Countertop Dishwasher Cost: Price, Setup, and What to Expect
Countertop dishwashers cost $200-500 for the unit. Setup costs $0-50 (just a faucet adapter - often included in the box). No plumber, no installation fee.
Unit cost
$200-500
Setup cost
$0-50
Installation labor
$0
What Is a Countertop Dishwasher?
A countertop dishwasher is a compact appliance that sits on your countertop and connects to your kitchen faucet via an adapter when in use. When the cycle is done, you remove the adapter and the faucet returns to normal use. They wash 4-6 place settings per cycle and drain into the sink.
They are designed for renters who cannot install a built-in, apartment dwellers with no dishwasher space, and homeowners in small kitchens who do light dishwashing loads.
Full Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit cost | $180-350 | $350-500 | $500+ |
| Faucet adapter (if not included) | $10-30 - usually included with unit | ||
| Installation labor | $0 - set up yourself in 5 minutes | ||
| Total | $180-380 | $350-530 | $500+ |
Top Countertop Dishwasher Models (2026)
| Brand/Model | Price Range | Place Settings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farberware Professional FDW05ASBWHA | $180-240 | 5 | Budget pick, reliable, widely available |
| BLACK+DECKER BCD6W | $220-280 | 6 | Good mid-range, quiet, easy controls |
| Comfee CDW06W | $230-300 | 6 | Compact design, excellent reviews |
| hOmeLabs HME010033N | $260-320 | 6 | Popular choice, good value |
| Bosch SKS62E28EU | $450-600 | 6 | Premium build, quieter, Bosch reliability |
Prices vary by retailer. Check Home Depot, Lowe's, and Amazon for current pricing.
Countertop vs Portable vs Built-In
| Feature | Countertop | Portable | Built-In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (unit) | $200-500 | $400-900 | $300-1,800 |
| Installation cost | $0 | $0 | $150-300+ |
| Capacity | 4-6 place settings | 8-12 place settings | 12-16 place settings |
| Storage when not in use | Takes up counter space | Rolls away to storage | Permanent, under counter |
| Good for renters | Yes | Yes | No |
| Permit required | No | No | Usually for new install |
Related Guides
FAQ
How much does a countertop dishwasher cost?
Countertop dishwashers cost $180-350 for budget models, $350-500 for mid-range, and $500+ for premium units. Setup costs $0-50 (faucet adapter, often included). There is no installation labor cost - you set it up yourself in about 5 minutes. Total investment including any accessories runs $200-550.
Do countertop dishwashers need plumbing?
No. Countertop dishwashers connect to a standard kitchen faucet with a quick-connect adapter included with the unit. They drain directly into your sink. No permanent plumbing connection is required, no permit is needed, and no installation professional is needed. This makes them ideal for renters, apartments, and small kitchens.
Are countertop dishwashers worth it?
Yes, for the right situation. If you are renting and cannot install a built-in, the $200-500 cost vs $600-1,400 for a full installation makes this an obvious choice. They wash 4-6 place settings per cycle - adequate for 1-2 person households. The main limitations are counter space required while in use, smaller capacity, and the need to connect/disconnect from the faucet each use. For a family of 4, a portable or built-in is more practical.