5 best tabletop dishwashers for squeaky clean plates in small spaces

It’s not the cheapest option but this tabletop dishwasher from Bosch is just as good as other full-size models from the brand known for its reliable appliances. Though it needs connecting to a water supply, it’s simple to operate and I didn’t feel like I was getting the second-best option just because we’d opted for a smaller size.

It has a delay timer, adjustable plate spikes on the lower basket and a powerful jet action to remove burnt on food, plus the quick dry setting takes just half an hour if you’re in a hurry. There’s also rinse aid and salt level indicators while the automatic programmes calculate the right wash cycle for your dishes to save water and energy.

If you’d rather take control of the cleaning, there’s a pre-rinse setting, a glass programme and an intensive cycle that worked a treat on dried on scrambled eggs and bolognese stains. I was particularly impressed by the extra dry option which left my cups and plates cupboard-ready straight from the machine. This was easily one of the best drying cycles I tested and hands down the most impressive compact dishwasher overall.

The great price of this titchy appliance doesn’t mean you have to skimp on functions. Though it’s so tiny it easily fits on a worktop or squeezes into the smallest cupboard, it still has three wash programmes including eco, one hour and rapid for when you just can’t wait. Even more impressively, there’s a steam function, a baby care programme to sterilise bottles and even a fruit wash programme if you’re being super lazy and can’t be bothered washing your own fruit.

It would be ideal for a couple or someone living alone and can be used almost anywhere as it’s possible to fill the tank manually rather than connecting it to the water supply – it even comes with the jug to do it. It’s a little on the noisy side and drying takes a long time but I was delighted by its reliable washing performance which never failed to get our dishes clean.

Don’t think living alone means you’re doomed to always have to wash up after you’ve eaten. This weeny appliance would sit neatly in any kitchen and is perfect in student accommodation, camper vans and flats where space is tight. There’s no need for a fixed water connection either as water can be manually filled and drained if it’s not possible to connect to the supply. Height adjustable feet means it can sit almost anywhere too.

It comfortably fits in two place settings and we were impressed by how clean and dry everything came out, especially when I used the intensive mode to ensure every last scrap of dirt was washed away. There’s also a fast mode and an eco setting, which rinses at lower temperatures and saves energy. Using just 5l of water per wash cycle makes this a particularly economical machine all round though. Just be warned it’s not the speediest, taking nearly two and a half hours on the standard programme.

If you’re renting, have a caravan or need a dishwasher somewhere it’s not possible to fiddle with the pipework, this is a great option. Even if there’s no water supply available, it can be filled manually from a jug or attached to a kitchen tap while waste water can be drained directly into a sink or even a bucket.

I was surprised just how much it fit inside given its teeny size too. There’s a large rack to fit plates up to 27cm and an adjustable cup rack so I comfortably squeezed in the promised three place settings, without compromising on cleaning quality. It looks neat out on the counter top thanks to the glass window on the front and an easy-to-use control panel and has some impressive functions I didn’t expect in such a diddy machine. There’s a 24 hour delay timer, a 58 minute quick wash cycle and a delicate glass care setting which brought mine up super shiny. The 72C hygiene cycle is also ideal for heavily soiled items and baby’s bottles while the door pops open at the end for efficient drying.

Dishwashers may not have the most exciting appearance but this sleek black Russell Hobbs model was easily the best looking of all I tested. Fitting up to six place settings, it must be connected to the water supply and is larger than some models so requires a decent amount of space, but definitely earns its stripes once there.

There are six programmes to choose from including a rapid half an hour wash and a glass setting if you want everything sparkling. I tended to stick to the universal setting which was powerful enough for dried on food but also brought my glasses up a treat. It even managed to deal with bowls used for porridge – every dishwasher’s biggest challenge. There’s a rinse aid and salt indicator so you can be sure you’re always getting the best performance and the delay timer is handy for setting the wash to start whenever suits you.