Washing a full load of dishes by hand can use up to 27 gallons of water. In comparison, a modern ENERGY STAR certified compact dishwasher can do the same job with just 2 to 3 gallons. These compact models are designed to fit even in small kitchens.
If you live in a tiny house, studio apartment, or any small home, it’s worth reconsidering whether a dishwasher can fit your available space, but the options are expanding. There are now many compact and countertop models, and ENERGY STAR certification is standard. Some brands have even redesigned dishwashers completely. Here’s a look at what’s available in 2026 and how efficient they are.
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Why the Math Favors a Dishwasher
The environmental case is straightforward. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a new ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher saves more than 8,000 gallons of water per year compared to hand-washing — and uses less than half the energy. Research published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) found that hand-washing can consume 650% more water and 190% more energy than a dishwasher. Yet 20% of American households with a dishwasher still hand-wash instead, often citing habit or distrust of the technology.
There are two important tips for getting the most efficiency. First, with modern dishwashers, you don’t need to pre-rinse, which can waste about 20 gallons per load. ENERGY STAR dishwashers with soil sensors are built to handle food residue. Second, always run full loads, since a half-full dishwasher uses almost the same amount of water and energy as a full one.
Understanding ENERGY STAR Ratings for Compact Dishwashers
The ENERGY STAR program sets separate standards for compact dishwashers (fewer than eight place settings) and standard models. Current thresholds:
- Compact dishwashers: ≤203 kWh/year, ≤3.1 gallons/cycle
- Standard dishwashers (8+ place settings): ≤270 kWh/year, ≤3.5 gallons/cycle
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient: top performers within those categories, recognized annually for cutting-edge innovation
Keep in mind that a compact dishwasher certified at the “standard” threshold still qualifies for ENERGY STAR. Brands like Blomberg and Smeg make 18-inch machines that hold eight or more place settings, so they get the standard (higher-capacity) rating instead of the compact one. This means they can wash more dishes per cycle, making them more efficient per dish.
Built-In Compact Dishwashers: 18-Inch Models
Compact built-in dishwashers are 18 inches wide, but have the same height (about 34 inches) and depth (about 24 inches) as a full-size model. They fit into a cabinet opening or can replace a trash compactor. Installing one needs the same plumbing and electrical connections as a regular dishwasher.
Blomberg DWS51502SS
Blomberg’s 18-inch models are a top choice for small-space buyers who value eco-friendly features. The DWS51502SS, available at Amazon and major retailers, holds 8 place settings in an ADA-compliant design. Like all Blomberg dishwashers, it’s ENERGY STAR certified and uses a brushless DC motor that adjusts speed to save water and energy. Three layers of insulation keep noise down to 48 dBA.
Blomberg earned the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award three years running. Its parent company, Arçelik A.S., also owns Beko, and has maintained one of the strongest corporate sustainability commitments in the appliance industry. Approximate retail price: $650–$750.
Sharp SDW4523MS
The Sharp SDW4523MS is a newer 18-inch model that stands out for its third rack, a feature not often found at this size. It also has an auto door-open drying function that lets out moisture without using a heated dry, which saves energy. There are six wash cycles and sensors to adjust water use for each load. The Sharp runs quietly at 47 dBA. You can find it at Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s for $500 to $650.
Smeg STU1846
Smeg’s only 18-inch model, the STU1846, is a panel-ready dishwasher that holds 10 place settings—more than any other 18-inch option. It offers five wash cycles, AquaStop leak protection, and ENERGY STAR certification. Priced at $900 to $1,100, it’s the premium pick in this group. Smeg’s Italian design also makes it a stylish choice for those who want their dishwasher to stand out. It’s available from Amazon and specialty appliance dealers.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the EdgeStar BIDW1802SSis is an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher that costs between $350 and$450. It holds eight place settings, has six wash cycles, a leak sensor, and a 24-hour delay start. At 52 dB, it’s louder than the premium models, about as loud as a normal conversation, but reviews from 2025 say its self-cleaning performance is much better than expected for the price. You can find it at Lowe’s and Home Depot. Lowe’s and Home Depot.
The DishDrawer: A Different Approach
Fisher & Paykel took a different approach with their DishDrawer concept. Instead of just making a smaller dishwasher, they created a pull-out drawer, or even a stacked pair of drawers, based on how people really load dishes. You don’t have to bend down to reach the bottom rack. Each drawer works independently, so you can run a half-load in one while loading the other.
Single DishDrawer — DD24SAX9N
The DD24SAX9N holds 7 place settings per drawer and uses about 2 gallons of water per drawer, which is among the lowest available. It has six wash programs, including eco options, and a sanitize cycle that reaches 163°F. At 45 dBA, it’s very quiet. It’s ENERGY STAR certified and costs about $1,100 to $1,300.
Double DishDrawer — DD24DTX6 Series
The double DishDrawer has two separate drawers, giving you 14 place settings in total, which is similar to a full-size dishwasher. The DD24DTX6 series has the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient award, the program’s top honor. It features Wi-Fi connectivity through the SmartHQ app, a knock-to-pause function, and 8 wash programs. The top drawer is tall enough for 12.25-inch dinner plates. Prices range from $1,800 to $2,200, depending on the finish.
DishDrawers need a standard 24-inch cabinet width, but each drawer is only 18 inches high. Their flexible installation means you can use them in unusual spaces, like under a bar, in a kitchen island, or at different heights for easier access.
Countertop Dishwashers
If you don’t have any under-counter space, or if you’re renting and can’t install a dishwasher permanently, countertop and portable models are a good solution. They connect directly to your faucet and drain into the sink, usually with a simple adapter.
COMFEE CDC22P
The COMFEE CDC22P is the most energy-efficient countertop model you can easily find. It uses about 155 kWh per year and just 2.77 gallons per cycle, which is better than many built-in compact models. It’s ENERGY STAR certified, holds six place settings, and offers eight wash cycles, including a baby-care cycle for extra sanitizing. It also has an air-dry function and runs at 49 dBA. Priced between $200 and $280, it’s the most affordable option here and a great pick for renters or anyone with a very small kitchen. You can buy it at Amazon, Lowe’s, and Walmart.
Dishwasher Comparison Table
All the models listed below are ENERGY STAR certified. Prices are estimates from April 2026 and may change depending on the retailer. Be sure to check energystar.gov to confirm ENERGY STAR status before you buy, since certifications can change each year.
| Blomberg DWS51502SS | Built-in 18″ | 18″ | 8 | ✓ Certified | ~203 | ~3.1 | 48 | $650–$750 | Brushless DC motor, 3-layer insulation, ADA compliant, 167°F sanitize |
| Sharp SDW4523MS | Built-in 18″ | 18″ | 8 | ✓ Certified | ~203 | ~3.1 | 47 | $500–$650 | Third rack, auto door open drying, sensor wash, touch controls |
| Smeg STU1846 | Built-in 18″ | 18″ | 10 | ✓ Certified | ~203 | ~3.1 | 49 | $900–$1,100 | 10 place settings in 18″, AquaStop leak protection, 5 cycles |
| Fisher & Paykel DD24SAX9N | Single DishDrawer | 24″ | 7 | ✓ Certified | ~160 | ~2.0/drawer | 45 | $1,100–$1,300 | Drawer design, 6 programs, ergonomic loading, flexible placement |
| Fisher & Paykel DD24DTX6 | Double DishDrawer | 24″ | 14 | ✓ Most Efficient | ~276 | ~2.0/drawer | 45 | $1,800–$2,200 | ENERGY STAR Most Efficient, dual independent drawers, Wi-Fi/SmartHQ |
| COMFEE CDC22P | Countertop | 21.6″ | 6 | ✓ Certified | ~155 | ~2.77 | 49 | $200–$280 | No install needed, 8 cycles, baby-care mode, faucet connection |
| EdgeStar BIDW1802SS | Built-in 18″ | 18″ | 8 | ✓ Certified | ~203 | ~3.1 | 52 | $350–$450 | Budget pick, 6 cycles, leakage sensor, digital display |
What You Can Do
- Choose a dishwasher size that fits your household. If you live alone or with one other person, you probably don’t need more than 6 to 8 place settings per cycle. A countertop COMFEE or single DishDrawer will likely meet your needs at the lowest cost.
- Look for utility rebates before you buy. The ENERGY STAR rebate finder can help you find local incentives that lower the purchase price.
- Don’t pre-rinse your dishes. Just scrape off the food, since modern soil-sensing dishwashers are made to handle food residue. Pre-rinsing can waste about 20 gallons of water per load.
- Use the eco cycle on your dishwasher. This setting lowers both the water temperature and the cycle time, saving 30 to 40 percent more energy compared to the heavy cycle.
- Let your dishes air-dry instead of using the heated dry option. You can open the door at the end of the cycle or turn off the heated dry. This simple step can save a lot of energy each cycle.
- Only run your dishwasher when it’s full. The water and energy used is almost the same whether it’s half-full or full, so it’s best to wait and combine loads.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 1, 2019, and updated in April 2026. Product availability and ENERGY STAR status should be verified at time of purchase.
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