Kitchen space is precious, especially in apartments, condos, and smaller homes where every square inch counts. If you’ve been eyeing that corner of your kitchen and wondering whether a dishwasher could actually fit, you’re not alone. Small dishwashers, whether compact built-in models, slimline dishwashers, or countertop units, have become game-changers for homeowners tired of hand-washing dishes but short on room. The market for apartment-size and small space dishwashers has exploded in recent years, offering solutions that don’t require a kitchen renovation or sacrifice valuable counter and cabinet space. This guide walks you through the options, what to actually look for, and how to get one installed without headaches.
Key Takeaways
- Small dishwashers come in three main types—compact built-in models (18 inches wide), portable units, and countertop options—each offering unique advantages for space-constrained kitchens.
- Compact built-in dishwashers use less water and energy than full-size units while delivering comparable wash quality, making them ideal for utility-conscious homeowners and renters in apartments or condos.
- A small dishwasher typically holds 8–10 place settings for built-in models or 4–6 for countertop variants, so assess your household size and daily dish volume before purchasing.
- Proper installation of a compact built-in dishwasher requires professional plumbing and electrical work to meet code requirements, while portable models offer flexibility with simple faucet adapters.
- Expect to budget $600–$1,200 for a compact built-in dishwasher plus installation labor, or $300–$600 for portable and countertop models, with potential savings during holiday sales.
Why Small Dishwashers Make Sense for Today’s Homes
A full-size dishwasher is 24 inches wide and consumes roughly 10 cubic feet of cabinet and floor space, a luxury many people simply don’t have. A compact dishwasher or slimline dishwasher, by contrast, runs 18 inches wide for compact models or around 20 inches for skinny dishwashers, cutting that footprint dramatically while still handling a respectable load.
There’s also the water and energy angle. Compact dishwashers use less water and electricity per cycle than standard models, which matters if you’re conscious about utility bills or living in an older building with limited plumbing capacity. A shallow depth dishwasher can slide into spaces where a traditional unit wouldn’t fit, under counters, into narrow gaps, or even on a shelf as a countertop option.
Rent vs. own is another factor. Renters can’t drill holes in landlord property, so a portable or countertop dishwasher bypasses that friction entirely. Homeowners gain flexibility: a cheap slimline dishwasher for a guest cottage, a compact built-in for a remodeled kitchen, or a countertop model that moves if you decide to relocate.
Modern compact and small dishwashers also run quieter and often come with the same sensor-wash and soil-detection features as their larger cousins. You’re not sacrificing performance, you’re being strategic about space.
Types of Small Dishwashers to Consider
Compact Built-In Models
A compact built-in dishwasher installs under the counter like a traditional unit, taking up 18 inches of width (nominal: actual width around 17.75 inches). These are hardwired to your electrical panel and plumbing, no hoses snaking across the kitchen. They’re permanent, integrated into your cabinetry, and use the same wash quality as 24-inch models, just with smaller tub capacity (around 8 place settings vs. 12–16 for full-size).
If you’re planning a renovation or replacing old cabinetry, a compact built-in dishwasher is the smoothest choice. Carpenters can frame the opening to spec, typically 18 inches wide, 34.5 inches tall (accounting for countertop thickness), and 24 inches deep. You’ll need access to a hot-water line, a drain, and a 120V outlet. If those connections don’t exist, expect to hire a plumber and electrician: this isn’t a plug-and-play job.
Budget roughly $600–$1,200 for the unit itself, plus labor. A compact built-in dishwasher for sale often appears at major appliance retailers and online marketplaces.
Portable and Countertop Options
A portable dishwasher rolls on casters and connects via a faucet adapter, no permanent plumbing needed. It’s a gateway option for renters or anyone testing whether a dishwasher fits their workflow. Capacity is modest (6–7 place settings), and noise levels are slightly higher, but they work. When you’re done or moving, you unplug it and roll it away.
Countertop dishwashers sit on your counter, take up roughly 17 inches of width and 18–20 inches of depth, and also use faucet adapters. They hold about 4–6 place settings, useful for couples or single households dealing with daily dishes. Honestly, they feel more like a luxury convenience than a workhorse, but if you’re tight on space and water-conscious, the payoff is real.
A slimline dishwasher for sale (portable or countertop variants) typically costs $300–$600. If you’re hunting for a cheap slimline dishwasher, look for open-box returns or sales around major holidays, you can often save $100–$150.
Key Features to Look For When Shopping
Capacity and place settings: Compact models hold 8–10 place settings: countertop, 4–6. Count your typical daily load, if you’re a couple or single household, 6–8 is enough. A family of four dinners will feel tight, and you’ll run the dishwasher more often.
Noise level: Compact and apartment-size dishwashers can rattle, especially plastic-tub models. Look for decibel ratings under 50 dB if noise matters (standard units hover around 45–50 dB). Read reviews, a poorly insulated small dishwasher can sound like a coffee grinder at full spin.
Wash cycles and sensors: Soil sensors adjust water and cycle time based on load dirtiness, saving energy and water. Delay-start options let you run the machine during off-peak utility hours or overnight. A dedicated pots-and-pans cycle is useful: a sanitize cycle is nice but not essential.
Material and finish: Stainless steel is durable and hides fingerprints: plastic tubs are lighter and cheaper but can stain and wear faster. If you’re building in a compact built-in dishwasher, stainless fronts match modern cabinetry.
Warranty and support: A one-year parts-and-labor warranty is standard. Check if the manufacturer offers online support and parts availability, especially for compact and niche models, parts can be slow to arrive. Sites like The Kitchn and appliance-focused retailers often test and rank small dishwashers, providing real feedback on longevity and performance. Resources like Remodelista curate reliable, design-forward appliances if aesthetics matter to your kitchen layout.
Installation Tips for Small Dishwashers
For compact built-in models:
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Measure twice, cut once. Verify your cabinet opening is actually 18 inches wide (not nominal, use calipers). Check the depth from the front of the cabinet to the back wall, and the height accounting for your countertop thickness.
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Call a plumber if you’re unsure. Hot-water connections and drain lines must be to code. In most jurisdictions, plumbing work on permanent fixtures requires a licensed plumber’s sign-off. A short-cut here means leaks, water damage, and potential code violations on a future home sale.
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Ensure proper electrical access. The dishwasher needs a dedicated 15A or 20A circuit, typically 120V. If your kitchen isn’t wired for this, you’ll need an electrician. Running an extension cord is unsafe and violates electrical code.
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Account for vibration isolation. A compact dishwasher mounted to cabinetry can transmit noise. Use rubber pads under the unit and ensure bolts to the cabinet frame are snug but not over-tightened, you want some give, not rigidity.
For portable and countertop units:
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Check faucet compatibility. Most adapters fit standard spout aerators, but pull-out and spray faucets may not work. Test the adapter before committing, or ask the retailer about return windows.
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Plan your drainage. A portable or countertop dishwasher drains via a hose that connects to your sink. Run it into a basin under the sink or directly into a drain if space allows. Kinking the hose slows drainage and strains the pump.
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Level the unit. Even portable models need to sit level to avoid water pooling in the tub. A small shim under the feet fixes a tilted floor.
Research options like 6 Best Countertop Dishwashers of 2025, Tested by Cleaning Experts if you’re leaning toward a portable or countertop model, real testing and honest reviews save you from returning a dud.
Conclusion
Small dishwashers aren’t a compromise, they’re a practical win for apartments, small spaces, and anyone short on kitchen real estate. Whether you choose a compact built-in dishwasher, a narrow dishwasher for a tight corner, or a countertop unit for flexibility, the key is matching the type to your space and needs. Measure carefully, read real reviews, and don’t skip professional help for plumbing or electrical work. Done right, a small space dishwasher turns a daily chore into a genuinely useful convenience.
