Danby Countertop Dishwasher Review

If you live in a small apartment, rent, or just hate hand washing dishes, a countertop dishwasher can be a game changer. The Danby countertop dishwasher is one of the most popular compact models on Amazon, with thousands of ratings. But is it right for you? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest review. We did not test it in a lab, but we dug deep into what real users say and what the specs promise.

Design and Build Quality

The Danby countertop dishwasher has a clean white or stainless steel front (depending on the model) that fits neatly on most countertops. It measures about 21.65 inches wide, 17.24 inches deep, and 21.65 inches tall, which means it can slide under most standard cabinets. The interior is stainless steel, which is a plus because it resists stains and odors better than plastic.

The control panel is digital with a clear display and membrane buttons. You can select from six wash cycles: Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, Speed, and Sanitize. There's also a delay start option up to 24 hours, which lets you set it to run when electricity rates are lower or when you're not home. A child lock is included to prevent accidental button presses.

Build quality is generally good for the price point. Some users note that the door feels a bit flimsy, but it seals well and doesn't leak when properly connected. The included faucet adapter fits most standard threads, but you may need an adapter for pull-out faucets or non-standard threads. Always check compatibility before buying.

Real-World Performance

Performance is where countertop dishwashers often get criticized, but the Danby holds its own. It uses a spray arm that shoots water at the dishes from below, and it has a heating element that heats the water to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For everyday loads of plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware, it gets dishes clean, especially if you use the Normal or Heavy cycle.

Buyer feedback shows that heavily soiled items, like casserole dishes with baked-on cheese, may need a pre-rinse. The Heavy cycle helps, but it's not a miracle worker. The Sanitize cycle raises the water temperature to kill germs, which is great for baby bottles or cutting boards, but it may not be NSF certified.

Drying is adequate but not great. The dishwasher uses a condensation drying method, which leaves plastic items wet. You can open the door after the cycle to let them air dry. Some users recommend using a rinse aid to improve drying.

Ease of Use and Installation

Installation is straightforward. You connect the provided Y-adapter to your kitchen faucet, attach the water inlet hose, and place the drain hose in the sink. The unit has a 5-foot power cord that plugs into a standard outlet. No plumbing skills are needed, which is a huge plus for renters.

Loading the dishwasher is a bit of a puzzle. The lower rack is spacious enough for plates and bowls, but you have to angle them to fit. The upper rack holds cups and glasses, but tall items won't fit. You can fit about six place settings, but that's with careful stacking. The silverware basket sits in the door, which is convenient but can block the spray if overfilled.

Operating the controls is intuitive. The display shows the cycle time, which ranges from about 40 minutes for Speed to over two hours for Heavy with Sanitize. The delay start is easy to set. The child lock is a nice touch for households with curious kids.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the dishwasher itself is simple. The stainless steel interior wipes down easily, and the filter at the bottom catches food particles. You should clean the filter regularly to prevent odors and maintain performance. Some users report that the filter is a bit small, so you may need to rinse dishes more thoroughly if you skip pre-rinsing.

The exterior is easy to keep clean, but fingerprints show on the stainless steel model. A microfiber cloth works well. The door gasket should be wiped occasionally to prevent mold.

Common Buyer Complaints

While many users are satisfied, there are some recurring complaints. The most common is that the drain hose connection can leak if not tightened properly. Make sure to secure it with a clamp or zip tie. Another is that the dishwasher doesn't dry plastic well, which is typical for this type of unit. Some users also mention that the cycle times are longer than expected, especially on Heavy.

Capacity is another issue. It's fine for one or two people, but if you have a family, you'll be running it multiple times a day. Also, the top rack doesn't fit tall glasses or mugs, so you may have to wash those by hand.

Finally, the faucet adapter may not fit all faucets. If you have a pull-out sprayer or a non-standard thread, you'll need to buy an adapter separately. Check your faucet before purchasing.

Comparison with Close Alternatives

When compared to other countertop dishwashers, the Danby stands out for its stainless steel interior and digital display. The hOmeLabs compact dishwasher offers a similar capacity but has a plastic interior and fewer cycles. The SPT countertop dishwasher is also popular, but it lacks a sanitize cycle and has a smaller capacity. The Farberware model is more budget-friendly but has a simpler dial control and no delay start.

In terms of performance, the Danby is on par with its rivals, but its stainless steel interior gives it an edge in durability and odor resistance. If you value a modern look and more features, the Danby is worth the extra cost. If you just want the cheapest option, the Farberware might suffice, but you'll sacrifice convenience.

Value for Money

Considering the price, the Danby countertop dishwasher offers good value for the features it provides. It's not a full-size dishwasher, but it saves you from hand washing and is easy to install. For singles, couples, or small households, it can pay for itself in time saved and water conservation. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.

Final Verdict

The Danby countertop dishwasher is a reliable, feature-packed compact dishwasher that excels in ease of use and convenience. It's not perfect for large families or heavy-duty cleaning, but for its intended audience, it's a solid investment. If you're tired of scrubbing dishes by hand and have the counter space, this is a great option.