Investing in a dishwasher is a pivotal decision for any household, aiming to make daily chores more efficient. With a plethora of options available, a comprehensive consideration of various factors is essential to ensure you select the right dishwasher. In this blog, I’ll be reviewing and ranking the best dishwashers based on real user feedback and in-depth reviews to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
1. Novete Compact Dishwasher:
Helpful Review: I decided to purchase this machine when I finally got fed up with my dishes situation. I moved to an older 1 bedroom apartment with a small kitchen. The sink is not very deep, nor is it split. The faucet is short and I would always bump it with my hands when I was working. Basically, making doing dishes well by hand a huge hassle. I started looking into portable/ countertop dishwashers and this is the product I settled on. I like the clear glass front and the tank that allows you to fill it with a pitcher. However, what really sold me, was this was the perfect size for the small space of counter to the left of my skink.
I am writing this review about 3 months into owning this product. So far- it is super great. I only use the normal wash, speed wash, and drying function of this machine. As a single person, this usually holds all my dishes. So 3 meals of dishes, plus cups and silverware. I only run it more than twice a day if I have people over. More space would have been nice, but then, I don’t have room in my apartment for anything bigger than this. However, I would note this size would probably be too small for a couple if you eat 3 meals at home a day.
I have had 0 issues with this product so far. It’s easy to fill the tank with water, and it runs like a charm. It takes 69 mins wash on normal, and 29 mins on speed wash. I just tell it to wash just before I go to bed, and when I wake up my dishes are clean and dry. Some things to note- this machine does not have a detergent dispenser. There is a small indent in the door where you can put a washer pod. But other than that- it just starts washing right away. Meaning… there is no ‘real’ prewash cycle.
This isn’t a huge deal for me. My dishes are never gross because I do them every day. I also always rinse them right after I eat, so any food falls off. However, if you are a person like my old roommate… who keeps dishes in their room for a week and lets food get crusty and moldy on them, then- this dishwasher probably will not be powerful enough for you. I’d recommend using pods with this machine just because they dissolve a little slower so you can get a bit of a mini- fake prewash however. I’m using the cascade ones, and they work perfect.
The fan also has a higher pitched sound than I thought. This bothered me at first, so I put a fan in my room to drown out the dishwasher fan. (Note my apartment is really small. In a bigger place you could probably not hear the fan.) But, now I am used to it and it does not bother me. But other than those few things, this machine is great. I am glad I gave it the counter space. It makes my life easier and my glasses and forks are finally crystal clear and sparkling. I would recommend this product greatly.
2. Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher:
Helpful Review: Oh, how I needed this dishwasher! I live in an apartment that has no dishwasher, and only a tiny single-tub kitchen sink. Doing dishes the last 4 years has been an absolute pain. I loathed dishes. Hated dishes. I got to the point I was using only paper plates and plastic utensils so I could just throw them away instead of hand washing every utensil and plate and dish. If I had a double-tub sink, I wouldn’t mind dishes so much since you have a wash and rinse side. I love to cook, but over the years, I stopped cooking very much, simply because I hated my dish washing situation.
Due to health problems, I had to change my diet up substantially, which meant a ton of cooking at home. One night, I stumbled on these compact countertop dishwashers. Huh, that could work… But at $300, I was a little leery about dropping so much on a tiny dishwasher. Do I go 2 or 4 place? Can I fit a 6 place? After some measurements, I decided I had no counter space to put a 6-place dishwasher. But I did have a spot, away from my kitchen sink, that I could fit this 4-place dishwasher. The problem with that spot is it’s so far away from the sink. No hoses or tubing would realistically reach that far. That’s where this Hermitlux Countertop Dishwasher with built-in water tank came in handy. I could just fill it with the included jug. And as for the dirty water, I simply run the tubing into a 5-gallon bucket that I dump out after a cycle or two have run.
The dishwasher has more room in it than I thought it would. While I can’t wash any of my medium to large pots and pans, the small ones fit just fine. It holds plenty of silverware, as well as several plates, bowls, and cups. I can easily fit 1-3 sets of dishes from my meals depending on what I make. For things that don’t fit, I still just handwash them. My 8×8 baking pans and bread pans also fit just fine.
Another reason I wanted this dishwasher is for sanitation. Hand washing only gets you so far. There will always be nooks and crannies that you can’t scrub, or you might miss a spot. There is zero guarantee you’re handwash job sanitized those dishes: it’s more likely there’s still billions of germs all over it. 167 degrees F is hot enough to sanitize and kill pretty much everything except for rare exotic strains that wouldn’t be around your food anyways. Some of these dishwashers go up to 190F which I wouldn’t have minded, but those temperatures are more likely to warp your plasticware.
The dishwasher is very quiet, I just hear the gentle trickle of water splashing around. And I love the glass door. It’s weirdly fun to watch your soiled dishes magically become clean. I use Finish All-in-one Ultra Powerball tablets and they work great. My dishes are left extraordinarily clean, and glassware has a beautiful crystal-clear shine to it.
Overall, I highly recommend this dishwasher if you have limited space in your home. It was an absolute lifesaver. It turned me from a dishes-hater to a dishes-lover!!
3. Hava Countertop Dishwasher:
Helpful Review: I have run this dishwasher a total of 81 times at this point. We are a family of 5, with boys in school and daycare. We live in a rent to own situation so until we own this house we cannot go gutting the kitchen that was built in the 50s. Our counter space is limited along with floor space so we don’t have the room to store a full sized washer. Instead this dishwasher sits next to the sink on the counter space that was previously taken by the drying rack. What drew me to this dishwasher was the ability to fill the tank and not needing to buy adapters for my sink. I can run the dishwasher and then hand wash my pans at the same time. Also if anyone else lives in an older home, they will also know the fun game of not being able to wash dishes while someone showers because it will take all the hot water.
The tank eliminates that issue and I am able to put a load in before bed and go take a shower without fear. My husband enjoys hand washing dishes while I do not, because while I wash dishes my kids are off finding trouble. I also enjoy the baby cycle for pet bowls /gecko decor and it would of been a huge blessing when my youngest was a baby and needing bottles for daycare. Any parent or parent to be who is currently hand washing bottles and then microwave sterilizing will understand the blessing that is not having to scrub little parts and having everything sterilized and ready to go.
I can also say that because it heats the water it is saving us money on oil because we are not hand washing in hot water that was heated by oil. My kids love helping load/unload the dishwasher and the glass window is built in entertainment for them. I will say a con is the size but in the same breath it is a pro because we don’t have the room for something bigger. My only other cons are that there is no rinse aid compartment but I remedy that by using cascade platinum pods, and that I can’t put the wire prongs up and down like other models. The upper sprayer arm doesn’t always start spinning right away, but if you leave it alone it will start spinning after the first 2 minutes of the cycle.
Overall this dishwasher has changed my life, keeps my sink clean and makes it so I don’t dread hosting a party. I will need to do multiple loads i.e. plates/silverware, cups and desert items, prep items, and cooking items. However, It makes it so I have more time to spend with my guest instead of standing at the sink and hand washing a ton of dishes.
4. Farberware Portable Dishwasher:
Helpful Review: We moved into an apartment with no dishwasher…seriously, in this day and age?? It was awful handwashing dishes for my family of four. I cook at home and we don’t order take-out, which means a lot of dishwashing. I’ve been thrilled with this machine. I see that I ordered it back in 2021. It’s now May 2024 as I write this and I have never once had a problem with this machine. If you have supersize plates (11 inch), they will not fit but half-size and normal-size plates fit just fine. Pot lids fit well too. I was even surprised to realize that my huge pasta/lobster pot fits in (8 inches tall).
I am also able to put in a very large deep pan with a long handle in (diagonally) and that fits. This thing has been a lifesaver for my sanity. Hand washing dishes is disgusting, unsanitary, and time-consuming. Get this machine! You need to keep it within 4 feet of a sink (and an electric outlet) because its hose attaches to your faucet for incoming and outgoing water (outgoing down your sink drain) As for noise, it’s quiet. It only makes loud noises twice during the entire cycle and just for 10-15 seconds or so, while it is filling and draining water. We have it on the counter along the wall that adjoins our neighbor’s apartment and she said she has never heard it running. It is a large machine. Take note of the measurements and make sure you have enough counterspace for it.
5. Black+Decker BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher:
Helpful Review: I have run about 12 loads so far since getting the device. It is performing well and cleaning the dishes beautifully, plus sanitizing them in the process. I still recommend that you run the dishwasher only when you are home to monitor – water discharges frequently through the quick connect faucet valve, several times during the cycle, and I think it is important to be around to verify that hoses are still tightly connected. So far, hoses have stayed put, and I don’t anticipate problems.
I do plan to sanitize the dishwasher once a week with running a short cycle with a splash of white vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda in it, while empty. This will keep the dishwasher sanitized itself and help ensure the quick connect faucet unit remains clean. This dishwasher has given me my kitchen back – there is no more backlog of dirty dishes to wash by hand. I can now load the dishwasher with dirty dishes daily, and run later in the week as needed. This beats washing dishes by hand by many orders of magnitude. No more washing dishes by hand here! I recommend you buy this product.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Dishwasher:
Space Requirements: Consider the available space in your kitchen or designated area.
Size and Capacity: Choose a dishwasher that fits your space and accommodates your dishwashing needs.
Washing Programs: Look for dishwashers with customizable washing programs to handle various types of dishes.
Water Supply Options: Consider dishwashers with flexible installation, supporting both built-in water tanks and faucet connections.
Drying Capabilities: Opt for models with efficient drying features, such as high-temperature cycles and additional drying modes.
Energy Efficiency: Choose energy-efficient dishwashers with high energy ratings to save on utility bills.
Noise Levels: Consider the noise levels, opting for quieter dishwashers, especially if your living space is close to the kitchen.
Material and Build Quality: Prioritize dishwashers with durable materials, such as stainless steel interiors, for longevity and hygiene.
Ease of Use: Look for user-friendly controls, LED displays, and features like child locks for safety.
Brand Reputation and Reviews: Consider reputable brands with positive customer reviews to ensure reliability.
Additional Features: Evaluate unique features like fruit baskets, cutlery racks, and quick-connect setups based on your preferences.
Warranty and Support: Check the warranty offered by the manufacturer to ensure long-term reliability and support.
In conclusion, choosing the right dishwasher requires a thoughtful consideration of your space, capacity needs, and desired features. Prioritize efficiency, energy savings, and durability. Reading reviews, exploring additional features, and opting for reputable brands contribute to a satisfying and reliable dishwashing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. What brand of dishwasher is the best?
Determining the “best” brand can vary based on individual preferences and needs. Brands like Bosch, Novete, and Comfee are often recognized for their reliability and performance.
2. Which dishwasher is long-lasting?
Dishwashers from reputable brands like Bosch, Miele, and Whirlpool are known for their durability and longevity. Regular maintenance and proper use also contribute to a dishwasher’s lifespan.
3. What is better than a Bosch dishwasher?
Comparable brands to Bosch include Miele, KitchenAid, and Samsung. The “better” option depends on specific features, budget, and personal preferences.
4. What is important when buying a dishwasher?
Key considerations include size and capacity, washing programs, energy efficiency, noise levels, build quality, ease of use, and additional features that align with individual needs.
5. What is the least problematic dishwasher?
Dishwashers from brands like Bosch, Miele, and KitchenAid are often praised for their reliability and minimal issues. However, individual experiences may vary.
6. What is the average life of a dishwasher?
The average lifespan of a dishwasher is around 10-13 years, but proper maintenance and usage can extend or reduce this timeframe.
7. How do I choose a built-in dishwasher?
Consider factors like size, capacity, washing programs, energy efficiency, noise levels, and brand reputation. Ensure compatibility with your kitchen layout and choose a model that suits your preferences.
8. What are the disadvantages of a built-in dishwasher?
Potential drawbacks include the need for professional installation, limited portability, and the initial cost of purchase and installation.
9. What should I look for in a dishwasher?
Focus on features such as washing performance, energy efficiency, noise levels, ease of use, build quality, and additional functions like specialized washing programs or smart capabilities. Consider reputable brands with positive reviews for reliability.
