outlet and access to water for refilling the tank.
Conclusion: Cleaner Dishes, No Plumbing Needed
Dishwashers without plumbing are a game changer for renters, travelers, and small-space dwellers. With portable, plug-and-play models from top brands like BLACK+DECKER, Farberware, and Novete, you can enjoy sparkling dishes anywhere—no plumber, no tools, and no hassle. Choose the right model for your needs, measure your space, and get ready to reclaim your time from endless hand-washing!
Ready to get started? Click the links above to see today’s best deals and discover how easy it can be to add a dishwasher to any kitchen—no installation required.