The Best Portable Dishwashers

Buying Guide for Portable Dishwashers

Why buy a portable dishwasher?

Some of us can’t have a dishwasher because we don’t have room. We live in tiny apartments and mobile homes and frequently travel in RVs or boats. Luckily, plenty of fantastic portable dishwashers are on the market today that can help you maximize space in your kitchen or do your dishes on the go while ensuring you are not putting your health at risk. To ensure you pick a great portable dishwasher that meets your needs, pay close attention to its water temperature, available space, and water supply before deciding.

What should you look for in a portable dishwasher?

• Water Temperature: Water temperature is probably the most important factor you can consider since water must be at least 140 F to kill bacteria effectively. Thus, a portable dishwasher must be able to safely and effectively reach this temperature even to be considered an option.
• Space: Portable dishwasher space is often measured by the number of place settings it can fit at one time. Finding a model that offers more than the essential functions is probably best for those that go through many dishes. Another consideration to make is the plate size a portable dishwasher can accommodate. If you’re unsure if your plates will fit in a specific model, it’s a good idea to measure them in advance to ensure you make a good choice.
• Water Supply: Do you plan to take your portable dishwasher in a camper or other recreational vehicle? If so, select a model with a built-in water tank to ensure you can do your dishes on the go when the need arises. Additionally, some models that utilize faucet and drain connections are easier to install than others, so finding an easy-to-install model can save you some serious time and aggravation if you are not the most technically inclined person out there.

Are stainless-steel or plastic interiors best?

Each has its advantages. The type of plastic typically used in dishwasher interiors—injection-molded polypropylene—is respected for its strength and durability. Plastic is less expensive, too. But stainless steel wins out for its corrosion resistance, superior strength, and better heat retention for hot cleaning cycles. So the main difference is the expense.

Our Picks for the Best Portable Dishwashers

Pros: This is no mere dishwasher. It’s an everything washer—baby bottles, dishes, glass, fruits, and vegetables—with five corresponding washing programs. The normal and rapid washing programs take care of dishes. The baby care wash cycle utilizes steam to sanitize bottles and add sparkle to glass. A fruit basket comes with the dishwasher, so you can clean produce and have it ready straight from the dishwasher. Perfect for small living spaces from studios, boats, dorms, and more, this compact washer features a five-liter built-in water tank and a water hose to hook up to a water faucet.

Cons: The portable dishwasher does not come with the adapter you’ll need if you want to use the hose. You’ll have to purchase that part separately.

Bottom Line: The Farberware compact 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3-inch dishwasher has a sleek look and a translucent front window with digital LED controls. It’s a modern and practical choice that keeps your dishes and almost everything else clean.

 

Pros: For those seeking a roomy, energy-efficient portable dishwasher at a great price, this EdgeStar dishwasher makes an excellent choice for your countertop. The portable dishwasher fits up to six place settings and includes a dish rack, cutlery basket, and cup shelf for easy organization. It also features an internal water heater that heats water to 149 F to ensure your dishes are clean and bacteria-free. This portable dishwasher does not have its water tank but comes with a five-foot hose and quick-connect faucet adapter to ensure hooking it up to your home’s water supply is an easy task.

Cons: The EdgeStar DWP62WH does not have a drying cycle. Also, the cutlery basket handle is quite fragile.

Bottom Line: If you need a compact dishwasher or want one to minimize the ‘stuff’ in your living space, this EdgeStar dishwasher is well worth your consideration. Saving energy fits well into a minimalist lifestyle.

 

Pros: While doing the dishes is never glamorous, the compact design and shiny look are guaranteed to look great on your countertop. This portable dishwasher is designed to get the most out of its three-cup built-in water tank and requires no complex hookups or installation instructions. This product features six dishwashing settings and is a great choice for small apartments and even RVs. This unit also reaches temperatures of 167 F, so you will not have to worry about bacteria when retrieving your immaculately clean dishes.

Cons: This dishwasher is not Energy Star-rated. Also, the main dish rack isn’t angled; therefore, there’s less space for dishes than there could be.

Bottom Line: Unlike many portable dishwasher products, the KAPAS comes with an inlet, drain hose, and a faucet adapter. It does the job and then some. The DRY setting alone is quite a feature, as not all portable dishwashers do.

 

Pros: Weighing in at only a hair over 28 pounds, the NOVETE sports functionality makes it great for an extended RV getaway. This portable dishwasher features five washing modes, providing an easy and sanitary way to clean and dry, and it has room for up to four place settings. It also includes a water inlet hose for easy faucet connectivity. Still, the built-in five-liter water tank is more than enough to achieve sparkling clean dishes when connecting to a water faucet is not a viable option. The upper and lower spray arms guarantee 360-degree coverage.

Cons: The NOVETE has so much promise; unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a faucet adapter. Also, some find plastic interiors inferior to stainless steel as they’re less durable.

Bottom Line: For those who prefer a nomadic life, minimalist living, or need to problem-solve a small living space and need a dishwasher, the NOVETE delivers. Give it a go on your next solo adventure or getaway with the family.

 

Pros: For those seeking a lightweight dishwasher great for at-home use, this Energy Star-rated Black+Decker Countertop Dishwasher is a product to consider. This countertop dishwasher is simple to hook up to your faucet and drain and features room for six-place settings while maximizing countertop space with its compact design. Its seven wash programs are very effective at producing spotless dishes, and its stainless-steel interior all but guarantees it. This product features a gorgeous LED display with easy-to-use touch controls, making it an attractive option for its low price.

Cons: The product description indicates a disturbance-free wash at 49dB while having a noise level of 60dB. The inconsistency may lie in the Normal and Intensive wash modes, but it’s hard to say.

Bottom Line: Black+Decker has a reputation for its high-quality home appliances; this countertop dishwasher lives up to the brand’s standards. It offers modern features like a Child Lock, Eco wash mode, and a three-part filtering system to prevent the pump from clogging.

Final Thoughts

Being low on space doesn’t mean your cleanliness has to suffer. The convenience of a portable dishwasher will make your livelihood much more manageable and accessible, no matter where you are on the road. Keep your food and health in mind with a quality dishwasher you can take with you.