Countertop dishwashers are a great option for people who live in small spaces or don’t have the space to install a full-sized dishwasher. They usually save on space and work well with tight budgets, making them perfect for someone that wants to declutter their kitchen but not give up features.
While countertop dishwashers may not be as efficient, they can still clean dishes well and some models offer features like energy efficiency, time delay start, and wash cycle presets.
In this article you will find both the advantages and disadvantages of countertop dishwashers.
What are countertop dishwashers?
Countertop dishwashers are a small, compact type of dishwasher that does not need to be mounted under the counter. They typically stand next to the sink and clean dishes by submerging them in soapy water and then heating the contents of the detergent container to a boiling point, causing bubbles to form and dislodge soil from each dish.
Countertop dishwashers are smaller than traditional dishwashers and typically sit on the countertop. These appliances come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, styles and features. They are a viable option for those who live in small spaces or apartments without room for full-sized dishwasher. However, countertop models do not have enough space to handle pots and pans which can make it more difficult to clean large items like dishes if you don’t have a sink nearby.
Advantages of countertop dishwashers
Countertop dishwashers have many advantages that make them a worthwhile investment. The most noticeable good thing about countertop dishwashers is their price. They are cheaper than full-sized models and you don’t need to worry about how they fit into your kitchen.
Some other key benefits include: the ability to wash dishes with or without using soap, adjustable top racks to accommodate various sized items, delayed start time and wash cycle presets, detergent containers that can be removed easily for quick refills, and low height that makes them take up minimal countertop space.
They are easy to install and move around, they take up less space than other models, and many will accommodate large pots and pans that a normal dishwasher won’t fit on its racks. There is also no need for plumbing; you can simply plug in your countertop model where you want it to go without any added installation.
Countertop dishwashers are usually stainless steel and use the latest technology for dishes to come out sparkling clean.
Disadvantages of countertop dishwashers
Countertop dishwashers also have a few disadvantages. They take up more space than an under-the-counter model, and the high energy cost makes them less eco-friendly.
Some users may find that their dishes are not as clean as they would like or that they need to soak some of the larger items for a while before loading them into the machine.
Lastly, there is a learning curve associated with using this type of appliance; first you need to learn how to use it to avoid overflow or spilling water all over the counter. But this applies to all appliances – read the manual first!
What features do portable dishwashers have?
There are many different features that portable dishwashers have, including water temperature settings, adjustable wash time, and filter indicator lights. They also have different washes cycles, which makes it easy to change the water level for very dirty loads without wasting a lot of energy.
The most common types of wash cycles in portable dishwashers are:
- Rinse and hold
- Light (delicate or china)
- Normal
- Heavy duty
Most decent countertop dishwashers have the option to choose between two water temperatures: hot and cold. The temperature for a given wash cycle can be set in advance, meaning you won’t have to worry about getting scalded or waiting for the dishwasher to cool down before it will run again.
Should you get a countertop dishwasher?
Well, it depends. If you have a limited amount of space in your kitchen and are willing to spend more money on energy, then yes. If not, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.
If you have space in your kitchen for a full-sized dishwasher you should not consider buying a countertop dishwasher. Countertop dishwashers are not energy efficient, and while they can handle glasses with no problem, larger items such as pots and pans will not fit in as nicely.
They use less water than cleaning dishes by hand (a full load of dishes is usually only filled with 2-3 gallons), so they save water and energy.
If you only have space for a countertop model and the only other option is washing dishes by hand, then a countertop dishwasher might be for you. You should still be mindful of the cost-efficiency when considering buying one, though.