Dishwasher Types

Portable & Countertop

Homeowners and renters who would like a dishwasher, but don’t want to (or can’t) install it as a permanent fixture, should consider a portable or countertop dishwasher.

A portable dishwasher usually comes with a butcher-block top, casters on the bottom and water hook-ups for your kitchen sink. Typically a compact size of 18 inches wide, portable dishwashers can be rolled out of the kitchen and stored elsewhere when not in use—a definite perk. On the other hand, they must be connected to both an electrical outlet and a water source to work and can be cumbersome in a small kitchen.

Some portable models are also convertible—that is, by removing the casters, the top and possibly the side panels they can be permanently installed under the counter using a conversion kit.

Price: $350 to $500. The more expensive models have more cycles, more color choices and hard-food disposers.

Smaller than a portable dishwasher, a countertop dishwasher is similar in size to a microwave oven. These 18-inch square units sit on the counter while in use and hold about four place settings. Similar to a portable or full-size dishwasher, they must be hooked up to a water source and electrical outlet to work.

Price: $150 to $200.