Best Portable Dishwasher With Water Tank: 5 Countertop Picks Compared

A portable dishwasher with a built-in water tank can make dishwashing easier when you don’t have room or plumbing for a full-size model. You fill the tank by hand, or use a faucet connection when the machine supports one. The five countertop options below range from compact, straightforward models to feature-rich machines with larger tanks and extra drying functions. Compare their size, capacity, wash programs, and any important limitations before choosing one.

Quick Comparison

Our Picks: Best Portable Dishwasher With Water Tank reviews

1. HAVA Countertop Dishwasher: A Versatile Pick for Small Kitchens

The HAVA is a compact countertop dishwasher with two ways to supply water: pour it into the built-in 5L tank or connect the included hose to a faucet. Its listed dimensions are 16.9 by 16.8 by 18.1 inches, making it a practical option to consider for an apartment, dorm, camper, or other space where a standard built-in dishwasher is not a fit.

Inside, the machine has a dish tray and cutlery holder, and the manufacturer says it can handle up to four place settings. Plates up to 11 inches can fit when angled. Six modes cover everyday washing, faster cleaning, delicate items, heavy or Baby Care washing, fruit, and drying. The Heavy/Baby Care program reaches 167°F, while the drying mode provides 60 minutes of hot-air drying followed by automatic ventilation for up to 72 hours.

The combination of tank filling and faucet hookup gives you flexibility in how you set it up. Its capacity is still limited compared with a full-size dishwasher, and loading larger plates depends on positioning them at an angle. The listed water use is 5L per cycle; as with other compact machines, you’ll need to check whether the interior layout works for the dishes you use most.

Pros:

• Offers both manual tank filling and faucet connection.
• Six programs include fruit washing and a dedicated drying mode.
• Fits up to four place settings, according to the product description.
• Heavy/Baby Care mode reaches 167°F.

Cons:

• Large plates need to be loaded at an angle to fit.
• Its compact capacity may require frequent loads in a busy household.

Verdict: Choose the HAVA if you want a well-rounded countertop model with a manual-fill option, a faucet connection, and dedicated drying.

2. Garvee Countertop Dishwasher: A Flexible Tank-or-Faucet Option

This Garvee countertop model is designed for people who want a portable setup without giving up the option of a faucet connection. It has a manual-fill 5L tank and is also described as supporting water supply through a faucet. The product information positions it for smaller kitchens and mobile settings such as RVs.

It offers six cleaning modes and a high-temperature wash listed at 162°F, along with an extra-drying feature. The description emphasizes a compact footprint but does not give exact dimensions or a specific place-setting count. If you have limited counter space or a particular dish size to accommodate, confirm those details on the product listing before buying.

A major consideration is the stated California restriction: the listing says the item is not available for use or sale in California due to motor requirements. That makes it an unsuitable choice for California shoppers. For buyers elsewhere, its main appeal is the combination of a portable tank and faucet water supply, though the less specific capacity information makes it harder to compare with models that state a place-setting limit.

Pros:

• Supports manual filling and faucet water supply.
• Provides six cleaning modes and extra drying.
• Designed for compact spaces, including apartments and RVs.
• Uses 5L of water per cycle, according to the listing.

Cons:

• The listing states it is not available for use or sale in California.
• The supplied product details do not specify exact dimensions or place-setting capacity.

Verdict: Consider the Garvee if you live outside California and want a flexible water-supply setup, but verify its size and capacity before ordering.

3. Freeswan Countertop Dishwasher: More Programs and a Larger Tank

The Freeswan stands out on paper for its 6.4L built-in tank and eight wash programs. Its listed modes include Standard, ECO, Speed, Strong, Glass, Fruit, Self-Clean, and Dry+. The product description says it supports manual tank filling as well as a water connection, so you can choose the setup that best fits your space.

At 20.47 inches deep, 16.77 inches wide, and 17.99 inches high, it is deeper than some of the other countertop options here. Measure your counter carefully and allow for the space needed around the appliance. The manufacturer describes a capacity of up to 56 pieces and says the machine is suitable for four to six people; plates up to about 10.24 inches are listed as fitting. It also includes a cutlery holder and fruit basket.

Extra features include automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispensing, soil sensing, an auto-opening door, and a fan to help with drying. The description lists a 50 dB operating level. These features may appeal if you want more automation than a basic tank-fill model offers. However, the supplied product data marks this item unavailable, so check the current listing before counting on it as an option.

Pros:

• Has the largest listed water tank in this comparison at 6.4L.
• Offers eight programs, including Glass, Self-Clean, and Dry+.
• Includes automatic detergent and rinse-aid dispensing.
• Advertised for up to 56 pieces of tableware.

Cons:

• Its depth may be harder to accommodate on a small counter.
• Availability is marked unavailable in the supplied product data.

Verdict: The Freeswan looks like the most feature-rich choice here, but confirm that it is available and that its deeper body fits your counter before making plans around it.

4. ChuMaste Countertop Dishwasher: A Compact Choice for Smaller Loads

The ChuMaste is a countertop dishwasher with a 5L tank and an optional faucet connection. Its listed dimensions are 18.03 inches high by 16.54 inches wide by 16.54 inches deep. The manufacturer describes a capacity of one to three servings per load, making this a better match for lighter dish loads than for a household that wants to wash a large batch at once.

Five programs are listed: Normal, Quick, Eco, Baby Care, and Fruit. The Quick program is described as taking 29 minutes. The interior has upper and lower spray arms, and the product information says it can fit plates up to 10.5 inches. It is also described as drying and storing tableware, but the supplied details do not explain the storage function or how long items can remain inside.

The listing states water use of 5L per cycle and electricity use of 0.42 kWh per cycle. It also says the product has ETL and DOE certifications. Compared with the HAVA, the ChuMaste offers fewer programs and a smaller stated serving capacity, but its Quick mode and compact dimensions may suit someone who typically washes a modest number of dishes.

Pros:

• Provides manual tank filling or faucet connection.
• Includes a 29-minute Quick program.
• Fits plates up to 10.5 inches, according to the listing.
• Compact listed footprint for a countertop appliance.

Cons:

• Its stated capacity is limited to one to three servings per load.
• Offers five programs, fewer than the HAVA and Freeswan models.

Verdict: Pick the ChuMaste if your loads are small and you value a dedicated quick wash over a larger capacity or more program choices.

5. forimo Countertop Dishwasher: A Simple Setup With Dual Spray Arms

This forimo model uses a built-in 5L tank or a faucet connection, with no pipeline or cabinet changes required according to the product description. Its touch control panel has a digital display, and five programs cover Strong, Standard, Quick, Fruit, and Dry. That keeps the choices focused on common household tasks rather than offering as many specialty modes as the HAVA or Freeswan.

Upper and lower rotating spray arms are designed to direct water around the load. The machine also has a 3D circulating-air drying feature. The product description says it can hold dishes for four to six people and fit plates up to 27cm in diameter. Check that plate limit against your own dishes, and remember that the amount you can wash at one time will depend on how you arrange cups, plates, and utensils inside.

The listing says the package includes a cutlery basket, measuring kettle, inlet hose, and drain hose. Those accessories may help with setup, though you should still confirm that your counter and nearby water-drain arrangement work for the machine. In comparison with the ChuMaste, the forimo is advertised for a larger load; it has fewer programs than the eight-mode Freeswan.

Pros:

• Supports both tank filling and faucet water supply.
• Includes five practical modes and circulating-air drying.
• Has upper and lower rotating spray arms.
• Includes a cutlery basket, measuring kettle, and hoses, according to the listing.

Cons:

• Its five programs offer fewer options than some competing models.
• The listed plate limit may not suit larger dinner plates.

Verdict: The forimo is a sensible option if you want a straightforward tank-or-faucet setup with drying and a stated capacity for several people.

How to Choose a Portable Dishwasher With a Water Tank

Check the available counter space

Measure the width, depth, and height of the place where you plan to use the dishwasher. Compare those measurements with the product’s listed dimensions, and leave room for the door to open and for hoses to reach their connections. Depth is easy to overlook: the Freeswan, for example, is listed as 20.47 inches deep, while the other products with supplied dimensions are more compact.

Match the capacity to your household

Look beyond broad claims about serving several people. A listed place-setting count, piece count, and plate-size limit can help you judge whether the interior will fit your usual dishes. If you use wide plates, tall glasses, or bulky bowls, check the dimensions and loading guidance closely. A smaller stated capacity may be fine for one or two people, but it could mean running more loads in a busier home.

Choose the water-supply method that fits your setup

A built-in tank lets you add water by hand instead of connecting directly to a faucet. Some models also include a faucet connection, giving you another way to supply water. Consider whether you want to fill the tank for each cycle or prefer a hose connection. Also think through where the machine’s drain water will go and whether the supplied hoses and your sink or drain arrangement are compatible.

Compare wash programs and temperatures

More programs can be useful if you wash a mix of everyday dishes, delicate glassware, fruit, and heavily soiled cookware. A quick program may suit a small, lightly soiled load, while a high-temperature cycle may be more useful for stubborn residue. Check each model’s program names and temperature claims; a mode called “Baby Care” or “Strong” does not mean every cycle uses the same settings.

Consider drying and ventilation features

Some compact dishwashers include a separate drying mode, circulating air, or an auto-opening door. These features can reduce the need to dry dishes by hand, but the exact drying setup differs by model. If you plan to put dishes away right after a cycle, compare how each product describes its drying function and follow its instructions for loading and ventilation.

Review setup limits and product details

Check the product listing for restrictions, included accessories, and any details not provided in the description. The Garvee listing, for example, states that it is not available for use or sale in California. Availability can also vary, so confirm that the model you want can be ordered before making a final choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do portable dishwashers with water tanks need a faucet hookup?

Not always. All five models in this guide are described as supporting manual water filling, and some also offer faucet connection. Check the specific setup instructions and accessories for the model you choose.

How much water does a 5L-tank dishwasher use per cycle?

The HAVA, Garvee, ChuMaste, and forimo listings describe a 5L tank or 5L water use per cycle. Actual filling instructions should be checked in the product manual. The Freeswan is listed with a larger 6.4L tank.

Can these countertop dishwashers fit full-size dinner plates?

It depends on the model and how you load the dishes. The HAVA is listed for plates up to 11 inches when angled, ChuMaste up to 10.5 inches, Freeswan up to about 10.24 inches, and forimo up to 27cm. The Garvee product details supplied here do not state a plate-size limit.

Are these machines suitable for RVs or dorms?

Several listings describe their models as suitable for settings such as RVs, dorms, apartments, or small homes. Before using one in a mobile or compact space, confirm that you have a stable surface, suitable power access, and a workable way to drain the wastewater.

Which model has the most wash programs?

The Freeswan lists eight programs. The HAVA lists six, while the Garvee lists six cleaning modes. The ChuMaste and forimo each list five programs. Program names and functions vary, so compare the specific modes you expect to use.

Can I use regular dish soap in a portable dishwasher?

The HAVA product information specifically says to use dishwasher-specific detergent and lists pods, liquid, or powder detergent as acceptable types. Follow the detergent guidance for the model you buy rather than using ordinary hand-dishwashing soap.

Final Recommendation

For a balanced mix of compact dimensions, tank filling, faucet connection, and wash options, the HAVA is the strongest all-around choice in this group. The Freeswan offers more programs and a larger tank on paper, but its availability is marked unavailable in the supplied product data. If your priority is a quick cycle for smaller loads, consider the ChuMaste; if you want a simple setup with dual spray arms and listed accessories, the forimo is another option. Before choosing, measure your counter and compare the machine’s plate limit and capacity with the dishes you use every day.