While not an ideal long-term dishwashing solution, they can be handy for use in small living spaces, or for those who live alone and don't create much washing up. They're also useful in a holiday home or caravan, and some people even use them as a temporary solution during a kitchen renovation.
Here are six reasons you might consider getting one, plus advice from our dishwasher expert.
Be inspired to make home improvements.1. You live alone
A full-size dishwasher isn't very practical in a solo household – it can take a long time to fill it, and you might find yourself running short of mugs or teaspoons by the end of the week. You could, of course, run a half-load, but that's not the most energy-efficient way to use a dishwasher.
If this is the case for you, a tabletop dishwasher could be a good idea. They're generally designed to wash about two table settings.
But, if you have room in your kitchen, you may wish to consider a slimline dishwasher instead. Even if you don't fill it up every day, you could run a half-load or use a soak program to partially clean your dishes so they don't start to smell.
2. You have a caravan or holiday home
Some tabletop dishwashers require plumbing in, but you can get models that don’t. If you have a caravan or holiday home, a non-plumbed tabletop model is a great option. Its portability means you can stow it away when not in use, and perhaps use it at home when not travelling.
Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions and hook it up to your kitchen sink. Most will require you to fill a reservoir with water before running a cycle, and the dirty water is usually expelled via a hose.
If you can accommodate a plumbed-in model, a compact model might be better than a tabletop. Check out our3. You’re a student
Student accommodation doesn't always come with a dishwasher, and washing up by hand is a chore at the best of times – never mind when living in shared accommodation with messy housemates.
If you're heading to university soon, check out the and the4. You're renovating your kitchen
Having a kitchen makeover and can’t access your dishwasher for a while? A tabletop model can help take the edge off the chaos. Even if you're unable to cook, a dishwasher can keep the mountain of mugs and glasses at bay, at the very least (and save you from having to do the washing up in the bathroom sink).
If the work is extensive, why not consider hiring a temporary kitchen pod? They can sit on your driveway, and many come equipped with a washing machine, fridge, oven and dishwasher.
If you're planning on renovating soon, find out how much you can expect to spend in5. You need a second dishwasher
If you already have a dishwasher but find it's regularly full and chugging away, a second dishwasher could be helpful. Not all of use are blessed with kitchens large enough to accommodate two full-size dishwashers, however.
A lack of worktop space is a common kitchen bugbear – find out what the others are inOur expert says
Andy Laughlin, Which? dishwashers expert:
'If you really don’t have space for a slimline dishwasher and are set on a dinky dishwasher, then you might need to cope with slightly less effective cleaning of your dishes.
How does a tabletop dishwasher work?
Tabletop dishwashers work in a similar way to regular dishwashers, with spinning jets of water running on a cycle working to clean your dishes.
Some need to be plumbed in, while others require a water reservoir to be filled up prior to cleaning, or a hose to be attached to your tap to supply them with water.
You'll need to give your tabletop dishwasher somewhere to empty out the dirty water, too – most have a hose that you can direct into your kitchen sink.
Where to buy a tabletop dishwasher
Is it more efficient to wash your dishes by hand or in a dishwasher? Find out in undefinedsource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/reasons-to-consider-a-tabletop-dishwasher-aGnkQ6m8auwv