Portable Dishwasher Type (Countertop vs. Freestanding)
Portable dishwashers have either freestanding or
countertop designs.
- Freestanding Portable Dishwashers: A freestanding model or portable standalone dishwasher looks like a standard dishwasher and often has a similar capacity. Casters let you wheel it out of the way when not in use. The water supply line connects to a kitchen faucet, and the wastewater drains into the sink.
- Countertop Portable Dishwashers: These mini dishwashers are about the size of a microwave oven, so some can't fit large dishes. Like a freestanding model, a countertop dishwasher connects to a faucet and drains into the sink.
- Reservoir Countertop Dishwasher: A reservoir portable dishwasher is ultra compact. You can connect it to a faucet, or, if there’s no faucet and sink handy, you simply pour water into the onboard tank and let the dishwasher drain into a bucket.
Size and Capacity
Most portable dishwashers are 18 or 24 inches
wide, and some countertop options are even smaller. In addition to standard
measurements, like height, width and depth, consider a portable dishwasher’s
capacity and how often you wash. Freestanding portable dishwashers typically
accommodate twelve place settings while countertop dishwashers can handle two
to six, depending on the model.
Water Usage and Time
Water usage on a normal cycle ranges from less
than 1-1/2 gallons for small countertop models to around 3-1/2 gallons for a
freestanding model — comparable to usage for a built-in. Keep in mind, some
wash cycles use more water.
The settings are also a factor in the time it
takes to wash a load of dishes in a portable dishwasher. As with built-in
dishwashers, it can take between one and four hours to complete the wash cycle.
Portable Dishwasher Benefits and Options
There are several reasons to consider a portable
dishwasher:
- Size: Portable dishwashers are smaller than built-ins and some only require the counter space of a small appliance.
- Convenience: Setup can be as simple as connecting to a faucet or filling a tank.
- Portability: Store one of these dishwashers out of the way when not in use and take it with you if you move.
- Price: A countertop dishwasher can be an economical purchase compared to a built-in.
See our how-to on installing a portable
dishwasher — it’s simple. Then learn more about where you can use a portable
dishwasher. They make cleanup easier in just about any space.
Color Options
At Lowe’s, portable dishwashers are available in
standard appliance colors: stainless steel, black and white. This makes it
possible to match your portable dishwasher to existing appliances in the
kitchen.
Noise Levels
The noise level of a dishwasher is a key factor
for some homeowners. When shopping for a dishwasher, check the appliance’s
decibel rating (dBA). The lower the rating, the more quietly the dishwasher
operates. Because portable dishwashers are typically standalone appliances and
not built into cabinetry, the noise isn’t dampened by cabinets and walls.
Most dishwashers have a dBA between 38 and 62.
For reference, normal conversation is around 60 dBA. A standard dishwasher
noise level is 51 dBA or higher. To be considered quiet, a dishwasher’s dBA
should fall at or under 50 dBA.
Drying Method
Portable dishwashers are available with a few
types of drying methods:
- Heated dry is the quickest, most effective option, but it requires more energy and it’s not suitable for all dish materials.
- Condensation dry is the more energy-efficient option, but it takes more time and may not dry your dishes completely.
- Air dry relies on a fan to draw air into the dishwasher to remove moisture, but without heat it can take several hours and may leave moisture behind.
Compact Dishwasher Brands
Not all appliance manufacturers offer smaller
dishwasher models. Lowe’s offers a few brands of portable dishwashers or
compact dishwashers. Choose from Whirlpool® portable dishwashers, GE portable
dishwashers, Comfee portable dishwashers, Media portable dishwashers and other
quality brands.
Portable Dishwasher Pricing
Freestanding portable dishwashers are often in a price range similar to some built-in models, but countertop portable dishwashers are less expensive than most built-ins. All portable dishwashers are easy to connect, so you can avoid installation costs.
Control Panel Style (Top vs. Front)
Control panels allow you to choose cleaning
cycles, drying options and more. A portable dishwasher control panel is either
on the top of the door or on the front of the unit.
Top control panels are hidden when the door is
closed, giving the appliance a sleek appearance. Front control panels are fully
visible, making it easy to monitor the wash and dry cycles.
Dishwasher Cycles
Portable dishwashers can feature a variety of
wash cycle types in addition to a normal wash. Popular options include:
- Delay wash
- Gentle wash
- Quick wash
- Sensor wash
- High-temperature wash
Adjustable Upper Racks
Some portable dishwashers feature adjustable
upper racks, a handy feature when washing oversized platters, cutting boards
and other large items. Adjustable upper racks can be moved up and down creating
more clearance for either the top rack or the bottom rack of a dishwasher.
Energy Efficiency
Like typical dishwashers, some portable
dishwashers are ENERGY STAR® certified. These appliances use less water and
energy compared to other models. For more information on this certification,
check out ENERGY STAR®’s dishwasher information.
Find the Right Portable Dishwasher at Lowe’s
Portable dishwashers offer benefits over
traditional built-in models, including a smaller footprint, the convenience of
easy hook up and, of course, portability. Depending on the model you choose and
your dishwashing needs, a portable dishwasher can be a comparatively economical
purchase. And these dishwashers offer many of the features of full-size models,
like options for finishes, sound levels, wash cycles and more.
Shop Lowes.com to browse price ranges, brands
and features to find the right portable dishwasher for your home. Or talk to
one of our Red Vest associates at your local Lowe’s. They can help you compare
the options and find a portable dishwasher that’s perfect for your space and
lifestyle.