Hate doing dishes but don’t have the plumbing setup for a built-in dishwasher? Enter the portable dishwasher on wheels. These roll into your kitchen when you need them, hook up to your faucet, and disappear into a corner when you’re done. Perfect for renters, small spaces, or anyone who wants to ditch handwashing. Here are the 5 best portable dishwashers in 2025 that make cleanup easy and apartment-friendly.
Farberware Professional Portable Countertop Dishwasher
- 6 place settings
- 7 wash programs
- Quick connect to faucet
- Compact size fits small kitchens
Why I like it: Affordable, compact, and gets the job done. A great choice for apartment dwellers who don’t want a huge footprint.
Best for: Small apartments or singles/couples.
BLACK+DECKER Portable Dishwasher with Wheels
- 8 place settings
- 6 wash cycles
- Rolling design with lockable wheels
- Delay start option
Why I like it: Larger capacity with easy mobility. BLACK+DECKER nails the balance between family-sized cleaning power and small-space design.
Best for: Families in apartments who need extra space for dishes.
GE Portable Full-Size Dishwasher
- 12 place settings
- 5 wash cycles + autosense
- Energy Star certified
- Rolling design with caster wheels
Why I like it: A full-sized dishwasher disguised as portable. You can roll it into place, but it cleans like a built-in.
Best for: Larger households that cook (and clean up) daily.
Danby DDW1805EWP Portable Dishwasher
- 8 place settings
- Compact 18-inch design
- 6 wash cycles
- Eco-friendly low water consumption
Why I like it: Narrow enough to fit in tight kitchens but still packs an 8-place-setting punch. Great eco-friendly option too.
Best for: Small kitchens with narrow cabinet layouts.
hOmeLabs Portable Dishwasher
- 6 place settings
- 6 wash cycles
- Easy quick-connect assembly
- Compact countertop-friendly size
Why I like it: Reliable, budget-friendly, and super simple to use. Ideal for singles, couples, or college apartments.
Best for: Budget-conscious renters with limited space.
Buying Guide: Portable Dishwashers on Wheels
Before you roll one into your kitchen, here’s what to look for:
1. Capacity
6 place settings are fine for singles and couples. Families should go for 8+ place settings or even a full-size model.
2. Size
18-inch models are narrow for tight spaces. 24-inch models handle larger loads but need more room.
3. Water Hookup
Most connect to a faucet, but check compatibility with your sink. Some models offer permanent hookup kits.
4. Noise Level
Look for units under 55 dB if you live in a small apartment or open-plan space.
5. Mobility
Casters and lockable wheels make it easy to move and secure during use.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Shop / Check Price |
|---|---|---|
| Farberware Portable Dishwasher | Small kitchens & singles | Shop Here |
| BLACK+DECKER Portable | Families in apartments | Shop Here |
| GE Portable Dishwasher | Large households | Shop Here |
| Danby 18-inch | Narrow kitchens | Shop Here |
| hOmeLabs Portable | Budget-friendly small spaces | Shop Here |
FAQs
Do portable dishwashers need a permanent water line?
Nope. Most connect directly to your kitchen faucet with a quick-connect adapter. No plumber required.
Can a portable dishwasher clean as well as a built-in?
Yes—most modern portables use the same wash systems as built-ins. The main difference is size and capacity, not cleaning power.
Do portable dishwashers use a lot of water?
Not really. Most models use less water than handwashing the same load of dishes.
The Bottom Line
Best budget: Farberware Portable Dishwasher. Best large-capacity: GE Portable Dishwasher. Best family option: BLACK+DECKER Portable. Portable dishwashers are the renter-friendly hack that makes dish duty disappear.
Related Reading
Best Built-In Dishwashers for Modern Kitchens
10 Best Portable Mini COUNTERTOP Dishwashers of 2025 | ALL Under $350
05 Best Dishwashers Under $700 (2025) – Affordable, Quiet & Stylish Picks
Best Dishwasher Safe Cookware Sets in 2025: Clean Cooking Without the Scrub