Portable and Countertop Dishwashers in NYC
One of the best and rarest appliances in New York is the dishwasher. Making life incredibly convenient for those who don’t have the time or helping those who just hate doing the dishes, these wonderful machines can be the deciding factor when choosing a home. Unfortunately, these machines are widely considered a luxury in New York and can be quite hard to find, especially in pre-war buildings. However, portable and countertop dishwashers can be installed in almost any home and are a great alternative for those who hate washing dishes by hand. But how do portable and countertop dishwashers work? What are the benefits of having them? What are the disadvantages ?
How Portable Dishwashers Work
First, portable and countertop dishwashers, while performing the same function, are technically different appliances. However, the only real difference is that countertop dishwashers hold fewer dishes than portable dishwashers, use less water, and have no casters. That said, both work the same way. Usually these fixtures have one hose that connects to a sink faucet head and one that connects to a drain. Both are easy to hook up, although this requires a threaded tap spout, so they might not work in every kitchen. Some units require users to fill a basin with water, but these types are generally rare.
Benefits of having a portable dishwasher
Saves water
Washing dishes by hand is an extremely inefficient way to clean them. On average, do the dishes by hand uses 27 gallons of water. Portable and countertop dishwashers only use about two or three gallons of water during one cycle. They also usually get cleaner-than-ever dishes by washing them by hand. This means that people who have one of these units will have cleaner dishes and less impact on the planet. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Time saving
Washing the dishes by hand is a chore few people enjoy and it’s easily the worst part of preparing meals at home. A portable dishwasher can take all that hassle away, however, as the machine takes the burden away. This means people can just turn on the dishwasher and forget about those plates for as long as they want while they do other activities. Naturally, that leads to other chores like putting away the dishes. However, emptying a dishwasher is far better than washing dishes for most people. That’s an extra fifteen to thirty minutes that people wouldn’t otherwise be able to take advantage of.
Easily stored
These units are a little bulky, but they don’t take up as much space as a full-size dishwasher. Countertop dishwashers can easily live on the counter or in a cabinet in the kitchen, and portable dishwashers can fit nicely in a closet. These devices come in different sizes, so it’s best to choose a unit that matches a home’s storage capabilities. That said, even in tiny New York homes, finding a place for these devices isn’t too difficult, and their convenience far outweighs any storage issues that might arise.
Disadvantages of having a portable dishwasher
Consumes more electricity
Although these machines are effective in saving water, they must be plugged in. This means that more electricity will be used, which will lead to higher energy bills. It’s for this reason that portable and countertop dishwashers are great for saving time, but not for saving money. In the grand scheme of things, the energy used by these units is minimal. But many houses have to save all the money they can just to survive in the city. While these devices are certainly handy, they can put a dent in a wallet.
Small loads of dishes
The electricity problem is compounded by the fact that portable and countertop dishwashers cannot wash as many dishes as a regular dishwasher. This means that the machine will have to be used more often, which will increase energy bills. For those who hate doing the dishes by hand, this problem might seem like a minor one. They will just have to run more dishwashing cycles throughout the week. It’s quite a balancing act with these devices.
They make a lot of noise
Regular dishwashers can be quite noisy, so this won’t surprise anyone. However, regular dishwashers are surrounded by walls and cabinets, which can help dampen the noise. Portable and countertop dishwashers have nothing around them to dampen this noise. These machines can be distracting. Most people get used to noise. But in a city like New York, where people are constantly surrounded by sound, some people might not appreciate the extra noise from their kitchen. The noise they make won’t cause walls to shake or paint to fall off the walls, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Our picks for good portable dishwashers
GE Portable Dishwasher
This portable dishwasher is one of the largest on the market, with twelve place settings and cutlery baskets. This dishwasher is ideal for small families thanks to child safety locks, and it’s ideal for young professionals thanks to the 54 dBA lower decibel rating, which means it’s about as loud as a microwave. Because it’s a bit larger, it’s best suited for homes with more storage capabilities. It has wheels attached for easy transport and has three different wash cycles, so dishes can be as clean as needed.
Whirlpool Portable Dishwasher
Another slightly larger option, this dishwasher, has twelve place settings and three wash cycles, one of which lasts only one hour. The dishes are heated dry and sensors in the machine indicate how dirty the dishes are, giving them an extra rinse if they need a little more work. This machine also has a decent decibel level of 55 dBA, which means this unit won’t be too distracting while in operation. The best thing about this machine is the heated wash option, which makes it easy to clean dirt and grease from plates after a messy meal.
Black and Decker Portable Dishwasher
This slightly smaller option only has eight place settings, but can fit a wider variety of homes. This unit also has a wide selection of wash cycles, six in total, making it extremely versatile. Cycles can last up to 90 minutes, and the top of the unit mimics a table top to give people extra counter space in the kitchen. This unit is a little louder than the other two, but the versatility of the cycles and the safety features, like a child lock, more than make up for the noise.
Our Picks for Good Countertop Dishwashers
HAVA Countertop Dishwasher
This little device is both cute and functional. It’s light enough to take camping and small enough not to take up too much counter space. The machine is a bit noisy at 60 dBA, but it has five different wash cycles and can hold a decent amount of plates and bowls, considering its small size. It even has a small top rack for larger mugs and silverware. This device doesn’t even consume a lot of energy, which makes it an ideal way to have a dishwasher without breaking the bank.
Home Lab Countertop Dishwasher
This device looks like it’s from the future, making it a great addition to any modern home. This amazing unit has seven different wash cycles, all of which operate at a level of just 50 dBA, which isn’t much louder than a regular home in town. There are six place settings and a very efficient drying rack. They even promise that there will be no water marks once the dishes are clean. This appliance even has specific cycles for glassware like wine and fragile plates. It’s easily one of the most versatile small dishwasher options available.
Farberware Countertop Dishwasher
This unit is compact yet powerful, with five wash cycles and a capacity to hold two place settings. The best feature of this device is its small size. The smallest unit on this list, this machine stores easily almost anywhere in the house. The styling of this machine is also excellent, with a small window in the front so people can see their dishes being cleaned in real time. This unit is a bit louder at 62 dBA, but cycles can have a delayed start, so people don’t have to be home to listen to it.
Having a dishwasher in New York is a game-changer and is on many people’s “must have” list for their next apartment. Unfortunately, built-in dishwashers are hard to find and expensive to buy. Portable and countertop dishwashers are a great way to have the luxury of a dishwasher without taking up too much space and wasting too much water. Washing dishes by hand can be a pain, so why bother? Most of these units are under $1,000 and people will get their money’s worth in just a few weeks. So for those who want a dishwasher but can’t have one built into their home, portable or countertop units are the way to go.
