When You Should Buy A Countertop Dishwasher
Are you still a little on the fence when it comes to countertop dishwashers? Youre not sure whether you should take the plunge and treat yourself to one. Or should you just stick with what you know and settle for a full-sized dishwasher?
If youre in doubt, take a look at whats coming up. Youll find tonnes of reasons why countertop dishwashers make the perfect kitchen appliance.
You should buy a countertop dishwasher if:
Portable Vs Countertop Dishwasher
Regarding dishwashers, there are two main types: portable and countertops. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages that make them better or worse for specific situations. Here, well look at the best portable dishwasher for small spaces.
Portable dishwashers are the most common type of dishwasher. Theyre usually small and compact, making them perfect for apartments or other small spaces. They typically hook up to your kitchen sink and use the same water line as your faucet. Because they dont require special installation, portable dishwashers are very easy to set up and use.
Countertop dishwashers are less common, but theyre growing in popularity. Theyre similar to portable dishwashers in that theyre small and compact but dont hook up to your kitchen sink. Instead, countertop dishwashers have a built-in water tank that fills manually. Because of this, countertop dishwashers can be a bit more difficult to use, but theyre perfect for people who dont have a lot of counter space.
So, which is the best type of dishwasher for small spaces? That depends on your specific needs. A portable dishwasher is probably your best bet if youre looking for something thats easy to use and doesnt require special installation. But a countertop dishwasher might be a better option if you dont have a lot of counter space. Whichever type you choose, measure your space before buying to make sure it will fit.
Best Portable Dishwashers Of 202: Countertop And On
It makes sense to invest in a portable dishwasher if your apartment, your vacation home, or RV has a small kitchen. You will not only have one less chore to attend to but also save valuable storage space in your cabinets. Do you need help with sanitizing baby bottles? Consider getting a countertop dishwasher that will give you peace of mind.
These small dishwashers come in two styles – the larger capacity portable dishwasher on rollers or the smaller capacity countertop dishwasher. We refer to both of these styles as portable dishwashers as you can move them around easily, unlike built-in best dishwasher models, which are stationary. Considering that there are only less than a handful of unique manufacturers that make portable dishwashers, we prepared the following ranked list to help you compare and contrast different models.
It is important to note that not every kitchen is ready for a portable dishwasher. Unlike other kitchen appliances such as your toaster oven, which is plug and play, a portable dishwasher needs to take in and discharge water. This means that you need to have a suitable source of water and find a convenient location to drain. We will cover basic hookup requirements with illustrations in this article.
Here is our exclusive video review of the best dishwashers in 2022.
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How To Install A Portable Dishwasher
Portable dishwashers offer a convenient way to have a dishwasher without permanently installing one. Instead, they can be rolled into position when needed and stored away when not in use, making them an excellent option for small kitchens or apartments.
Portable dishwashers typically connect to a faucet using a hose and drain into the sink. Most models also come with built-in rinse aid dispensers and water softeners, which help to reduce spots and improve drying.
Connect the fill hose to the nearest cold water faucet to install a portable dishwasher. Then, connect the drain hose to the sinks drain or garbage disposal unit. Next, plug in the power cord and turn on the unit. Once the dishwasher runs, load it with dirty dishes and detergent, select the appropriate cycle, unload the clean dishes when the cycle is finished and disconnect the hoses.
Finally, roll the dishwasher back into storage. You can easily install a portable dishwasher in your home with just a few simple steps.
Connect The Water Supply Tube
Connect the end of the water supply tube to the water supply shut-off valve under the kitchen sink.
Turn on the shutoff valve and check for leaks. Also look under the dishwasher to check for leaks at the other end of the supply tube, where it connects to the dishwasher 90 fitting. If you notice leaks at either location, gently tighten the fittings a little more.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
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Who Makes Countertop Dishwashers
A hOmeLabs portable dishwashermade by Midea.
After looking at bills of lading and other import data, we learned that nearly every portable countertop dishwasher sold in the U.S. is made by Midea.
Midea, based in Guangdong, China, is one of the largest appliance companies in the world. It owns vacuum-maker Eureka, has the rights to use the Toshiba name on small appliances, and manufactures hundreds of products for companies like GE Appliances and even the Instant Pot.
Midea now sells appliances under its own name, and recently opened several research and development centers in the U.S.
It makes sense that these products are imported from China, and not just because of lower manufacturing costs. Countertop dishwashers are much more popular in China, and its a lot easier to import these rectangular, easy-to-ship boxes from an existing factory than to set up production in countries where theyre more of a niche product.
Can A Countertop Dishwasher Clean Pots And Pans
With reduced size comes reduced functionality, so you can forget about cleaning your standard-sized pots, pans, mixing bowls, and any other larger items in a countertop dishwasher. Some compact countertop dishwashers might be able to accommodate a small pot or small pan, however.
On the flip side, the best portable dishwasher on the market will offer ample space for your large cookware as those appliances are more comparable in size to a traditional built-in dishwasher.
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Connecting The Dishwasher To The Water Supply
How To Install And Connect A New Dishwasher
Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. Aaron’s articles about plumbing on The Spruce span four years.
- Working Time: 2 – 3 hrs
- Total Time: 2 – 3 hrs
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Estimated Cost: $20 to $40
When you buy a new dishwasher from a specialty outlet, the price often includes the delivery team making the hookups, and it may even include hauling away the old dishwasher. But if you buy the dishwasher from a big-box home improvement center or an online retailer, connecting the dishwasher is usually not includedor it may cost you a substantial additional fee to have this done.
Fortunately, connecting the dishwasher yourself is a fairly easy job, once the old dishwasher has been removed.
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Is A Countertop Dishwasher The Same As A Portable Dishwasher
As you shop, keep in mind that a countertop dishwasher may sometimes also be referred to as a portable dishwasher. While a compact countertop dishwasher is most definitely portable in the sense that you can move it wherever you need it, the moniker “portable dishwasher” is more often used to refer to a full-sized dishwasher that is on wheels. This allows it to be stored away in a pantry or closet when not in use, and then hooked up temporarily to a faucet when needed .
It can sometimes be hard to tell whether a dishwasher is a compact countertop style or a freestanding portable dishwasher by picture alone, so be sure to carefully check the details and dimensions of any dishwasher you intend to buy to ensure it will fit your space and your needs.
Why Trust The Spruce
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. While researching portable dishwashers, she spoke with Ron Shimek, President of Mr. Appliance, for tips on selecting the right dishwasher for your home, including the most worthwhile features for different types of homeowners. When comparing various portable dishwasher models, she considered factors such as their capacity and features, ease of setup and operation, and noise level. She also prioritized Energy Star-certified models since they use less energy and minimize operating costs.
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Attach The Dishwasher To The Faucet
Place your portable dishwasher near the sink and close enough to an electrical outlet that youll be able to plug it in. If your faucet has a screen filter, youll need to carefully remove it. Use a wrench or pliers to loosen it and then twist it off. Take the intake hose from the back of the dishwasher and attach it to your faucet. If it doesnt connect securely, then youll need to buy a faucet adapter. Place the second hose in the sink in a way that will allow it to drain properly.
How To Use A Portable Dishwasher Step By Step Guide
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If you have a tiny kitchen , a portable dishwasher could be a great choice.
If you just got a new portable dishwasher, learn how to how to use a portable dishwasher the right way, safely, and effectively in this guide.
And donât forget that portable dishwashers typically washes just as well and as much as built-in dishwashers.
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Other Countertop Dishwashers We Tested
This portable dishwasher has excellent cleaning performance, considering that its stain removal ability is comparable to some other full-size dishwashers. The normal cycle time clocks in at about 100 minutes. You can also choose from eight different cycles: Heavy, Normal, BabyCare, Eco, Glass, Speed, Rinse, and Mini Party
With an extra drying option, a digital display, and a sleek-looking exterior, the Danby DDW631SDB is a great pick for a dishwasher that takes up a minimal amount of counter space that’s capable of getting the job done right the first time.
Pros
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Has comparable cleaning to a full-size dishwasher
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Plenty of cycle options
Everything To Know About Modern Dishwashers
Dishwasher technology is far more advanced today compared to ten years ago. Manufacturers emphasize energy and water savings in their design. Also, there are many colors and style options in the market. Bosch and Miele dishwashers are the front runners in technology. However, they do not participate in the portable dishwasher segment.
Pro Tip! See US Federal Government dishwasher energy guidelines at energy.gov.
Selection for portable dishwashers is limited to 3 primary manufacturers: GE and Whirlpool when it comes to portable dishwashers on rollers and Midea group for countertop dishwashers. Midea is a giant player from China, and it makes/licenses 99% of all small countertop dishwashers.
Below are the specific features that we expect from a modern dishw
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Where Does The Water Come From
Though counter dishwashers are quite portable, they do still need to be plumbed sort of. Some require a connection to a faucet specifically a threaded faucet spout for their fresh water supply to clean the dishes. In this case, the appliance will come with a hose and, often, an adapter that should make it easy to hook up to your sink’s faucet.
But some countertop dishwashers do not require a water hookup, instead housing a built-in water tank that you would need to fill prior to every wash cycle. This allows you the freedom to place the counter dishwasher anywhere you want, rather than right next to your sink a crucial factor to keep in mind if your counter space is limited, or if your faucet is not suitable for any reason.
Turn Off The Power And Hot Water
Fotoduets/Shutterstock
Before you begin any work on this project, go ahead and shut off the power and hot water used to hook up your dishwasher. These are simple steps.
On your homes breaker panel, find the switch that cuts off the power to where the dishwasher is located. To turn off the hot water, check under the sink for the valve and make sure its closed.
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How To Connect A Dishwasher To A Double Sink
A newly installed dishwasher not only needs a water supply, but it needs somewhere to drain the water from the tub once it completes the wash cycle. If you have a garage disposal attached to your double sink, the manufacturer automatically supplies a connection for the dishwasher drain line, but if you do not have a garbage disposal, you must connect the drain line to your double sink drain. Fortunately, you can install a drain fitting designed for just this dilemma rather than change your entire drain system beneath the sink.
1.
Choose the sink drain closest to your dishwasher installation to connect your dishwasher. Turn off the faucet supply lines to avoid a water mess should someone inadvertently turn on the faucet while you have the drain line disconnected, if desired.
2.
Look beneath your sink for the bottom of the strainer basket. Find the slip nut that connects the sink’s drain tailpiece to the drain basket. Loosen the slip nut with pump pliers. Let the slip nut slide down the drain tailpiece.
3.
Pull the tailpiece from the drain basket. It should not take much force to pull the tailpiece from the basket.
4.
Look for the second slip nut at the bottom of the tailpiece. Loosen this nut, using the pump pliers.
6.
Measure the length of your original sink drain tailpiece. Transfer the measurement to a PVC dishwasher wye tailpiece.
References
- Plumbing 1-2-3 Steve Cory
Writer Bio
How To Install A Countertop Dishwasher
So youve bitten the bullet and youve already got yourself a brand new countertop dishwasher. But you are now wondering what you need to do to set it up. Take a look at the following instructions that will help you.
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Moen 7430 Chateau One
If youre not fond of buying from one of the lesser-known brands above, in comes Moen to save the day. The Moen 7430 Chateau is the best low-arc kitchen faucet for a portable dishwasher. This type of faucet is better than a high-arc model to avoid any potential cracking at the base when you run your dishwasher. Additionally, this model includes a side sprayer to use while your dishwasher is running, and if you ask me, the price is right.
Compared to the models above, the Moen 7430 is better for double sinks and shallow sinks. Theres less chance of splashing and no chance of the faucet colliding with the divider in your double sink. Another clear advantage is the Moen limited lifetime warranty.
While I do love the 3 faucets above, I get the feeling that if they break, thats it, time to buy a new faucet. However, it does appear to be a mixed bag because some people reported a smooth replacement experience. With Moen, you at least know for sure that its built to last and comes backed by a real warranty.
The package includes the escutcheon and is ready for a 2 0r 4 hole installation. All in all, the Moen 7430 is the safest bet of the faucets in this guide. If you have a double or shallow sink, this is the one for you.
- Approved by portable dishwasher owners
- Compatible with 2 and 4-hole sinks
Cons
- The side sprayer is plastic
- Slower flow rate than the pull-down sprayer models
Best For Baby Bottles: Farberware Fdw05asbwha Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
The Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher comes with six different wash cycles, making it perfect for all kinds of dishes. The machine also has a built-in water softener, which helps to prevent hard water spots.
Additionally, the dishwasher features a delay start function, so you can load it up and have it start washing when youre ready. Plus, it has a detergent dispenser and an automatic rinse cycle. As a bonus, the Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher comes with a limited warranty.
Overall, this dishwasher is an excellent option for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, versatile machine.
Key Features
- Fruit wash for cleaning vegetables and fruits for quick serve.
Cons
- No built-in drying cycle.
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Finding A New Portable Dishwasher Faucet Adapter
Before searching for a new faucet adapter, be sure the one that came with your portable dishwasher doesnt fit. Have you removed your sinks faucet aerator? If not, this could be preventing your faucet adapter from attaching correctly.
If youve removed your faucet aerator and the faucet adapter still doesnt fit, its time to do some research. Unluckily for you, you most likely have a uniquely shaped faucet head on which standard adapters dont work. Alternatively, your faucet adapter might be faulty.