I have reviewed dozens of dishwashers over the years, from full-size built-ins to compact models designed for small apartments. The COMFEE Countertop Dishwasher stood out to me because of its promise of convenience in a small package. Designed for people with limited space, this unit offers multiple cycles, two water supply options, and even a fruit-and-vegetable wash mode. After several months of personal use and gathering feedback from other users, I want to share what it is really like to live with this machine every day.
Setup and First Impressions
Unboxing was surprisingly smooth. The unit arrived well-packaged with everything needed to get started, including a water pitcher, hose, and even detergent pods. I appreciated that the manual was easy to follow, with diagrams that made setup nearly foolproof.
The installation itself took no more than ten minutes. I had two choices: hook it up directly to a faucet or manually fill the tank with 6 liters of water. Because my sink setup is a bit tricky, I mostly used the manual fill option. The included pitcher makes this process straightforward, although it takes about three and a half fills to reach the required level. The machine beeps when it has enough water, which is a nice touch.
At 40 pounds, the dishwasher is heavy for its size, so it is best placed on a sturdy counter or a wheeled cart if you plan on moving it around. The control panel is basic but intuitive, and a small interior light turns on when the machine is powered. My first impression was that this was a serious little appliance, not a novelty item.
Capacity and Performance
COMFEE advertises this unit as holding up to two place settings, but in practice it feels closer to one and a half. Regular-sized dinner plates fit without issue, though larger cookware like skillets or cookie sheets will not. That said, with some creative loading you can fit quite a bit—bowls, mugs, utensils, and even a small pot or strainer. Think of it as a puzzle, and you will be surprised at how much it can handle.
The dishwasher offers five cycles:
- Normal (C1, 130 minutes): Best for everyday dishes. It delivers spotless results, even on heavily soiled plates.
- Baby Care (C2, 120 minutes): Designed to sanitize bottles at high temperatures.
- Glassware (C3, 115 minutes): Gentle on delicate items, yet highly effective.
- Rapid (C4, 40 minutes): A quick wash that requires liquid detergent rather than pods. Dishes usually need hand-drying afterward.
- Fruit/Vegetable (C5, 20 minutes): A unique feature that actually works well for rinsing produce.
In testing, the normal cycle consistently rivaled the cleaning power of a full-sized dishwasher. Stuck-on food came off without pre-rinsing, and even a crockpot insert with baked-on rice emerged spotless. The rapid cycle is convenient when you need dishes in a hurry, though it sacrifices drying power.
Noise levels are pleasantly low. My sound meter clocked it around 50 decibels, which is about as quiet as a conversation in another room. More than once, I had to check whether it was still running because it was so discreet.
Looking for more top-rated options? Check out our expert picks for the Best Dishwashers that deliver sparkling results every time.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintenance is simple but essential. The filter at the bottom catches food particles and needs to be removed and rinsed every couple of cycles. If you neglect this, odors can develop. I make it a habit to wipe down the interior after short cycles to keep it fresh.
One tip is to be careful with detergent. Pods work beautifully on longer cycles but should not be used for the rapid wash. For that, liquid detergent is better. Some users prefer powder for cost savings, using as little as a third of a tablespoon per load, which I found effective as well.
As with any compact appliance, occasional quirks can happen. A few people have reported error codes or minor leaks, often related to improper hose placement or overfilling. In my experience, as long as the setup is correct and the filters are cleaned, the dishwasher runs reliably.
Long-Term Use
After months of using this dishwasher five to six times a week, it has proven to be a genuine time saver. My counters no longer pile up with dishes, and I can keep my small kitchen looking neat. One long-term user mentioned that after more than a year, their unit still worked flawlessly with only routine filter cleaning. Another noted that even after heavy use, stains inside the door were easy to wipe away, and performance had not dropped.
On the flip side, there are reports of units developing leaks within the first year, which raises questions about durability. COMFEE does offer warranty support, but some customers have found it inconsistent depending on where they purchased the product. This is worth keeping in mind if you are considering a used or refurbished unit.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Compact size fits small kitchens, RVs, or apartments
- Dual water supply options (manual fill or faucet connection)
- Cleans as effectively as full-sized dishwashers
- Quiet operation at around 50 dB
- Auto-opening door helps with drying
- Fruit and vegetable wash cycle is surprisingly useful
- Child lock and water-level warning add safety
Cons
- Heavy for a countertop unit (40 lbs)
- Limited capacity, best for 1–2 people
- Rapid cycle requires liquid detergent and leaves dishes damp
- Durability may vary, with occasional reports of leaks
- Takes up counter space, which could mean sacrificing other appliances
Not sure which model is right for you? Read our complete Dishwasher Buying Guide to find the perfect match for your kitchen.
Final Verdict
The COMFEE Countertop Dishwasher is not perfect, but it comes close to being an ideal solution for small households, RV owners, and anyone tired of handwashing in a compact space. Its cleaning power is on par with full-sized models, it runs quietly, and the convenience of manual water filling makes it versatile for different living arrangements.
If you have a family of four or more, this probably will not replace a full-sized dishwasher. But if you live alone, with a partner, or in a small apartment where counter space is precious, it could quickly become one of your most valued appliances. Even with a few drawbacks, I would not hesitate to recommend it, and in my own home, it has gone from a test unit to a permanent fixture.
