Hermitlux HDW5CW01 Countertop Dishwasher Review

Cleaning is the strongest theme in what buyers on Amazon say about this machine. Amazon's summary of its customer reviews reports that dishes come out spotlessly clean, and cleaning performance is one of the most-praised topics in the feedback. Greasy, dried-on food comes off without pre-rinsing.

No hookup needed

The 1.32 gal (5 L) tank is the core appeal. You fill it, and the machine runs a full cycle without a permanent water connection, which is what makes it usable in a rental, an RV or a boat. A faucet mode is also available through the 59-inch inlet hose when you want a continuous supply.

Capacity for its size

The Hermitlux HDW5CW01 is rated for 5 place settings, or 30+ pieces. One buyer on Amazon reports fitting a large Instant Pot pan inside. In practice that means a day's dishes for one or two people, with bulky items going in if they clear the interior.

Quiet operation

It runs at 50 dB. That is quiet enough to run in an apartment or an open kitchen without stopping conversation.

Ease of use and drying

Touch controls drive Delay Start, Economy, Normal, Rapid and Sensor Wash, plus a child lock and a dry function. Ease of use is one of the most-mentioned positive themes in buyer feedback. A 60-minute hot-air dry cycle finishes each load, and a 72-hour ventilation cycle (15 minutes every 75 minutes) keeps the interior fresh between washes.

Build and safety

The door is black glass with an interior LED light, the racks are metal coated with PA powder, and a cutlery basket is included. The machine is ETL listed and runs on 120V.

This is not a full-size dishwasher. It handles small households and light loads, and it is not built for a family's daily volume of pots and pans.

Fit is the sticking point

Buyer opinion on fit is divided on Amazon: some say it fits perfectly in small spaces, others report it will not go under standard cabinets. The machine takes plates no larger than 10.25 inches loaded at an angle.

Drying leaves some work

The hot-air cycle helps, but dishes can come out still wet and need towel-drying. Cups with hollow bases can hold water.

What the machine does not include

There is no rinse-aid dispenser and no water softener. It is not Energy Star rated, and it has no Wi-Fi or smart features. The manufacturer warranty runs one year.

The numbers below decide whether the machine fits your kitchen and what a load costs you in water and power.

Measure before you buy

Two figures decide whether the Hermitlux HDW5CW01 works in your space. Check the clearance between your countertop and upper cabinets, which needs to be about 20 inches, and check your dinner plates, which cannot exceed 10.25 inches.

What each figure changes in use

At 30.9 lb, the machine is light enough for one person to lift onto a counter. The built-in 1.32 gal (5 L) tank lets you run a cycle without a water hookup. At 0.38 kWh per cycle, each load adds little to your power bill. The 50 dB rating keeps it below the level of normal conversation. The 59-inch hoses give you room to reach a nearby faucet or drain.

The HDW5CW01 on this page is black with a glass door, measures 16.85 in wide, 16.73 in deep and 18.23 in high, and lists Delay Start, Economy, Normal, Rapid and Sensor Wash cycles. The HDW5CW02 is the slim white model with Y-head spray arms, measures 14.61 in wide, 20.08 in deep and 17.83 in high, and lists Super Strong in place of Sensor Wash. The HMX-TDJ03 (US HMX-DW03) is white with a plastic finish, measures 16.85 in wide, 16.73 in deep and 18.03 in high, and lists Economy, Fruit Washing, Normal, Rapid and Strong Wash cycles. All three list a 1.3 gal (5 L) built-in water tank. Choose the HDW5CW02 for a narrow counter with depth to spare, the HDW5CW01 for a black glass door, and the HMX-TDJ03 for a white unit at 16.85 in wide.