Living solo doesn’t mean you have to wash dishes by hand! The best dishwasher for one person is compact, energy-efficient, and easy to fit into any kitchen, no matter the size. Whether you want a countertop model, a slim built-in, or something portable, there’s a perfect option to save time and water—so you can spend more time living and less time scrubbing.
Quick Picks
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Best Overall:
Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Portable Countertop Dishwasher — Compact, no plumbing needed, uses just 1.3 gallons per load. -
Best Built-In Slimline:
EdgeStar BIDW1802SS 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher — Slimline, fits small kitchens, cleans up to 8 place settings. -
Best Premium:
Bosch 800 Series SPE68B55UC 18-Inch Dishwasher — High-end features, whisper-quiet, ultra-efficient for singles and couples.
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Dishwasher Great for One Person?
- Compact Size: Countertop or 18-inch slim models fit anywhere—even in apartments or tiny kitchens.
- Low Water & Energy Use: Look for models that use 1–3 gallons per cycle and are ENERGY STAR rated.
- Quick Wash Cycles: Fast, 30–60 minute cycles are perfect for light, daily loads.
- Flexible Loading: Adjustable racks and fold-down tines help fit mugs, bowls, lunch containers, and more.
- Easy Installation: Many countertop models need no plumbing—just fill the tank or hook up to your faucet.
- Quiet Operation: Under 50 dB means you can run it anytime, even in small spaces.
Detailed Reviews: Best Dishwashers for One Person ($300+)
Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Who it’s for: Singles, renters, and small space dwellers who want easy dishwashing with no permanent hookup.
- Holds 2–6 place settings—ideal for daily solo use
- Uses just 1.3 gallons per cycle—super water-saving
- No plumbing needed—fill the water tank or connect to your faucet
- Quick, 40-minute cycle available
Pros:
- Super compact—fits on any counter
- Perfect for renters, studios, and dorms
- Affordable and easy to maintain
Cons:
- Smallest capacity—best for one person or light users
- No heated dry (air dry by opening door)
Final Verdict: Farberware makes solo dishwashing easy, portable, and budget-friendly. See today’s price
EdgeStar BIDW1802SS 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher
Who it’s for: Apartment or small home owners who want a real built-in, but with a slim, space-saving design.
- 8 place setting capacity—plenty for solo cooks or light entertaining
- 18-inch width—fits where full-size models can’t
- 6 wash cycles including “Quick” for daily dishes
- Leak sensor and stainless steel tub
Pros:
- Slim design for small kitchens
- Simple controls and reliable performance
- ENERGY STAR rated for efficiency
Cons:
- Requires built-in installation
- Not portable—permanent placement
Final Verdict: EdgeStar gives solo users big performance in a small package. View price
Bosch 800 Series SPE68B55UC 18-Inch Dishwasher
Who it’s for: Singles and couples who want the very best features, quietest operation, and top efficiency in a compact dishwasher.
- Holds 10 place settings—great for solo cooks who meal prep or entertain
- ENERGY STAR rated—just 2.9 gallons per cycle
- 44 dB operation—virtually silent
- Flexible third rack for utensils and mugs
Pros:
- High-end, whisper-quiet operation
- Handles bigger loads when needed
- CrystalDry for spotless, dry dishes
Cons:
- Premium price
- Installation required
Final Verdict: Bosch 800 18-inch is the luxury pick for singles who want the best. Check price
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Who it’s for: Solo users and couples needing a compact, reliable dishwasher with a bit more space than a mini model.
- Fits 6 place settings—enough for a couple days’ dishes
- Runs on any kitchen counter—quick-connect to faucet
- 7 wash cycles including “Eco” for energy savings
- Simple electronic controls
Pros:
- Easy to use and install—no permanent changes
- Quiet and efficient
- Good balance of size and convenience
Cons:
- No heated dry (open to air dry)
- Bulkier than mini models
Final Verdict: BLACK+DECKER is a great everyday countertop option for singles. See price
SPT SD-9254SS 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher
Who it’s for: Anyone wanting a quiet, energy-saving slimline dishwasher with room for meal prep, baking, or guests.
- 8 place settings—flexible for daily use or occasional guests
- ENERGY STAR rated and 6 wash programs
- Runs at 52 dB—quiet in small kitchens
- Stainless steel tub for durability
Pros:
- Slim but with plenty of capacity
- Great efficiency and value
- Simple installation for most kitchens
Cons:
- Requires permanent installation
- No third rack
Final Verdict: SPT is a reliable slimline for singles who cook often or entertain. View price
Comparison Table
| Name | Key Features | Specs/Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farberware FDW05ASBWHA | Portable, 1.3 gal/cycle, quick install | 2-6 place, countertop, 17″ high | View Price |
| EdgeStar BIDW1802SS | Slim 18″, 6 cycles, 8 place | Built-in, 18″ wide | View Price |
| Bosch 800 Series SPE68B55UC | Premium, 10 place, 44 dB | 18″ built-in, ENERGY STAR | View Price |
| BLACK+DECKER BCD6W | Countertop, 6 place, 7 cycles | Countertop, 21″ wide | View Price |
| SPT SD-9254SS | 18″ built-in, 8 place, quiet | Built-in, 52 dB | View Price |
FAQ
Is it worth having a dishwasher for one person?
Absolutely! A compact dishwasher saves water, time, and energy—plus, you never have to look at a pile of dirty dishes again. Just load and run a quick cycle each day or every other day.
Countertop or slimline built-in—what’s better for singles?
Countertop models are portable and perfect for renters or those with very limited space. Slimline (18-inch) models offer more capacity and features, great if you cook a lot or entertain occasionally.
Can I hook up a portable dishwasher in an apartment?
Yes—most portable and countertop models need no permanent installation. Fill the tank or connect to your sink faucet for easy use and storage.
How much water and energy do compact dishwashers use?
Countertop dishwashers can use as little as 1.3 gallons per cycle, while slimline built-in models use 2–3 gallons—far less than hand washing or full-size machines.
Do small dishwashers clean as well as full-size?
Yes, as long as you don’t overload them and use the right cycle. The top models above clean thoroughly, even with less water and energy.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
One person, one dishwasher, zero hassle. Whether you want countertop convenience or slimline performance, these models make solo living cleaner and easier. Free up your time for what you love and leave the dishes to a compact, efficient machine.
Ready for an easier life? Click any model above to check today’s prices, read reviews, and choose the perfect dishwasher for your needs!