This review is updated regularly with new models
Last updated: October 19, 2019
Introduction
For most people, washing dishes has always been one of the most time-consuming and unpleasant work in the kitchen. The development of the catering system has further aggravated this problem, requiring quick and high-quality cleaning a huge amount of dishes. Of course, many inventors enthusiastically responded to this problem. As a result, today the market offers a huge number of different models, including built-in full-size dishwashers, and compact devices. In turn, compact dishwashers are classified as portable or countertop models.
But build-in models require a cutout for a standard 24-inch or narrow 18-inch dishwasher. Usually, this is not a problem for a spacious rooms, but may be a limitation for a small kitchen. Of course, they are convenient and effective, but consume more water and energy. Moreover, their performance may be excessive for a small family or one person. It’s hardly reasonable to use a dishwasher to wash 1-2 plates and cups.
In this case, portable and countertop dishwashers are a good alternative. Usually, portable dishwashers have wheels and often – countertop for cutting foods, which extends the model functionality. As a rule, their capacity varies from 6 to 10 place setting. Usually, their width does not exceed 18 inches, but companies also offer 24-inch-wide models.
Countertop dishwashers cost about half as much as a portable dishwasher and consume less water and electricity. But their capacity usually does not exceed 6 place setting.
The countertop or portable dishwashers require a kitchen faucet with a removable aerator to connect a water supply. However, almost all modern kitchen faucet have it.
Popular portable dishwashers:
– SPT SD-9241W;
– Whirlpool WDP370PAHB;
– GE GSC3500DWW.
SPT SD-9241W
As known, Sunpentown International Inc was founded in Southern California in 1993. Today the company offers a wide range of products, including refrigerators, power generator and sanitary, etc. But, the development and production of dishwashers is one of the most successful of its directions. For example, the super popular SPT SD-2201W countertop dishwasher regularly ranked in the best-seller list since 2011.
But the company also offers portable models. For example, the 18-inch SPT SD-9241W has been successfully competing since 2013.
Today it costs about $ 600. Dishwasher provides a delay time of 1-24 hours, has six wash programs, including All-in-1, Heavy, Normal, Light , Rinse and Speed, adjustable upper rack to accomodate larger plates/pots. Its water consumption in normal cycle does not exceed 3.65 gallons.
Faucet adapter fits standard-sized aerator openings with size of 15/16 inches and 55/64 inches.
Its stainless tub holds up to 8 place settings, which is enough for a family of four.
This model embodies many successful engineering solutions. For example, rotating sprinklers wash dishes very efficiently. Additionally, a very durable tray rack with two rack rows is suitable for all types of dishes, including thin glass dishes or thick plates. And finally, its open construction easily passes water during rinsing.
Pros
– small, light-weight and convenient;
– quiet, energy-efficient and easy to use;
– high quality dishwashing.
Cons
– too short drain to faucet connection;
– small space on the lower rack.
Whirlpool WDP370PAHB
This full-sized 24-inch portable dishwasher with a sturdy metal body was first introduced in 2017.
Todey it costs a little over $ 700. The laminate butcher block top expands its functionality. WDP370PAHB holds up to 12 place settings, which corresponds to the capacity of a full-size build-in model.
In addition, model supports 3 Wash Cycles, including 1-Hour Wash, Heavy, and Normal, 4 selectable options, including 4 Hour Delay, Control Lock, Heated Dry, Hi Temp Wash, and uses a removable water filter filtration system.
Kay features
– 1-Hour Wash cycle shortens cycle time;
– Soil Sensor controls the dirty degree of the dishes and adjusts, if necessary, the Normal cycle duration;
– Heavy cycle increases cycle time for heavily soiled dishes;
– High Temperature Wash Option uses hotter water for additional sterilization, for example, baby bottles;
– Heated Dry Option provides additional drying.
Unfortunately, it has a fairly high noise level due to the plastic interior. In addition, its operation is accompanied by redeposit when water jets transfer bits of food from surfaces one dish to another. Of course, this reduces the dishwashing quality. Finally, Maximum Start Timer Delay is only 4 hours.
Pros
– high quality dishwashing;
– high quality;
– many positive reviews;
– 12 place settings;
– performance;
– stylish design;
– laminate butcher block top;
– Ease of Use.
Cons
– relatively expensive;
– high noise level (55dBA) due to the plastic interior;
– redeposit.
GE GSC3500DWW
This dishwasher with a very stylish design has been successfully competing in the market for 4 years. But most importantly, it’s a convertible dishwasher, that turns into a freestanding device after a simple removal of the wheels. Its height without wheels corresponds to a standard height. Therefore, the dishwasher fits easily under the kitchen worktop. In this case, it turns into traditional full-size build-in dishwasher.
Of course, such versatility provides a significant advantage of this series. For example, this option may be useful when moving from an apartment with a small kitchen to an apartment with a large kitchen.
Today, the model costs about $ 670 (MSRP $600).
This 12-place settings portable/convertible dishwasher supports 5 wash cycles, has 2-Stage filtration with ExtraFine Filter and Piranha Hard Food Disposer.
Key Features:
– 3-Level Wash System;
– woodgrain laminate top;
– two-stage filtration with Extra Fine Filter;
– 5-level PowerScrub wash system;
– Piranha Hard Food Disposer grinds food into small particles.
Unfortunately, testing showed relatively poor performance, not providing ideal dishwashing. In addition, its noise level reaches 64 dBA. Finally, the GE GSC3500DWW does not support such convenient options as Quick Wash, Steam Wash, and Air Dry.
Pros
– unique versatility;
– low price;
– stylish design;
– Woodgrain laminate Top;
– PermaTuf large capacity tub with removable silverware basket;
– Ease of Use;
-12-place settings;
-Piranha Hard Food Disposer.
Cons
– high noise level (64dBA) due to the plastic interior;
– no Quick Wash, Steam Wash, and Air Dry;
– only average quality dishwashing.
Conclusion
Thus, the market offers a wide selection of decent models in this segment. For six years, the SPT SD-9241W has established itself as a reliable convenient model with high quality dishwashing, which is supported by a large number of positive reviews. Reliable stylish Whirlpool WDP370PAHB with a good set of innovative engineering solutions provides high quality of dishwashing. Convertible GE GSC3500DWW dishwasher offers unique versatility, easily transforming into a freestanding device or even into a full-size build-in dishwasher.
But, of course, the optimal choice depends on personal preferences and budget. We sincerely wish you the Right Solution!
This video offers an overview of the convertible GE GSC3500DWW and GSC3500DBB Full Console Portable Dishwashers.