Portable dishwashers are one of the smartest kitchen gadgets you can buy when space is tight. In New York and other busy cities, many apartments lack a built-in dishwasher, so people wash dishes by hand. According to cleaning experts from Good Housekeeping, a countertop dishwasher is a small appliance that you place on a counter or table. It draws water from the kitchen faucet or a built-in tank and drains into the sink, making installation simple. goodhousekeeping.com. These units are easy to move, and they don’t require permanent plumbing. They still carry an Energy Guide label, but only Energy Star–certified models meet strict EPA performance standards.

In this long‑form comparison and review article, you’ll learn about two top countertop dishwashers: the COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher and the EdgeStar DWP63 Countertop Dishwasher. Both claim to fit 6 place settings and offer multiple wash cycles. We’ll evaluate their specs, pros and cons, and who they suit best. A side‑by‑side comparison table, buying guide and FAQ will help you make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll know which dishwasher is the right kitchen gadget for your dorm, RV or small apartment.

COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher Review

COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher (Model CDC22P2AWW)

Quick Specs

Pros

• Compact yet spacious – fits 6 place settings and 70 pieces of tableware, enough for 2–3 people.
  
• Eight wash programs – heavy, normal, baby‑care, ECO, glass, speed, mini‑party and rinse; offers flexibility for every load.
  
• High‑temperature heavy cycle – uses 12 spray nozzles and a 360 ° spiral spray to clean stubborn stains; water temperature reaches 68 °C (154 °F).
  
• Quick speed program – cleans lightly soiled dishes in 45 minutes and consumes as little as 2.77 gallons of water.
  
• Energy‑Star certified – low water and energy consumption (174 kWh/year).
  
• Easy installation – the dishwasher connects directly to a standard faucet and can be placed on a countertop or in a cabinet.
  
• Quiet operation – 49 dB noise level, about the loudness of a quiet conversation.
  

Cons

• Interior material – uses plastic tub for some components, which may not be as durable as full stainless steel.
  
• No built‑in tank – requires a faucet connection; not ideal if your sink faucet shape is incompatible.
  
• Weight – at 46 lb amazon.com, it is fairly heavy to move by one person.
  

Who Should Buy the COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher?

This model is ideal for students, couples or small families living in dorms, RVs or small apartments. It offers a generous capacity while maintaining a compact footprint. If you often host small parties, the Mini‑Party and Speed cycles let you wash glassware between courses quickly amazon.com. Parents of infants will appreciate the Baby‑Care cycle, which runs at high temperatures to sanitize bottles and dishes amazon.com. The energy‑efficient design reduces water and power consumption, saving money over hand‑washing or older machines. Overall, it’s a versatile kitchen gadget that brings convenience to tight spaces.

EdgeStar DWP63 Countertop Dishwasher Review

EdgeStar DWP63 Countertop Dishwasher (Models DWP63BL / DWP63WH / DWP63SV)

Quick Specs

Pros

• Stainless steel interior – provides durability and resists staining.
  
• Seven wash programs – heavy, normal, light‑ECO, glass, baby care, speed and rinse; each cycle has specific temperatures and water volumes.
  
• High‑temperature rinses – heavy cycle finishes with a rinse at 154 °F and the baby care cycle reaches 158 °F, ensuring hygienic results.
  
• Delay start function – users can postpone a cycle by 1–24 hours; a display shows remaining delay time.
  
• Compact design – similar footprint to the COMFEE unit but slightly lighter (44.1 lb).
  
• Simple installation – comes with a quick‑connect adapter and hoses for hooking up to a kitchen faucet.
  

Cons

• Noise – 52 dB is slightly louder than the COMFEE model.
  
• Fewer programs – no mini‑party cycle; heavy cycle runtime is 100 minutes.
  
• No built-in tank – requires a faucet connection; not suitable if faucet cannot accept an adapter.
  
• No energy consumption rating provided – the manual lists per‑cycle energy use (0.28–0.51 kWh) but there is no official Energy Star certification.
  

Who Should Buy the EdgeStar DWP63?

The EdgeStar is a good choice for families who need flexible wash cycles and prefer a stainless steel interior. Its heavy and baby‑care cycles run at very high temperatures to remove baked‑on food and sanitize bottles. The delay start function is useful if you want to run the dishwasher during off‑peak hours or when you’re not home. People who prioritize durability may favor the stainless steel tub over plastic. However, the absence of a built‑in water tank means you must have a suitable faucet, and the slightly higher noise level may bother noise‑sensitive users.

Comparison Table

The table below compares key features of the COMFEE’ and EdgeStar models. Short phrases and numbers make it easy to scan.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Countertop Dishwasher

The market offers many countertop dishwashers, so choosing the best one involves understanding your needs and comparing key features. This guide explains the most important factors.

1. Capacity and Dimensions

Countertop dishwashers come in capacities ranging from 2 to 6 place settings. A place setting typically includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup and cutlery. Measure your counter space and overhead cabinets before buying. The COMFEE and EdgeStar units require about 21.6 × 19.7 inches of counter space. amazon.compdf.lowes.com. Choose a size that leaves enough workspace and fits under cabinets (both units are just over 17 inches tall).

2. Installation and Water Supply

Most countertop dishwashers connect to a standard kitchen faucet using a quick‑connect adapter. Good Housekeeping notes that some models draw water from the faucet while others have a built-in tank that you fill by hand. The COMFEE and EdgeStar models both require a faucet connection; if your faucet has an odd shape or you live in a building with low water pressure, consider a model with a built-in tank.

3. Wash Programs and Temperature

Multiple wash cycles let you match the wash to the dishes. The COMFEE model offers eight programs, including a Mini‑Party cycle for quick glassware washing amazon.com. The EdgeStar model has seven programs, with a Baby Care cycle that heats rinse water to 158 °F. Look for high‑temperature cycles if you need sanitation (for baby bottles or cutting boards). Quick cycles (around 45 minutes) are great when you need dishes fast. ECO or light cycles save energy and water but may run longer.

4. Energy and Water Efficiency

Because countertop dishwashers are smaller than built‑ins, they usually use less water and electricity. For example, the COMFEE unit consumes approximately 2.77 – 2.85 gallons per cycle and has an annual energy use of 174 kWh. The EdgeStar uses 2.2 – 3.4 gallons per cycle. Check the Energy Guide label and look for Energy Star certification. The Good Housekeeping guide warns that only Energy Star‑certified units meet strict EPA standards. Energy‑efficient models save on utility bills and reduce environmental impact.

5. Noise Level

Kitchen and living spaces are often open in small apartments, so noise matters. The COMFEE dishwasher operates at 49 dB, similar to a quiet conversation amazon.com. The EdgeStar is slightly louder at 52 dB pdf.lowes.com, though this is still quieter than most full‑size dishwashers. If you have a studio apartment or work from home, choose a lower decibel rating.

6. Interior Material and Build Quality

Plastic tubs reduce weight and cost but may retain odors or stain over time. Stainless steel tubs (like on the EdgeStar) resist staining and retain heat for better drying.pdf.lowes.com. Check the durability of racks and spray arms. Also consider the warranty; EdgeStar offers a one‑year parts and 90‑day labor warranty.

7. Extra Features

• Delay Start – If you want to run the dishwasher later (for example, when power rates are lower), choose a model with delay start. The EdgeStar offers a 1–24 hour delay.
  
• Child Lock and Safety – Electronic controls with child‑lock features prevent accidental changes to the settings, an important consideration for families with young children.
  
• Quick Connect Kit – Ensure the package includes the faucet adapter, inlet hose and drain hose. Both models provide these accessories.amazon.compdf.lowes.com.
  
• Drying Method – Some dishwashers use heated drying; others use residual heat or open‑door drying. The COMFEE model mentions an extra‑drying function on its main cycles, while the EdgeStar relies on residual heat.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are countertop dishwashers as effective as built‑in models?
Yes. Although they are smaller, countertop dishwashers follow similar wash processes. They pre‑wash, wash and rinse dishes at high temperatures; the EdgeStar heavy cycle washes at 140 °F and rinses at 154 °F, and the COMFEE heavy cycle reaches 68 °C (154 °F). These temperatures are high enough to remove grease and kill bacteria.

2. How do I install a countertop dishwasher?
These units come with a faucet adapter, inlet hose and drain hose. Screw the adapter onto a standard faucet, connect the inlet and drain hoses, and snap the quick‑connect to the adapter. After the cycle, disconnect and store the hoses. No permanent plumbing is required.

3. Do I need special detergent?
Use powder or liquid dishwasher detergent. The EdgeStar manual warns not to use hand‑washing liquid because it creates excessive suds and can damage the machine. For best results, also add rinse aid.

4. How much water do countertop dishwashers use?
They use less water than hand‑washing. The COMFEE speed program uses about 2.77 gallons, while the EdgeStar glass cycle uses 2.2 gallons. Traditional hand‑washing can consume over 20 gallons for the same number of dishes.

5. Are these dishwashers suitable for pots and pans?
Yes, but capacity is limited. The heavy cycles are designed for pots, pans and casserole dishes. However, you may need to wash larger pots separately or run multiple loads. For bigger cookware, a built‑in or freestanding portable dishwasher may be more appropriate.

6. How loud are countertop dishwashers?
Both models run quieter than many full‑size dishwashers. The COMFEE unit measures 49 dB, and the EdgeStar measures 52 dB. For comparison, 50 dB is about the noise level of a quiet office.

7. Do countertop dishwashers need a hot water supply?
They can operate with cold water, because both models heat the water internally. The manual suggests incoming water temperature should be at least 120 °F (49 °C) for optimum performance, but the machine will heat it further for the wash and rinse cycles.

Conclusion: Which Countertop Dishwasher Is Right for You?

Countertop dishwashers are transformative kitchen gadgets, especially in small homes where space is limited. They offer convenience, reduce time spent washing dishes, and often consume less water than hand‑washing. When choosing between the COMFEE’ CDC22P2AWW and the EdgeStar DWP63, consider your priorities.

The COMFEE model excels in versatility and ease of use. It provides eight wash cycles, including a Mini‑Party option for quick turnovers, and its heavy cycle uses 12 spray nozzles with high‑temperature water to tackle tough stains. Its 49 dB noise level makes it quieter than many full‑size dishwashers. The plastic tub may not be as durable, but the Energy‑Star rating and low water consumption make it economical to run amazon.com. This dishwasher is perfect for students, couples, and small families who value variety and energy efficiency.

The EdgeStar DWP63 stands out with its stainless steel interior, higher rinse temperatures and delay start function. It’s slightly lighter and has a durable build, but it offers one fewer cycle and is a bit louder (52 dB). People who need precise washing times or prefer the durability of stainless steel should choose this model. It’s also suitable for families with babies because the baby‑care cycle reaches 158 °F pdf.lowes.com.

Ultimately, both models deliver good cleaning performance and are more efficient than hand‑washing. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize extra wash programs and energy efficiency (COMFEE) or higher temperatures and a stainless steel tub (EdgeStar). Either way, adding a countertop dishwasher to your home can transform your dish‑washing routine.

👉 Ready to upgrade your kitchen gadget? Check the latest prices and user reviews for the COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher or the EdgeStar DWP63 and enjoy sparkling dishes without the hassle!