Portable dishwashers are just the ticket for those with less than enough space for a more permanent and heavier dishwasher. They range in widths from a slim 18 inches to a maximum of about 24 inches for the “larger” portables. In general, they are also less expensive. They usually run anywhere from $200 to $500, rather than to $600 or more as with permanent units.
There are many inventions today that help make life easier. Life in the kitchen is not easy and there is no place where there are more inventions designed to make things easier than in the kitchen. The dishwasher is no exception to these inventions. Used properly, a dishwasher can rid your days of washing and scrubbing dishes. It is something that no one cares to do, especially after spending lots of time trying to prepare the meal to begin with. It is for this reason that the dishwasher is one of the most prized appliances in the kitchen for many. No more hassle of having to wash dishes. Best of all, they come in many sizes to suite anyone’s needs. There are large built-in dishwashers that can handle many dishes including pots and pans. Then there are smaller countertop dishwashers that can fit just about anywhere in the kitchen.
The countertop dishwasher is the ideal dishwasher for someone with a small kitchen that can’t fit a built-in dishwasher. They work well in apartments that can’t be modified to fit one under the counter. It is the perfect solution for someone who doesn’t need a lot of dishes washed each day. They are made to sit on top of the counter next to the sink. They usually have a hose that can hook right up to the faucet of the sink for a source of water. They plug right into a standard outlet in the wall for power and they drain their water right into the sink with a drain hose.
Portable dishwashers have wheels on them. You can roll your portable dishwasher to the storeroom if you don’t plan on using it for a while (and would rather opt for hand-washing). It’s also much easier to maneuver, for those who plan on moving to a new home in the near future.
They usually contain two rolling baskets for placing dishes into. They don’t usually boast the usual whistles and bells of large units, but they do have enough settings to choose from. For example, many units have a super-powerful cycle for pots and pans. Some also offer an option for boosting the water temperature when the house’s hot water supply is low.
To operate a portable dishwasher, you must roll it over to the sink and connect it to a hose. That part is easy. Just screw the hose to the sink’s plumbing. Make sure you won’t be using the sink during the machine’s cycles, and also be sure to unclog the sink first, if necessary. Drano or Liquid Plumr should do the trick. Also, be sure to rinse dishes before putting them in the machine. This will prevent the number of cases of clogging and grime buildup. If it ever does get plugged up, emitting a black gunk that ends up on your dishes, try scrubbing the walls down with vinegar and running the machine with a cup of vinegar.
Almost all manufacturers of standard, full-size dishwashers also offer a portable model. This includes Bosch, KitchenAid, Maytag, Whirlpool, GE, and Kenmore.
A portable dishwasher’s top acts as a countertop in many households, a godsend when space is at a premium. Alternatively, some portable dishwashers are made to sit atop an existing countertop in your kitchen. These have smaller capacities, as one might guess. But their performance is every bit as good as a floor-bound unit.
