Imagine this. The sun dips below the mountains. A campfire crackles nearby. But you’re stuck inside your RV, elbows deep in greasy dishwater. It’s a frustrating scene that steals precious moments from your adventure.
The core problem is simple. Washing dishes by hand in a tiny camper sink is a chore. It wastes time and eats up your limited water supply. But I have great news for you. The right dishwasher for camper living can give you that time back. Relief and clean dishes are just a few paragraphs away.
Keynote: Best Dishwasher for Camper
Upgrade your RV experience with a compact dishwasher. Modern models save time and use less water than hand washing. Countertop units with built-in tanks offer ultimate freedom for off-grid adventures. Enjoy clean, sanitized dishes on the road and get back to what matters most: exploring.
Is a Dishwasher for Your Camper Worth It?
You might think a dishwasher is a wild luxury for an RV. I used to think so too. But it’s actually a strategic upgrade that makes life on the road so much better. It’s about more than just avoiding a chore.
More Than Just Clean Dishes
A camper dishwasher gives you back your evenings. Instead of scrubbing pots, you can relax by the fire. For families traveling full-time, this is a total game-changer. It turns chore time into family time.
Plus, these machines get dishes cleaner than you ever could by hand. High-temperature cycles sanitize your plates and utensils. This brings peace of mind, especially when you’re using water from different campgrounds. Some RVers even use their dishwasher as a clean, secure spot to store dishes while driving.
The Truth About Water Usage
Many people worry a dishwasher will drain their freshwater tank. It’s a valid concern. Every gallon used fills up your gray water tank, which is a big deal when you’re boondocking.
But here’s the surprise. Modern portable dishwashers are incredibly efficient. Some 2025 models use less than 1.5 gallons of water per cycle. That’s often far less than you’d use washing the same load by hand in the sink. It saves fresh water and precious gray tank space.
Choosing Your Type: Which Camper Dishwasher Fits?
Not all dishwashers are created equal. The right one for your RV depends on your space and travel style. Let’s break down the main types you’ll find.
Countertop Dishwashers: The Flexible Friend
A countertop dishwasher is a freestanding box that sits on your counter. It’s a popular choice for its simplicity. You connect it to your sink with a quick connect faucet adapter. When the cycle is done, it drains right into the sink.
These models, like those from Danby, are affordable and require no permanent installation. The downside? They take up valuable counter space in your RV kitchen. And you can’t use your sink while the dishwasher is running.
Countertop Models with a Water Tank: The Off-Grid Hero
This is where things get exciting for life off-grid. Brands like Farberware and Comfee make countertop models with a built-in water tank. You simply pour in a pitcher of water. No hookups needed!
This is the ultimate portable dishwasher solution. You can use it anywhere you have power. It’s perfect for RVs with fancy pull-down faucets that don’t work with adapters. These are true game-changers for boondocking.
Drawer Dishwashers: The Built-In Luxury
A drawer dishwasher is the premium choice. These are built right into your RV’s cabinetry, often in the kitchen island. They offer a clean, residential look and are whisper-quiet.
They are famous for being super-efficient with both water and power. However, a drawer dishwasher is expensive. Installation is also a bigger project that means giving up cabinet space for good.
Top 5 Best Dishwashers for Campers in 2025
I’ve waded through the options to find the best of the best. This table compares the top models that are perfect for RV living, based on size, water usage, and features.
| Model | Type | Dimensions (HxWxD, inches) | Weight (lbs) | Capacity (Place Settings) | Water Usage (gal) | Power Draw | Water Source |
| HAVA R01 | Countertop w/ Tank | 18.05 x 16.75 x 16.86 | 28.7 | 4 | 1.3 | 950W / 7.5A | Tank or Faucet |
| Farberware FDW05ASBWHA | Countertop w/ Tank | 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3 | 36.4 | 2 | 1.3 | 6A | Tank or Faucet |
| Comfee (Tank Model) | Countertop w/ Tank | 17.1 x 17.1 x 16.5 | 30.8 | 3 | 1.3 | Low | Tank or Faucet |
| Danby DDW631SDB | Countertop | 17.25 x 21.65 x 20.65 | 44 | 6 | 3.1 | Not specified | Faucet Only |
| Fisher & Paykel DD24SAX9 | Drawer | 16.13 x 23.57 x 22.5 | 60 | 7 | 1.8 | Not specified | Hookup |
HAVA R01
The HAVA is a darling of the RV community, and for good reason. Its main trick is the dual water supply. You can fill its 1.3-gallon tank by hand or hook it to a faucet. With a low amp draw of 7.5 amps, many solar generators can handle it. It cleans beautifully with top and bottom spray arms.
Farberware FDW05ASBWHA
This Farberware model is another champion for off-grid camping. It also has a 1.3-gallon built-in tank, freeing you from your faucet. It’s a true portable dishwasher for rv life. It even includes a special cycle to wash fruit. It’s a simple, reliable machine perfect for solo travelers or couples.
Comfee (Tank Model)
Comfee dishwashers earn high praise for getting dishes sparkling clean and bone-dry. Certain models have cool features like a UV light for extra sanitizing. They also have a function that pops the door open to help with drying. With its built-in tank, it’s another fantastic option for low water usage.
Danby DDW631SDB
If you have more counter space and need more capacity, the Danby is a great pick. It holds six place settings, making it feel like a miniature home dishwasher. It connects to your faucet and uses just 3.1 gallons of water. It’s a sturdy, semi-permanent solution for families.
Fisher & Paykel Single DishDrawer
This is the dream machine. The Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwasher is what you’ll find in high-end motorhomes. It’s incredibly quiet and efficient. The drawer design is easy to load. While the price is high, its performance and reliability are unmatched. It’s the ultimate choice for full-time RVers.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right camper dishwasher comes down to your RV’s limits. Pay close attention to these three factors.
Size and Weight: Every Inch and Pound Counts
Space is everything in an RV. Before you buy, measure your counter or cabinet space carefully. Check the height, width, and depth. Remember that every pound you add counts against your cargo capacity. A compact size is usually the top priority.
Water and Power Usage: The Boondocking Game-Changers
This is the most critical part. Look for a model with low water usage—ideally under 2 gallons. This extends your time between filling up your fresh tank and dumping your gray water tank.
For power, you need to understand your RV’s electrical system. These are 120V appliance units. When boondocking, you’ll run them off an inverter, which pulls power from your 12V batteries. The power consumption, or amp draw, can be huge. An 8-amp dishwasher might pull over 80 amps from your batteries! Make sure your battery bank and inverter can handle the load. This is why you don’t typically see true 12V dishwasher for camper models; it’s more efficient to use a powerful 120V heater through an inverter.
Installation and Winterizing
A portable dishwasher with a tank needs zero installation. One with a quick connect faucet adapter is also easy. A built-in drawer dishwasher requires plumbing and electrical work.
No matter which you choose, you must winterize it. If you store your RV in freezing weather, any water left inside can crack hoses and pumps. The process is simple: run non-toxic RV antifreeze through a short rinse cycle. This protects your investment.
Conclusion
Choosing a dishwasher for camper living is about more than clean plates. It’s about reclaiming your freedom. It’s about trading time at the sink for more time watching sunsets, telling stories, and making memories on the road.
With new models that use tiny amounts of water and power, this appliance is no longer just a luxury. It’s a smart tool for a better adventure. Now you can stop dreaming about an easier cleanup and finally enjoy the view.
Drawer Dishwasher for RV (FAQs)
Can you put a dishwasher in a camper?
Yes, you absolutely can put a dishwasher in a camper! The key is choosing the right type. Countertop dishwasher models are the easiest, with some requiring no plumbing at all. For a more permanent solution, 18-inch slimline or drawer dishwasher units can be installed into your RV’s cabinetry with a bit of DIY work.
Can you have a dishwasher without plumbing?
Yes, you can have a dishwasher without direct plumbing. Countertop models with built-in water tanks only require you to manually add water. These units then drain the used water into a sink or a separate bucket.
What are the cons of a portable dishwasher?
Portable dishwashers occupy valuable counter space in smaller kitchens. They also require connecting to the sink faucet for each use, which can be inconvenient. These models typically have a smaller capacity compared to full-size built-in units.
Do any RVs have dishwashers?
Yes, many modern RVs come equipped with dishwashers. Luxury Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels often include them as a standard feature. These can be compact built-in drawer models or portable countertop units.
What are the installation options for an rv dishwasher?
The washer comes in a variety of of sizes, allowing for flexible installation. Compact models can replace existing kitchen drawers for a seamless, built-in look.
How efficient are modern camper dishwashers with a full load?
With the touch of a button, you can select a normal eco cycle. This setting effectively cleans a full load with minimal water consumption, saving precious resources.
What build features offer greater reliability in a camper dishwasher?
A stainless steel interior often signifies greater reliability and durability against rust. This adds a touch of a premium quality to the appliance in your RV.
Katie Lee has over 20 years of experience in the kitchen. She helps homeowners find the right appliances for their needs to sets up a perfect kitchen system. She also shares helpful tips and tricks for optimizing appliance performance.