If your kitchen does not have a dishwasher and remodeling plans are not in the future, a portable dishwasher makes a good choice. There are a wide variety of portable dishwashers, and no matter how small your kitchen, you can probably find one that will fit. There are two basic types of portable dishwashers--freestanding dishwashers, which look more like the traditional dishwasher, and countertop dishwashers, which may also sit inside your sink.

Freestanding portable dishwashers can be rolled into the laundry room or set against a back wall in the kitchen. When it is time to wash dishes, you simply roll it out, plug it in, and attach it to your sink. From there it works just like a traditional dishwasher. These portable dishwashers are just as effective at cleaning, and can often handle the same amount of dishes as a built-in dishwasher.

If space is a priority, you may want to consider a countertop dishwasher. Typically, these portable dishwashers are about the size of a large microwave. They will normally hold four place settings and have a basket or holder for flatware. There are two types of counter top dishwashers. The more common, and more effective, type runs on electricity, but you can also find counter top models that work entirely on water pressure, that use the sink to power the dishwasher.

While the portable dishwashers that work on water pressure are fine as long as you have sufficient pressure (generally around 120 p.s.i.), a benefit of electric dishwashers is that they have built-in water heaters, which helps to save energy and get your dishes cleaner. For any type of portable dishwasher, look at the number of wash levels, whether it comes with an overflow control, whether you can use regular dishwasher powder, and whether it offers a delayed start. It may be helpful to start your search with well-known brand names like Bosch dishwashers.