You can’t have a kitchen without a proper area to wash your dishes after sumptuous meals! While you can hand wash them, owning a good dishwasher is an efficient and less tedious way to keep your dishes clean. And if you don’t have space, enough budget for built-in dishwashers, or move around a lot, there are portable ones you can invest in! So what does this kind of kitchen unit have to offer for the household? Read on as I show you the four reasons why you should buy a portable dishwasher!
Four Reasons Why You Should Buy a Portable Dishwasher
A portable dishwasher is not to be mistaken with the countertop version. A countertop dishwasher has smaller capacities compared to both portable and built-in dishwashers. Furthermore, portable dishwashers offer a bit more power, making them the optimum choice for me!
What else does the portable dishwasher have to offer? These are the top four reasons why you should buy a portable dishwasher:
PROS of Buying a Portable Dishwasher:
1. Fits In All Homes
One of the main reasons why one should get a portable dishwasher is for its size and convenience. They are made suitable for small-sized kitchens from apartments, condominiums, smaller houses, or even office pantries!
Besides this, they are great for families or individuals who move frequently, so it lessens the hassle of assembling and disassembling the unit. With a portable dishwasher, it only takes a few minutes to assemble and connect with your kitchen plumbing for it to begin working. This is compared to using a built-in dishwasher that requires expensive installation repeatedly if you move a lot.
You only need a good faucet adaptor, no other additional and complicated plumbing requirements. Simply plug it in your faucet plumbing (the hot water faucet) and get it to work! No expensive plumbers, you can do this on your own.
A portable dishwasher would fit just about any home not only because of its size but because of how easy it is to store and use. Its versatility makes it a great investment if you move around a lot or have no space to place a dishwasher permanently.
2. More Counter Space
If you’ve wanted a portable dishwasher, then you may have considered a countertop dishwasher. Again, these are smaller units that fit on top of your kitchen counters, providing convenience and space-saving features. However, they have smaller capacities, which isn’t beneficial for households consisting of at least three people.
Besides this, there’s the problem of it taking up too much counter space. Built-in dishwashers also have a similar disadvantage, as you may have limited cabinet space after installation.
A portable dishwasher adds necessary counter space, which is beneficial especially for those living in smaller homes. Furthermore, the portable dishwasher moves when you won’t need it anymore. Since most models move on wheels, you can easily roll it out of the way and back to your storage room in a minute.
You can focus on placing more kitchen essentials in kitchen cabinets or counters! After all, I know how cluttered kitchen counters can get and with portable units, you have up to an extra foot of free surface for more important utensils and kitchen necessities.
3. Efficient Cleaning
For smaller households, portable dishwashers may potentially clean even more efficiently compared to built-in ones. How?
While they are a bit smaller in size and handle smaller loads compared to built-in counterparts, portables are much more efficient since you only use a half load. It’s perfect for small families of up to four to six people, as you won’t have to wash countless dishes and it won’t take up too much time or water because of its smaller capacity.
But not to worry, as portable dishwashers come in bigger capacities, depending on what you need and how many are in your household. Some can accommodate two people or can handle larger loads for big households. Furthermore, they have bigger capacities compared to the countertop dishwasher, making it even more efficient.
And one benefit that all dishwashers have in common: It beats washing dishes by hand, which has you waste time, (potentially) water, and is quite a tedious task no one is up for.
4. Great Prices
Lastly, portable dishwashers are cost-efficient and come at cheaper prices compared to the built-in dishwasher. And as I mentioned before, you won’t have to spend tons of money on plumbing, as you can assemble and disassemble the unit yourself.
Since they aren’t permanent fixtures, portable dishwashers are naturally less expensive as an initial investment. They are also cheaper compared to the assembly process, from installing the unit itself down to changing your plumbing and cabinetry.
And if you decide to move homes, there’s no need to spend more on disassembling and moving your built-in dishwasher or having to buy a new one. Just bring the portable unit with you, saving you more in the long run.
However, you do have to note of its disadvantages, which are, fortunately, minor. These are what to watch out for:
CONS of Buying a Portable Dishwasher:
1. Not As Many Choices
Typically, you can only find about one or two portable dishwasher options per brand. Sometimes, they are just basic models with minimal options. But, there are models with premium features if you do your research!
With that in mind, limited choices may also be beneficial as it lessens the time spent looking for the most suitable one. You just have to ensure you invest in portable dishwashers made from reputable brands and with high-quality materials in mind.
2. Durability and Noise
Portable dishwashers are quite durable, lasting long especially when you select a strong one from reputable brands. However, you will move them around, whether it’s from the kitchen to storage, or when transferring homes. It will also need to be connected and disconnected with every use, making them a bit more vulnerable.
One of the vulnerable areas are the fill and drain hoses, as well as the power cable. But not to worry, it won’t break as easily as long as you handle the parts, and the entire dishwasher, with care. Plus, manufacturers are seeing this minor design flaw, now strengthening their units to withstand any bumps and the like.
As for noise, portable dishwashers might not have as much insulation compared to built-in dishwashers. Because of this, there will be more noise transferring to the room, especially with its plastic tubs. You can lessen this by getting portable dishwashers made with stainless steel tubs and placing them strategically.
Again, these are minimal issues that won’t greatly affect the kitchen or way of living, provided you care for it well.
3. Limited Sink Access
Portable dishwashers will only work if you connect it directly with the sink faucet. Because of this, you won’t be able to use the sink as the dishwasher is running. If you’re thinking of multitasking, then this may be a minor problem.
Using and Caring For a Portable Dishwasher
Now that you know about the reasons why you should invest in a portable dishwasher and other factors to consider, what else should you know about this piece of kitchen equipment? If you think that the portable dishwasher is for you, these are quick tips on using and caring for it properly:
- Run hot tap water before you connect the dishwasher hose to it. This is so your dishwasher will have instant hot water and work efficiently. Hot water is needed to help the soap dissolve better, break down food, and have even cleaner dishes.
- Use rinse aid, like rinsing agents that act as a drying agent as well. These will save you time and ensure that your dishes are well-rinsed and will dry quickly for storage.
- Be sure to perform basic maintenance on your portable dishwasher regularly. Reach in and spin the spray arms, checking it for any obstructions, as well as cleaning the unit by removing filter debris, cleaning the seals, and wiping down the unit in general. This will have the unit look and perform well, as well as ensure that it won’t get easily damaged from the grime.
Where to buy a portable dishwasher?
Do you want to learn more about the wonders of portable dishwashers and how to use them properly? Check out this informative video:
Wrapping It Up
Portable dishwashers are made best for those who move houses every few months or so. They are very convenient and offer the counter space and efficiency one needs without taking up the entire kitchen. As long as you care for it properly, you have a dishwasher you can easily transfer without any problems of durability.
I hope that this article fully explained the reasons why you should buy a portable dishwasher. Now that you know the answer, evaluate whether this unit is perfect for you, and start your search on the best one now!
Do you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences in using portable dishwashers? Share it in the comments section below, I would love to hear your thoughts!
