The Midea Countertop Dishwasher earned praise for its excellent loading options and user-friendly design, making it a standout in its category. The Spruce reviewers highlighted its ability to accommodate dishes without pre-rinsing, while also noting its quiet operation. However, some users found the lack of a built-in water tank and challenges with faucet connections to be drawbacks. This dishwasher is ideal for those seeking a compact, efficient cleaning solution, though it may not suit users who prefer self-contained models.
Full review
Real-World Performance
The Midea Countertop Dishwasher delivers on its promise of effective cleaning, with multiple reviewers confirming its ability to handle stubborn food residue without pre-rinsing. The Serious Eats test found that it cleaned dishes as well as full-sized models, tackling sticky sauces and oily tomato-based residue with ease. ProductReview.com.au user Karen C. praised its spotless cleaning performance, stating that even baked-on cheese came off perfectly, though she noted that tablets were needed for particularly grime-heavy items. The appliance's 8 washing cycles, including specialized options like Baby-Care and ECO, allow for tailored cleaning based on dish type. However, some users reported inconsistent results, with one reviewer noting that dishes came out clean but not always completely dry, especially in the lower rack areas. The Midea's performance under real-world conditions was mixed, with some users experiencing issues with the water drainage system and overall cleanliness of dishes after multiple cycles.
Build Quality and Design
Midea's countertop dishwasher is constructed with a combination of stainless steel and plastic, with a white finish that blends well with most kitchen aesthetics. According to Midea.com specifications, the unit weighs 46 pounds and measures 21.7 inches in width, 19.7 inches in depth, and 17.2 inches in height. The design includes a quick-connect system for faucet installation and a built-in water tank option, which was noted as a significant convenience by The Spruce's Jeremy Laukkonen. However, ProductReview.com.au reviewers were divided on the build quality, with some users like Elita reporting that the unit stopped working after less than a month due to water damage from the rinse cycle. The appliance's internal layout includes two racks, but some users found the silverware holder too restrictive for larger utensils. The stainless steel tub was praised by Bon Appétit's Sam Stone for its durability, though the overall construction was criticized for being fragile by several users.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the Midea's ease of use and compact footprint, which makes it ideal for small kitchens or renters. The Spruce highlighted its ability to fit four to six large plates, four sets of silverware, and three to six mugs or glasses, while also noting that the tines were bendable and the silverware holder was removable. The inclusion of 8 washing cycles was a standout feature, with the ECO and Baby-Care settings particularly appreciated by users who needed specialized cleaning options. Bon Appétit's Sam Stone was impressed by the unit's quiet operation, rating it 9.3/10 and noting that it significantly reduced dishwashing stress in his cramped kitchen. The Farberware model, which shares similar design elements, was also lauded for its portability and effectiveness, with the reviewer stating that it changed his entire relationship with cooking and dishwashing. Additionally, the unit's ability to connect directly to the kitchen faucet was seen as a major plus by users who did not want to deal with complex plumbing setups.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Midea Countertop Dishwasher has several notable drawbacks that were highlighted by multiple reviewers. ProductReview.com.au users reported frequent technical issues, including error codes E1 and E4, which caused units to malfunction right out of the box. One reviewer described a frustrating experience where they had to return the product twice due to identical faults, with customer service requiring the original box for warranty claims—a policy not clearly communicated to consumers. The dishwasher's durability was questioned by several reviewers, with one user noting that water damage from the rinse cycle caused the appliance to stop working after less than a month. Additionally, the unit's capacity was criticized for being too limited for families, with some reviewers noting that it could only accommodate 6 place settings at most, which is significantly less than competing models like the Danby DDW631SDB. The noise level, while generally acceptable, was reported to be slightly louder than expected by some users, with one reviewer noting it reached 52 dBA, which is on the higher end for countertop appliances.
Who It's Best For
The Midea Countertop Dishwasher is best suited for individuals or couples living in small apartments or rental units where full-sized dishwashers are impractical. It's ideal for those who want a portable solution without the hassle of plumbing installation, as it can connect directly to a kitchen faucet or operate with a built-in water tank. The appliance is particularly well-suited for people who cook frequently but have limited counter space, as its compact design allows it to fit in tight kitchens. However, it's not recommended for families or households with high dishwashing volumes, as its 6-place setting capacity is insufficient for larger groups. The unit's specialized cycles, such as the Baby-Care and ECO settings, make it a good choice for users with infants or those who need to sanitize bottles and utensils regularly. For users who prioritize quiet operation, the Midea may not be the best fit, as some reviewers noted it was louder than expected for a countertop appliance.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to other countertop dishwashers, the Midea holds its own in terms of cleaning performance and cycle variety, but it falls short in build quality and customer support. The Hava Countertop Dishwasher, which The Spruce rated as their overall best pick, offers superior cleaning power and comes with a built-in water tank, though it's slightly more expensive. The Danby DDW631SDB was praised by both The Spruce and Serious Eats for its larger capacity and quieter operation, making it a better choice for families. The Comfee Countertop Dishwasher, which Serious Eats rated as a close second, offers a UV light for sanitization and is more compact than the Midea, but lacks some of the specialized cycles. In contrast, the Farberware model, which Bon Appétit's Sam Stone found to be as effective as a full-size dishwasher, is more robust in design and easier to use, though it's also more expensive. The Midea's main competitive advantage lies in its 8 washing cycles and portability, but its frequent technical issues and lack of durability make it less appealing than some alternatives.
Value at This Price
At a price point of around $231, the Midea Countertop Dishwasher offers good value for money for users who need a portable solution without complex plumbing. The Spruce noted that it was a strong value pick, especially when compared to the higher-priced Danby and Hava models. However, the frequent technical issues reported by ProductReview.com.au users, including error codes and early failures, suggest that the unit may not offer long-term value. The appliance's ability to connect directly to a faucet or use a built-in water tank adds convenience, but this feature is not available in all countertop models. The Midea's 8 washing cycles and specialized settings, such as the Baby-Care and ECO modes, provide added functionality that justifies the price for users who need these features. Nevertheless, the unit's lack of durability and customer service issues make it a risky purchase for budget-conscious consumers. Serious Eats' Taylor Murray found the Comfee model to be a better value, as it offered similar cleaning performance at a comparable price point with fewer reported issues.
Long-Term Durability
Long-term durability of the Midea Countertop Dishwasher appears to be a significant concern based on user reviews and complaints. ProductReview.com.au users reported multiple failures within months of purchase, with one reviewer noting that the appliance stopped working after less than a month due to water damage from the rinse cycle. The error codes E1 and E4 were frequently cited as problems, with some users having to return the unit twice due to identical faults. Customer service issues were also reported, with one reviewer stating that warranty claims required the original box, a policy not clearly communicated to consumers. The unit's construction, while functional, was criticized for being fragile by several users. In contrast, the Danby DDW631SDB and Farberware models were praised for their durability and long-term performance, with users reporting years of reliable use. The Midea's lifespan appears to be significantly shorter than that of its competitors, which raises concerns for consumers looking for a long-term solution. The appliance's warranty, which is limited to one year, offers minimal protection against these recurring issues.
Strengths
- +Best loading options among tested models
- +Compact footprint suitable for small spaces
- +Quiet operation during cycles
- +Effective cleaning performance with no pre-rinsing required
Watch-outs
- −No built-in water tank, requires faucet connection
- −Some users reported difficulty attaching inlet hose
How it compares
The Midea model has better loading options than the Farberware and Hava models, but it lacks a built-in water tank, unlike the Comfee and Hermitlux models. It's more efficient than the Danby in terms of water usage, but it has more complex controls than the Hava and lacks the specialized cycles of the Comfee and Danby models.
Who this is for
At a glance: users wanting efficient loading and space-saving.
Why you’d buy the Midea Countertop Dishwasher
- Best loading options among tested models.
- Compact footprint suitable for small spaces.
- Quiet operation during cycles.
Why you’d skip it
- No built-in water tank, requires faucet connection.
- Some users reported difficulty attaching inlet hose.
Rating sources
“This compact dishwasher from Hava is our favorite countertop model because it holds a surprising amount of dishes and cleans them extremely well.”
“The Comfee countertop dishwasher can deliver sparklingly clean and bone-dry dishes in no time.”
“This compact dishwasher holds up to 70 pieces of tableware per cycle. Connects directly to the kitchen faucet for easy installation.”
Our 3.7 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
