NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher Review: Step-by-Step Guide
Are you tired of spending hours washing dishes by hand in your tiny apartment kitchen? Do you wish you could enjoy the convenience of a dishwasher without the hassle of permanent installation? You’re not alone.
Thousands of apartment dwellers and small space residents face this same challenge every single day.
The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.

Key Takeaways
- Space Efficient Design – This dishwasher measures just 16 inches wide and stands at 18 inches tall, making it perfect for small apartments, dorms, RVs, and rental properties where space is limited.
- Dual Water Options – You can connect it directly to your faucet or use the 5L built-in water tank for complete flexibility, which is especially helpful if you’re renting and can’t modify plumbing.
- Five Washing Programs – Choose from Normal, Speed, ECO, Baby Care, and Fruit washing modes to handle different cleaning needs throughout your day.
- Easy Installation – No professional installation required, no permanent modifications needed, and you can move it wherever you want in your kitchen.
- Good Capacity – Despite its compact size, this dishwasher can hold up to 4 full place settings, which works well for singles, couples, or small families.
- Energy Efficient – Uses less water than hand washing and includes an air-dry function to save energy while delivering clean, dry dishes every time.
What Makes the NOVETE Dishwasher Special
The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher stands out in the crowded market of compact dishwashers for several important reasons. First and foremost, this unit offers exceptional flexibility that most competitors simply can’t match.
You get two completely different ways to supply water to the machine. The built-in 5-liter water tank allows you to operate the dishwasher completely independently from your sink, which is a game changer if you’re living in a rental property with strict rules about modifications.
Alternatively, you can connect the included inlet hose directly to your faucet for continuous water supply during longer wash cycles.
The design is both practical and thoughtful. NOVETE created this dishwasher with real users in mind. The compact footprint means it won’t dominate your limited counter space, yet it still provides enough interior room to handle a reasonable amount of dishes.
The LED light inside the washing chamber helps you see your dishes clearly and adds a modern touch to the overall design. The transparent window on the front door lets you monitor the washing progress without interrupting the cycle, which is both convenient and oddly satisfying to watch.
Understanding the Five Washing Programs
One of the strongest features of the NOVETE dishwasher is its variety of washing programs. Each program serves a specific purpose and understanding them helps you get the best results.
The Normal mode handles your everyday dishes with balanced cleaning power and water usage. This is your go-to setting for plates, bowls, cups, and utensils after regular meals. The cycle runs efficiently and gets most jobs done without any fuss.
The Speed mode comes in handy when you’re in a rush and need clean dishes fast. This program cuts down the washing time significantly, making it perfect for lightly soiled items or when you need to quickly refresh dishes that have been sitting out for just a short time.
The ECO mode prioritizes water and energy conservation, using lower temperatures and extended wash times to achieve thorough cleaning while minimizing your environmental impact and utility bills.
The Baby Care mode deserves special attention. This program uses higher temperatures and extended wash cycles to provide deep sanitization. It’s perfect for baby bottles, pacifiers, and feeding accessories that need extra cleaning power to remove milk residue and eliminate bacteria.
Many parents find this feature incredibly valuable and worth the investment alone. Finally, the Fruit washing mode with the included fruit basket allows you to clean fruits and vegetables, removing pesticides and dirt before consumption.
Installation Process and Setup
Getting started with the NOVETE dishwasher is remarkably simple. The package includes everything you need to begin washing dishes right away.
You’ll find the main unit, an inlet hose with faucet adapter, a drainage hose, a fruit washing basket, a water cup for manual filling, and a user manual with clear instructions.
The setup process takes about 10 to 15 minutes for most users, even if you’ve never installed any appliance before.
For the water tank mode, simply fill the built-in tank using the included water cup through the designated inlet port. The tank holds 5 liters, which is enough for a complete wash cycle. You’ll need to ensure the drainage hose is positioned over your sink or a suitable drain location.
For faucet connection mode, attach the provided faucet adapter to your sink faucet, connect the inlet hose, position the drainage hose, and you’re ready to go. The system works with most standard faucets, though some unusual faucet designs might require an additional adapter.
Capacity and What You Can Fit Inside
Understanding the capacity of this compact dishwasher helps set realistic expectations. NOVETE advertises that this model holds 4 full place settings.
In practical terms, this translates to about 4 dinner plates, 4 small plates, 4 bowls, 4 cups, and the corresponding cutlery for four people. This capacity works perfectly for individuals living alone, couples, or small families who run the dishwasher once or twice daily.
You can fit various dish sizes inside, but proper loading technique makes a big difference. Larger plates go on the bottom rack, while cups, glasses, and smaller bowls fit nicely on the upper rack.
The cutlery basket holds forks, spoons, and knives securely during the wash cycle. You won’t be able to fit large pots, pans, or oversized serving dishes, but for everyday meal cleanup, the capacity proves sufficient for most users.
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Cleaning Performance and Results
The real test of any dishwasher is how well it actually cleans your dishes. The NOVETE dishwasher delivers solid cleaning performance for most everyday items.
The 360-degree dual spray arm system ensures water reaches all surfaces of your dishes from multiple angles. The spray arms rotate during the wash cycle, distributing water and detergent evenly throughout the chamber.
For best results, you should scrape off large food particles before loading dishes into the machine. While the dishwasher handles most food residue effectively, letting dishes sit with dried, caked-on food can challenge any compact dishwasher.
The high-temperature wash cycles help break down grease and sanitize dishes thoroughly. Most users report that dishes come out clean and ready to use after a complete cycle.
The air-dry function works reasonably well, though some users note that plastic items occasionally retain water droplets.
Opening the door slightly after the cycle completes can help with additional drying. Overall, the cleaning performance matches what you’d expect from a quality compact dishwasher, making it a reliable kitchen helper for daily use.
Water and Energy Efficiency
One major advantage of the NOVETE dishwasher is its efficiency with resources. This compact unit uses significantly less water than washing dishes by hand.
Studies show that hand washing dishes can use up to 27 gallons of water, while this dishwasher uses only about 1.3 gallons per cycle. That’s a massive difference that translates to real savings on your water bill over time.
The energy consumption is also impressively low. The machine runs on standard household electricity and doesn’t draw excessive power. The ECO mode further reduces energy usage by operating at lower temperatures and optimizing the wash cycle duration.
For environmentally conscious consumers, this efficiency makes the NOVETE dishwasher an attractive choice. You get clean dishes while reducing your environmental footprint and saving money on utilities.
Noise Levels During Operation
Noise level matters, especially in small apartments where the kitchen isn’t far from living or sleeping areas. The NOVETE dishwasher operates at a moderate noise level that most users find acceptable.
During the wash cycle, you’ll hear the water spraying, the motor running, and the spray arms rotating. The sound level is comparable to a typical conversation, around 50 to 55 decibels.
While it’s not whisper quiet, it won’t disrupt your activities in another room. You can comfortably watch television, work on your computer, or have a conversation while the dishwasher runs.
Some users choose to run their cycles during times when they’re away from home or in another part of their living space. The noise level strikes a reasonable balance between effective cleaning power and acceptable sound output.
Design and Build Quality
The NOVETE dishwasher features a clean, modern design that looks good on any kitchen counter. The white exterior with subtle gray accents gives it a contemporary appearance that blends well with most kitchen decor. The build quality feels solid and durable, with no cheap, flimsy components that might break easily.
The transparent front door with LED lighting creates an appealing visual effect and serves the practical purpose of letting you check on your dishes without opening the door.
The control panel on top features clearly labeled buttons that are intuitive to use. The interior is made from durable stainless steel that resists staining and odors while maintaining hygiene standards.
One design consideration is the wheel system on the bottom. While wheels allow you to move the dishwasher easily, some users report that these wheels can be a bit finicky.
They occasionally get stuck or require adjustment. This is a minor inconvenience rather than a major flaw, but it’s worth noting if you plan to move the unit frequently.
Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements
Keeping your NOVETE dishwasher in good working condition requires minimal maintenance. The filter system needs regular cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
You should remove and rinse the filter under running water at least once a week, or more frequently if you use the dishwasher daily. This simple task takes just a few minutes and prevents food particles from building up and causing odors or drainage issues.
The spray arms should be checked periodically to ensure the spray holes aren’t clogged. You can remove them easily and rinse away any debris that might be blocking water flow.
Wiping down the door seal and interior walls occasionally helps prevent mold or mildew growth. Running a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar once a month keeps the interior fresh and removes any mineral deposits from hard water.
Real User Experiences and Feedback
The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher has accumulated over 2,300 customer reviews on Amazon with an impressive 4.4-star rating. This substantial feedback provides valuable insights into real-world performance.
Many users praise the convenience and time-saving benefits. Apartment dwellers particularly appreciate not needing permanent installation or landlord permission to use the dishwasher.
Several reviewers mention that the dishwasher has genuinely improved their quality of life. One user shared that it eliminated arguments about dish duty in their household.
Others note that the Baby Care mode is excellent for parents who need to sanitize bottles frequently. Some users in RVs and campers report that the water tank feature makes this dishwasher perfect for mobile living situations.
Common criticisms include the wheels being somewhat unreliable and the manual water filling process being slightly messy if you’re not careful.
A few users mention that the price point feels high for a compact dishwasher, though most ultimately conclude that the convenience justifies the investment. The overall sentiment from verified purchasers is positive, with most people recommending the product to others in similar situations.
Price and Value Proposition
The NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwasher typically retails around $270 to $300 on Amazon. This price point positions it in the mid-range category for compact dishwashers.
While it’s not the cheapest option available, it’s also not the most expensive. The value proposition depends largely on your personal circumstances and priorities.
For someone living in a small apartment without a built-in dishwasher, the time saved and convenience gained can easily justify the cost. If you currently spend 30 minutes daily washing dishes by hand, this appliance gives you back over 180 hours per year.
That time has real value. The water and energy savings also contribute to the overall value equation, potentially reducing your utility bills over the product’s lifespan.
When compared to installing a traditional built-in dishwasher, which can cost $500 to $1,500 including installation, the NOVETE offers tremendous value for renters or those who can’t modify their living spaces. The flexibility, ease of use, and solid performance make it a worthwhile investment for the right user.
Who Should Buy the NOVETE Dishwasher
This portable dishwasher works best for specific groups of people. Apartment renters who can’t install permanent appliances find this product perfect for their needs.
The ability to use it without modifying plumbing or getting landlord approval makes it an ideal solution. College students living in dorms or small student housing benefit from not having to use shared kitchen facilities or spend precious study time washing dishes.
RV and camper owners appreciate the portability and dual water supply options. The compact size fits in limited spaces while the water tank mode works perfectly when camping off-grid.
Small families or couples who don’t need a full-size dishwasher but want the convenience find this capacity just right for their daily needs. Elderly individuals who find hand washing dishes physically challenging gain independence and ease with this automated solution.
However, if you have a large family that generates mountains of dishes daily, you’ll probably find this compact unit too small for your needs. Similarly, if you regularly cook elaborate meals with lots of pots and pans, a full-size dishwasher would serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the NOVETE dishwasher require professional installation?
No, you don’t need professional installation. The NOVETE dishwasher is designed for easy setup that anyone can complete in about 10 to 15 minutes. You simply need to connect the water supply, position the drainage hose properly, and plug it into a standard electrical outlet. The package includes all necessary components and clear instructions to guide you through the process.
Can I use regular dishwasher detergent in this machine?
Yes, you can use standard dishwasher detergent in the NOVETE dishwasher. However, many users recommend using dishwasher pods instead of liquid or powder detergents. Pods dissolve more consistently in compact dishwashers and reduce the risk of residue buildup. Make sure to use the appropriate amount for the load size to avoid excess suds or poor cleaning results.
How long does a typical wash cycle take?
The cycle duration varies depending on which washing program you select. The Normal cycle typically runs for about 90 to 120 minutes from start to finish, including washing, rinsing, and drying. The Speed mode completes in approximately 40 to 50 minutes for lighter loads. The Baby Care mode takes longer, around 120 to 150 minutes, because it uses higher temperatures and extended sanitization time.
Is the NOVETE dishwasher loud during operation?
The noise level is moderate and comparable to normal conversation, measuring around 50 to 55 decibels. While you’ll definitely hear it running, it won’t be so loud that it disrupts your daily activities. Most users find the sound level acceptable and not bothersome, though you might prefer to run it when you’re in another room or away from home if you’re particularly sensitive to noise.
Can I wash pots and pans in this dishwasher?
The NOVETE dishwasher can handle small pots and pans, but large cookware won’t fit due to the compact interior dimensions. Standard dinner plates and bowls fit fine, but you’ll need to hand wash larger items like stockpots, large skillets, or oversized baking dishes. The capacity is designed for everyday dishes rather than heavy-duty cookware.
What happens if I move and want to take it with me?
One of the best features of the NOVETE dishwasher is its portability. You can absolutely take it with you when you move. Simply disconnect the hoses, drain any remaining water, and transport it to your new location. This makes it perfect for renters who frequently relocate or anyone who wants the flexibility to use their dishwasher in different places.
Does it work with all types of faucets?
The NOVETE dishwasher includes a universal faucet adapter that works with most standard kitchen faucets. However, some unusual faucet designs or pull-down faucets might require a separate adapter. You can always use the built-in water tank mode if your faucet isn’t compatible, which gives you complete independence from your sink setup.
How often do I need to clean the filter?
You should clean the filter at least once per week with regular use. If you run the dishwasher daily or notice any decrease in cleaning performance, clean it more frequently. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes. Remove the filter from the bottom of the unit, rinse it under running water to remove food particles, and reinstall it. Regular filter maintenance ensures optimal performance and prevents odors.
