Living in a small apartment or dorm room doesn't mean you have to accept a sink full of dirty dishes. Portable dishwashers are a game-changer for anyone with limited kitchen space. They're affordable, easy to install, and solve one of the biggest challenges of dorm and apartment living: tedious hand-washing.
This guide covers everything you need to know about finding, installing, and using a portable dishwasher in a small space, plus practical solutions for common apartment challenges.
5-8
Place Settings
$250-$500
Price Range
24"W x 20"D
Typical Size
5 mins
Setup Time
Portable dishwashers connect to your existing faucet. No plumbing modifications, no landlord approval needed, and you can take it with you when you move.
Fits on countertops, under sinks, or in corners. Easy to store or move when you need counter space. Perfect for studio and 1-bedroom apartments.
At $250-$500, portable dishwashers are a fraction of the cost of built-in models. No installation fees required.
Perfect for renters who move frequently. Just disconnect from the faucet and take it to your next place. No damage to the apartment.
Takes just 5 minutes to set up. No special tools, no plumber needed. Most people can handle it themselves.
Tired of hearing roommates or neighbors hand-wash dishes? Portable dishwashers are quieter and don't disturb others.
The Bottom Line: For apartment dwellers and college students, portable dishwashers are the most practical solution to the dish dilemma. They require no commitment, no landlord approval, and no permanent changes to your space.
Typical dimensions: 22-24" wide × 18-20" deep × 35-37" tall
Place settings determine capacity:
Decibel ratings matter in close quarters:
Make sure your kitchen has:
Price ranges by features:
Best for: Apartments with adequate counter space
Best for: Tiny kitchens and studios
Best for: Open floor plans
Best for: Creative space solutions
Step 1: Remove the faucet aerator (the removable screen at the tip of your faucet)
Step 2: Attach the faucet adapter that came with your dishwasher
Step 3: Connect the inlet hose to the faucet adapter
Step 4: Position the drain hose into your sink or nearby drain
Step 5: Plug in the power cord and you're done!
Portable dishwashers are perfect for renters because they require zero permanent changes to your apartment:
Since there's no modification to the apartment, you don't need permission. Just set it up and enjoy!
When you move out, simply disconnect from the faucet and take it with you. Everything goes back to normal in seconds.
Zero risk of losing your security deposit. The dishwasher is completely portable and leaves no trace.
Improves your apartment experience without affecting resale or rental value.
While you don't need permission, it's good communication to mention you're adding a portable dishwasher:
The #1 choice for apartments. Quiet 49 dB operation, energy-efficient, and compact design. Perfect for studios and 1-bedrooms.
Dimensions: 22" W × 20" D × 35" H (compact)
Capacity: 6 place settings
Noise Level: 49 dB (very quiet - ideal for dorms)
Wash Cycles: 7 programs + baby care mode
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 (2,156 reviews)
Price: $275.05
Ultra-compact for tiny studios and dorms. Whisper-quiet 49 dB operation. Great for students and solo dwellers.
Dimensions: 20" W × 18" D × 34" H (very compact)
Capacity: 6 place settings
Noise Level: 49 dB (dorm-friendly)
Wash Cycles: 6 cycles
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐★ 4.7/5
Price: $299.99
Premium features with 360° spray system and air-drying. For those who want the best cleaning and quietest operation.
Dimensions: 22" W × 20" D × 35" H
Capacity: 6 place settings
Noise Level: 49 dB (extremely quiet)
Wash Cycles: 5 cycles + 360° spray
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 (2,847 reviews)
Price: $295.95
Best value option. Compact, reliable, and affordable. Great for students on a tight budget.
Dimensions: 20" W × 18" D × 34" H (compact)
Capacity: 5 place settings
Noise Level: 51 dB
Wash Cycles: 5 cycles
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.4/5
Price: $249.99
💡 For Dorms: Choose models ≤50 dB to avoid disturbing roommates and neighbors. COMFEE Energy Star and HAVA are the quietest options.
Run your dishwasher during the day or when roommates aren't studying. Use the quiet cycle if available. Models ≤49 dB won't disturb anyone.
In apartments, drain the hose into your sink. For bathtubs, use a bathtub drain adapter. Some people use long hoses to reach a floor drain.
If your faucet doesn't fit the adapter (rare), inexpensive universal adapters are available on Amazon ($5-10). Keep it for when you move!
In micro apartments, store your dishwasher in a closet or under the sink when not in use. Some people use a rolling cart underneath for easy movement.
Use the air-dry setting instead of heated drying. Run full loads only. Wash during off-peak hours if your building has time-of-use rates.
Label your dishwasher clearly if sharing a kitchen. Run cycles when it's convenient for everyone. Keep the area clean around it. Be a good roommate!
Monthly: Clean filters and spray arms. Quarterly: Run a hot empty cycle with vinegar to remove mineral buildup. Works even in cramped apartments.
Measure your space before buying. Read reviews specifically from apartment dwellers. Check Amazon Q&A for apartment-specific questions. Join apartment living forums online!
Living in a small apartment or dorm room doesn't mean you have to sacrifice convenience. A portable dishwasher is one of the best investments you can make for your living situation—it saves time, reduces stress, and improves your quality of life.
At under $300 for the best models, a portable dishwasher pays for itself in saved time within weeks. Plus, you can take it with you when you graduate, move, or relocate. It's a renter-approved, landlord-friendly solution that transforms apartment living.
Whether you're a college student tired of hand-washing in a dorm sink, a young professional in a micro apartment, or anyone living in a small space, portable dishwashers make life easier. Your future self will thank you.
Ready to join the portable dishwasher revolution? Start with the COMFEE Energy Star—it's the most popular model for apartments, and thousands of reviews prove it works.