There are some appliances that you just got to have for an awesome lifestyle living in a recreational vehicle. It is not really an essential item but to save time washing dishes, you just have to get the best RV dishwasher for your camper.
If you rarely cook then buying a dishwasher is not for you, you can opt to use disposable cups and dishes as getting a dishwasher, will only increase the vehicle’s weight. It does not make sense to have such a heavy appliance if you rarely use it. However, if you love cooking when you are out camping or RVing, having the best RV dishwasher in your kitchen is an added advantage.
What is an RV dishwasher and how can it help you?
The dishwashers are portable and lighter in weight compared to the normal dishwashers found in residential homes. There are different types of dishwashers to choose. An RV dishwasher is not a basic or miniature version of a normal dishwasher. You will also find that there are different settings and ones that are big enough for every load.
RV dishwashers are durable and sturdy appliances, however you need to exercise caution when using them because the water can reach high temperatures going over 150 degrees. The detergents used are also strong; it is good to exercise care and caution when using them.
What you need to consider?
Before going into specifications, features and types of brands made by major or the unknown brands, you need to have to know what you need. Your kitchen size, the countertop, how much you will be using it and the load are among the factors you need to consider, before going to buy your RV dishwasher.
It also needs power and a water source. A counter top model may need around 4 gallons of water for a single load, and a compact dishwasher may need up to 12 gallons of water. A small sized dishwasher may use 1250 watts through the normal 120 volts source.
The dishwasher should be less noisy compared to the one you are using in your house. It will be essential if you are planning to travel to places that you require a quiet ambiance. Don’t forget to check noise ratings of the dishwasher when you are doing comparisons. There are dishwashers that have steam or hot air issues so you have to make sure that the exhaust fan is switched on before you start the device.
You must winterize your RV dishwasher. It has hot water and pumps so be prepared to deal with very low temperatures. Some people may venture deep into the wild and they often go north into places where the weather can go low in the evening and remain low throughout the night. You wouldn’t want to be caught in a fix when on the move, so better winterize your dishwasher. As for the portable countertop dishwashers, they can be removed and used in the house if you like.
Types of RV dishwashers
You are definitely looking for an efficient and compact dishwasher that can fit your RV. If you are driving an old RV, you should opt for an appliance that will be a perfect fit.
The three types of RV dishwashers are countertop dishwasher, a compact dishwasher and dishwasher drawer. The dishwasher drawer is the one that most RV owners opt for. Not one of these varieties will fit naturally for any type of RV so you should consider one that will fully satisfy your cleaning needs and at the same time be performing at top of its level.
Countertop Dishwasher for Your RV
A countertop RV dishwasher is easy and very simple to use. It can be fixed anywhere on the counter of your RV as long as you will be able to connect it to a reliable water source. Connecting it to a power source is easier. Most RV owners prefer to install it near the sink because it will be easier to connect it to the water source and the drainage system.
They are quite affordable and do not need a professional to install. A typical size is as big as the size of a big sized microwave.
An RV has a reasonable counter space and some countertop dishwashers may take a large space on the counter. Although there are smaller models you may choose that take a smaller amount of space on your counter. They are also very heavy and might add a substantial amount of weight to your RV. The size and weight may make it hard to move it around and you may lack storage for it whenever you have no use for it.
A Compact dishwasher for your RV
A compact RV dishwasher is noticeably quieter and will take a small amount of space. You can create space by removing a drawer or cabinet in your RV to install the dishwasher. It requires about eighteen inches sized space. The compact RV dishwasher is not basic as it comes with quite a number of different place settings.
With this type of dishwasher, the most common disadvantage is they use a lot of water. The appliance also needs a plumbing system installed in the RV for it to work efficiently and this might require the services of a professional.
Dishwasher Drawer for an RV
This is a popular dishwasher among RV owners, as it doesn’t require a lot of space. It is somewhat trendy and cool. It doesn’t consume a lot of water and it comes with six or more settings meaning most can both clean and dry. It may also require to be installed by a professional.
My Top Pick for The Best RV Dishwasher
Now that you have an idea of what to type of RV dishwasher to get, let me share with you my top pick for an RV dishwasher. The entire RV dishwasher that I have chosen below can be found on Amazon. I believe Amazon is the easiest way to get your dishwasher as it has many varieties and model.
My top picks are:
- Edgestar DWP62SV Countertop Dishwasher
- Della Mini Countertop Dishwasher
- Homelabs Portable Mini RV Dishwasher
- Furrion 581589 Compact Dishwasher
- Fridgidaire FFBD1821MS Built-In Dishwasher
Edgestar DWP62SV Countertop Dishwasher
Features:
- It also has seven wash cycles per every load
- It can holds plates that are 10.5” across
- It also has a lovely digital display
Edgestar brand of dishwashers has many types of RV dishwashers but the Edgestar DWP62SV is a star rated dishwasher. This portable RV dishwasher is available in a variety of colors; silver, white and black. It is currently among the top rated RV dishwashers found on Amazon.
The EdgeStar model has a six different setting that includes a dish rack, a cup shelf and a cutlery basket. You can also wash plates that are 10.5 inches across. This RV dishwasher is around 17’ times 22” wide and 20” deep. It can take up to seven wash cycles, which is an advantage. The adapter can fit in with most standard faucets so it will easily fit in any RV.
It also comes with a beautiful digital display and the interior is complete stainless steel. This design makes it suitable for most RV kitchen designs. Its water consumption is also at a minimum, it would not exceed 3 gallons of water.
This EdgeStar uses power source of 1160 watts with a voltage of 120v/60 HZ. Its noise level is at 52.3dB. It also has a guarantee warranty on parts that will be valid for a year and on labor that will be valid for 90 days.
Della Mini Countertop Dishwasher
Features:
- Compact for small RV kitchens
- It is suitable for tiny spaced kitchens like in RVs
- Easy and simple to use
Della Mini Countertop Dishwasher is a compact and portable countertop RV dishwasher; ideal for tiny kitchens at home and recreational vehicles. It comes in two colors that you can choose from, silver or black. It also comes with six place settings including a basket where you can put silverware. This type of model is efficient and reliable in its performance.
It has a stainless steel interior that comes with a powerful spray arm. It is also heatproof and can go up to 180 degrees.
The Della Mini Countertop Dishwasher is an easy and simple appliance to use. The task of filling the dispensers with detergents and rinse aid should not be too difficult for you. In addition, it comes with an LED lighting that will highlight the cycle and how it is progressing. This model has a control panel with indicators that will alert you when a program starts and when it ends.
Homelabs Portable Mini RV Dishwasher
Features:
- It cleans quickly
- Easy to use
- Easy to understand controls
Homelabs Portable Mini RV Dishwasher is a mini RV dishwasher that is both compact and portable. This dishwasher comes with six place settings with an additional basket that you can place your silverware. It also has a stainless steel interior. It takes up less space and the model has a sleek look. Sadly, Homelabs Portable Mini RV Dishwasher can only be found in one color, which is white. However, white blends in with almost any interior design you have in your RV.
The Homelabs RV dishwasher comes with a light indicator and a control panel that has a program selector, and six wash cycles that you can choose from with a delay option.
The different wash cycles are glass, normal, heavy, speed, rinse and eco. An advantage is it comes with the proper tools needed to set it up. Box that comes with it will include a faucet adaptor, inlet and outlet, removable aerators and a drain hose. It comes with a rinse aid dispenser to dry mugs, glass and pates without marks and streaks. An indicator will light up to show when the dispenser needs refilling.
Furrion 581589 Compact Dishwasher
Features:
- Fully integrated light touch control panel
- Bright annealed stainless steel interior
Furrion 581589 Compact Dishwasher is made of stainless steel, which makes for a durable and lasting finish. It also comes with fully integrated electronic controls that are easy to operate using a light touch. It has a sleek look. Similar to the interior, the exterior of this RV dishwasher is made of stainless steel.
It has strong and sturdy racks that make the loading of dishes easier and helps secure them in place. There is an additional wash cycle just for glassware, which is an effective way of securing glasses even when it is running a full load.
Fridgidaire FFBD1821MS Built-In Dishwasher
Features:
- Easy to use
- Removable self-cleaning filter
- Stainless steel interior
This model from Fridgidaire is an easy to use appliance with cleaning cycle’s options to suit your needs. It includes an energy saver option, light wash and heavy wash; you can choose any option for your cleaning needs.
It also has a removable self-cleaning filter with a stainless steel interior for maximum durability.it comes in two colors only that is black and silver. It is also ADA approved and ENERGY STAR certified.
A built in dishwasher uses power of 120v, and weighs about 65 pounds.
It is a great dishwasher for installing in your RV because of its dryer feature and is not so loud when it is running. It is also ideal because it can wash plates of up to 11 inches in diameter.
Tips for buyers
When shopping for your RV dishwasher you should consider factors like where are you getting water from, your source of power, the drainage and how it will discharge into your tank. You should also put into account a storage place. During winter you may have a dishwasher that’s frozen, if there is water that is leftover in the dishwasher.
RV dishwashers can be bought online or at the store. Best option to shop online is Amazon. You will have access to a variety of major brands and some of which you were not even aware of, but which are good as well. You can also read all the reviews about a product before making the decision to buy.
In Conclusion
You have other various brands and models of RV dishwashers on Amazon so don’t be limited to the few I have mentioned above. You can check out as many as you want to find the one that perfectly suits your cleaning needs.
I found Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher also good. it is quite compact and space-saving. Comes with six wash cycles for economical water consumption and quiet operation. It has water heater too.
I bought an SPT dishwasher as a result I did not have to travel through the trouble of plumbing for one. I even have an awfully tiny kitchen. This dishwasher works wonders! I completely love it!! The dishes take off sparkling clean. the only coagulation factor does not like regarding it is the holder on the rear for the hoses & electric cord. each alternative time I remove those the holder comes off with it. however, it’s straightforward to position it back on.