What is a portable dishwasher?

A portable dishwasher is a dishwasher that does not need to be permanently installed. It is usually smaller than a normal dishwasher and can be placed on a shelf or on wheels for easy mobility. When the portable dishwasher is full, it must be hooked up to a sink faucet in order to run. There are two types of portable dishwashers: countertop and freestanding.

Countertop portable dishwashers are small enough to sit on a kitchen counter or be placed inside a cabinet. They use less water than full-size dishwashers and require less detergent. Countertop dishwashers typically only hold 4-6 place settings.

Freestanding portable dishwashers range from 18 inches to 24 inches (full-size) wide. They are on caster wheels, so they can be easily moved closer to the sink when ready to use. Some freestanding portable dishwashers have a wood surface or butcher block on top that be placed flush with a countertop and provide additional cooking work space.

Why use a portable dishwasher?

No one enjoys washing dishes by hand, but not all kitchens have the luxury of a built-in dishwasher. Portable dishwashers are ideal for those who live in small homes, apartments, condos or RVs and do not have room for a built-in dishwasher. They are the perfect dish washing solution for singles, couples and small families.

What to look for in a portable dishwasher:

Dimensions
Make a careful note of the exact dimensions you can use to accommodate a portable dishwasher. Pay attention to the distance between the top of your counter and the bottom of your cabinet for countertop dishwashers.

Two spray arms or one
Two spray arms will clean better, but models with one spray arm are generally less expensive. Please note that models with one spray arm will clean well enough to remove all but the most stubborn, dried or caked-on debris.

Most countertop models only have 1 spray arm since they only have 1 full shelf, but many 18 inch and 24 inch freestanding dishwashers feature 2 spray arms.

Capacity
Most models of countertop dishwashers will accept up to 4 place settings; some models will accept up to 8 place settings.

The amount of capacity you need in a portable dishwasher will be determined by how large your household is and how much space you have for a dishwasher.

The interior composition
Portable dishwashers with stainless steel interiors will be more durable and should last longer than models with plastic interiors. The stainless steel tubs are also less likely to absorb odors like the plastic.

Dry cycle
If it is important to you to have a dry cycle, look for a model that includes this feature.

Not all cycles on countertop dishwashers include a dry cycle, the cycles that do dry will increase the time it takes for your dishwasher to finish cleaning.

Powerful Pump
If the water draining out of the portable dishwasher needs to go above the level of the dishwasher (as it would if you placed the unit below the level of the drain) you need a model with a powerful pump.

All models of portable dishwashers will have a pump for draining water, however most countertop dishwashers will only be able to drain laterally or down.

Water heater
Most portable dishwashers come with water heaters of varying power. Those units that have water heaters also usually have two or more settings to vary the power of the heater.

Cycle time
Countertop portable dishwashers generally have shorter cycles than full-size dishwashers, but the cycle times may vary between machines.

Energy and water efficiency
Check the water and energy usage of the portable dishwashers to find one that meets your needs. Units with an Energy Star rating will be the most water and power efficient.

Ability to be built-in
If you need to build a portable dishwasher into cabinetry, make sure to get a model that can be used in this manner.