At a Glance:
What Is a Portable Dishwasher?
Benefits of a Portable Dishwasher
How Do You Use a Portable Dishwasher?
4 Best Options For Portable Dishwashers
Portable dishwashers are a game-changer for homeowners or renters with kitchens that can't accommodate a traditional dishwasher. Unlike regular dishwashers, mobile units do not require installation, and setup is quick and easy. In addition, top manufacturers like Whirlpool and GE offer top-of-the-line portable dishwasher options that perform just as well as installed units. So is a portable dishwasher suitable for you? This shopping guide points out the benefits and best models of portable dishwashers available at Aztec Appliance.
Shop Portable Dishwashers at Aztec
Portable DishwashersWhat Is a Portable Dishwasher?
Portable dishwashers work similarly to regular dishwashers except that they do not require permanent installation. They have wheels for easy mobility. You can keep the portable dishwasher in your kitchen for extra counter space. You can also move it into a storage area like a closet or pantry if you do not have room for a dishwasher in the kitchen.
Portable dishwashers are excellent choices for renters. They do not require a direct water hook-up, and therefore landlords won't need to invest in installation costs that a typical dishwasher requires. Portable dishwashers are also ideal for people that move frequently.
→ Before You Buy: Aztec’s Dishwasher Buying Guide [Features, Aesthetic, and Price]
Benefits of a Portable Dishwasher
✓ Mobile. The primary benefit of buying a portable dishwasher is the option to move it anywhere in your home. Every portable dishwasher is built on wheels and can be easily stored when not in use.
✓ Inexpensive. There are several affordable options for portable dishwashers. Several manufacturers make low-cost portable dishwashers that fit within tight budgets.
✓ Easy setup. Portable dishwashers are designed to be moved around frequently. You do not need a permanent water hook-up. Portable dishwashers require an outlet and water source, like your kitchen sink. The chord and water hose are easily coiled and stored away when not in use. Portable dishwashers do not require professional installation and are ready to use within a few easy steps.
✓ Space efficiency. Portable dishwashers are available in full-size, half-size, and countertop options. They are perfect for small kitchens in dorms or apartments. They are also ideal in motorhomes.
→ Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Dishwasher Dimensions
How Do You Use a Portable Dishwasher?
Portable dishwashers are super easy to use. Once you unbox the appliance, it is ready to start washing dishes! All you need is a sink and a nearby outlet. So stop hand-washing plates and get your portable dishwasher set up today!
Step 1: Disconnect the aerator on your kitchen sink water spout. Put it aside or store it in a safe place.
Step 2: Install the faucet attachment that comes with your portable dishwasher. Make sure it is screwed in tightly.
Step 3: Turn the water temperature to hot and allow water to run into the sink until the temperature rises.
Step 4: Move your portable dishwasher close enough to the sink so that the water hose at the back can reach the newly installed faucet attachment.
Step 5: Load the dishwasher and plug in the power chord. Make sure the power chord is away from the sink.
Step 6: Turn on the hot water again to fill the dishwasher. Follow the manufacturer's directions to determine how much water you need to add to the unit.
Step 7: Select your wash cycle and hit start!
Step 8: Directly drain the water via the provided hose into your sink.
→ The More You Know: How Long Does a Dishwasher Take To Complete Wash?
4 Best Options For Portable Dishwashers
Portable Dishwasher Recommendation #1: GE 18" Stainless Steel Portable Dishwasher
This GE portable dishwasher has all the power of full-sized GE dishwashers but on a space-efficient scale. There are several beneficial features of this model, including the following:
- Autosense Cycle - Interior sensors use beams of light to assess soil levels and appropriately adjust water temperature and cycle time.
- Piranha Hard Food Disposer - GE's patented part pulverizes food particles to prevent clogs from large food pieces.
- NSF Sanitation - High-temperature rinse cycles eliminate 99.999% of bacteria from dishes.
- 3-Level Wash - Power wash arms and spray water in every direction to clean dishes and glasses from every angle.
The GE 18" Stainless Steel Portable Dishwasher is a customer favorite. There are over one hundred 5-star reviews. One customer wrote:
"Better Than Expected. I honestly couldn't be happier with the product. It is very easy to set up and use, as well as having very flexible cleaning options. Most surprising is that it is extremely quiet, still does an excellent job of washing the dishes and can be tucked away until it's time to wash another batch."
Portable Dishwasher Recommendation #2: Whirlpool 24" Portable Dishwasher-White
This Whirlpool portable dishwasher is the same width as most permanent dishwashers. However, this unit has the convenient option of portability. In addition, the portable dishwasher is equipped with several trademark Whirlpool functions, such as:
- A quick wash cycle that gets dishes clean in an hour
- Soil sensor technology that automatically adjusts the temperature and length of the wash cycle to guarantee sparkling clean cookware
- A heated dry option gets even the most challenging surfaces perfectly dry. Glasses and plates are ready to be put in the cupboard right away.
There is so much to like about this Whirlpool portable dishwasher; it is no wonder it has hundreds of perfect ratings. For example, Janet gave it five stars and wrote:
"Easy to use, and really gets the dishes clean! I bought this portable dishwasher a month ago, and I'm so glad I did! It exceeds my expectations. It is easy to set up (if you follow the instructions), easy to roll around the kitchen, and easy to load and start. And I can't believe how clean it gets my dishes! I noticed that some people complained in their reviews that the connection leaked, but I think they didn't read and follow the setup instructions. And I think the people who complained that their dishes didn't get clean probably loaded the dishwasher improperly. You can't let your dishes touch each other in any dishwasher, and they have to face in and down. That said, if you use it properly, this machine is a powerhouse! I've had built-in dishwashers in other places I've lived, but couldn't fit one in my current kitchen. I was worried that a portable version would be inferior. I couldn't have been more wrong; this works better than any built- in unit I've ever owned. I'm so impressed with this product!"
Portable Dishwasher Recommendation #3: GE 24" Black Portable Dishwasher
If you are looking for a modern and sleek portable dishwasher, this GE unit is perfect! The matte black finish is contemporary and resists fingerprints better than stainless steel appliances. In addition, this GE portable dishwasher has a recessed handle that saves on space and is easy to use.
This portable dishwasher has all of GE's trademark features, including soil sensor technology, a premium hard food dispenser, professional sanitation, and powerful wash arms. In addition, customers love the flexibility of this full-sized GE portable dishwasher. Reviews are overwhelmingly five stars and include high praise, such as:
"Super easy. This is my first brand new dishwasher and I have to say that it was super easy to unbox and set up. Just got done with my first load of dishes and this machine did a wonderful job getting everything clean. I am super happy with my purchase oh ya and if it was any quieter I wouldn't be able to tell it's on."
Portable Dishwasher Recommendation #4: Danby 22" White Portable Dishwasher
This portable dishwasher fits right on the kitchen counter. It only requires 3.1 gallons for a normal wash cycle. Despite its size, the countertop Danby portable dishwasher has a wide range of cycle options, including the following:
- Energy star compliance
- Six wash cycles, including Heavy, Normal, Economy, Rapid, Glass, and Soak
- Delayed start up to 8 hours
- Quiet wash technology
- It fits up to 6 place settings
- Stored under most cabinets
The Danby 22" White Portable Dishwasher looks modern and is super convenient to set up. It is the perfect cleaning appliance for apartments, motorhomes, and dorms. One verified customer rated it five stars and wrote:
"Love the compact dishwasher! I have the Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher. I bought it because I don't have much room in my tiny kitchen. I LOVE this compact dishwasher. It holds 6 place settings - I can have people over and get the dishes done without taking up too much space. It's energy efficient and super it's super quiet. I LOVE this little unit. I don't have a pile of dishes sitting in my sink and countertop any more (and I have very little counter top). It's a great little unit and I would recommend it for anyone in an apartment or, really anywhere with a small kitchen! THANK YOU Danby for your amazing products!!"
Portable dishwashers are essential appliances for small kitchens. They provide the same features and cleaning power as regular dishwashers. Their space efficiency and mobility are ideal for small kitchens and rental properties. In addition, since portable dishwashers do not require installation, they make great housewarming gifts!
Why Trust Aztec Appliance?
Since 1972, Aztec Appliance has been offering quality sales and service for name-brand appliances. Our mission is to not only help you achieve all your appliance dreams, but we also want to bring value to your home beyond materialistic amenities. Our team is an authentic group of people dedicated to our work, and we share the same undeniable passion for people and serving them the best we can. Suffice it to say, we know appliances.
Whether it’s a first birthday, a backyard wedding, or a retirement celebration, our hope is to give you the opportunity to enjoy life’s little moments. After all, memories are not consigned to the big moments — they exist within the little ones. And you can rest assured our inventory of top-performing kitchen, laundry, and outdoor appliances will help you spend less time keeping the home and more time with the people who make it home.
Shop Portable Dishwashers at Aztec
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop portable dishwashers online for the guaranteed lowest price at Aztec. Check out Aztec Appliance reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find the perfect portable dishwasher — whether you call us at 858-987-5777 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Aztec Appliance San Diego showroom located at the heart of downtown. Visit us today!
Learn More: Kitchen Design Ideas: Black Dishwasher Styles