<p>D1 is looking for apartments. She has found one that she really likes (basically an older brick home that for years has been split into 4 apartments - it’s what she was looking for as opposed to apartment complexes). This apt suits all her needs except that the kitchen has no dishwasher. She likes to cook so this is a negative to her. Probably the only true negative in the apartment. </p>
<p>Not sure if the landlord would approve it, but there is space to store a portable dishwasher. But I actually have no idea how they work, how efficient they are, if they clean well, how easy it is to hook up and move, etc. If she has to move the dishwasher a couple of feet each time to the sink to hook up is that practical??</p>
<p>We have never had a built in dishwasher.
We use Sears, which lasts for about 15-20 years. They can be a little smaller than built I s, but for one or two people it isn’t bad. It is a pain to roll it, and you can’t use the sink while it’s running, but it’s better than doing everything by hand!</p>
<p>Well, clearly we know dishes can be washed by hand! We all have our perks we’d like to have in our daily lives. It’s her decision whether she can “live” without this one or not - just trying to help her think of alternatives. She says the kitchen is small and setting up a drying dish rack will also take up valuable counter space since there is not much of that either (and just a small, single tub sink). </p>
<p>Is there room to put a portable dishwater in the kitchen? And is there room to move it near enough to the sink to use? If she has to store this thing outside of the kitchen, I would suggest not getting it. If it is going to obstruct the path in front of the sink every time she uses it…again no. If she has to walk to a different space than the kitchen to load it…again no. </p>
<p>Also, look at the costs to buy this. How long will she be in this apartment?</p>
<p>All good questions Thumper. I am almost certain there is space right in the kitchen for it - the proximity I am not sure of, but I think just a couple feet (picture a galley type kitchen - the sink would be sort of across from where there is space to store the dishwasher. </p>
<p>It may not be a feasible solution space wise or landlord wise. Just trying to rule out options. The cost is another factor, but that would be her call. I would guess she would only be in the apt a year or two. I personally say suck it up and buy a few extra paper plates to help out - she is alone most of the week anyway. But…not my final decision! :)</p>
<p>Friends of mine had a portable dishwasher for decades. IIRC, it had a butcher-block top and functioned as extra counter space when it wasn’t in use. They only had to roll it a few feet to hook it up, which didn’t seem to be a big deal.</p>
<p>Friend now has another apt kitchen with no dishwasher and little space. Helped him figure out how to fit in a lot more storage (wire shelving) and counter space (high, refectory-style table, under which the trash and recycling cans fit nicely. There is room at the end for a portable dishwasher, which he plans to get eventually. He cooks a lot. :)</p>
<p>I had a portable Maytag dishwasher for years that worked very well. When not in use, we kept it next to our stove which was convenient because it provided extra counter space. It was close to our sink so wasn’t too hard to roll over to hook up but like emeraldkity said above, you couldn’t use the sink while it was running. Also, because it wasn’t built-in, it was on the loud side, but with a family of four, it was a huge timesaver and very worth it!</p>
<p>Funny this has come up because i was in an appliance store today and for the first time in MANY years, I saw a portable dishwasher. It seemed to be the same size as a regular one and it did have the butcher block top.</p>
<p>My son bought a small 1 br condo and the kitchen had a dishwasher. Due to crazy housing market he had to buy it without contingencies. After moving in he noticed dishwasher wasn’t hooked up. I guess it was a portable kind. I don’t think he has ever used it. </p>
<p>Goodness, I can’t even discipline myself to consistently empty my dishwasher…If I had a portable, I would be walking around it for my entire lease as it would always be parked in front of the sink. I was without a dishwasher for a couple of months and I swear my kitchen ended up being more tidy than usual. </p>
<p>Well, she filled out the apartment app so we will see what happens. She was checking into whether the sink has a garbage disposal. I also was sending her links to small dish drying racks yesterday for her to realize there are options that are space saving. And encouraging her to think of the dining room (how nice in an apt to have a dining room!) as an extention of the kitchen. Maybe she could set up a cute coffee station in the dining room with her coffee pot, toaster since that’s where she will eat anyway and then free up counter space. </p>
<p>I live in a place where having a garbage disposal would cost you extra in septic tank inspection and pumping fees ($300-$400/yr). Naturally, I chose not to install it, and I’ve never in 14 years had a thought, “Rats, I wish I had a garbage disposal” - it is not the most essential thing in the kitchen. </p>
<p>I’ve never had a disposal, either. I compost. (Of course, I don’t live in the city.) I think that those for whom septic systems are the norm are far less likely to be interested in disposals.</p>
<p>Two things I’ve never had the slightest desire to have: a disposal in the sink, and a trash compacter. :)</p>
<p>Weve never had a garbage disposal either. It seems like trouble. Besides with food & yard waste collection it seems unnecessary, even if you don’t compost.</p>
<p>Wow, disposals are super commonplace here. Most apartment complexes have them as well. Having a garbage disposal would make the dishwashing easier (rinsing into the drain and then washing). An apartment dweller is not likely to compost! To each his own, but a disposal is something I’ve always had and would want to have. </p>
<p>I’ve only ever seen a sink-based garbage disposal unit once, and that was in a commercial kitchen. I can’t see what’s wrong with just scraping your scraps into the bin. </p>
<p>When it comes to a portable dishwasher, I’ve always known it as a washing up brush, bowl and liquid. </p>
<p>Abasket, it probably does vary greatly with location. I’ve never seen a garbage disposal in any of the rental condos in HI! In my city, we are really big on composting and collecting yard waste/food scraps in a separate garbage bin that gets picked up weekly.</p>
The cost is another factor, but that would be her call. I would guess she would only be in the apt a year or two. I personally say suck it up and buy a few extra paper plates to help out - she is alone most of the week anyway. But…not my final decision! :)</p>