Countertop dishwashers are a convenient solution for those who don't have the room or budget for a full-size, built-in dishwasher unit in their kitchen. These appliances conveniently connect to your faucet to draw water for their wash cycles, and expel them into the sink when the cycle is completed. Mini countertop dishwashers have the added convenience of being portable, meaning they can be stored away when not in use. If you're considering purchasing one, the experts at Appliances Connection have parsed out the best portable countertop dishwashers for your convenience below.
Danby DDW631SDB
This Danby countertop dishwasher is one of our clear favorites. At 22 in. wide, it leaves plenty of space on your counters, but it can still wash up to six place settings at once. It gives you eight different settings and seven different wash cycles to choose from. Its portability doesn't take away from its high-end operation, either: it has a stainless steel interior, an automatic dispenser for detergent and rinse aid, and it operates at a volume of only 54 dBA.
Magic Chef MCSCD6W5
If you're in the market for a model that's powerful, lightweight, and efficient, take a look at this Magic Chef countertop dishwasher. This unit can wash up to six place settings at a time, and it's ENERGY STAR® certified to minimize its water and energy use. The interior includes advanced flood protection, as well as a cutlery basket and even a cup rack. Even more, this dishwasher recycles air to aid the drying process, meaning that your dishes will remain hygienic through the entire dry cycle.
Whynter CDW6831WES
One of our favorite portable dishwashers for light use is this 22-in. unit from Whynter. It can handle up to six place settings efficiently with ENERGY STAR®-certified operation. Even more, it has a selection of high-end features including a delay start function and a stainless steel tub. Among the six wash cycles you can choose from are a BabyCare cycle suited for bottles and similar items, as well as an ECO cycle that can save money on your water and energy bills as well.
Sunpentown SD2225DSA
The most budget-friendly of the portable dishwashers on this list, this 22-in. model from Sunpentown can handle up to six place settings, as well as dishes that are up to 10.25 in. wide. The electronic controls make it easy to select between the six wash cycles, while the LED display clearly shows the running state or the wash time remaining. Its 4.5 ft. power cord and its 5 ft. drain tube maximize your placement options, while the water supply warning indicator lets you know if the flow of water is ever interrupted.
Benefits of Countertop Dishwashers
Countertop dishwashers have a lot of benefits beyond their portability. Washing dishes by hand is a water-intensive process, with the United States Geological Survey estimating that it can take up to 27 gallons of water to hand-wash a single load. A countertop dishwasher, on the other hand, uses as few as three gallons of water per load.
Because a countertop dishwasher hooks up to your kitchen faucet and drains through your sink, it may be a great option if you live in a home that is difficult to remodel, such as an historic building or one that you rent. You may also have limited space under your counters, in which case a countertop dishwasher can preserve your ability to store pots and pans. In addition, countertop dishwashers are easy to use in compact areas such as recreational vehicles and trailers.
Finally, another perk of countertop dishwashers comes with their portability. When you move, you can take it with you instead of selling it along with the home.
Related Questions
How do countertop dishwashers work?
Countertop dishwashers work in much the same way that built-in ones do. The main difference between them (besides their size and portability) is the water source: a countertop dishwasher gets its water from your faucet, and it drains through your sink.
Are countertop dishwashers worth it?
Countertop dishwashers can be worth it in spaces where you need the convenience of a dishwasher but can't make extensive changes. Many people who rent their homes use them for exactly this reason.