Now, how can you incorporate a dishwasher into your small kitchen space? Well, the answer lies with a portable dishwasher. While they come in different sizes to suit different needs, portable dishwashers are quickly becoming a sensation in kitchens. So, if you are questioning how to use a portable dishwasher, here are some insights for you.
Roll it where you want, connect the faucet and drainage hoses, and viola!
What is a portable dishwasher?
A portable dishwasher is precisely what the name implies, a dishwasher that can move from one place to another. So, unlike the traditional dishwashers that stay in one place all the time, portable dishwashers are perfect for mobility. Most of them sit on a rack with caster wheels on the bottom, which means you can roll them into the kitchen when you want to clean your plates or store them when you finish.
Portable vs. traditional dishwashers
When you want to buy a dishwasher for your kitchen, you will come across many options. However, not everyone can use a portable dishwasher, while the conventional ones may not suit your space.
When choosing between traditional and portable dishwashers, there are a few factors you should consider:
- Cost: built-in dishwashers tend to be a little costlier than portable dishwashers. This is because the multi-functionality of the built-in dishwasher is superior to the limited access to the sink offered by the portable dishwasher.
- Space: if you need flexible space in your kitchen, then a built-in dishwasher is not the ideal choice. Portable dishwashers give you flexibility on how to move your kitchen around.
- Mobility: Without a doubt, portable dishwashers are easier to move from one place to another.
- Plumbing: a built-in dishwasher has more versatility and control. You can decide the water pressure, cycling, and temperature of the water. However, if you have a portable dishwasher, you need to hook it to the sink every time. The connection weakens the pressure, reducing the efficiency of your dishwasher.
- Size: as you get a dishwasher, size matters. Most built-in dishwashers are large or double drawer dishwasher which means they use single or double loads to clean your utensils. On the other hand, portable dishwashers, usually in 18-inch and 24-inch sizes, differ. A small portable dishwasher will save on space but use more loading cycles. However, the full-size portable washer has more fantastic features and is more common in the market. In addition, it hogs space, which means it may still not be suitable for a smaller kitchen.
If you have considered the factors above and settled for a portable dishwasher, here is how to use a portable dishwasher.
How does a portable dishwasher work?
If your kitchen does not allow installing a conventional dishwasher, then a portable one might be what you need. In fact, the portable dishwashers are easy to use, and if you have experience with the traditional type, this will be a piece of cake.
The portable dishwasher works in a similar manner as the conventional dishwasher. Both need water, which you can get from your tap, or, for newer models, a tank.
Wo, when you reel your dishwasher into the kitchen, you can connect it to the kitchen sink with an adapter. Alternatively, you can buy a newer model with a built-in tank. So, before a cycle, you only need to refill the water in the tank, and you will be good to go.
Regardless of the model you choose, you will need to use the portable dishwasher near a sink. This is because the device needs to drain wastewater, and your sink is a plausible solution.
How to use a portable dishwasher
Do you live in an apartment without a water line running through the kitchen and want to get a dishwasher? If your answer is yes, a portable dishwasher might be a good investment for you.
The dishwasher is on wheels, which means you can pull it out of a corner and roll it into your kitchen with ease. Now, to use it, here are a few simple steps you can follow:
- Loosen the aerator from the spout on your kitchen tap. You can loosen it with a pair of pliers or hold it between your thumb and index finger. Store the aerator in a safe and easy-to-find spot in your kitchen
- Connect the kitchen faucet that comes with the dishwasher to the threaded faucet spout on the tap. The dishwasher comes with an adapter which should make the connection between the tap and the dishwasher simpler, more secure, and seamless.
- If you have hot water on the tap, turn it on and let it run until the water is hot to the touch. At that point, turn off the faucet.
- Get your dishwasher from storage and roll it over to the sink.
- Pull out the hoses, both inlet, and outlet, from the storage compartment, usually at the back of the portable dishwasher.
- Position the collar of the inlet hose directly under the adapter on the tap. Usually, the collar has a unique feature that allows it to lock in place with the tap.
- Pull down the collar ring and slide the collar into the adapter. Release the ring and tug on the hose a little to confirm a connection.
- Turn on the tap
- Pull out the power cable from the storage compartment, mainly located near the hose, and plug it into an AC outlet in the kitchen.
- Load the dishwasher, select the desired cycle and let the work begin.
- Once done, remove your dishes, disconnect the dishwasher from power and water supplies and reel it back into its storage space.
Are portable dishwashers worth it?
While you learn how to use a portable dishwasher, it is essential to note that they have advantages and disadvantages. For instance, while it is possible to use a portable dishwasher anywhere, you need it close to a tap. And if they have a tank, you need to refill it beforehand.
On the other hand, they may be small and space-economical, but the smaller the dishwasher gets, the more load cycles you get. Finally, portable dishwashers may be cheaper, but they also lack the convenience that built-in models have. In short, you cannot use your kitchen sink when the dishwasher is running.
If your considerations lead you to buy a portable dishwasher, you can enjoy using it since it is pretty straightforward and fun. Moreover, you can carry them in your SUV, kill germs on your utensils, and use less water. So, they are worth it.