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Farberware Compact Dishwasher Review
An honest look at the Farberware Compact Dishwasher: who it fits, real specs, performance, ease of use, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against alternatives.
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The Farberware Compact Dishwasher is a solid choice for singles, couples, or small households that lack built-in dishwasher space. It offers a genuine 5-place setting capacity, six wash cycles including a heavy-duty option, and a stainless steel interior that resists odors. Performance is good for light to moderate loads, though it struggles with heavily baked-on food. Ease of use is high with a simple digital display and top-loading design. Buyers appreciate its compact footprint and quiet operation, but note that it requires a faucet adapter and has a shorter power cord. Overall, it delivers reliable cleaning for everyday dishes at an affordable price, making it a strong value in the countertop category.
How it scores
The good and the annoying
- Compact size fits on most countertops
- Six wash cycles including heavy and speed modes
- Stainless steel interior resists stains and odors
- Simple digital controls with delay start
- Quiet operation at around 49 dB
- Easy top-loading design
- Requires faucet adapter (included, but may not fit all faucets)
- Not for large families or heavy pots
- Drying performance is average, plastic items hold water
- Short power cord (around 3 feet)
- No built-in water softener
If you live in a small apartment, a tiny house, or just rented a place without a built-in dishwasher, you know the pain of hand washing every dish. Countertop dishwashers promise a solution, and the Farberware Compact Dishwasher is one of the most popular options on Amazon. But is it worth your money? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback and key decision factors to give you an honest review.
Design and Build Quality
The Farberware Compact Dishwasher has a sleek white or stainless steel front (depending on the model) that fits neatly on most countertops. It measures about 17 inches wide, 17 inches deep, and 17 inches tall, so it does not take up too much space. The top-loading design means you lift the lid to load dishes, which is convenient for people with limited mobility or back issues.
The interior is made of stainless steel, which resists stains and odors better than plastic interiors found on cheaper models. The rack is sturdy and can hold up to five place settings, including plates, bowls, cups, and silverware. There is also a dedicated cutlery basket. The digital control panel is straightforward, with buttons for cycle selection, delay start, and a display showing remaining time.
Build quality is generally good for the price. The plastic exterior feels solid, and the lid seals well to prevent leaks. Some users report that the door hinge is a bit stiff at first, but it loosens with use. The power cord is short at about 3.3 feet, so you may need an extension cord or a nearby outlet. Also, the water inlet hose is about 5 feet long, which is typical for countertop models.
Performance: How Well Does It Clean?
In terms of cleaning, the Farberware does a respectable job for everyday dishes. It has six wash cycles: Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, Speed, and Baby Care. The Heavy cycle is designed for pots and pans, but it still requires you to scrape off large food particles. The Normal cycle is the most used, and it handles plates, bowls, and utensils well. The Speed cycle is great when you are in a hurry, finishing in about 45 minutes, but it is less effective on greasy or dried-on food.
One thing to note: the dishwasher does not have a food disposal, so you must pre-rinse dishes to avoid clogging the spray arms. Many buyers find that a quick rinse under the tap is enough. The spray arms are located at the bottom and top, providing good coverage. However, for heavily soiled items, you may need to run the Heavy cycle twice or pre-soak.
Noise level is around 49 dB, which is quieter than many full-size dishwashers. You can watch TV or have a conversation while it runs. It is not silent, but it is not disruptive either.
Ease of Use and Installation
Setting up the Farberware is relatively simple. You attach the included faucet adapter to your kitchen faucet, connect the water inlet hose, and plug it in. The adapter fits most standard threaded faucets, but if you have a pull-down or non-standard faucet, you may need to purchase an additional adapter (often a universal one). Some users report that the adapter leaks if not tightened properly, so follow the instructions carefully.
Once installed, using the dishwasher is straightforward. Load the dishes, add detergent (use a rinse aid for better drying), select a cycle, and press start. The delay start feature lets you set it to run later, which is handy if you want to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. The top-loading design means you do not have to bend down, which is a plus.
Cleaning the dishwasher itself is easy. The filter is removable and should be cleaned regularly to maintain performance. The stainless steel interior wipes down easily, and the lid can be left open to air out.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To keep the Farberware running well, you need to clean the filter after every few cycles. The filter catches food particles and prevents them from recirculating onto dishes. It is located at the bottom of the tub and can be twisted out. Rinse it under running water and replace it. Also, check the spray arms for clogs, especially if you use hard water. A descaling solution can be run through the machine periodically to remove mineral buildup.
The stainless steel interior is a big advantage over plastic interiors because it does not retain odors. However, if you leave wet dishes inside for a long time, you may get a musty smell. Leaving the lid open after a cycle helps.
Common Buyer Complaints
While the Farberware has mostly positive reviews, there are some recurring complaints. The most common is the faucet adapter issue. Some users find that the included adapter does not fit their faucet, and they have to buy a separate one. This is not a defect but a compatibility issue. Another complaint is that the drying performance is not perfect, especially for plastics. You may need to towel-dry some items.
Some users also mention that the capacity is smaller than expected. While it is advertised as 5 place settings, that is for standard plates and bowls. Oversized plates or mugs may not fit. Also, the interior height is limited, so tall glasses or bottles may not stand upright. Finally, a few users report that the machine stops mid-cycle, but this is often due to low water pressure or a kinked hose.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Farberware Compact Dishwasher competes with other top-loading countertop models like the hOmeLabs Compact Dishwasher and the BLACK+DECKER BCD6W. The hOmeLabs is similar in size and capacity, but it has a slightly larger capacity (6 place settings) and a more modern design. The BLACK+DECKER is also popular, but it has a front-loading design, which some users prefer. The Farberware stands out for its stainless steel interior and baby care cycle, which sanitizes bottles and pacifiers.
In terms of price, the Farberware is usually more affordable than the hOmeLabs, making it a good budget option. However, the hOmeLabs offers a bit more flexibility with its larger capacity. If you need a dishwasher for a small family, the hOmeLabs might be worth the extra cost. For singles or couples, the Farberware is more than adequate.
Value for Money
Given its price point, the Farberware Compact Dishwasher offers excellent value. It costs less than half of a full-size built-in dishwasher, and it does not require professional installation. You save time and water compared to hand washing. Over time, it can pay for itself in water and energy savings, especially if you run it daily.
However, it is not a replacement for a full-size dishwasher. If you have the space and budget, a built-in model is more efficient and can handle larger loads. But for renters, small kitchens, or as a secondary dishwasher, the Farberware is a smart investment.
Final Verdict
The Farberware Compact Dishwasher is a reliable, easy-to-use countertop appliance that gets the job done for small households. It is not perfect, but its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. The stainless steel interior, multiple cycles, and quiet operation make it a top choice in its category. If you are looking for an affordable way to stop hand washing, this is a solid option. Just be prepared to pre-rinse and possibly buy a faucet adapter. Check the current price on Amazon to see if it fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Farberware Compact Dishwasher have a heated dry option?
Yes, it has a heated dry function that helps dry dishes faster, but it is not as powerful as full-size models. Plastic items may still have moisture.
Can I install it permanently under a counter?
No, it is designed for countertop use only. It is not meant to be installed under a counter because it needs to be connected to a faucet and has a top-loading lid.
What type of detergent should I use?
Use any standard dishwasher detergent, whether powder, gel, or pods. Avoid using too much, as it can cause oversudsing. A rinse aid is recommended for better drying.
How much water does it use per cycle?
It uses about 3.2 gallons per cycle, which is less than hand washing. This makes it an eco-friendly option for small loads.
Is the Farberware Compact Dishwasher portable?
Yes, it is portable in the sense that you can move it from one counter to another, but it requires a water connection. You cannot roll it around like a full-size portable dishwasher on wheels.
Specs that matter
| Capacity | 5 place settings |
| Dimensions | 16.9 x 16.5 x 17.2 inches |
| Weight | 24.3 pounds |
| Wash cycles | 6 (Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, Speed, Baby Care) |
| Noise level | 49 dB |
| Interior | Stainless steel |
| Power cord length | 3.3 feet |
You live alone or with a partner, have limited counter space, and need an affordable way to wash everyday dishes without a full-size built-in. It is also good for renters who cannot modify their kitchen.
You have a large family, often cook with heavy baked-on messes, or need to wash large pots and baking sheets. Also skip if you cannot connect to your kitchen faucet easily or want a fully automatic drying system.
Questions before you buy
Does the Farberware Compact Dishwasher need a special faucet connection?
Yes, it connects to your kitchen faucet using the included adapter. The adapter fits most standard threaded faucets, but some pull-out or non-standard faucets may require an additional adapter (sold separately).
Can it wash pots and pans?
It can handle small pots and pans, but they must fit within the interior dimensions. Larger skillets or baking sheets likely will not fit. For heavy-duty cleaning, use the Heavy cycle, but expect to pre-rinse baked-on food.
How long does a wash cycle take?
Cycle times vary by program. The Speed cycle takes about 45 minutes, Normal around 90 minutes, and Heavy can take up to 2 hours. The exact duration depends on water temperature and cycle selection.
Is it energy and water efficient?
It uses about 3.2 gallons of water per cycle, which is less than hand washing. Energy consumption is around 0.5 kWh per normal cycle, making it reasonably efficient for a countertop model.
Does it dry dishes completely?
Drying is decent for dishes and glassware, but plastic items may retain water droplets. The stainless steel interior helps with condensation drying, but using the heated dry option (if available) improves results.