The Ultimate Guide to Dishwashers

Let’s be honest: doing the dishes is no one’s favorite chore. After preparing a meal—or just grabbing a snack—the last thing you want to do is stand at the sink, scrubbing plates and utensils. Whether you live in a large home or a compact apartment, a dishwasher can completely transform your kitchen routine.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need a big kitchen or a permanent water hookup to enjoy the benefits. Portable, space-saving dishwashers like the COMFEE' Portable Countertop Dishwasher offer powerful cleaning in a compact package, perfect for small living spaces, RVs, and more.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from how dishwashers work to what features to look for—plus a closer look at a dishwasher that’s made life easier for many in small households.

How Dishwashers Work: Simple, Efficient, and Smart

Dishwashers might seem like magic, but there's clever engineering behind the scenes. Here's what happens inside a typical cycle:

Spray arms rotate and blast hot water to remove food and grease.

A detergent compartment opens during the wash cycle to distribute soap.

The heating element or built-in heater warms the water to break down residue.

The water is drained and fresh water is used to rinse.

A final dry cycle (heat or air-based) finishes the process.

The key to an effective wash is temperature, pressure, and proper timing—and modern dishwashers, even portable ones, manage all of these in surprisingly compact designs.

Exploring Dishwasher Types: Which One Fits Your Life?

Whether you live alone or with a large family, there’s a dishwasher that suits your space and needs. Here’s a quick overview of the most common types:

Built-in Dishwashers

Installed under the kitchen counter and connected to your plumbing, these are ideal for full-size kitchens and family households.

Portable Dishwashers

Perfect for renters or smaller homes. Some models have wheels and connect to your kitchen faucet when needed.

Countertop Dishwashers

These are compact, sit on your counter, and are often ideal for studios, RVs, or cabins. Many come with their own water tank, so no faucet hookup is required—like the COMFEE’ model we’ll cover later.

Drawer Dishwashers

These offer a sleek design with pull-out drawers, allowing for smaller loads and flexible cleaning schedules.

Smart Dishwashers

Wi-Fi-enabled units can be controlled via apps, helping you monitor wash cycles or receive maintenance alerts.

Key Features to Look For in a Dishwasher

Whether you’re shopping for a full-size unit or something portable, here are the top features to keep an eye on:

Capacity & Rack Design

Look for adjustable or removable racks that let you fit odd-shaped dishes or larger items.

Water Efficiency & Energy Ratings

Energy Star-certified models use less water and power—good for the planet and your utility bill.

Noise Level

A quiet dishwasher (under 50 decibels) is ideal, especially in open living areas.

Wash Programs

Cycles like "Eco," "Glass," or "Baby Care" give you control based on what you're cleaning.

Drying Options

Heat-dry or air-dry modes prevent water spots and ensure dishes are ready to put away.

Ease of Use

Clear controls and intuitive loading help make dishwashing hassle-free.

A Closer Look: COMFEE' Portable Countertop Dishwasher

If you’re living in a smaller space and thought a dishwasher wasn’t an option—this might be the solution for you.

The COMFEE' Portable Countertop Dishwasher is compact, requires no permanent water hookup, and includes a built-in 5-liter water tank. That means it can be used virtually anywhere with a power outlet.

Noteworthy Features:

Six Wash Programs, including Normal, Rapid, Eco, Baby Care, Glass, and Fruit Wash.

192℉ high-temperature rinse for sanitizing dishes, bottles, and utensils.

360° dual spray arms provide thorough coverage even in a small unit.

Air-dry mode eliminates moisture and helps prevent bacteria buildup.

Transparent door window, so you can monitor the cycle.

This model is a great option for:

Apartments with limited kitchen space

RV owners or van-lifers

Dorm rooms or shared accommodations

Minimalist or off-grid lifestyles

The setup is simple—fill the tank, load your dishes, add detergent, and select your cycle. And because it doesn’t require faucet connections, it’s both renter-friendly and versatile.

Keeping Your Dishwasher in Good Shape

Maintaining your dishwasher is easier than you might think—and it’ll help your appliance last longer and perform better.

Here are a few practical maintenance tips:

Clean the filter regularly. This helps prevent clogs and improves drainage.

Wipe down spray arms and interior walls to remove residue or food particles.

Use rinse aid to reduce water spots, especially in areas with hard water.

Run a monthly cleaning cycle using vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner.

Avoid overloading. Proper spacing ensures everything gets washed thoroughly.

Smaller models like the COMFEE’ are easier to clean since you can reach every corner—and its transparent window makes it easy to see when something needs attention.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Even the best dishwashers occasionally run into problems. Fortunately, many issues are easy to fix.

If dishes aren’t getting clean:

Check that nothing is blocking the spray arms.

Make sure you're using the right amount of detergent.

Don’t overcrowd the racks.

If it’s not draining:

Clear out the filter and check the drainage hose.

Avoid using too much detergent, which can cause buildup.

If there’s an odor:

Run a cleaning cycle with white vinegar.

Wipe down the door seals and leave the door slightly open between uses.

Taking a few moments each week to check on your dishwasher can help prevent bigger problems later.

Choosing the Right Dishwasher: A Simple Guide

So how do you pick the right one for your space and lifestyle?

Start by asking yourself:

How much space do I have? Measure your available counter or floor space carefully.

What’s my budget? Portable models like the COMFEE’ are often under $400, while built-ins can run much higher.

Do I need flexibility? If you move frequently or travel in an RV, a portable option makes sense.

How many dishes do I typically use? Match the capacity to your household size and cooking habits.

The COMFEE’ stands out in the compact category because of its self-contained water tank, sanitizing settings, and variety of wash programs—all packed into a small, easy-to-store design.

Dishwashers & the Environment: Better Than Hand Washing?

It might seem counterintuitive, but many dishwashers actually use less water than hand washing—especially efficient models with eco modes.

Here’s why:

Hand washing with the tap running can use up to 27 gallons of water.

Most modern dishwashers use between 3–5 gallons per cycle.

Compact models like the COMFEE’ use just 5 liters (~1.3 gallons) per cycle.

Plus, features like temperature control and air-drying help reduce energy consumption overall. So if you're trying to make more sustainable choices, switching to a small dishwasher can actually be a smart move.

Final Thoughts: Is a Dishwasher Right for You?

Dishwashers have come a long way from being luxury items or space-hogging appliances. Today, there’s something for nearly every kitchen, budget, and lifestyle.

For those living in smaller homes, shared apartments, or traveling in RVs, a compact countertop dishwasher can be a real game changer. The COMFEE’ model stands out for its smart design, no-hookup convenience, and versatility—without sacrificing cleaning power.

It may not completely change your life, but it will save you time, reduce clutter at your sink, and bring a little peace of mind to your daily routine.

Thinking About Making the Switch?

If you’ve been debating whether a dishwasher fits your space or lifestyle, a portable model like the COMFEE’ might be worth a closer look. It’s a flexible, low-maintenance way to simplify one of the most repetitive parts of your day.