A small dishwasher is a space-saving alternative to a standard dishwasher. While traditional models measure about 60cm, a small dishwasher typically measures around 45cm. This means that there is a 15cm difference between these options.
To find the best small dishwasher for your needs, whether you're a small family or in a smaller kitchen, consider your budget, preferred dimensions and how many dishes you use in a day. You might also want to think about the type of dishwasher you want. Freestanding, slimline and benchtop options are typically smaller than under-bench and built-in models. Other features to consider are the dishwasher's place settings, cleanability, water efficiency and energy efficiency.
Our team has examined different small dishwashers from various retailers including Appliances Online, Bing Lee, Harvey Norman and The Good Guys. We chose models based on customer reviews and ratings. We also chose the small dishwashers for each category based on key product features.
We picked the Bosch Serie 6 45cm Under Bench Dishwasher SPU6IMS01A as the best overall small dishwasher. It has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online and Bing Lee.
This under-bench dishwasher has a small footprint while boasting handy features for the entire household. It's got an adjustable top basket to accommodate tall dishes, Wi-Fi connectivity and 6 wash programs. This also has an ExtraDry option for a more thorough dish-drying action. Plus, it's remarkably silent at just 46dB.
Weighing 27.5kg, this model is a bit bulkier than other small dishwashers out there. Despite this, users loved its design, durable build and ease of use. It offers a personalised function with just a touch, even for downloaded programs. As for its energy efficiency, this little number has a 3.5-star rating. It also has an AquaStop Plus feature, which claims to offer lifetime anti-flood protection. It's got a child door lock as well.
Deal
29% off Bosch Serie 6 60cm Pyrolytic Double Oven
Shop and get 29% off Bosch Serie 6 60cm Pyrolytic Double Oven at Appliances Online. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For dishwashers, Bosch was ranked 3rd for value for money, 1st for performance, 2nd for ease of use, 4th for cleaning and maintenance and 2nd for product features.
10 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
With a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online, we recommend the Omega ODW101W Benchtop Dishwasher as the best cheap model. This model is also 1 of our picks for the best benchtop dishwashers available online.
This Omega dishwasher has a compact yet sleek design with a white enamel finish. It features 6 wash programs: intensive, heavy, normal, rinse, rapid and soak. Additionally, it only consumes about 7.4L of water per wash cycle. It has a 2.5-star energy rating and 3.5-star WELS water rating as well.
Customers praised the product's value for money, compact design and durable construction. The exterior isn't smudge-proof, but users have testified that it's easy to clean using a microfibre cloth. The dishwasher connects to a cold water inlet and features a spacious rack for dirty dishes. It's also relatively quiet at a noise level of just 51dB.
At $369 (or less if you're a Kogan First Member) our choice for the best option under $400 is Kogan's Benchtop Dishwasher. It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Kogan's website across over 100 customers and a rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 on Google Reviews.
The benchtop design lets it sit anywhere on the countertop or hidden within a large cupboard while its white exterior allows it to blend seamlessly into any kitchen space.
Sitting a compact 5,553mm x 498mm x 440mm, like the Tardis it manages to pack in a lot, including 7 washing programs and 6-place settings. This is about half what a small freestanding dishwasher can hold and is best suited for households with 1–2 people. It is capable of taking plates up to 25.4cm in diameter and has a built-in delay function to wash overnight or when you're not at home.
Apart from a 3.5-star WELS water rating, this model comes with a 24-month warranty for peace of mind and is further backed by Kogan's 14-day change-of-mind guarantee.
Customers love how easy it is to set up and use, calling out how well it cleans dishes. They are especially impressed by how quiet the unit is with one complimenting that they had to check the display to see if it had finished.
For the best option under $500, we recommend the Devanti 6 Place Setting Benchtop Dishwasher. On Kogan, it has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.
With a space-saving design and silent operation, this Devanti dishwasher is the perfect solution for small kitchens. It has a 6-place setting capacity and 7 wash programs, including a baby care mode. The panel is also easy to use, thanks to its push-button function controls and LED display. According to the brand, it's got a threefold filter system: main filter, coarse filter and fine filter to ensure your dishes are thoroughly cleaned.
Numerous buyers were impressed by the dishwasher's durable build, user-friendliness and value for money. It is lightweight and easy to move around, but the capacity may be too small for bigger families. Users said the exterior is easy to clean, while a few others loved that it has a flow meter and built-in anti-flood device for added safety. It also features residual heat air drying, but a few people said the appliance has left their dishes soaking wet.
Today's Devanti 6 Place Setting Benchtop Dishwasher deals
Deal
58% off Devanti 6 Place Setting Benchtop Dishwasher
Emilia EDW64SS Freestanding Dishwasher is our pick for the best small dishwasher under $600. On Appliances Online, it has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.
This freestanding dishwasher features a large capacity with 12 place settings. The brand claims that it can accommodate plates with a 305mm diameter and stem glasses that are up to 230mm tall. The upper basket is also height adjustable for better flexibility. With 6 wash programs, the unit ensures your dishes are squeaky clean. For added convenience, you can use its Extra Drying feature.
With a 4.5-star WELS water rating and 3-star energy rating, this Emilia freestanding dishwasher can help you save on energy costs while being an extremely convenient part of your kitchen arsenal. It is easy to use and has a small footprint, suitable for any household. It has nifty features like a delay start function, rinse aid indicator and child lock for improved safety. However, it's a bit noisy with a 54dB noise level.
Small dishwashers aren't renowned for being highly energy-efficient or water-efficient, with most sitting at a 3.5-star rating or less for each. This compact dishwasher is bucking that trend. It has a 4.5-star water rating and a 3.5-star energy rating. On top of that it has a customer review rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online which is why it's the most energy-efficient dishwasher in our eyes.
Priced at $1,899 RRP it's not the cheapest option but it is good for the environment and could save you money in the long run. In its bag of tricks are 7 place settings and enough space to fit 28cm round plates.
6 wash programs help you get the most out of your wash. These range from delicate and fast to heavy and normal eco. There are also 4 dry settings – extra dry, quick and sanitise, to leave your dishes hygienically clean and droplet-free.
In terms of water efficiency, you can expect each cycle to use 6.9 litres of water. That's almost 40% less than what our top small dishwasher (the Bosch Serie 6) uses.
The DishDrawer design suits various kitchen spaces and is easy to use, working similarly to a kitchen drawer and is ideally positioned at benchtop height to minimise the need for bending to load and unload.
Available in stainless steel and white, customers love how spacious and stylish this dishwasher is as well as how well it fits within the kitchen and how quiet it is when operating. Sure, the price point won't work for everyone, but if you can afford it it's a space-saving, energy-efficient machine that's easy to load and comes highly recommended.
Save on dishwashers with these deals and discounts:
Grab big discount on Bosch Series 6 10kg/5kg Washer Dryer Combo at Appliances Online. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Old price: $2,099
New price: $1,655
$384 off LG 16kg/9kg Steam+ and Turbo Clean washer dryer combo
Don't miss out on huge savings in LG 16kg/9kg Steam+ and Turbo Clean washer dryer combo at Appliances Online. T&Cs apply.
New price: $2,135
Old price: $2,519
We examined small dishwashers available from various retailers like Appliances Online, Bing Lee, Harvey Norman and The Good Guys. We looked into models from the following brands:
Asko
Ariston
Beko
Bosch
Delonghi
Devanti
Emilia
Euromaid
Fisher & Paykel
Haier
Inalto
Kogan
LG
MIDEA
Omega
Smeg
Westinghouse
We then shortlisted products based on customer ratings and reviews (as of March 2023). We also considered each model's key product features like size, value for money, place settings and energy efficiency. We came up with what we believe are the 6 best small dishwashers available online.
Types of small dishwashers
Small or compact dishwashers are ideal for small spaces that don't have plenty of room for standard options. These models have a smaller footprint, typically measuring 45cm wide and 89cm in height. However, these measurements depend on the model and brand.
Freestanding, benchtop and slimline dishwashers tend to be smaller and more lightweight compared to under-bench and other built-in dishwashers in the market. Freestanding models often have wheels, so you can move them around your kitchen and other areas. Benchtop or countertop dishwashers are placed on your benchtop and usually require a sink hook-up. Meanwhile, slimline options are about 15cm thinner than traditional dishwashers. There are also small under-bench dishwashers but they are often pricier.
How to compare small dishwashers
Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for a small dishwasher:
Household size
Consider the number of dishes you use daily when picking a small dishwasher. Freestanding and under-bench options offer a slightly bigger capacity compared to benchtop and slimline models, making them ideal for a large household. For smaller families, a benchtop or slimline dishwasher may be enough.
Price
Set a budget for the appliance. In general, small dishwashers go for $350 to $1,800, depending on the brand, model and features.
Place setting capacity
Small dishwashers have a smaller place setting capacity. Consider the capacity that will fit your dishwashing needs.
Wash programs
Consider how many wash programs you need for your dishes. Dishwashers typically have at least 4 programs. However, there are models that have up to 8, including a handy Extra Drying feature.
Other features
Several other features you should consider are a child lock, anti-flooding device and noise levels. Dishwashers typically have a noise level of 40–60dB. To save on costs, also look at the appliance's WELS water rating and energy rating.
Pros and cons
Here are several of pros and cons to think about before buying a small dishwasher:
Pros
Cons
Small footprint and compact design
Cheaper than standard dishwashers (depending on model and features)
Has the functionality of a traditional dishwasher
Some models are portable
Smaller place setting capacity
Not suitable for larger households
Fewer standard settings and features
Frequently asked questions
Smaller dishwashers can be as energy efficient as their standard-sized counterparts. However, this still depends on the model and features of the dishwasher. Always check the WELS water rating and energy rating to know how efficient the dishwasher is.
While they work similarly, they address different needs. Full-size options are perfect for large households, offering a plenty of place setting capacity to tackle piles of dishes easily. On the other hand, compact dishwashers are more suitable for individuals or households with 1–4 members.
Deep cleaning your dishwasher at least once a month can help prevent dirt and mould build up, ensuring your appliance runs efficiently. You can use a dishwasher cleaner to keep your appliance in its best shape.
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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
91% of surveyed consumers recommend Miele dishwashers.
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