Are you planning to buy a dishwasher but are confused between Built In Dishwasher Vs Portable Dishwasher?
If yes, you are not alone. Many people are in the same situation. Our Dishwasher Buying Guide may help you with that. Still, if you are confused, this article will definitely come to your rescue.
What Is A Built-In Dishwasher?
A Built-In Dishwasher is designed to be tucked under a kitchen cabinet with a permanent plumbing solution.
Comes in different standard sizes so that it fits your kitchen easily. A Built-In Dishwasher adds elegance to the kitchen at the cost of poor accessibility and high service bills.
The noise level is within limits. Thanks to the use of high-quality insulation material with advanced feature sets.
What Is A Portable Dishwasher Or Freestanding Dishwasher?
Portable dishwashers, also known as free-standing Dishwashers, are meant for moving around wherever and whenever we want. They are a great choice for people with rented houses.
It can be easily connected to any sink faucet for water connection, saving the initial setup cost.
Although a bit noisy, the service cost is relatively low compared to built-ins due to the easy access.
Built-In Dishwasher Vs Portable Dishwasher
These are the two types of dishwashers available in the market from an installation point of view.
Built-in dishwashers can be installed under the kitchen cabinet, whereas a Portable dishwasher can be moved around whenever and wherever necessary.
However, some key differences between the two create confusion, and as a consumer, you are bound to get confused if you don’t have the skill to choose a dishwasher.
We will evaluate both types of dishwashers based on the following parameters. At the end of this article, you can choose the best dishwasher for your kitchen.
Installation
The installation makes a huge difference when we talk about Built-In Dishwasher Vs Portable Dishwasher.
If you own a home or are about to buy one, built-in Dishwashers are the best option. You can allocate a dedicated space under the kitchen cabinet for the dishwasher.
Trust me, Built-in dishwashers look very elegant under the kitchen cabinet. You will need permanent plumbing fixtures under the cabinet for Built-in Dishwashers.
A portable dishwasher is the best choice if you live in a rented house or like appliances that can be moved around. It comes with wheels, so you can move it anywhere and anytime.
You will need the kitchen faucet for the water inlet and an opening for the drain water.
Size & Capacity
Built-in Dishwashers come in various sizes and capacities. The most common sizes are 12, 14, or 16 place settings. However, portable dishwashers offer more choice if you are looking for a compact dishwasher with an 8, 10, or 12-place setting.
Built-in dishwashers are mostly unavailable in small sizes and capacities as the initial setup cost does not justify the investment.
Water Usage
Since there are no differences between Built In Dishwasher Vs Portable Dishwasher in terms of internal construction and working principle, the water usage is almost the same.
The only difference is that in the case of a Built-In Dishwasher, you need a permanent water connection, whereas in a Portable dishwasher, you don’t need any permanent solution.
For your reference, a typical 12-place setting dishwasher uses up to 25-30 liters of water per wash cycle for lightly soiled dishes.
Noise Level
The noise level differs between the two. Built-in Dishwashers are quiet mainly because they use better insulation material and are tucked under the cabinet.
Although portable dishwashers can be noisy at times, they are as quiet as their counterparts due to recent advancements.
Please note that the Built-In dishwasher does not have an outer case, as it is supposed to be assembled under the cabinet, whereas the portable dishwasher has outer shells.
So, if you are confused about the noise level between a built-in dishwasher and a portable dishwasher, built-in dishwashers are the way to go.
Feature
Built-in Dishwashers are feature-rich as they cater to a broader market. Manufacturers are likelier to add advanced features to built-in dishwashers to justify the return on investment.
Although not bare bones, Portable Dishwashers are not comparable in the feature list.
So, in terms of features, Built-in dishwashers are a better choice.
Maintenance
Maintenance is a big pain for Built-in Dishwashers. If you encounter any issues on the back side of the dishwasher, get ready for a hefty maintenance bill.
Taking out the dishwasher under the cabinet is a tedious task. You may need an experienced technician for that.
On the other hand, servicing portable dishwashers is a breeze. Since the machine is easily accessible, it is easy to service, and the service cost is also very low.
Cost
Built-in dishwashers are expensive due to their more features, better noise level, and larger sizes. On the other hand, portable dishwashers are a great value-for-money option with a cheaper price tag than their counterparts.
Difference Between Portable And Built In Dishwasher
| It is not bare bones, but it can not compete with the Built-In | Portable Dishwasher |
|---|---|
| More suitable for a low-place setting | It’s a feature-rich dishwasher |
| Installed under the kitchen cabinet | It can be moved around anywhere |
| Built-In Dishwasher | It can be connected to a sink faucet |
| The noise level is tolerable | This can get very noisy at times |
| It is not bare bones but it can not compete with the Built-In | It’s a feature-rich dishwasher |
| Maintenance is a messy and costly affair | Maintenance is a breeze |
| The initial setup cost and product cost are high | It’s a budget-friendly option |
Final Verdict: Built In Dishwasher Vs Portable?
Let’s settle this battle between Built In Vs Stand Alone Dishwashers ( Portable Dishwashers), as we have evaluated both dishwashers based on different parameters.
If you have a big family and own a house, a Built-in dishwasher will give you a better return on investment and add great looks to your kitchen.
Although the initial investment is high, the availability of advanced features, big size, and other benefits will add more value in the long run.
Portable dishwashers are only good when a built-in dishwasher is not an option. They are a better choice for bachelors, small families, or those who stay in rented accommodation.
FAQ: Built In Dishwasher Vs Portable Dishwasher
Are Portable Dishwashers Worth It?
Yes, it does if you have a small family or are staying in a rented accommodation.
The flexibility of moving it around gives it an edge over built-ins. The low initial setup and service costs make it a better choice among budget-friendly consumers.
Can you use a built-in dishwasher as a portable one?
Yes, you can. Just remove the wheels, and you are good to go. However, if the control panel is at the dishwasher’s top, putting it under the cabinet may limit your access.
Who Makes The Best Built-In Dishwasher?
In India, Bosch, IFB, and LG make some awesome dishwashers. Whirlpool, Maytag, GE, and Electrolux are the leading manufacturers for international markets.
