Compared with a full-size built-in dishwasher…
…a portable dishwasher is smaller, lighter, and more versatile.
Despite finding a home in RVs, campsites, dorms, or apartments…
…portable dishwashers can save space in any kitchen.
Normally, these units are mounted on wheels and come with hoses…
…and attachments that attach directly to the kitchen faucet.
This allows them to move easily to the faucet when needed.
Manually filling some models is also an option if you’re not planning to move them.
You need to consider the number of people living in your home…
…how often you wash dishes, and the space available…
…for a dishwasher in your home to choose the best portable dishwasher.
Our guide explains all the important factors to consider, so keep reading.
Let’s look at some of the best portable dishwashers…
…selected for their overall value and effectiveness.
Before we move on to the next section, let’s hear Paul’s story…
The dishwasher would take up a lot of space in the divided studio where I live alone.
I love how this fits perfectly on my countertop, has room for all my dishes,
and gets them super clean, even better than I could by hand!
The attachments are included and everything fits perfectly.
Initially, I was concerned due to the few negative reviews I saw,
however, on closer inspection you’ll see that most of them are operator error
and should mostly be ignored. I would definitely purchase again!
Now it’s the time to get started…
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Portable Dishwasher
Consider the following characteristics of the best portable dishwashers…
…before you begin shopping.
Available Space
Figure out the size of the area where you plan to install the dishwasher….
…before shopping for a portable dishwasher.
Consider the various locations in your kitchen for a dishwasher…
…keeping in mind that you’ll need access to a sink.
Measure the height, width, and depth of the available space with a tape measure.
Consider the extra space needed for the dishwasher door…
…to open and the clearance space for the hose to connect to the faucet…
…which varies among appliances.
Using these measurements, you can easily determine…
…the maximum size of a portable dishwasher that will fit.
Material
Portable dishwashers can be built from a variety of materials…
…but typically they’re made of durable plastic or stainless steel.
Interior tubs are usually made of stainless steel as well.
- Plastic is both budget-friendly and long-lasting. It usually outlasts many of the other internal parts, which may wear out within 12 to 16 years. Plastic can be vulnerable to impact damage, and if it isn’t regularly cleaned, it may absorb odors, oils, and other stains that make the dishwasher smell unpleasant.
- While stainless steel is typically more expensive than plastic, it’s more durable. When moving a dishwasher, its stainless steel frame is protected against impact damage. The interior of stainless steel tubs typically does not retain odors or food residue. The smooth, non-porous surface is easy to clean.
Capacity
Dishwasher measurements don’t actually reflect…
…how much space is available for dirty dishes.
Manufacturers describe space in terms of the number of place settings…
…that the dishwasher can hold so that users can better understand its capacity.
The place setting includes a large dinner plate, a small snack plate…
…a saucer, a bowl, a coffee cup, a drinking glass, a knife…
…two teaspoons, a dinner fork, and a small salad fork.
There are typically between 12 and 16 place settings in a full-size dishwasher.
Portable dishwashers typically hold two to eight place settings…
…which is more than enough for a small family, couple, or individual.
Keep reading…
Standing vs. Countertop
Standing and countertop portable dishwashers are the two primary types…
…of portable dishwashers, based on their size and installation location.
- Standing portable dishwashers have wheels to move around the kitchen and feet to prevent them from moving when they’re flat on the floor. When the unit is tilted to one side, it is easy to move from one place to another. In comparison with a countertop portable dishwasher, a standing dishwasher has a larger capacity because of its larger size. However, they are usually more expensive.
- The countertop portable dishwasher is smaller than both standing portables and regular dishwashers. They work as well as standing dishwashers, but have a smaller capacity. They are ideal for small kitchens and apartments. Additionally, since they usually don’t have wheels and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds, they’re difficult to move around on your counter. Place them near the kitchen faucet. Also, most cannot wash pots and pans.
Water Source
For its multiple pressurized jets to clean your dishes and cookware…
…a portable dishwasher needs a water source.
A portable dishwasher must also have a permanent water supply…
…just like a standard dishwasher.
A manual filling tank is also available on some portable dishwasher models.
They don’t require a pressurized source of water…
…so they can be used without connecting to a faucet.
For camping or away from the kitchen sink, they are ideal.
Water and Energy Consumption
Conserving natural resources may be an important factor…
…to consider when purchasing new appliances.
Especially true for dishwashers and washing machines that consume…
…both water and electricity. Some people maintain that washing dishes…
…by hand saves more water than using a dishwasher.
The opposite is actually true. Unlike a washing machine…
…a dishwasher is contained in a sealed box…
…that uses only a specific amount of water for each program or cycle.
Choose a portable dishwasher with an energy-saving mode…
…to reduce water and energy consumption.
Individuals or couples probably don’t need a standing portable dishwasher…
…that can use up to 3 gallons of water and 1 kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity per cycle.
Countertop portable dishwashers use about 2 gallons…
…of water and 0.7 kWh of electricity per cycle…
…while providing similar cleaning results…
…to both standing and regular dishwashers.
Either machine is better than a standard dishwasher…
…which uses up to 4 gallons of water and 1.5 kWh of electricity per cycle.
Using a dishwasher is better than hand-washing…
…which uses approximately 27 gallons of water.
Wash Cycles
A portable dishwasher comes with a variety of wash cycles.
A new cycle alters the flow of water from the jets…
…the amount of time spent washing or drying…
…and the temperature of the water.
Different settings enable the dishwasher to efficiently clean specific items…
…such as pots and pans.
There are three typical wash cycle options:
…light, normal, and heavy, with most cycles lasting between 80 and 150 minutes.
Additionally, some portable dishwashers offer additional cycle options…
…such as an energy-saving cycle, a rinse cycle, a pots-and-pans cycle…
…and a speed- or quick-wash cycle.
Noise Level
As manufacturers have begun to develop quieter portable dishwashers…
…they are better suited to small apartments, apartments, dorm rooms…
…and small homes that demand minimal noise.
Portable dishwashers are measured in decibels (dB).
Most models have a decibel range of 45 to 60 dB.
An average vacuum cleaner or hair dryer has a noise level of 70 dB…
…while a normal conversation can range between 60 and 70 dB.
A refrigerator hum generates about 50 decibels…
…and a whisper produces about 20 to 30 decibels.
In order to ensure that your portable dishwasher doesn’t interfere…
…with your ability to converse in your home…
…you should choose a product with a low noise level.
Portability
Although these dishwashers are portable…
…the degree to which they are truly portable varies.
If you want a dishwasher that moves smoothly…
…take into consideration a number of factors…
…such as the weight of the portable dishwasher…
…whether it has handles or easy-grip areas…
…and if it has wheels or just feet on the bottom.
- Weight can range significantly. This is determined by the material used, the motor size, and the dimensions of the portable dishwasher. Standing dishwashers weigh less than countertop dishwashers, but they are not light. Countertop dishwashers typically weigh at least 40 pounds.
- It can be much easier to lift, move, and carry the portable dishwasher with handles and easy-grip locations. However, even with handles, some units may be too heavy for one person to lift.
- Standing portable dishwashers typically have wheels, so the machine can be moved around the room easily. Stand-alone dishwashers that normally weigh more than 100 pounds benefit from this feature.
Additional Features
Some portable dishwashers have features that can make washing the dishes easier…
…and safer, such as a safety lock, a sensor wash, anti-flood protection…
…or a baby care function.
Here’s the main thing…
Our Top Picks
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BLACK+DECKER BCD6W 6 Place Setting Compact Countertop Dishwasher & Danco Dishwasher Faucet Adapter | Dishwasher Snap Adapter Connection | 15/16-27Male or 55/64-27Female | Chrome (36108E) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5-Liter Built-in Water Tank, 5 Programs, Baby Care, Glass & Fruit Wash-Black/White | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | SD-9263W: 18″ Energy Star Portable Dishwasher – White | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | EdgeStar DWP62SV 6 Place Setting Energy Star Rated Portable Countertop Dishwasher - Silver | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | SPT SD-2225DW Compact Countertop Dishwasher/Delay Start-Energy Star Portable Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Interior and 6 Place Settings Rack Silverware Basket/Apartment Office Home Kitchen, White | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Let’s go through them one by one…
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W 6 Place Setting Compact Countertop
- Product 1: Unit Dimensions: 21.7 in D x 21.5 in W x 17.2 in H | Weight: 46.2 lbs
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This countertop portable dishwasher has a six-place setting capacity…
…and is sized for a small- to medium-sized family.
It weighs 46 pounds and includes all the necessary water hoses…
…and connections for immediate use. The 60 dB noise level makes it relatively quiet.
This portable dishwasher offers seven wash programs, including intensive…
…normal, eco (energy-saving), glass, 90 minutes, rapid, and soak…
…which lets you select the best program for the job at hand.
Additionally, it can delay the start of a cycle by up to 24 hours, and it has a child lock.
Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
- QUALITY CONTROL NOTE All dishwashers are factory tested to ensure proper operation As a result it is normal for small amounts of residual water to be found in the unit
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Farberware Portable Countertop Dishwasher has a 5-liter water tank…
…that can be connected to a faucet for automatic or manual filling…
…making it ideal for camping.
Portable dishwashers typically weigh at least 40 pounds…
…but this one weighs just 35 pounds.
Although it is small, it has a pull-out dish rack and cutlery rack.
In addition to being able to wash two place settings…
…the portable dishwasher has a baby care function for sterilizing baby bottles.
“At only 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3 inches, the Farberware Complete is one of the smallest models on our list but still delivers a streak-free deep clean and uses automatic air circulation to ensure dishes are dried once they have been cleaned.”
Allison Bowsher – Writer
Go on…
SPT SD-9263W: 18″ Energy Star Portable Dishwasher
- SD-9263W: 18″ Energy Star Portable Dishwasher - WHITE
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The SPT Energy Star Portable Dishwasher…
…standing portable dishwasher is equipped…
…with a large eight-place setting capacity and six wash programs…
…including heavy, normal, eco (energy-saving), glass, 90 minutes, and rapid.
It comes with a drain hose and adapter to connect to a faucet.
Stainless steel makes up the interior tub, which includes an upper and lower rack…
…as well as a cutlery rack. The dishwasher is quiet and weighs 118 pounds.
It produces 52 decibels of noise. With its built-in front wheels, it’s easy to move.
EdgeStar DWP62SV 6 Place Setting Energy Star Rated
- Six (6) standard place setting capacity / Includes dish rack, cup shelf, and cutlery basket
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Featuring a stainless steel interior and a dish rack, cup shelf…
…and cutlery basket, this countertop portable dishwasher…
…from EdgeStar is perfect for a modern kitchen.
There is an internal water heater that raises water temperature…
…to 149 degrees Fahrenheit, which not only cleans dishes, but also sterilizes them.
This portable dishwasher has six settings.
It weighs 44 pounds, operates at just 52 decibels, and has seven wash cycles.
Additionally, the portable dishwasher comes with the hoses…
…and adapters needed to connect to the faucet, as well as an easy-to-use digital display.
SPT Compact Countertop Dishwasher
- 6 wash cycles: Heavy, normal, ECO, Glass, Speed and Rinse
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Apartments and small houses with cramped kitchens can make it difficult…
…to use a standing portable dishwasher.
Instead, save space and still clean the dishes…
…with this compact countertop portable dishwasher that only weighs 43 pounds.
Portable dishwashers come with the necessary hoses and connectors…
…as well as a universal faucet adapter.
The SPT portable dishwasher has a stainless steel interior…
…six place settings, a slide-out rack, and a utensil holder.
Additionally, it has six wash cycles and operates at 55 dB…
…so your conversations won’t be interrupted.
Portable Dishwashers with Butcher Block Top
Because these devices are so inexpensive, practically anyone…
…can use a portable dishwashing with butcher block.
People who believe that a larger machine will cause piping…
…problems during the dishwasher installation process are erroneous.
The butcher block portable dishwasher is easy to set up…
…and takes around 10 minutes to complete. Others who are concerned…
…about the cost of a specialist dishwasher like this should know…
…that one may still be found for under $500.
- EdgeStar Countertop Dishwasher Moedel #DWP62SV
- Sunpentown Countertop Dishwasher Model #SPT SD-2213S
- Magic Chef 6 Plate Countertop Dishwasher Model # MCSCD6W5
Sum Up!
If you don’t have the space or budget for a full-sized dishwasher…
…or if your budget is too small to handle the cost…
…of installing a permanent appliance, we recommend portable dishwashers.
Portable dishwashers are versatile, affordable, and powerful…
…saving you time, money, and dry hands. Dish detergent is harsh on the skin.
Conclusion
Once you have all the information you need…
…on choosing the best portable dishwasher, you will be in a better position to buy.
Make sure your expectations are in line with what a portable dishwasher can do…
…and don’t be afraid of trying one if you think it fits your needs better…
…than any other option.
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
