Countertop dishwashers are best suited for plates, glasses, mugs, cutlery and hold a small quantity of items. They can last 7 – 10 years depending on the quality and maintenance. Countertop dishwashers are worth it if you don’t have enough space for a traditional dishwasher. If you have a family, it’s best to go with a full sized dishwasher.
Table of Contents
What is a countertop dishwasher?
A countertop dishwasher is a smaller version of a full-sized dishwasher that can be placed on your counter. This type of dishwasher operates through the water from the kitchen faucet and drains through the sink. It is significantly smaller than full-sized dishwashers making it more compact and depending on the model more cost-effective.
A worktop dishwasher can use less energy and water than full-sized dishwashers which makes them perfect for those on a tighter budget. It is recommended that these dishwashers be used for single households or two-person households. There are plenty of options for those who want a dishwasher but without all the fuss of a full-sized one.
Can I Cut on My Countertop Without Scratching it?
Can You Run A Dishwasher Without Hot Water?
How to figure out what type of countertop you have
What are the benefits of countertop dishwashers?
There can be many benefits to having a countertop dishwasher. Especially if you are limited on space or your home does not come with a full-size one already. Countertop dishwashers can come in many sizes and with different features.
This machine can avoid the costly fees of installation that would come with a full-sized dishwasher. Installation for a countertop dishwasher is relatively simple, it can be plugged into your kitchen bench electrical port and connected to the sink faucet. No kitchen modifications are required for this product.
This appliance is cost-effective and does not use much water, many countertop dishwashers only use around eight litres per wash in comparison to the average full sized dishwasher which uses thirteen litres per wash.
Lastly, one of the better aspects of the appliance is its price which is significantly cheaper than a brand new full sized dishwasher. It will only set you back around three to four hundred dollars depending on the brand.
What are the negatives of countertop dishwashers?
With all the positives of a countertop dishwasher, there are of course negatives when it comes to these products. Countertop dishwashers need a water source to operate. To do this you need a particular type of faucet for it to operate.
Altering the faucet can permanently damage it, which is not ideal for those who are in rental properties. This can be a negative aspect of countertop dishwashers as more effort is needed to operate them.
Countertop dishwashers can also take up a large portion of counter space, which if you have a small kitchen can be a problem. On average they take up about 50cm x 55cm of space on countertops.
An efficient way to combat this problem, however, is to use the dishwasher as storage for the dishes when not in use. Not to mention, this appliance can be a big eyesore to the layout of your kitchen. They can be a noise nuisance too.
These machines are relatively loud and can create a noisy atmosphere which may be cause for concern, particularly for renters who may be living in apartment complexes with noise curfews.
These appliances do hold their own in comparison to full-sized dishwashers, however, do not expect this appliance to do the same job as it is one-third of the size. Countertop dishwashers do not offer the same features as a full-sized dishwasher would, meaning you miss out on a lot of customization settings.
How long does a countertop dishwasher last?
The average full-sized dishwasher lasts about a decade with proper maintenance and the same applies to countertop dishwashers.
However, this can also vary from brand to brand. Most brands estimate their dishwashers last anywhere from 7 to 10 years. After this time of expiry, the dishwasher will be ineffective and will not operate to its full original capacity.
There are ways to extend the quality of your dishwasher through various methods. Pre-rinsing can be a way to prevent build-up from inside the dishwasher.
Changing the filters regularly is the most crucial part of any dishwasher maintenance. This can help keep the water hardness effects minimized as this can damage the overall product.
Water hardness is caused by lime and can cause the breakdown of a product much quicker if not properly monitored. Buying the right product to ensure longevity is more important than buying the cheapest product because, in the end, you will be paying more for maintenance.
Can you put pots and pans in a countertop dishwasher?
If you wish to not wash those large pots and pans you should not buy a countertop dishwasher. The pots and pots will not fit into the dishwasher, as they are designed to only hold a few place settings at a time.
Plates and cutlery will fit, anything else will not. You will be washing these items by hand which can defeat the purpose of a dishwasher. Consider this aspect of the product before purchasing as this may turn you off from buying it altogether.
