A system for conveying dishware through a cleaning cycle. The system includes a conveyance assembly having a receiving surface to receive and retain dishware. The conveyance assembly rotates the receiving surfaces about an axis to convey the dishware to each of at least two unique locations.

A dishwashing apparatus comprises a housing containing a series of zones, each zone adapted for performing a step of a dishwashing cycle. A drive means transports a shuttle loaded with a soiled item in a loop from a loading/unloading area atop the housing, into the housing, through each of the wash-step zones and out of the housing back to the loading/unloading area. Different shuttle types are provided, each type adapted to carry one of: an individual item of plateware, an individual item of cupware or an individual place setting of cutlery. A method of washing dishes utilising the apparatus is described. The apparatus is compact for installation flush with countertop adjacent to a kitchen sink. The apparatus and method permit rapid and efficient washing of small numbers of items such as a single place setting.

A dish cleaning system for washing and automatically storing dishes includes a cabinet which defines an interior volume therein. The interior volume includes a loading space, a washing space, a drying space, and a storage space. A dish rack is positionable in the cabinet and is configured to hold a plurality of dishes. He drives system is mounted in the cabinet and is configured to move the dish rack between the loading space, the washing space, the drying space and the storage space. A washing assembly is provided which is configured to wash contents of the washing space of the interior volume of the cabinet.