This  Gota counter top is very sadly only a concept at this point. Sleek, elegant and with a small footprint, this design recycles water from a ‘steam’ cycle for use during a wash.  Hurry up guys!

So, what exactly is a counter top or tabletop dishwasher?

I did not even know that Tabletop / Counter dishwashers existed until I was living on my own!  Once I DID find out, my interest level skyrocketed. Since I’ve been dismayed many times at how time consuming simple housekeeping is, I decided to spend that time more productively, researching alternatives! Really, I am not a “neat freak”, not by any definition of the term, but I do want to live in a minimum of clutter, with a kitchen I can use when I want to…..not having to clean up after the last meal created.

Taking up substantially less room than either a standard dishwasher, or even a portable one, the dimentions of these guys are much smaller both outside, and inside. Usually, their capacity is indicated in the number of place settings they can effectively clean in one cycle.

Danby is under $200 at Walmart, and Energy Star rated

Haier 6 place setting unit is around $250 at Home Depot

Edgestar unit is about $440 at Sears, Energy Star rated, with digital controls

For best results in cleaning your items, look for models that have 2 sprayer arms. The criss-crossing of the water streams clean much better than a single angle jet. Usually, in these units, one sprayer arm will be above your dishes, the other below. This allows for more effective cleaning of your glassware (up top) and plates/utensils (below).

Quickly I noticed that Sears, that well respected industry leader in appliances, did not have a ‘Kenmore” model tabletop. Knowing how well they stand behind the products they sell, I did not let that deter me from considering their offerings.  The Edgestar,, pictured above right, is both Energy Star, and voted a “Best Buy” buy consumers is attractive, and features a stylish window on the front door. Digital controls add to the modern look, and it is reportedly nice and quiet.

I found out that tabletop and counter top dishwashers require no direct water line, and connect directly to your sink via the faucet.  Great for me, as I was renting the home, and did not want to disturb any of the permanent plumbing. And interestingly, there are models of counter top dishwashers that can be installed inside of a cabinet. If you decide to go in that direction, look for and make sure the internal pump is strong enough to export the drain water properly. If you are considering this option due to limitations on counter space, bear in mind you will lose the storage room of the cabinet where you install the dishwasher.  In this case, you may want to consider an under the sink dishwasher, which has a unique design/shape that accomodates the plumbing pipes and drain lines located under your sink.

Okay, so to sum up, look for these points when considering the perfect counter top or tabletop dishwasher for YOUR home:

• Make note of the space from your counter top to the bottom of the cabinet over it.
• Stainless steel is much more durable, look for units with an interior constructed with it
• Counter top dishwashers contain a water heater, try to find a unit with 2 heat settings for maximum efficiency
• Going from 4 place setting to 8 place settings, consider how much capacity you need.
• Do you need a drying cycle? This is up to you. So if you use plastic cups, or don’t worry much about spots, forget it.
• Water and energy efficiency. Go for Energy Star rated appliance whenever possible.

tabletop dishwasher

counter top dishwasher
countertop dishwasher