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Magic Chef MCSCD6W5 6-Place Setting Countertop Dishwasher — Is It Worth It in 2026?

A solid countertop pick for one or two people who want Energy Star efficiency and a stainless tub. The 55 dB noise level and lack of heated dry are the main trade-offs at $315.

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Key Specifications

Noise Level
55 dB dB
Width
21.7"
Height
17.2"
Depth
19.7"
Best For
Apartment / Small Kitchen

Best For

How this product scores for different use cases

Small Kitchen / Apartment
95/100

At 21.7 inches wide and 17.2 inches tall, this countertop unit fits on most kitchen counters with no installation required. The quick-connect adapter makes setup fast for apartment renters.

Budget Buyer
85/100

At $315 with Energy Star certification and a stainless steel tub, it offers solid materials for the countertop category. Buyers who need more than 6 place settings will need to spend more.

Quiet Home
57/100

At 55 dB, this dishwasher runs louder than most competitors in open-concept kitchens. Many competing countertop models operate at 48-52 dB.

Family Household
36/100

At 6 place settings, this unit holds far less than the 12-16 settings a family needs daily. It cannot handle a full family's dishes in one load.

Premium Kitchen
33/100

No WiFi, no heated dry, no sanitize cycle, and 55 dB noise level put this well below premium-tier standards. The plastic exterior and limited features do not fit a premium kitchen profile.

Smart Connected
31/100

This unit has no WiFi, no Alexa support, and no app control. The only convenience feature is a 24-hour delay start via the panel controls.

Our Verdict

This Magic Chef fits one situation well: a small kitchen with limited space and a single person or couple. The countertop design connects directly to your faucet using the included quick connector.

The stainless steel tub and Energy Star certification are strong points at this size. Most countertop dishwashers at or below $315 use plastic tubs.

The 55 dB noise level is the biggest drawback. You will hear it running clearly in most homes. If you run it overnight or while away, the 24-hour delay start helps.

With 6 place settings, you get enough room for two people's daily dishes. Families or households with three or more people will outgrow this fast.

What We Like

  • Energy Star certified for lower water and energy use than non-certified countertop models.
  • Stainless steel interior tub resists odors and stains better than plastic-tub alternatives.
  • Up to 24-hour delay start lets you schedule runs during off-peak energy hours.
  • 6 wash programs give you more cleaning options than basic 3-cycle countertop dishwashers.
  • Compact footprint of 21.7 inches wide fits on most standard countertops with no permanent installation.

What Could Be Better

  • 55 dB noise level exceeds the 45-50 dB range many competing countertop models reach.
  • No heated dry function. It uses residual drying only, which often leaves plastic items wet.
  • No sanitize cycle. Many countertop competitors at this price point include a high-temperature sanitize option.
  • No child lock. This is a standard safety feature on most competing countertop dishwashers.
  • No leak protection system. Competing models in this price range often include overflow shutoff sensors.
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Standout Features

24-hour delay start
Most countertop dishwashers offer a 2-6 hour delay at best. A full 24-hour window gives you much more scheduling flexibility.
Stainless steel interior tub
The majority of countertop dishwashers under $350 use plastic interiors. Stainless steel holds heat better and resists staining.
Energy Star certified
Many basic countertop models skip Energy Star certification. This unit meets EPA efficiency standards for water and energy use.

Full Specifications

Performance

Noise Level55 dB dB
Noise RatingNoisy

Dimensions

Width21.7 inches
Height17.2 inches
Depth19.7 inches

Best For

Use Case 1Apartment / Small Kitchen
Use Case 2Studio / Dorm Room
Use Case 3Wet Bar / Kitchenette
Use Case 4Office Break Room

Features

Included Features

Delayed Start
Rinse Aid Dispenser
Stainless Steel Tub

Not Included

Adjustable Racks
Auto Sense
Child Lock
Food Disposer
Heated Dry
Interior Lighting
Leak Protection
Quiet Operation
Sanitize Cycle
Steam Cleaning
Third Rack
WiFi Connected
Works with Alexa
Works with Google

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Magic Chef Energy Star 6-Place Setting MCSCD6W5 6 Plate Countertop Dishwasher, White, household

Does this dishwasher need to be permanently installed?

No. It connects to your kitchen faucet using the included quick-connect adapter and inlet hose. No plumbing work is needed.

How many dishes does it fit?

It holds 6 place settings. That covers the plates, cups, and utensils for about two people per load.

How loud does it get while running?

It runs at 55 decibels. That is about as loud as a normal conversation. You will hear it clearly in the same room.

Does it dry dishes with heat?

No. It uses residual drying, which means leftover heat from the wash cycle dries the dishes. Plastic items may still be damp when the cycle ends.

Can I set it to start later?

Yes. The full-panel controls let you set a delay start of up to 24 hours in advance.

Scores

Overall Score 79/100
Value Score 86/100
Popularity 77/100

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Tags

countertop energy star compact portable stainless tub delay start no heated dry faucet connect 6 place settings 55db

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Scored 79/100

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