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Living in a small apartment or having limited kitchen space doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the luxury of owning a dishwasher, thanks to countertop dishwashers. Yes, you read that right, _countertop dishwasher_s.
Unlike the traditional built-in dishwashers, a countertop dishwasher, also referred to as a tabletop or mini dishwasher, is a washer that sits on your countertop or tabletop and does all the washing, thanks to its compact design. Sounds interesting, right?
Although countertop dishwasher models may look tiny, most of them come with up to a six-place setting that can hold a decent load. Besides, they don’t compromise on options; they offer a good number of washing programs to meet all your washing needs and also boast additional functions like an extra drying feature for increased efficiency. However, their compact size may not be ideal for larger families.
These dishwashers are also highly portable; you can carry them from one apartment to another or even in your recreational vehicle (RV) or boat.
We can’t fail to mention that countertop dishwashers are far cheaper, quieter, and easier to use than the standard built-in dishwashers. These washers are also perfect for anyone with back issues or limited mobility because they are easy to load and offload without bending.
And since your countertop dishwasher will most likely sit close to your living area, it’s important to invest in a quiet model. A quiet model here means a dishwasher with a low noise level (discussed later in the article) such that it can scrub your dirty pots, pans, and other dishes without producing irritating noise.
So, if you are in the market for a quiet, high-performing countertop dishwasher but are on a tight budget, you are in the right place.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top 4 quietest dishwashers for under 500 dollars. Keep reading to learn more about noise levels in dishwashers, how these countertop dishwashers work, and factors to consider when buying a quiet dishwasher.
Let’s get started!
Understanding Noise Levels in Dishwashers
Before getting down to the quietest dishwashers in the market, let’s first look at the noise levels in these dedicated kitchen appliances and how they are measured.
Typically, all dishwashers make some noise while running, but some models are quieter than others. The noise level in dishwashers is measured in decibels (dB) or A-weighted decibels (dbA). Here, the lower the decibel rating, the quieter the dishwasher.
When comparing noise levels in different dishwashers, it’s important to note that the decibel scale is logarithmic—it goes up in powers of ten. Confused, huh? Well, here’s a simplified explanation.
Since dB is classified as logarithmic, every increase in 10 decibels doubles the sound intensity. For example, a dishwasher with 70dB will be twice as loud as that with 60dB.
I guess we are now on the same page, right?
Most quiet dishwashers on the market today have a noise level between 40 to 50 dB. However, there are a few models that are even quieter, with noise levels as low as 38 dB. These dishwashers will run very quietly, so you won’t have to worry about them disturbing your peace and quiet.
How does a countertop dishwasher work?
So, how do these compact, magical countertop kitchen appliances work?
If you are new to the world of countertop dishwashers, I bet you have a few disturbing questions in your head.
How do these dishwashers work? Where does the water come from? How do they drain the water, etc.? But worry not; we’re here to answer these questions.
To begin with, countertop dishwashers use high-pressure water jets to blast away dirt and grime from your dishes. Most models also come with a built-in drying function, so you don’t even have to worry about towels or air drying your dishes!
Where does the water come from?
Most countertop dishwashers are connected to a sink faucet, which is how they get their water. There is a hose that attaches to the water inlet at the back of the dishwasher and then to the faucet. When you turn on the dishwasher, water flows from the sink, into the hose, and into the dishwasher. The dishwasher then uses this water to clean your dishes.
Some models also have their own built-in water tanks, so they don’t need to be hooked up to a faucet. These dishwashers typically have a small water tank that you need to fill up before using the dishwasher. Such models allow you to place your dishwasher anywhere you want, not necessarily next to the sink. So, you should keep this feature in mind when buying a countertop dishwasher if you have limited countertop space or your kitchen faucet is faulty in any way.
Whether your dishwasher is hooked up to a faucet or has its own water tank, the process is generally the same: water goes in, gets dirty from cleaning your dishes, and then flows back out into your sink.
How does a countertop dishwasher drain?
When your dishwasher has finished washing the dishes, it needs to drain the dirty water out before it can start filling up for the next cycle.
Depending on your dishwasher’s model, there are different ways that this is done. Some dishwashers have a self-draining system, which means that the water is pumped out through the water outlet opening into the hose and then to the nearby sink.
Other models have a gravity drain, which means that the water simply drains out through a hole in the bottom of the dishwasher. For these models, you may set up the dishwasher away from the sink and use a bucket to hold the draining water.
Regardless of how it’s done, once the water has been drained out, your dishwasher is ready to start filling up again for the next cycle.
Now that you understand how countertop dishwashers work and their noise levels, let’s get down to the quietest dishwashers under 500 dollars.
Top 4 Quietest Dishwashers for Under 500 Dollars
Here’s our list of the best quiet dishwashers that you can buy on Amazon without breaking your bank:
| Unit Name | Noise level | Dimensions | Place setting | Wash programs | Price |
| RCA RDW3208 countertop dishwasher | 34dB | LxWxH (23.81 x 21.85 x 19.8 inches) | 6 | 6 | Check price on Amazon |
| COMFEE' countertop dishwasher with 6 place settings 8 washing programs | 49dB | LxWxH (20.6 x 21.6 x 17.2 inches) | 6 | 8 | Check price on Amazon |
| Hermitlux countertop portable dishwasher with 5-liter built-in water tank and a glass door | 50dB | LxWxH (16.93 x 16.93 x 18.11 inches) | 4 | 5 | Check price on Amazon |
| Hermitlux countertop dishwasher with a 5-liter built-in water tank, inlet hose, and drain hose | 50dB | LxWxH (16.85 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches) | 4 | 5 | Check price on Amazon |
1. RCA RDW3208 countertop dishwasher
Price: Check price on Amazon
This amazing RCA countertop dishwasher is one of the quietest dishwashers for under 500 dollars. It has a very low noise level, rated at 34dB, meaning you can even run it at night without disturbing your sleep.
Key features
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Low noise levels, 34dB
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Dimensions LxWxH (23.81 x 21.85 x 19.8 inches)
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6 place setting
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Water source: Hose hookup
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Stainless steel tub
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Push control buttons
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Lower water consumption
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Ant flood sensor
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Foldable bottom plate rack
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Automatic detergent dispenser
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6 wash cycles; glass, soak, rapid, economy, normal, and intensive
The RCA RDW3208 countertop dishwasher is perfect for small apartments or homes as it is compact, doesn’t make much noise (34dB), and is very efficient. With this simple countertop dishwasher, you don’t have to worry about huge water bills thanks to its sensor flowmeter, which automatically adjusts the water usage depending on the number of dishes loaded, making it one of the eco-friendly models in the market.
This powerful washer also boasts an ant flood sensor that automatically rises and stops the water intake valve from letting in more water into the dishwasher’s basin after the water reaches the appropriate level to prevent overfilling.
Although this dishwasher may seem tiny, it comes with 6-place settings that can accommodate a decent amount of dishes at a go. The 6 place setting comes in handy with 6 washing programs (glass, soak, rapid, economy, normal, and intensive) that boost the washer’s efficiency and convenience. With the 6 washing programs, you can choose one that perfectly suits your washing needs.
Another amazing feature of this powerful dishwasher is the foldable bottom plate rack which allows you to adjust it to accommodate larger pots and pans.
You also don’t have to worry about cleaning and maintaining its interior because it has a stainless steel interior tub that’s so easy to clean and rust-resistant.
What strikes the most about this washer is the automatic detergent dispenser. You don’t have to stress about adding detergent to your washing machine every now and then; the automatic detergent dispenser does that for you as long as you add the right detergent to the detergent drawer.
What we like about this dishwasher
Besides its compact design, high cleaning efficiency, and low noise level, we also like that the RCA RDW3208 countertop dishwasher has an automatic detergent dispenser, so no more stressing about manually adding detergent in every cycle.
We also like that it has a sensor flowmeter and an ant flood switch that controls water usage. And the fact that it has a 1-year warranty makes it more customer-friendly; you use it with confidence, knowing that the manufacturer has your best interests at heart.
We also love how easily the RCA RDW3208 countertop dishwasher connects to any kitchen tap.
What we dislike about it
The RCA RDW3208 countertop dishwasher lacks a transparent/glass door making it hard to keep an eye on the cleaning process. However, this shouldn’t be such a deal-breaker because its efficiency means you will get sparkling clean dishes, and as such, I’d still recommend this powerful little washer to anyone looking for a quiet, high-performing dishwasher on a budget.
What other customers are saying about it
Most customers can’t get enough of the RCA RDW3208 countertop dishwasher’s compact design, cleaning efficiency, and simple installation, with one of them saying, “Bought this for our new apartment a couple weeks ago. Fits nicely on our counter next to the sink, and hook up was a snap. We’ve put it through its paces as far as cleaning dishes(from light loads, full loads, and odd loads, like dehydrator trays that barely fit, with caked on jerky goo and dried orange bits. All with the cheap pouch detergent from Walmart), and it hasn’t disappointed yet. Definitely recommend this for people with limited space.”
2. COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher with 6 place settings 8 washing programs
Price: Check price on Amazon
No more back pains after standing for long hours washing dishes by hand, thanks to this COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher that can meet your daily washing needs without disrupting your quiet time. With a low noise level rated at 49dB, this dishwasher boasts a perfect blend of quality, efficiency, and quietness.
Key features
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Low noise level (49dB)
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Dimensions LxWxH (20.6 x 21.6 x 17.2 inches)
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Water source: Hose pipe
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6-place setting
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8 washing programs
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Power wash cycle
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Extra drying option
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Express cleaning option
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Simple installation
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Stainless steel interior tub
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Easy-to-use push control buttons
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Child safety lock
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Energy star rated
This quiet dishwasher boasts a 6-place setting with flexible designs for maximum loading. When perfectly loaded, it can hold up to 70 pieces of tableware with plates up to 10 inches in diameter.
Compared to other mini dishwashers, COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher comes with 8 wash cycles; heavy, normal, baby care, ECO, speed, mini-party, rinse, and delicate glass wash cycles. These washing cycles, combined with the extra drying function, guarantee sparkling, clean, and well-dried dishes.
With this countertop dishwasher, you don’t have to worry about installation because you can connect it to your kitchen faucet directly, but you’ll need a suitable faucet adapter.
And if you hate cleaning heavily soiled dishes, this washer’s power wash option will be a game-changer in your kitchen. This option is specially designed with a longer washing time and relatively high temperatures of up to 143.6 °F, ideal for washing heavily soiled dishes.
We can’t go without mentioning the express cleaning option that cuts down the cleaning cycle by using the dishwasher’s full power to clean lightly soiled dishes in about half the standard cleaning time.
When it comes to safety, COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher is fitted with a child safety lock which prevents your children from unexpected accidents.
What we like about this dishwasher
Washing heavily soiled dishes can be overwhelming, but the COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher makes it a breeze thanks to its power wash option and extra drying feature. We also like the 8 washing cycles, a great feature for such a space-saving dishwasher.
And we also appreciate the child safety lock because we all value child safety!
What we dislike about this dishwasher
The only downside of this dishwasher is its water consumption which is a little bit higher than other mini dishwashers. However, this is not such a big deal because its efficiency means you will get sparkling clean dishes, and as such, I’d still recommend it as one of the quietest dishwashers on the market.
Besides, it lacks a transparent door, so you can’t see the magic happening on your dishes. But anyway, this is something you can just overlook.
NOTE: COMFEE’ dishwashers are tested at the factory before shipping, so it’s normal for a new dishwasher to come with some traces of water on the inside. Don’t fuss about a few traces of water on your new dishwasher!
What other customers are saying about it
Here’s what one Amazon customer had to say about this COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher, “This dishwasher has been a great addition to our kitchen. It was EASY to set up, it cleans beautifully, it fits in my small kitchen, it is exactly what I needed! The dishes came out sparkling clean. I would purchase this product over again.”
3. Hermitlux countertop portable dishwasher with 5-liter built-in water tank and a glass door
Price: Check price on Amazon
This Hermitlux countertop portable dishwasher comes with a noise level rating of 50dB, making it one of the quietest, high-performing, affordably-priced dishwashers in the market.
Key features
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Low noise level (50dB)
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Dimensions LxWxH (16.93 x 16.93 x 18.11 inches)
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4-place setting
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5 washing programs
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Unique glassdoor
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Water source: Built-in 5L water tank and hose
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No installation needed
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3600 washing
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Strategically located touch control panel for convenience
Although this Hermitlux countertop portable dishwasher seems smaller compared to other countertop dishwashers, it has a 4-place setting that can hold dishes up to 11” loaded at an angle.
Besides, it comes with 5 washing programs standard, eco, fast, strong, and fruit. Each of these cleaning options has a different temperature setting to help achieve a sparkling clean finish for all utensils, including oily dishes, fruits, and baby essentials.
The fruit washing cycle helps save tons of water normally used when washing fruits and vegetables in the sink.
What strikes most about this dishwasher is its unique glassdoor that allows you to comfortably monitor the washing status. Another highlight is the built-in 5L water tank that allows for instant use when fully filled.
If you aren’t the handy type, you don’t have to worry about installation. This dishwasher doesn’t need any complex installation thanks to its two water supply modes, the water tank mode and faucet mode. The water tank mode consists of a built-in water tank that allows instant use once fully filled. The faucet mode, on the other hand, is designed to connect the water inlet hose and the drain hose to the washer and the faucet.
For increased cleaning efficiency, this Hermitlux countertop dishwasher boasts a 3600 power washing option that uses rotating spray arms up and down to ensure you get sparkling clean dishes.
We can’t ignore the clear touch control panel at the top that’s convenient for use—no more bending to access the control panel.
What we like about this dishwasher
Yay! no more cleaning fruits and vegetables in the sink. The Hermitlux countertop dishwasher has a dedicated cycle for this. We also like the built-in 5L water tank allows for instant use, which means no need for complex installation.
And the fact that this dishwasher is designed with the needs of curious minds at heart makes us like it even more because we can monitor the washing process through its glass door.
What we dislike about this dishwasher
The interior tub is plastic which is a little hard to clean and maintain compared to other dishwashers on this list. But if you’re willing to spend a little extra time cleaning it, it’s definitely worth it.
What other customers are saying about it
Here’s an honest review from one of the satisfied Amazon customers, “I was hesitant to spend the money on this product, but it has turned out to be a great investment. It is easy to set up and use, relatively quiet, and it fits on our small countertop. It comes with a manual that explains the set up, settings and troubleshoot codes. No fancy soap needed - regular powder dish tabs work for this.”
4. Hermitlux countertop dishwasher with a 5-liter built-in water tank, inlet hose, and drain hose
Price: Check price on Amazon
Make your dishwashing time more enjoyable with this high-performing, quiet (50dB), and affordable dishwasher from Hermitlux.
Key features
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Low noise level (50dB)
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Dimensions LxWxH (16.85 x 16.73 x 18.03 inches)
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Water source: Built-in 5L water tank, hose
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4-place setting
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5 washing programs
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No installation needed
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3600 washing
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Clear LED touch control panel located at the top
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Detachable filter
This Hermitlux dishwasher is a high-performing, quiet (50dB), and affordable option for your dishwashing needs. The built-in 5L water tank allows for easy and instant use, while the inlet hose and drain hose make it simple to connect to your kitchen faucet, so no complex installation is needed.
This countertop dishwasher can accommodate up to 4 place settings and has 5 different washing programs to choose from – standard, eco, fast, strong, and fruit. Each cycle has a different temperature setting to ensure a sparkling clean finish for all of your dishes and fruits. Additionally, the 3600 washing feature provides even and thorough cleaning results.
The clear LED touch control panel located at the top of the dishwasher makes it easy to select your desired settings without bending.
What we like about it
We like that this Hermitlux dishwasher is designed for easy and instant use – no complex installation is required, but you can as well connect it to a kitchen faucet if you like. We also appreciate the 5 different washing programs and 360 degrees washing features that guarantee a thorough clean.
Plus, no more washing fruits and vegetables by hand; it can handle all this perfectly!
What we don’t like about it
The major downside of this dishwasher is its plastic interior tub, which is a little harder to clean and maintain than other countertop dishwashers.
Besides, it lacks a transparent door keeping you from seeing the magic happen on your dishes.
What other customers are saying about it
Customers are highly satisfied with the performance of this dishwasher, with one saying, “At first I wanted to return it because I thought it had to be connected under the sink. I’m so glad I decided to keep it. I have soriatic arthritis in my back and I cannot stand at the sink over 10 minutes. Now I just load my dish washer and fill the tank and My dishes are done! _❣_️”
Factors to Consider When Buying a Quiet Dishwasher
Now that you know the quietest countertop dishwashers for under 500 dollars that offer a perfect blend of performance and quietude, let’s now look at the factors you need to consider when buying a countertop dishwasher.
When shopping for a quiet dishwasher, there are several factors that you need to consider in order to make a sound purchase decision. These include:
1. Decibel rating
One of the vital factors you need to consider is the noise level. A quiet dishwasher that won’t disturb your peace should have a noise rating of 50dB and below. Here is a detailed outline of different noise levels in a standard-setting to help understand more about decibel ratings.
2. Tub material
A dishwasher with a stainless steel tub is pretty much quieter than one with a plastic tub. The sound of water striking a plastic tub is louder than when hitting a stainless steel tub.
3. Insulation
The quality and quantity of insulation placed around the dishwasher’s exterior determine how noisy it’ll be when running. Go for a dishwasher that’s well insulated!
4. Customer reviews
Don’t overlook other customers’ reviews, especially when buying online. Knowing what other users are saying about a product can go a long way in determining your decision. So, always check the reviews before purchasing; most customers offer honest reviews.
FAQs
Let’s now look at some of the frequently asked questions concerning countertop dishwashers.
How many dishes can a countertop dishwasher wash?
The number of dishes a countertop dishwasher can wash at a go depends on its size. Some countertop dishwashers are designed with up to 6 place settings meaning they can accommodate a decent amount of dishes at a go.
Be sure to go through your dishwasher’s user menu for a detailed guide on how to load it perfectly so it can accommodate a decent load at a go.
How much water does a countertop dishwasher use?
The amount of water a countertop dishwasher consumes depends on its size and make. However, most countertop dishwashers have an average water consumption rate of 3 gallons per cycle.
These compact powerful washers use less water than the standard built-in dishwashers making them eco-friendly.
Can a countertop dishwasher sterilize dishes?
Yes, it can. Most countertop dishwashers have a built-in heat dry feature that helps in sterilizing dishes by killing germs and bacteria. others have a ‘baby care’ washing cycle that’s perfect for sterilization.
Can I put my glass plates in the dishwasher?
This will depend on the make of your glass plates. Some are not dishwasher safe, so be sure to check before putting them in the washer. However, if they are dishwasher safe, then you can go ahead and put them in without worries. Just make sure to place them properly so they don’t break during the cycle. Also, be sure to select a washing cycle ideal for glassware.
Can a countertop dishwasher wash pots and pans?
Yes, a countertop dishwasher can efficiently clean pots and pots but its compact design limits the size of pots and pans it can accommodate.
So, if you use large pots and pans, most countertop dishwashers may not be so perfect for you.
However, some countertop dishwasher models can accommodate larger pots and pans but they are relatively expensive than the ones discussed above.
Wrapping Up
We hope this detailed guide has offered enough insights into everything you need to know about countertop dishwashers including the quietest ones you can buy without breaking the bank.
Now that you know what to look for and the factors to consider when buying a quiet dishwasher, we hope you’ll find it easier to make a purchase decision.
But before using your dishwasher, be sure to read these care and maintenance tips to help you get the most out of this dedicated kitchen appliance.
Good luck finding a quiet countertop dishwasher!