Small Dishwashers: Compact Dishwasher for a Small Kitchen

The dishwasher, an electric appliance that cleans dishes, has been the answer to soiled dishes for decades. This appliance is seen to throughly clean dirty dishes and has replaced the cumbersome process of scrubbing dishes by hand. The Consumer Reports Magazine stated that 'most dishwashers will do a great job cleaning even the dirtiest dishes without pre-rinsing.' Dishwashers range from $250 to $2,000. However, with today's apartments and condos, it is not possible to have the standard 24-inch dishwasher in the kitchen. Space constraints, due to inadequate kitchen floor space, becomes a problem. The solution to this shortage of space is a small dishwasher. Small dishwashers not only provide the same convenience of standard size dishwashers, but also take lesser space.

Varieties of Compact Dishwashers

Often people think that compact dishwashers don't provide the same facilities as standard ones. However, this is not true! These modern, compact dishwashers are efficient and have all possible dishwasher features. The different compact dishwashers available are:

Countertop Dishwasher

Countertop dishwashers are the smallest type of dishwashers available. As their name suggests, these dishwashers are ones that sit on the kitchen counter and are attached to the sink faucets via hoses. Though not very large, they are large enough to wash dishes of up to four complete place settings in a single load. In appearance, they resemble a microwave, and also feature a stainless steel interior. These are portable and can be conveniently moved while house shifting. These type of compact dishwashers range in price from $200 to $260 and are quite handy for couples or single people living in apartments. This type of dishwasher is not beneficial for couples with kids, as the appliance will be too small for their needs.

Slimline Dishwasher

Slimline, or 18-inch dishwashers, are the closest type of compact dishwashers to standard inbuilt ones. Like standard dishwashers, these are also permanently plumbed into the kitchen. The difference lies only in their size. The slimline dishwasher is 6 inches narrower than the standard one. Thus, these are perfect for houses with lesser kitchen area. They range from $300 to $450, and are mobile with casters or a set of wheels. To operate them, one has to plug them and hook them to a faucet. When not in use, they can be easily stored in closets or other storage areas. Since they are provided with a countertop, they make a convenient surface for carrying out various kitchen chores.

Portable Dishwasher

A small portable dishwasher feature wheels, which is why it's called the portable type. However, even the slimline variety comes with wheels. The main feature of portable dishwashers are that they are not permanently plumbed into the kitchen and the cabinetry. To install a dishwasher, one is required to plug in and hook it to the water and drainage points. The greatest advantage of a portable dishwasher is, like it's name suggests, its portability. It can be easily moved around and can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. So if kitchen place is less, it can be simply placed in a closet and taken out as and when required. Moreover, it is quite easy for anyone to set up. The power cord and hose is simple to connect, and within no time one is ready to start the appliance. Most portable dishwashers are 18-inches in size, however, most are also capable of managing larger loads. Larger individual items such as cookie sheets can also be washed in these type of dishwashers.

Compact dishwashers are the best alternative for people who don't have a large pile of dirty dishes at the end of each day. By opting for this kitchen appliance, one can save electricity and water. Single people, couples with no children, and retired people can opt for these small dishwashers.