If you can’t install a dishwasher, you aren’t necessarily doomed to hand-washing duty. A portable dishwasher clamps to a faucet when you need it and can roll away (and turn into extra counter space) when you don’t. Otherwise, it works just like any built-in dishwasher. If you need one, we recommend a portable dishwasher from GE, available in compact 18-inch and standard 24-inch versions.
GE GPT145SSLSS
A great compact portable dishwasher
This portable dishwasher rolls up to your sink, hooks up to the faucet, runs like any other dishwasher, and wheels back into storage when you’re done. This is a compact, 18-inch model.
GE GPT225SSLSS
A great standard-size portable dishwasher
This is a standard-width, 24-inch version of the GE portable dishwasher, with as much capacity as in a typical built-in model.
GE’s 18-inch GPT145SSLSS and 24-inch GPT225SSLSS are the most affordable portable dishwashers that have retractable, self-storing hoses—a feature that makes them much more convenient than the models with hoses that you need to wrap by hand. Otherwise, the GE models are very similar to other portables and similar to most medium-quality, built-in dishwashers, with great cleaning, decent drying, quiet performance, and Energy Star compliance.
The research
Who should get this
Why you should trust us, and how we picked and tested
Top pick: GE GPT145SSLSS and GPT225SSLSS
When did these get so expensive?
The competition
Who should get this
If a built-in dishwasher isn’t feasible for your kitchen, a portable dishwasher is a great alternative. These models offer the convenience of traditional dishwashers but are designed to be mobile. You can easily roll them to the sink, connect them to the faucet, and start washing your dishes. They also double as extra counter space, which is a nice bonus.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Not all faucets will accommodate the dishwasher’s connection, so you might need to invest in an adapter or change the aerator. Avoid using them with pull-out faucets, as they don’t work well with those designs.
Some budget-friendly models can be tricky when it comes to storing hoses and cords, as they may require wrapping them around pegs. Additionally, while portable dishwashers are somewhat heavy (around 117 to 147 pounds when empty), many users find the swivel casters make them easy to move.
Lastly, the hoses are typically about 3 feet long and the power cords around 5 feet, so make sure you have enough reach for setup. Overall, portable dishwashers can be a practical solution for those with space and plumbing limitations.
Portable dishwashers can clean and dry your dishes just like built-in models, offering similar racks and cycle selections found in low-end to midrange built-ins. These are genuine dishwashers, not gimmicky alternatives, making them a reliable choice for your kitchen.
If you’re renting a home without a dishwasher and considering a portable model, it’s wise to check with your landlord first. Some leases may prohibit portable dishwashers due to concerns about potential leaks if not properly clamped to the faucet. You might convince a skeptical landlord by highlighting that dishwashers typically save significant amounts of water and energy compared to hand washing, potentially leading to savings for everyone involved.
Note that we haven’t yet had the chance to review countertop dishwashers, which usually sit next to a sink and hold considerably fewer dishes than a portable or built-in dishwasher is equipped to handle.
Why you should trust us, and how we picked and tested
For a complete accounting of our sources, research efforts, and testing methodology, be sure to check out our guide to the best built-in dishwashers. In that guide, you’ll find in-depth context on what makes a dishwasher exceptional, including essential features like racks, cleaning performance, drying technology, cycle options, and efficiency measures. This comprehensive overview will help you understand the key elements that contribute to a dishwasher’s overall effectiveness and value.
For this guide in particular, we did the following:
We tested the Danby DDW1805EWP to evaluate its performance and features. While we recommend the GE GPT225SSLSS, we were unable to conduct a hands-on test due to issues with the faucet clamp and difficulties in finding the right adapter before our office closed because of the pandemic. This experience highlights the importance of ensuring compatibility when selecting a portable dishwasher, as the right fittings are crucial for optimal performance.
We spent a couple of hours researching a handful of other available portable models, including those from RCA, SPT, and Whirlpool
Based on publicly available import records and our comparisons of the models’ features, we’re confident that the Danby, RCA, and SPT portable dishwashers are manufactured by the same company, Midea. Additionally, GE portable dishwashers may also originate from Midea, although the racks and hose assembly in GE models differ significantly from those of the Danby unit and its clones. We anticipate that the cleaning and drying performance will be nearly identical across all these models, making them reliable options for effective dishwashing. In contrast, Whirlpool appears to manufacture its own line of portable dishwashers, offering distinct features and performance.
Top pick: GE GPT145SSLSS and GPT225SSLSS
GE GPT145SSLSS
A great compact portable dishwasher
This portable dishwasher rolls up to your sink, hooks up to the faucet, runs like any other dishwasher, and wheels back into storage when you’re done. This is a compact, 18-inch model.
GE GPT225SSLSS
A great standard-size portable dishwasher
This is a standard-width, 24-inch version of the GE portable dishwasher, with as much capacity as in a typical built-in model.
We highly recommend the 18-inch GE GPT145SSLSS and 24-inch GE GPT225SSLSS portable dishwashers. If you have the space, opt for the larger model, as it offers greater capacity, but the slimmer option is also an excellent choice if that better suits your kitchen layout. Both models are solid, all-around dishwashers that feel sturdier and are designed to be more convenient than any other options currently available. Their reliable performance and user-friendly features make them top contenders for effective dishwashing in a portable format.
The main reason GE portable dishwashers stand out is their retractable hose feature. When you’re not using the dishwasher, you can conveniently rewind the hose and faucet-clamp assembly into the dishwasher cabinet, keeping everything out of sight and neatly tucked away. Setting up the dishwasher is also a breeze, as the faucet clamp is positioned at waist height, allowing you to easily grab the assembly and pull it toward the sink without having to reach down and unravel a coil of hose. Retractable hoses were once a standard feature on portable dishwashers and are far more convenient—and likely more durable—than the cheap clip-to-store hoses found in lower-end models. This thoughtful design enhances the overall usability and longevity of GE dishwashers, making them a worthwhile investment.
Otherwise, GE portable dishwashers are comparable to other models currently available and are significantly more efficient than hand washing. Our experience shows that most dishwashers deliver excellent cleaning results when loaded properly and used with quality detergent. Complaints about poor cleaning performance are rare in owner reviews for portable dishwashers, further highlighting their effectiveness.
The drying performance of the GE models should be satisfactory; while they lack an added-heat drying option, each features a stainless steel tub that aids in drying dishes passively using residual heat, especially when paired with a rinse aid. The noise level is pleasantly low, with decibel ratings in the mid-50s, making them suitable for various kitchen environments.
Cycle selections—including auto, heavy, light, and sanitize—along with run times of about two to two and a half hours, mirror those of affordable built-in dishwashers. Additionally, these models are efficient enough to qualify for Energy Star certification, ensuring that you save on both water and energy while enjoying reliable performance.
The 18-inch GE GPT145SSLSS (GE has a 24-inch version, too) cleans as well as any affordable built-in dishwasher, and its retractable hose (not shown) makes it more convenient than the other portable dishwashers
Other noteworthy features of the GE portable dishwashers include their “integrated” control panels, which are cleverly hidden on the top of the door instead of being visible on the front. This design is considered an aesthetic upgrade, although not everyone appreciates it, as the hidden panel can make it difficult to determine whether the dishwasher has finished its cycle.
Additionally, GE claims that its portable dishwashers come equipped with a food grinder alongside the standard filter. While grinders are often viewed as harmless gimmicks, our testing of built-in dishwashers has shown that they typically do not enhance cleaning performance. Overall, these features contribute to the thoughtful design of GE models, balancing style and functionality.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The most common complaint about GE portable dishwashers is that the faucet clamp doesn’t easily work with many faucets out of the box. We encountered this issue during our testing, and you may need to purchase an adapter set to ensure compatibility with your existing faucet. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough information on which faucet types are compatible to provide specific guidance.
Additionally, some owners have noted in reviews that the racks in the 18-inch models are designed in a way that doesn’t accommodate many dishes, particularly larger items like pots. Many of these complaints appear to come from users comparing the GE model’s racks with those of previous 18-inch dishwashers they owned. It’s possible that the GE portable dishwasher has similar dimensions to other models but features different contours, or that some users haven’t adjusted their dish-loading strategies to maximize the available space.
For context, reviews of Danby and SPT models tend to have fewer complaints regarding rack capacity, so if the layout is a significant concern for you, those brands might be worth considering. Alternatively, you could explore full-width 24-inch portable dishwashers for more space.
Another notable change from older portable dishwashers is that the GE models lack a tray for water-softening salts, a feature that none of the current-generation models offer. If you previously relied on salts to improve performance in hard water, you will need to consider alternative solutions to maintain optimal cleaning results.
When did these get so expensive?
If you’re shopping for a portable dishwasher for the first time in a while, you’re not imagining it: these appliances have become significantly more expensive. From 2014 through early 2019, we recommended Danby models that typically cost around $450 and featured convenient retractable hoses and cords. In contrast, built-in dishwashers with similar features often started at $600 or more. At that time, portable dishwashers were a true steal, offering excellent value for those seeking flexibility and efficiency in their kitchen without the higher price tag associated with built-ins.
Then portable dishwashers nearly disappeared from the market for a short stretch, and when they reemerged, they were significantly more expensive than before. The exact reasons behind this price correction remain unclear, but it’s evident that the cost of portable dishwashers has risen, impacting options for consumers seeking the flexibility and convenience these models offer. If you’re considering a portable dishwasher, it’s important to weigh these higher prices against the features and benefits they provide.
The competition
We used to recommend Danby dishwashers in this guide, but the new 18-inch Danby DDW1805EWP takes a significant step backward due to its lack of a retractable hose. Instead, users must wrap the hose around plastic clips on the back of the machine, and unfortunately, the clips on the unit we tested broke after just two uses. This design makes using the dishwasher much more cumbersome and inconvenient.
That said, the Danby remains a decent dishwasher, comparable to the GE models in overall performance. The rack layout differs from that of the 18-inch GE, which may allow for easier placement of pots and other large items. However, many users are unlikely to notice a significant difference in functionality. If ease of use and convenience are top priorities for you, the absence of the retractable hose may be a considerable drawback.
Another quirk to consider is that most retailers appear to ship Danby dishwashers through regular shipping services rather than via freight services or appliance-delivery specialists. This shipping method may explain the higher number of complaints in owner reviews regarding Danby models arriving damaged compared to GE models, which are typically delivered by specialized appliance services. We experienced this issue firsthand: the first Danby unit we received for testing was severely damaged, and the replacement arrived with a noticeable dent. This is definitely something to keep in mind if you’re considering a Danby portable dishwasher, as the delivery experience can impact your overall satisfaction with the product.
The SPT SD-9263 is essentially a carbon copy of the Danby 18-inch model. Additionally, SPT offers a 24-inch model, the SD-6513, which shares many features with the 24-inch GE model we recommend. However, the SPT SD-6513 has received poor customer ratings on Home Depot’s website, raising concerns about its reliability. Like the Danby, neither SPT model includes a retractable hose, which may make them less convenient to use compared to models with this feature. If you’re considering these options, it’s important to weigh their performance and customer feedback against the ease of use found in the GE models.
The RCA RDW1809 is another clone of the Danby 18-inch model.
The Whirlpool WDP370PAH, a 24-inch model, is the least like the other portables and more like a low-end built-in Whirlpool model on wheels. Some of the features are appealing: The top of the cabinet is made of wood, like a butcher block. The machine has a heated-dry cycle (though we’re not sure if it works better than the passive-drying systems on the GE models—Whirlpool’s cheap built-in dishwashers don’t dry so well). And it offers a one-hour wash cycle, so it can finish faster than other portables (though it doesn’t dry dishes in the process—that’s a different setting). It does have a retractable hose. We didn’t test it, but we expect it to be a decent dishwasher. The big downside is that it’s very noisy at 64 dBA, louder than some vacuum cleaners.
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