Xiaomi Mijia Smart Dishwasher Review: Countertop Cleaning for Small Kitchens

Introduction

Dishwashers are still uncommon in Chinese households, but that’s changing fast. The Xiaomi Mijia Smart Dishwasher (米家台式洗碗机) is designed specifically for urban apartments where space is tight and installing a full-size dishwasher isn’t practical. At ¥999 (~$137 USD), it’s a countertop model that connects to your kitchen tap without plumbing modifications.

With 12,000+ reviews on JD.com and a 94% positive rating, it’s proving that dishwashers can work in Chinese kitchens. Here’s our honest assessment.

Specifications

Feature	Xiaomi Mijia DW	Midea Countertop	Siemens Countertop
Price	¥999	¥1,199	¥2,499
Place Settings	4 (up to 20 pieces)	4	4
Wash Programs	6 (via app: 8)	5	6
Water Usage	5L per cycle	6L	6.5L
Noise Level	52dB	55dB	48dB
Drying	Hot air + condensation	Condensation	Zeolith
App Control	Mi Home	Midea Smart	Home Connect
Dimensions	42 × 43 × 46 cm	45 × 45 × 48 cm	45 × 44 × 45 cm
Weight	18 kg	20 kg	22 kg

Design and Build

The Mijia Dishwasher shares Xiaomi’s clean white aesthetic with a transparent window on the front door — you can watch your dishes getting cleaned, which is oddly satisfying. The front control panel features a touch-sensitive interface with program indicators and a digital display.

The interior has two racks: a bottom rack for plates, bowls, and pots, and a top rack for cups, glasses, and small items. The 4-place-setting capacity fits:

• 4 dinner plates
• 4 bowls
• 4 cups
• Cutlery basket for 4 sets

Installation is notably simple for a dishwasher. It comes with an adapter that connects to most standard kitchen taps (M22/M24 threads). No tools required — twist it on and you’re done. The drain hose sits in the sink.

Performance

The Mijia Dishwasher uses spray arm technology with water heated to 70°C. It cleans effectively on the Standard (90 minutes) and Intensive (120 minutes) cycles. Lightly soiled dishes come out spotless on the Quick cycle (29 minutes).

The hot air drying is a standout feature. After the wash cycle, a heating element and fan circulate hot air for 30-60 minutes, leaving dishes genuinely dry — no drip-drying needed. This is rare at this price point.

Mi Home app adds 8 additional programs (Fruit Wash, Baby Bottle, Self-Clean, and eco variants) plus remote start, cycle tracking, and detergent level reminders.

What Chinese Users Say

Aggregated Ratings: 4.5/5 ★ (12,000+ reviews on JD.com, 94% positive)

“No space for a built-in dishwasher in my rental — this countertop model is the perfect solution. Dead simple installation — five minutes DIY. Cleans thoroughly, hot air drying leaves dishes bone-dry. No more hand washing!”

“4 place settings is just right for two people’s daily dishes. Wok doesn’t fit — needs hand washing. But bowls, plates, cups are all covered, saving 80% of dishwashing. ¥999 is great value.”

“52dB noise is quieter than a washing machine. Running it at night doesn’t affect sleep. The remote control via app is very practical — start it on the way home, clean dishes when you arrive.”

“Downside: capacity is limited — not enough when family visits during holidays. Also, you need special dishwasher detergent — hard to find in supermarkets, recommend stocking up online.”

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• No plumbing needed — tap adapter included
• Hot air drying leaves dishes truly dry
• Compact footprint fits rental apartments
• Mi Home app with 8 extra programs
• 5L water per cycle — more efficient than hand washing
• Affordable entry price at ¥999

Cons:

• 4 place settings — woks and large pots don’t fit
• 90-120 minute wash time requires planning ahead
• Requires separate dishwasher detergent (not dish soap)
• White exterior shows water spots
• Drain hose must go into sink (no permanent drain connection)

vs Competitors

vs Midea Countertop (¥1,199): Midea offers slightly more capacity and a longer brand history in appliances. But Xiaomi’s app integration and hot air drying at a lower price make it the better buy.

vs Siemens Countertop (¥2,499): Siemens has premium build, quieter operation, and Zeolith drying. But at 2.5x the price, it’s overkill for most users.

FAQ

Q: Will it fit on my countertop? A: Check measurements: 42 × 43 × 46 cm. Needs about 50cm height clearance for the door to open fully.

Q: Can I use regular dish soap? A: No — you must use dishwasher-specific detergent (powder, tablet, or liquid). Regular dish soap will overflow with foam.

Q: How long do cycles take? A: Quick: 29 min | Standard: 90 min | Intensive: 120 min | Eco: 150 min

Rating: 4.0/5

Category	Score
Cleaning	8/10
Build Quality	7/10
Features	9/10
Value	9/10
Ease of Use	8/10

Who should buy: Apartment renters, couples, and small families wanting to eliminate hand dishwashing without plumbing work.

Who should skip: Large families needing full-size capacity. Users wanting a permanently plumbed dishwasher.