Tired of scrubbing dishes by hand after every meal? Many people dream of a dishwasher, but not everyone has the space or hookups for a full-sized one. That’s where portable dishwashers come in! They offer a fantastic solution for apartments, small kitchens, or anyone who wants a little extra help with dish duty without a big commitment.
But let’s be honest, picking the *right* portable dishwasher can feel like another chore. With so many brands, sizes, and features, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You want something that cleans well, fits your space, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s a tough decision when you’re not sure what to look for.
This post is here to help! We’ve done the research to bring you the top-rated portable dishwashers. We’ll break down what makes each one stand out, so you can easily find the perfect match for your kitchen. Get ready to say goodbye to endless sink-side battles and hello to sparkling clean dishes with minimal effort.
Our Top 5 Rated Portable Dishwasher Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Portable Dishwasher Detailed Reviews
1. SPT SD-9263W 18″ Wide Portable Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR
Rating: 8.6/10
The SPT SD-9263W 18″ Wide Portable Dishwasher in white is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those who need a space-saving and efficient cleaning solution. This dishwasher is designed to make your life easier by handling your dirty dishes with care. It’s compact enough to fit in smaller spaces but still offers enough room for a good amount of dishes.
What We Like:
- It’s Energy Star certified, which means it saves energy and helps lower your electricity bills.
- You get six different wash programs: Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 Min, and Rapid. This gives you options for all your cleaning needs.
- It holds up to 8 place settings, so it’s perfect for families or small gatherings.
- The stainless steel interior is durable and helps keep your dishes clean and shiny.
- A helpful rinse aid warning indicator reminds you when to refill the rinse aid, ensuring optimal drying.
What Could Be Improved:
- While portable, it still requires a water hookup and a drain, which might be a slight inconvenience for some.
- The 18-inch width, while good for saving space, might be too small for very large households or those who entertain frequently.
The SPT SD-9263W offers a smart and efficient way to keep your kitchen clean. Its variety of wash cycles and user-friendly features make it a solid choice for many homes.
2. SPT SD-9263SS 18″ Wide Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR
Rating: 9.3/10
The SPT SD-9263SS 18″ Wide Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It’s compact and fits easily under most counters. This dishwasher makes cleaning up after meals a breeze. Its stainless steel design looks sleek and modern. It’s also an ENERGY STAR certified appliance, meaning it saves energy and money.
What We Like:
- It has a spacious interior that holds up to 8 place settings.
- You can choose from 6 different wash programs for different cleaning needs.
- The stainless steel tub is durable and resists stains and odors.
- Its portability means you can easily move it if needed.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified for energy efficiency.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 18-inch width might be too small for very large families or those who entertain often.
- Some users might find the initial setup slightly tricky.
This SPT dishwasher is a smart choice for those seeking convenience and efficiency. It delivers clean dishes with ease.
3. SPT SD-6513WA 24″ Wide Portable Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR
Rating: 9.2/10
The SPT SD-6513WA 24″ Wide Portable Dishwasher is a great addition to any kitchen. This dishwasher is designed for convenience and efficiency. Its white finish will look good in most kitchens. It’s a portable dishwasher, so you can move it around if you need to. It also saves energy, which is good for your wallet and the planet.
What We Like:
- It has a time delay feature that lets you set it to start later, from 1 to 24 hours.
- This dishwasher has six different wash programs: Heavy, Normal, Rapid, Eco, Glass, and 90 Min.
- The stainless steel interior makes it durable and easy to clean.
- It runs quietly, making only 52dBA of noise.
- It can hold up to 10 place settings, so it’s good for families or when you have guests.
- The Energy Star rating means it uses less electricity and water.
- It has automatic dispensers for detergent and rinse aid.
- An error alarm will tell you if something is wrong.
- A rinse aid warning light reminds you when to refill the rinse aid.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s portable, it still requires a connection to a water source and a drain.
- The 24-inch width might be too large for very small kitchens.
This SPT dishwasher offers a good balance of features and performance. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and energy-efficient way to get their dishes clean.
4. SPT SD-9263WA 18″ Wide Portable Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR
Rating: 9.0/10
The SPT SD-9263WA 18″ Wide Portable Dishwasher in white is a compact powerhouse for your kitchen. It’s designed to make dishwashing easy and efficient, especially for smaller spaces. This dishwasher fits up to 8 place settings, so you can handle a good amount of dishes after meals. It’s also ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it saves energy and helps lower your utility bills.
What We Like:
- It has 6 different wash programs: Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 Min, and Rapid.
- The stainless steel interior is durable and looks nice.
- You can delay the start time from 1 to 24 hours, so it runs when it’s convenient for you.
- The upper rack is adjustable, letting you fit taller items like pots and pans.
- It comes with a faucet adapter for easy connection to your sink.
- An automatic dispenser adds detergent and rinse aid for you.
- A helpful rinse aid warning light tells you when to refill it.
- It also has an error alarm that shows fault codes if something is wrong.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s portable, moving it frequently might be a bit of a chore for some.
- The 8-place setting capacity might be too small for very large families or frequent entertainers.
Overall, this SPT portable dishwasher is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich dishwashing solution for a smaller kitchen. It offers great convenience and efficient cleaning.
5. COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of washing dishes by hand in your small living space? The COMFEE’ Portable Mini Dishwasher is here to help! This compact, Energy Star certified dishwasher is designed for dorm rooms, RVs, and apartments, offering a convenient solution for keeping your dishes sparkling clean. It’s a perfect size for 2-3 people, fitting up to 70 pieces of tableware, including plates up to 10 inches wide.
What We Like:
- Compact Size: Its dimensions (H17.2″×W21.6″×D19.7″) make it ideal for countertops and small spaces.
- Versatile Washing Options: With 8 different washing programs like Heavy, Baby-Care, ECO, Glass, and Speed, you can choose the best cycle for any load.
- Powerful Cleaning: The Heavy program uses 12 spray nozzles and 360° spiral washing with water up to 68℃ to tackle tough stains.
- Quick Wash: The Speed program cleans your dishes in just 45 minutes, perfect for when you’re in a hurry.
- Easy Setup: You can connect it directly to your faucet with the right adapter, and it’s flexible enough to sit on a table or fit into a cupboard.
- Water Efficient: The Speed program uses as little as 2.77 gallons of water, saving you money.
What Could Be Improved:
- Factory Testing: It’s normal for the dishwasher to have some water inside when you receive it, as it’s tested at the factory.
This COMFEE’ dishwasher offers a great balance of convenience and cleaning power for smaller households. It makes dishwashing much easier, freeing up your time for more enjoyable activities.
Your Guide to a Sparkling Clean: Choosing a Rated Portable Dishwasher
Finding the right portable dishwasher can make a big difference in your kitchen. These handy appliances are perfect for small kitchens or for anyone who doesn’t have a built-in dishwasher. Let’s dive into what makes a portable dishwasher a great choice.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
Capacity
This is how many dishes it can hold. Most portable dishwashers can wash 4-6 place settings. A place setting includes a plate, bowl, cup, and silverware for one person. If you have a larger family or entertain often, look for a larger capacity.
Cycles and Options
Different dishwashers have different cleaning cycles. Common ones include normal, heavy-duty for tough messes, and quick wash for lightly soiled dishes. Some also have special options like sanitizing or energy-saving modes. Think about the types of dishes you usually wash and choose accordingly.
Noise Level
Dishwashers can be noisy. Look for models that are rated in decibels (dB). A lower dB number means a quieter machine. This is especially important if your kitchen is close to living areas.
Energy and Water Efficiency
Many portable dishwashers have an Energy Star rating. This means they use less energy and water, saving you money on bills and helping the environment. Check the yellow EnergyGuide label for details.
Ease of Connection
Portable dishwashers connect to your sink faucet. Make sure the adapter is easy to use and fits your faucet. Some models have longer hoses, which can be helpful.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a portable dishwasher affect its durability and performance.
Stainless Steel Interior
A stainless steel interior is a big plus. It’s more durable, resists rust and stains, and can help dishes dry better. Plastic interiors are cheaper but can sometimes hold onto odors or warp over time.
Durable Racks and Baskets
The racks that hold your dishes should be sturdy. Look for racks with a good coating that won’t chip or rust. Adjustable racks can also be very useful for fitting in larger items.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a portable dishwasher work better or worse.
Build Quality
A well-built dishwasher will last longer. Check for solid construction and good seals. Reviews often mention if a machine feels flimsy or well-made.
Drying Performance
Some dishwashers use a heating element to dry dishes, while others use condensation drying. Condensation drying is more energy-efficient. Check reviews to see how well the dishes come out dry. You might still need to towel dry plastic items.
Spray Arm Design
The spray arms are what shoot water onto your dishes. A good design ensures all dishes get clean. Look for models with multiple spray arms or advanced spray patterns.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your portable dishwasher matters.
Small Kitchens
These are perfect for apartments or small homes where a built-in dishwasher isn’t an option. They save counter space when not in use.
Occasional Use
If you don’t need a dishwasher every day, a portable one is a great solution. You can store it away when you don’t need it.
Easy Setup
Most portable dishwashers are designed for simple setup. You just hook them up to the faucet and plug them in. This makes them easy to move between different locations if needed.
Cleaning Power
Users often find that portable dishwashers do a good job of cleaning everyday dishes. For heavily soiled pots and pans, you might need to pre-rinse them or use a heavy-duty cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are portable dishwashers as good as built-in ones?
A: Portable dishwashers offer similar cleaning power to built-in models for everyday use. However, they might have fewer wash cycles and a smaller capacity.
Q: How do portable dishwashers connect to water?
A: They connect to your kitchen sink faucet using a special adapter. This hose brings in the water and drains the dirty water back into the sink.
Q: Do I need special detergent?
A: No, you can use regular dishwasher detergent. It’s important to use detergent specifically made for automatic dishwashers, not dish soap.
Q: Can I use a portable dishwasher if I have a sprayer on my faucet?
A: Many portable dishwashers come with adapters that can work with faucets that have a sprayer. Check the product description or manual.
Q: How much counter space does a portable dishwasher take up?
A: They are designed to be compact. When not in use, they can often be stored under a counter or in a pantry. Some models are slim enough to sit on the counter.
Q: How long does a wash cycle typically last?
A: A normal wash cycle usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. Quick wash cycles can be as short as 30 minutes.
Q: Can I wash plastic dishes in a portable dishwasher?
A: Yes, you can wash plastic dishes. However, some plastics might not dry as well as other materials. It’s best to check if the plastic is dishwasher safe.
Q: Do I need to pre-rinse dishes?
A: It’s a good idea to scrape off large food scraps. Most modern dishwashers can handle the rest, but pre-rinsing heavily soiled items can improve cleaning results.
Q: How do I clean my portable dishwasher?
A: You can clean the interior with a dishwasher cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Make sure to clean the filter regularly.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a portable dishwasher?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a portable dishwasher can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!