Some may think that wanting to have an RV dishwasher while you’re camping is a bit much. But, for some travelers (including those who live full-time in their RVs), having access to most traditional home appliances enhances their lives. Still, certain things need to be considered where an RV dishwasher is concerned:
- How much water do they use compared to washing dishes by hand?
- Do they consume a lot of power?
- Should you get a built-in model or a portable dishwasher?
- What exactly is a countertop RV dishwasher and how does it work?
- If you don’t already have a built-in RV dishwasher, can you install a compact dishwasher in your RV?
We’ve got all of the answers below, so let’s got to it!
Do They Make Dishwashers for RVs?
Lots of people ask this question, and that’s understandable. As RVers, we’re typically eager to conserve water and power, especially those of us who prefer boondocking whenever possible. However, they do manufacture RV-style dishwashers, and we’ll showcase several later in this post. Some high-end rigs come standard with built-in models, while others are offered as an option.
If you have an RV that didn’t come with a dishwasher but you want one, there are a couple of options. You can have one permanently installed or buy a portable dishwasher. Some of these are countertop models, and we’ll also examine those.
Is an RV Dishwasher Worth It?
The answer to this question really depends on your style of RVing. If you’re traveling with family and are usually connected to city water and shore power, you may really want an RV dishwasher. But if you like to boondock and are rarely hooked up, you might be less likely to find a dishwasher worth having. During the two decades we spent as full-time RVers, both of our motorhomes had dishwashers.
Our first, a 2002 Fleetwood Bounder Diesel, had an apartment-sized dishwasher (narrower than a standard household model). We didn’t order it that way. It just happened to have it.
Here’s the kitchen of our first RV, an ’02 Fleetwood Bounder Diesel. To the left is our apartment-size dishwasher.
When we upgraded to our Mountain Aire, we selected the factory option for the Fisher-Paykel single DishDrawer in the spot where an RV oven would’ve been. While it was very water-efficient, we only used it when we were parked at a full-hookup site. We used it all the time when we were hooked up for longer stays. For us, it really added to our RV’s home-like feel.
This is the interior of the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer that was installed in our 2005 Newmar Mountain Aire. The capacity of this RV dishwasher is perfectly adequate for two people.
So, the answer to whether an RV dishwasher is indispensable or a waste of water depends on your style of RVing. How (and how long) do you travel? And how do you want to wash your dishes? If you find washing dishes by hand a particularly annoying task, having a dishwasher can be a real treat.
How Much Water Does an RV Dishwasher Use?
The answer to whether having a dishwasher in an RV wastes water is a bit more complicated. That, too, depends on your style of camping, but it also depends on your particular dishwasher. Camper dishwashers vary in the amount of water they use: a full-size dishwasher will use more than a smaller portable countertop dishwasher.
For example, the Fisher Paykel DishDrawer in our old RV used between 2.4 and 4 gallons of water for one load of dishes, depending on how dirty they were. But remember, that was a 20-year-old dishwasher by the time we sold the rig. Newer models can use as little as 1.98 gallons for the “Small Load” cycle, and just 2.4 gallons for a “Normal” cycle.
Assuming you don’t use too much water rinsing the dishes in preparation for running them through the dishwasher, we’d estimate that most RVers would use at least 3 or 4 gallons of water to wash the same amount of dishes and silverware that fit into our DishDrawer… so a dishwasher can use significantly less water than washing by hand.
How much water a dishwasher can save depends on how much you’d use washing them by hand.
One way we conserved water was by wiping dishes clean with our napkins before hand-washing. But at about 2 gallons for a dishwasher load, we were hard-pressed to use less water for an equivalent number of dishes when washing by hand. We did resort to paper plates for long boondocking trips, but avoiding excess paper waste is also high on our list of priorities.
But again, we’re talking about small dishwashers like the drawer-sized unit in our rig that use a minimum of water. Let’s also talk about a full-size or even an 18″ dishwasher in an RV kitchen. Dishwashers used to use a lot more water than they do today. In fact, a standard dishwasher manufactured before 1994 would use as much as 9-14 gallons of water per load!
However, most standard-sized RV dishwashers in 2023 are Energy Star compliant. That means they generally use about 4-6 gallons per load, depending on which dishwasher you have. But many Energy Star dishwashers use less than 4 gallons per load. (Our DishDrawer was especially good at making the most use out of a minimum of water.)
And let’s face it — some RVers are better than others at conserving water while washing anything.
Whether you want to use your dishwasher while boondocking or not, a “blue-boy” portable RV waste tank can help extend your stay.
- Simplify RV Waste Disposal: Make waste disposal hassle-free with Camco's portable waste tank. Easily transport waste from your RV black water tank to...
- Effortless Design: Haul your waste with ease with no-flat wheels built for any terrain, an oversized handle for easy maneuvering, & a steel tow...
Overall, the use of water in an RV that isn’t connected to a city water source is always a concern. Not only could a dishwasher drain your fresh water tank more quickly, but it could also fill up your gray tank. It may also require more battery power than you care to use while boondocking (if your dishwasher is even wired through the inverter). You may even have to run your generator to use it.
So, whether or not an RVer cares to have a dishwasher onboard is a personal decision that revolves around your style of camping and how badly you don’t want to do your dishes by hand when you’re camping.
There’s no right or wrong here. The best way is the one that works best for you and your style of RVing/camping.
Can I Have a Dishwasher Installed In My RV?
Yes. If your RV didn’t come with a dishwasher and you want one, you can install one yourself or have one professionally installed. You’ll need to carefully plan the water, drain, and electrical components, as well as any cabinet or woodwork that may be required for the unit’s installation, but it can be done.
If you’d rather not go through that process, a countertop model may be a better choice, as it typically requires no installation. Some even have a built-in water tank, so they don’t need to be connected to a water source.
Let’s look at a few RV dishwashers that can be purchased for installation as built-in units and a couple of popular countertop units as well.
Built-In RV Dishwashers
You can install an RV dishwasher as a built-in unit either as a DIY project or hire a professional. Installing a built-in unit yourself will require some plumbing and carpentry skills. The following models are all built-in options that can be installed in an RV, provided you have the necessary space available and access to electricity, plumbing, and a drainpipe.
Fisher & Paykel 24″ DishDrawer
As mentioned above, we opted to have a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer included as a factory-installed option on our Mountain Aire when we ordered it. We only used it when we were parked at a site with full hookups, and we loved it.
This Fisher Paykel drawer-style dishwasher (model DD24SAX9) is obviously much newer. It’s a 24″ stainless steel dishwasher with the capacity to hold the equivalent of 7 place settings. This is a full console dishwasher with adjustable racks, which are great for accommodating various sizes of cookware. The dimensions are 22.57″ D x 23.57″ W x 16.13″ H, so you’d need a space a little bit larger than that available for the installation.
Six wash cycles are available in this 60-pound drawer-style dishwasher, and operation is a quiet 45 dB.
- Spacious Design: Fits 7 place settings, perfect for small to medium households
- Flexible Wash Options: 6 cycles including Rapid Wash for quick clean-ups
If you’d like to see a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer RV dishwasher being installed in a fifth wheel, check out this video:
Frigidaire 18″ Dishwasher
This 18″ dishwasher from Frigidaire comes in black, white, or stainless steel. Installation requires a space slightly larger than its overall dimensions of 22.5″ D x 18″ W x 35″ H. It holds 8 place settings (interestingly, only one more than the much smaller drawer-style unit highlighted above—a testament to Fisher & Paykel’s efficient design) and is Energy Star certified as well as ADA-compliant and NSF-certified to sanitize.
It’s somewhat louder while operating than the Fisher & Paykel unit at 52 dB, but it offers a dual spray arm, sanitizing cycle, heated drying, and six cleaning cycle options (including energy saver, heavy wash, and rinse).
- DUAL SPRAY ARM SYSTEM: Our top and bottom rack dual spray arm system gives you a thorough clean every time
- SANITIZE CYCLE: National Sanitation Foundation Certified Sanitize Cycle removes 99.9% of common household germs
EdgeStar BIDW1802BL 18″ Dishwasher
This 18″ model from EdgeStar also comes in black, white, or stainless steel and has a capacity of 8 place settings. Like the Frigidaire unit above, it operates at a noise level of 52 dB. Dimensions are 17.63″ D x 22.44″ W x 32.5″ H, and it weighs 52.9 lbs.
The EdgeStar offers six wash cycles (including heavy, normal, ECO, glass, rapid, and rinse) as well as cycle options that include sanitize, high-temp, and heated dry. A notable feature of this model is the sensor that automatically shuts off the water flow in the event of a leak detection.
- Accommodates up to eight (8) place settings and features a silverware basket and cup tray
- Six (6) Wash Cycles: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse; Three (3) Options: Sanitize, Hi Temp, Heated Dry
If you’d like to see an 18″ dishwasher being installed in a 5th wheel, check out this video:
Fotile Sink Dishwasher
A new option that takes an interesting approach to having a dishwasher on board your RV is the Fotile Sink Dishwasher. This model features a top-loading dishwasher that’s built into the space where a second, side-by-side sink would typically be located. It’s smaller than some other options, but it may be the best choice for your RV.
We have a whole article dedicated to this option, so check it out: Fotile Sink Dishwasher: Is This Space-Saving Combo Good For RVs?
Countertop RV Dishwasher Options
Now let’s take a look at a couple of countertop models that are popular with RVers. With these units, you’ll obviously need adequate counter space, so we’ll again include the dimensions of each model.
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher
Amazon’s #1 best-seller in countertop dishwashers, this COMFEE’ unit has a 5-liter built-in water tank, which means you can either connect it to your faucet or use the built-in water tank itself. Compact and affordable, this little dishwasher holds up to 10-inch plates and a total of approximately two place settings, depending on how it’s loaded. The dimensions are 16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1 inches, and it weighs 30.8 pounds.
The COMFEE’ uses only 5 liters of water per wash cycle and is estimated to use only around 0.35 kilowatt-hours per year with regular use. It features a see-through window, a child lock, and leak protection. Six wash cycles are available (including normal, rapid, steam (192°F), glass, and even fruit washing) along with an air refresh extra drying mode.
COMFEE’ also offers a newer model of their compact countertop dishwasher, which offers a bit more room (3 full place settings as opposed to 2).
- Please make sure the distance between your countertop and wall cupboard is more than 19.6" [【No Installation Needed】: Adding water manually in the...
- [ Ultra-Compact Design ]: The compact dishwasher can wash 30+ items (Max to 10" plates) at a time while occupying a small space (16.5 x 17.1 x 17.1...
- [No installation needed ]: With a portable Bucket, you can put the dishwasher in any suitable place. Besides, You can also be hooked to the kitchen...
- [Slim Body with 3 PlaceSettings ]: With a slimmer body, the tabletop dishwasher takes up less countertop space and is perfect for tiny kitchens....
EdgeStar DWP62SV
This EnergyStar-rated countertop RV dishwasher from EdgeStar is among the better-reviewed compact dishwashers. It’s a larger unit that holds 6 standard place settings (plates up to 10.5″ in diameter), and includes a dish rack, cup shelf, and cutlery basket.
It features 7 wash cycles, a bright digital display, a noise output level of 52 dB, and a durable stainless steel interior. With a quick-connect adapter, it fits most standard-sized kitchen faucets.
With dimensions of 19.63″ D x 21.63″ W x 17.31″ H, this model weighs 44 pounds and is available in silver, black, or white.
- Six (6) standard place setting capacity / Includes dish rack, cup shelf, and cutlery basket
- Holds plates up to 10.5" in diameter / Seven (7) wash cycles / Quick connect adapter fits standard sized kitchen faucets / Beautiful digital display
Do You Have an RV Dishwasher?
If you have a dishwasher in your RV, we’d love to hear about it. How frequently do you use it? Are you typically connected to a city water source and a power source when you run it? Which dishwasher do you have, and have you been satisfied with it?
Did your RV come with a dishwasher, or did you have it installed (or do it yourself)? Leave a comment below with the details.
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Jay
Sunday 8th of June 2025
When we bought our first RV, my wife interrogated me by asking who was going to wash the dishes. I said that I would be the dish washer. For 39 years, it has been so. Consequently, we have never needed a dishwashing machine.
In my experience, there are 2 categories for dishwashers: those that specifically ordered them for their RV's and those whose RV's just happened to have one. Except for those in the first category posting here, everyone else that I have met who just happened to have them in their coaches has lamented the loss of storage space due to the dishwashers and wine coolers that they never use.
Glenn Cannon
Sunday 8th of June 2025
I installed a Fisher Paykel DW in my 1998 Winnebago 36WL Chieftain kept that unit for 13 years, when I bought my 2007 Winnebago Tour 40FD I installed Fisher Paykel DW under the sink and we use it on every trip.
I would like to upgrade my kitchen sink to stainless the white sink stains and hard to keep clean any reviews for that upgrade.
See you down the road,
Michael
Sunday 8th of June 2025
I installed a FP in our Winnebago Tour. When we ordered our Allegro Bus, we added it as an option. We ran it while running the generator to charge the batteries while boondocking, but most of our time was in RV parks.
Our new downsized Flair 29M doesn't have dishwasher and we already miss it.
Gay RV Enthusiast (Jason)
Tuesday 13th of June 2023
I think a dishwasher can be a good thing. If you have family and friends visiting, and you want to use utensils and coffee mugs, you'll need to be able to clean them. If you're not going to use it for such purpose, you could always use it for storage and just use paper plates and plastic cups and utensils. As usual, it's up to the individual or couple.
Archie Phlegar
Sunday 11th of June 2023
Our first MH, a Discovery LXE had a Paykel built in. We really miss it. It held at least two loaves of bread and several bags of potato chips. Never washed a single dish in it. Out new MH does not have a dishwasher, it’s much harder to store bread and chips but we don’t miss the washer function.