6 Best Energy Efficient Dishwasher for Quiet Homes

The Midea 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher is the top pick for most buyers and the best energy efficient dishwasher for compact kitchens. Its 18-inch width takes up less cabinet space than a standard 24-inch model, while the built-in design keeps installation tidy. That smaller footprint makes it a practical choice for apartments, condos, and kitchens with limited room.

This guide is for shoppers who want lower utility use without giving up automatic dishwashing. The key details are width, place-setting capacity, and the machine’s rated energy and water consumption. Check those numbers against your household size and available plumbing before buying. The six picks below are ranked by their strongest use case, with clear reasons and honest drawbacks for each. You will see options for small kitchens, larger households, and buyers who need a simpler fit.

Quick Comparison

6 Top Energy-Saving Dishwashers

These picks are ranked from sixth to first, based on energy use, cleaning performance, features, and overall value.

6. Sharp SDY6735DNS Dishwasher

Best for: Quiet, flexible family kitchens

The Sharp SDY6735DNS is a 24-inch built-in dishwasher with top controls and a 16-place-setting capacity. Its adjustable third rack and separate lower cutlery basket give you more ways to arrange plates, bowls, utensils, and taller cookware. The unit measures 23-7/8 inches wide, 33-3/4 inches high, and 25-1/2 inches deep with the handle. It needs a 24-by-34-by-24-inch cutout, so check your cabinet opening before ordering. At around $599, it sits in the middle of the dishwasher market.

Noise control is a strong point. The 49 dBA rating should keep normal conversation comfortable, while three sprayers and dual-stage filtration support the cleaning system. You get six cycles, including Auto, Heavy Duty, Express, and Rinse Only, plus six options such as Sanitize, Hi-Temp, and Wash Zone. A heating element helps dry dishes, and the door opens automatically at the cycle’s end to let moisture escape. That feature can improve drying, though plastic containers may still need hand drying.

Pros

• Fits up to 16 place settings, with a third rack and lower cutlery basket.
• Includes six cycles and six options for different dish loads.
• Auto Door Open and a heating element support better drying.

Cons

• At 49 dBA, it may be audible in an open-concept kitchen.
• The 25-1/2-inch depth with the handle can create tight clearance in shallow cabinetry.

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5. COMFEE’ Portable Countertop Dishwasher

Best for: Small households without full-size plumbing

The COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher suits apartments, dorms, RVs, and kitchens with limited room. It measures 17.2 inches high by 21.6 inches wide and 19.7 inches deep. Inside, it can hold up to 70 pieces of tableware, including plates up to 10 inches wide. That capacity fits roughly two or three people, but larger households may need multiple cycles.

This portable unit connects directly to a faucet with the proper adapter, so installation does not require permanent plumbing. It can also sit on a counter or fit inside a cabinet opening. Eight cycles cover everyday dishes, glassware, baby items, heavy grease, and quick loads. The 45-minute Speed cycle suits lightly soiled dishes, while the Heavy cycle uses 12 spray nozzles, a 360-degree spiral pattern, and water heated to 154°F. It uses 2.77 gallons per cycle and includes extra drying. At around $280, it costs less than many full-size models, though space and hookup needs still matter.

Pros

• Holds up to 70 items and plates measuring up to 10 inches.
• Offers eight wash cycles, including Heavy, Glass, Baby-Care, and Speed.
• Uses only 2.77 gallons per cycle and carries an Energy Star rating.

Cons

• Requires a suitable faucet adapter, which may not be included.
• Its 6-place-setting capacity can feel tight for families or large dinner loads.

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4. Honeywell 24-Inch Dishwasher

Best for: Families needing full-size dish capacity

This Honeywell built-in dishwasher holds up to 12 place settings, giving families room for daily dishes and cookware. It measures 24 inches deep, 24.5 inches wide, and 33.74 inches high. The stainless steel base and plastic side walls create a mixed-material tub, while the removable cutlery basket makes unloading more flexible. Its stainless steel exterior suits standard kitchen layouts.

The strongest feature is cycle choice. Seven wash programs and three operating modes let you adjust the cleaning approach for different loads. A delay-start option can schedule a cycle up to 24 hours later, which may help households manage utility schedules or avoid running dishes immediately. Energy Star certification points to lower energy use than less efficient models. At around $400, it offers useful capacity and controls without moving into premium pricing. Buyers should still confirm cabinet clearance and installation requirements before ordering.

Pros

• Fits 12 place settings, with a removable basket for silverware.
• Offers seven wash cycles, three modes, and a 24-hour delay start.
• Energy Star certification supports lower electricity consumption.

Cons

• Plastic tub sides may feel less substantial than an all-stainless-steel interior.
• The 24.5-inch width and 33.74-inch height require careful cabinet measurements.

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3. HAVA Countertop Dishwasher

Best for: Renters, RV owners, and dorm kitchens

This compact countertop dishwasher measures 16.86 by 16.75 by 18.05 inches, so it fits many small kitchens, apartments, and temporary spaces. Its built-in 5-liter water tank removes the need for a direct plumbing connection. You can fill the machine manually and move it when needed. The interior measures 13 by 13.77 by 10.83 inches with the basket installed.

The updated rack provides more usable room than a basic compact washer, while the water softener helps limit scale and water spots in hard-water areas. An adjustable setting lets you match the softener to local water conditions. The ECO cycle reduces water and energy use, and eight wash programs cover different cleaning needs. A touch panel, child lock, and delay timer of up to 18 hours add useful control. At around $329, it costs less than many full-size models, but it still requires realistic expectations about countertop capacity.

Pros

• The 5-liter tank allows placement without permanent plumbing.
• The water softener helps reduce limescale and dish marks.
• Eight programs, ECO mode, and an 18-hour delay timer offer flexible operation.

Cons

• The 16.86-inch width and 18.05-inch height can crowd shallow or low counters.
• The compact interior may not fit large pots, wide plates, or a full family load.

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2. COMFEE Countertop Dishwasher

Best for: Small kitchens, dorms, and RVs

This COMFEE’ countertop dishwasher fits homes that lack room for a full-size appliance. It measures 17.2 inches high, 21.7 inches wide, and 19.7 inches deep. The six-place-setting interior holds up to 70 dishes and accepts plates up to 10 inches across. That capacity suits two or three people, but larger households may need multiple loads.

What stands out is the mix of cleaning choices and low water use. Eight programs cover everyday dishes, heavy grease, glassware, baby items, rinsing, and faster loads. The Speed cycle takes about 45 minutes, while the Heavy setting uses 12 spray nozzles and a 360-degree spiral pattern. Water temperatures reach 154°F, and the unit can use as little as 2.77 gallons per cycle. An extra-dry option helps reduce leftover moisture. At around $310, it costs more than basic countertop models, but the Energy Star rating may help control running costs. Installation requires a suitable faucet adaptor.

Pros

• Fits 70 pieces of tableware in a compact 17.2-by-21.7-by-19.7-inch body.
• Heavy cycle reaches 154°F and uses 12 nozzles for greasy dishes.
• Uses as little as 2.77 gallons per cycle, with a 45-minute Speed option.

Cons

• Six place settings and a 10-inch plate limit may feel tight for families.
• Faucet connection needs a suitable adaptor, which may add setup cost.

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1. Midea 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher

Best for: Compact kitchens needing full-size flexibility

The Midea 18-inch built-in dishwasher fits smaller kitchens without dropping to countertop size. Its 17.6-inch width, 22.6-inch depth, and 32.4-inch height make it suitable for tight cabinet layouts, while adjustable legs help with leveling. Inside, it holds up to eight place settings and can fit plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches tall. The stainless steel tub should also handle routine dishwasher use better than a plastic interior.

Controls stay simple through a digital panel and LED display. Six wash programs cover Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse cycles. Three added functions, Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize, give you more control for greasy cookware, baby bottles, and children’s dishes. The Hi-Temp cycle reaches up to 136°F. Heated Dry handles most loads without towel drying, but it does not apply to Rapid or Self-clean cycles. At around $449, it offers useful flexibility for a slim built-in model, though installation space still needs careful measuring.

Pros

• 17.6-inch width fits narrow kitchen openings.
• Eight-place capacity supports daily dishes for smaller households.
• Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize add useful wash options.

Cons

• Eight place settings may feel limited for families or frequent entertainers.
• Requires dishwasher-specific detergent, since regular liquid dish soap can cause problems.

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Buying Guide

The most important factor is annual energy use, measured in kWh per year. A lower figure cuts electricity costs over hundreds of wash cycles, but compare it with water use and capacity so the rating matches your household.

• Energy rating: Look for an ENERGY STAR model with listed annual use near 240 kWh or lower. Compare the yearly estimate, not just the marketing claim.
• Water consumption: Choose a machine using about 3 gallons per cycle or less on its normal setting. This matters most in homes that run the appliance five or more times weekly.
• Capacity and fit: Measure a 24-inch opening for a full-size unit, or about 18 inches for a compact model. A 14- to 16-place-setting tub suits many households, while smaller homes may need 8 to 10 settings.
• Noise level: Target 45 dBA or lower for an open kitchen. Models at 42 dBA or below are quieter, but often cost more.
• Cycle and drying options: Select an eco cycle and heated-dry switch. Air drying can reduce electricity use, while delayed start may shift operation to cheaper utility hours.

If you must compromise, prioritize the lowest annual kWh rating that still fits your dishes and weekly load size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much electricity does an energy-efficient dishwasher use?

An energy-efficient dishwasher typically uses about 0.8 to 1.2 kilowatt-hours per cycle, depending on its model and wash setting. An ENERGY STAR model may use roughly 215 kWh annually with 215 cycles, while heated-dry settings can increase household consumption noticeably.

What features make a dishwasher energy efficient?

The main efficiency features are a soil sensor, low-water cycles, insulated tub, efficient filtration, and an optional air-dry setting. These controls adjust water and wash time instead of running every load at maximum power. A normal cycle may use about 3 to 5 gallons, while air drying avoids the heating element.

Can a high-efficiency dishwasher clean baked-on food?

Yes, a high-efficiency dishwasher can clean baked-on food when you choose its heavy cycle and scrape off large pieces first. Energy savings come from using less water, not from skipping spray pressure or heat. A 120-minute heavy program may use more electricity than a 60-minute normal cycle.

Are smart dishwashers more energy efficient?

Smart dishwashers are not automatically more energy efficient, but connected controls can reduce waste through scheduling, alerts, and cycle recommendations. Look for the certified energy label first, then consider app features. Delay-start can run during off-peak hours, but it does not reduce total kilowatt-hours for one load.

Conclusion

The Midea 18-Inch Built-In Dishwasher is the top recommendation for apartment residents, couples, and small households that need a compact machine with lower water and power use. If your priority is maximum capacity rather than a smaller footprint, pick a 24-inch Energy Star model instead, since it usually fits more place settings per load. Before buying, double-check the opening’s width, height, and depth, the required electrical and plumbing connections, the number of place settings you need, and the current price. A compact format can save cabinet space, but it may require more cycles for a large family or frequent dinner cleanup. Check the installation method too, especially if you are replacing an older unit.