BLACK+DECKER Compact Countertop Dishwasher Review
The BLACK+DECKER compact is the best budget countertop dishwasher we tested. It does the job, uses less water than any other model at 3.1 gallons per cycle, and costs about $40 to $60 less than the mid-range picks.
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- Lowest price in the group
- Most water-efficient at 3.1 gal/cycle
- Simple controls, easy to use
- Compact footprint, smallest of the 5
- Reliable brand with solid warranty
Cons
- Only 4 place settings
- 4 programs, no sanitize
- No LED display, dial controls only
- Louder than mid-range picks (58 dB)
Who it's for
This is the pick for solo users on a budget who don't cook heavy meals every day. If you mostly clean cups, glasses, bowls, and small plates, the 4 place setting capacity is enough. The simple dial controls are also a good fit for people who don't want to learn a digital interface.
It's also the most water-efficient model we tested. If your building charges for water or you're in a drought area, the 3.1-gallon cycle is a meaningful advantage.
Cleaning results
We ran our standard test load. For lightly and moderately soiled dishes, results were solid. The Normal cycle cleared everyday residue from all 4 settings cleanly. On baked-on food, the cleaning is acceptable but not as thorough as the Farberware or COMFEE. About 88% of test items came out fully clean on Normal.
For the budget price, that's a reasonable result. Pre-rinse stubborn items or run them on the Heavy cycle for best results.
Noise level and water
We measured 58 dB. That's the loudest in our test group, but still within the range most people find tolerable. Water use is 3.1 gallons on Normal, the best of the 5 models we tested.
Verdict
For a solo user on a budget, the BLACK+DECKER compact gets the job done. It won't impress you, but it won't let you down on daily dishes. Spend more on the Farberware or COMFEE if you need more capacity, quieter operation, or more programs.
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