Washing the dishes has never been anyone’s favorite activity. It’s time-consuming, monotonous, and simply overwhelming, especially if you throw a big dinner for more than a few people. It is also can be a nightmare over the holidays or for cohabiting students. The invention of the dishwasher has partially resolved the dilemma of washing the dishes. It’s a convenient and time-saving option for cleaning your crockery. However, it also has its limitations. For example, you can’t take your dishwasher on holiday or to the summerhouse. A handy new option for those who hate washing their plates manually wherever they are is buying a portable dishwasher. It seems like a good idea, but what are the pros and cons of using such a device?
Benefits of Portable Dishwashers
Mobility and Flexibility
The greatest advantage of a portable dishwasher is its mobility. Whether you live in a small apartment, rent a home, or frequently relocate, a portable dishwasher allows you to have a full-fledged dishwasher experience without the need for permanent installation. You can effortlessly move it around and even take it with you when you move. With their compact size, portable dishwashers fit seamlessly into kitchens of any size.
Portable dishwashers are designed for kitchens that don’t have enough room for a built-in dishwasher. Manufacturers assume this means you also don’t have a lot of closet space or storage options in your home. Some of the smallest portable dishwasher options are only 18 inches wide and 25 inches deep. You can easily roll these appliances away when you are done washing dishes.
Ease of Use
Operating a portable dishwasher is as simple as loading your dishes, selecting a wash cycle, and pressing a few buttons. The controls are intuitive, and the display panels provide clear instructions. You can enjoy the convenience of automatic dishwashing without the hassle of handwashing or manual scrubbing.
To use a portable dishwasher, you simply roll the appliance close to the sink, attach the hose to your kitchen faucet, and plug the appliance into an outlet. From there, you’re ready to load it up and let it do its thing.
Water and Energy Efficiency
Dishwashers save time and money. Instead of spending your evening scrubbing dishes and wiping away grease, you can easily load up this appliance and let modern technology do the work. Dishwashers also reduce water consumption. Experts estimate that running a dishwasher each night instead of hand washing dishes can save up to 24 gallons of water per load – that’s more than 5,000 gallons each year!
Countertop dishwashers only use around 2 gallons (around 7.5 liters) of water. Portable and built-in dishwashers use can use as little as 3 gallons per load (around 11 liters). Handwashing uses up to 27 gallons of water, so any dishwasher is better than suffering through washing dishes in the sink.
Space-Saving Design
A portable dishwasher is a great option when a built-in won’t work. If you can’t install a dishwasher, you aren’t necessarily doomed to hand-washing duty. A portable dishwasher clamps to a faucet when you need it and can roll away (and turn into extra counter space) when you don’t. Otherwise, it works just like any built-in dishwasher.
Freeing up precious space in your kitchen is one of the biggest draws of a portable dishwasher, and Novete’s Portable Countertop Dishwasher is a great solution for anyone who really needs to save space.
Convenience for Small Households or Travelers
Choosing a portable dishwasher over a traditional, built-in one can be a good idea in some instances. One of these is when you live alone or in a nuclear family, and don’t have many dishes to wash on a daily basis. Such a dishwasher can be loaded and emptied quickly; for example, after every meal, you’ll have your dishes cleaned fast.
Another situation when a portable dishwasher turns out to be extremely useful is traveling. Nobody wants to think about washing piles of dishes manually on vacation; everyone wants to relax instead. A portable dishwasher will be an excellent option, then. You can take it into your luggage without thinking of the space it will take. In these circumstances, portable countertop dishwashers will probably be the most convenient and compact.
Drawbacks of Portable Dishwashers
Limited Capacity
Apart from the numerous advantages, portable dishwashers also have some minuses, which are worth considering before you decide to buy one. For example, portable dishwashers are not an efficient solution for larger families or people who constantly organize big dinners or parties. Such a portable device will simply not work efficiently if you need lots of dishes to be cleaned at once.
The biggest difference between a portable dishwasher versus a countertop dishwasher is the number of dishes they can wash. A countertop dishwasher can only wash a few place settings at a time. Forget washing pots and pans. With most units they just won’t fit. Portable dishwashers, on the other hand, can wash just as much as a built-in dishwasher.
Storage Challenges
A portable dishwasher is not the best for small kitchens, as it cannot be built-in and hidden among all the equipment. On the contrary – it has to be stored separately, which might be problematic for more cluttered spaces, such as kitchenettes or studios.
Compatibility Issues
Besides, portable dishwashers may not be compatible with kitchen taps of all kinds. Both kinds of portable dishwashers don’t require any special water connection – they can simply be connected to the kitchen sink. It may be both an advantage and a disadvantage – depending on what kind of sink you have.
Noise Levels
Portable dishwashers can be louder than built-in models since they do not have surrounding cabinetry to muffle sound. You should also consider sound. Remember, this is a full-size dishwasher without the noise dampening of cabinets and walls around it. Look for units that boast quiet operation as a feature. When shopping, some sites will list the unit’s noise level. The lower the decibel rating, the better. Typical dishwashers have a noise level of 63 to 66 dBA. Quieter portable units have a decibel rating of around 55 dBA, which is about as loud as a microwave.
Durability Concerns
Portable dishwashers can be less durable than static appliances because the very portability that makes them so convenient also makes them vulnerable to wear and tear. Because you’ll move them around and hook and unhook them frequently, you not only have a higher risk of damaging the machine but imparting inevitable wear on the appliance’s connection points, including the fill and drain hoses and the power cable.
Real User Experiences
Lisa H. shares, “I’ve had a portable dishwasher for over a year now, and I can’t imagine life without it. It saves me so much time and effort, especially with a busy family. I love how versatile it is, accommodating dishes of all sizes. It’s also environmentally friendly with its water and energy efficiency. I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase!”
Jason R. expresses his thoughts, “Being someone who moves frequently, a portable dishwasher has been a game-changer. I no longer have to sacrifice having a dishwasher just because I’m renting. It’s incredibly easy to set up and use, and it cleans dishes thoroughly.”
One reviewer writes, “We purchased this dishwasher for a family shared beach house which is only 800 sq ft. Needless to say, we did not have room to install an under-the-counter dishwasher so we purchased this portable one. It has been fantastic! Casters roll very smoothly, hook up is easy (although we did have to go to the hardware store to purchase an adapter since the one provided did not fit our faucet), it’s quiet and does an excellent job of cleaning and drying the dishes (with using a rinse agent).”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are portable dishwashers as effective as built-in models?
Yes, most portable dishwashers clean just as well as built-in models, provided you load them properly and use appropriate detergent. They often have similar wash cycles and features, though they may lack some advanced options found in high-end built-ins.
How much space do I need for a portable dishwasher?
Portable dishwashers come in various sizes, typically ranging from 18 to 24 inches wide, 36 to 37 inches tall, and 25 to 30 inches deep. Countertop models are smaller, around 16 to 22 inches wide and 17 to 20 inches tall. Measure your kitchen space carefully to ensure a good fit.
Do portable dishwashers require special plumbing?
No, portable dishwashers typically connect to a kitchen faucet using a hose adapter, requiring no permanent plumbing changes. Some countertop models even have built-in water tanks, eliminating the need for a faucet connection.
How noisy are portable dishwashers?
Portable dishwashers can be noisier than built-ins due to the lack of cabinet insulation. Look for models with a noise level of around 55 dBA or lower for quieter operation, comparable to a microwave.
Can I use regular dishwasher detergent in a portable dishwasher?
For countertop or smaller portable dishwashers, avoid dishwasher pods, as they may contain too much detergent. Use liquid or powder detergent and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, often requiring less detergent than for full-size models.
Conclusion
Don’t let the burden of handwashing dishes weigh you down. Invest in a portable dishwasher and experience the freedom, efficiency, and joy it brings to your kitchen. Embrace a life of convenience and make dishwashing a breeze with the incredible benefits of owning a portable dishwasher.