Is a Portable Dishwashers really worth for Indian Kitchen?

Is a Portable Dishwashers really worth for Indian Kitchen?

Is a Portable Dishwashers really worth for Indian Kitchen? As a homemaker and working women, after a family get together and a grand Indian meal, we Indian women always though with a big breath, now who will clean this pile of dirty utensils and clean my kitchen. And the answer is only one… me or my maid. But like most of Indian women, I can’t sleep in the night with dirty kitchen. I want my kitchen is always neat and clean. This is the one lesson that we Indian women learnt from our mother and Grandma. 

And at this time we though there would be a magic and all utensils get cleaned and dried properly.

But the big question is ….

Why are not dishwashers popular in India?

And my answer is ….

Dishwashers are so damn underrated, especially by Indian women themselves. My mother-in-law only looks at with derision it does not deserve at all. For a working woman (and men), this is the first item that should go into the list when doing the kitchen. We use a model from Bosch, a extremely fine one. It’s not suited for Indian cooking is an old myth without any proof. The current models are very much suitable for Indian cooking and it cuts down on our cost.

Please count down the benefits and I bet you, you will think about a dishwasher installation in your kitchen very soon.

We live in a 3bhk house in Delhi, so cleaning + cooking + washing was quoted at Rs. 15,000 (yes maids are expensive in Delhi). We said no washing only light pre-wash and dishwash, that reduced Rs. 2000 a month straight, so even after accounting for electricity bills it is cheaper.

Maid takes undeclared holiday, no dirty dishes in the sink. Even a child can operate it.

A full load uses 32 liters of water in my model. Since we live in water surplus area, my maid automatically uses abundant amount of water. So, lot of water saving. It uses less water than our maid uses though there is no water problem in Delhi

Dishwashers cannot do Indian dishes is it a old myth. Current generation dishwashers available in India can handle pretty much anything. You have to prerinse in sink, but that we do anyway even with manual washing.

Keeps the kitchen nice and tidy. No water puddles from the sink, sight of pile of vessels drying up. Put the vessels in the utensils washing machine, switch on, cycle over, everything is dry and we kept the vessels in the it itself as storage and used as we needed.

Cost wise – about Rs. 250–300 in electricity, Rs. 400–500 or so for its detergent and quarterly cleaning material, say about Rs. 1000 per month, which was less than what our maid charged.

Our most used feature is steaming wash, complete steam washes every 4 days at high temperature and sterilized utensils, absolutely useful as it was super hygienic.

Only issue used to be hardwater problem. Even that is solved with using salt tablets. But we don’t need in Delhi.

Dishwasher is super handy and it is not that expensive for working couples and families. It is extremely useful.

Washing quality – better than hand washing. Just make sure to remove the greasy bits.

Indian kitchens gain popularity during the Covid Era. When maids are not available for household chores, the rising economy of India largely contributed by middle-class and working couples, and the busy lifestyles of tier 1 and 2 cities have also pushed the its sales. Nowadays maids are also looking for homes for work where modern kitchen appliances are available. More factors need to be considered such as hygiene and convenience offered by these appliances .

Types of Dishwashers, Brands and their Features in India

There are widely 3 Type of Dishwasher:

1. Free Standing dishwasher
2. Built in dishwasher
3. Tabletop or portable or counter top dishwasher

Let’s dive further to understand the main difference between Free standing and Built in Dishwasher.

Free Standing– Free Standing can be placed anywhere in the kitchen on dishwasher stand, provided water inlet and drainage systems are in Place. Their exteriors are fully finished from all sides, which looks aesthetic and adds beauty to the kitchen. In simple words You can shift any place in your kitchen and fix the drainage systems accordingly

Features of Free-standing Dishwashers

Flexibility- Free-standing can move anywhere in the kitchen or Home. It is also suitable for those who live on rent or relocate frequently.

Variety- Available in Different sizes from compact (45 cm wide) to standard (60 cm wide) for different family sizes.

Capacity- These come in 12-14 place settings, suitable for medium to large families and large utensils can be used with flexible racks.

Easy to Install- Free-standing Dishwashers can also be installed with basic plumbing connections without specialized equipment.

Wash program- Free-standing are available in multiple wash programs, which is beneficial for our kitchen utensils. Programs include Intensive for high-greased utensils, Eco for normal use, and Quick Wash for timesaving.

Pros and Cons of Free standing Dishwashers

Pros	Cons
Cost Effective– Free-standing are easy to install, less expensive than built-in and easy to move.	Space – Free-standing occupy floor space, creating space problems in smaller kitchens.
Installation– Free-standing did not require any permanent installation. It can be fixed anywhere with water inlet and drainage system availability.	Aesthetic– Free-standing may not mix with the color and theme of the kitchen.
Easy to maintain– Free-standing are easy to service and maintain as their exterior is accessible from all sides.

Built in dishwasher: These are integrated into kitchen cabinets; this can be done while construction is happening, or provision of a Modular kitchen is available in-house.

Features of Built in Dishwashers

Integration– Built-in Dishwashers look perfect in the kitchen and blend perfectly with the design and aesthetic of the kitchen.

Quite Operation– Since they are integrated into the kitchen, their operations feel quiet due to cabinet insulation.

Customization– The front panel of Built-in Dishwashers can be customized in a Panel Ready Model per the kitchen cabinet for a great blend with the kitchen aesthetic.

Capacity– Built-in Dishwashers are available in full-size (60 cm width) and slimline (45 cm width) models, which can wash 10-16 place settings of utensils.

Pros and Cons of built-in Dishwashers

Pros	Cons
Look– Built-in Dishwashers enhance the overall look of kitchen cabinets. Since it is integrated into a cabinet, it sometimes feels invisible to guests.	Cost– Built-in Dishwasher has a higher price than free-standing due to installation and cabinet design requirements.
Space– They are integrated into the Kitchen cabinet, So, it doesn’t require additional space on the floor for standing.	Installation– Built-in Dishwashers are unsuitable for frequent movers or renters because they have fixed installation. Also, it requires professional installation and modification of existing kitchen cabinets, which incur additional costs.

Tabletop-These are mini dishwasher and compact in design, suitable for bachelors or couples, and can be placed on kitchen countertops and have basic operational functionality.

Features of Tabletop Dishwashers

Size– Tabletop Dishwashers or counter top dishwasher or Portable Dishwashers in India comes in 45-55 cm sizes, making them ideal to place on the countertop.

Portable Dishwashers – Since it is compact, it is easy to move and can be stored when not in use.

Installation– Tabletop or Portable Dishwashers are easy to install; they connect with the kitchen faucet and drain into the sink there is no need for specialized plumbing and connection.

Capacity – It came with a 4-6 place setting size suitable for bachelors and couples.

Pros	Cons
Space-saving– Ideal for smaller kitchens, Service apartments, and dormitory where space is a major concern.	Capacity– Being compact in design, it has limited capacity in place setting and is unsuitable for heavy load wash cycle.
Economical– Portable Dishwashers are inexpensive compared to free-standing in terms of operational cost and buying cost.	Setup– Table Top or Portable Dishwashers require manual setup on each wash cycle.
	Longer time cycle– Tabletop Top or Portable Dishwashers have longer wash cycles than large-models.

Maintenance of Dishwasher

To give your dishwasher a long life span, it is important to keep it in good working condition. Maintain you dishwasher service from time to time from professionals and use authentic branded cleaner to clean utensils in the dishwasher. Many branded descalers are available in almost all marketplaces like Amazon. Descaler like Finish, Bosch, and Siemens Quick Descaler can be used. Also, good Detergent powder for Dishwashers like Bosch, Finish, Vim Matic, and IFB Essential auto dishwashing detergent can be used to prevent limescale deposits inside Dishwashers.

Hard water is also an essential factor to consider in prevention of deposit of limescale.

What is dishwasher drain hose ?

A dishwasher drain hose is a vital component in the efficient functioning of any dishwasher, ensuring that wastewater is directed away from the appliance and into the drain without any issues. This flexible yet durable hose connects your dishwasher to the household plumbing system, typically leading into the sink drain or garbage disposal unit. Made from high-quality materials, a good dishwasher drain hose is designed to withstand high water pressure and resist kinks and clogs, which can lead to unpleasant backups and flooding.

Installation of a drain hose is relatively straightforward, but proper sizing and secure connections are essential to prevent leaks and ensure long-term reliability. Whether you’re installing a new dishwasher or replacing an old hose, investing in a reliable dishwasher drain hose will help maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of your kitchen, preventing costly water damage and providing peace of mind.

What is dishwasher pods ?

Dishwasher pods are a convenient and efficient way to keep your dishes sparkling clean with minimal effort. These small, pre-measured pods combine powerful detergents, rinse aids, and sometimes even water softeners into a single package, making dishwashing easy and mess-free. Unlike traditional dishwashing powders or liquids, dishwasher pods eliminate the need to measure detergent, ensuring you get the perfect amount for each load, which helps prevent streaks, residue, and wasted product.

Most dishwasher pods are designed to dissolve quickly, releasing powerful cleaning agents that cut through grease, food particles, and tough stains, even on dried-on messes. Many brands also offer eco-friendly and biodegradable options, which are gentler on the environment while still delivering excellent results. With their compact design and effectiveness, dishwasher pods make a great addition to any kitchen, helping you achieve clean, spotless dishes with every cycle.

What is standard dishwasher size available in India?

The standard size of dishwasher in India is 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches tall. (24X24X24) inch

The best dishwasher in India

Bosch: Bosch is a well-known brand worldwide for its German engineering, reliability, and durability.  The Bosch 300 Series is a small dishwasher is perfect for small kitchens, offering powerful cleaning performance and quiet operation in a slim design..  You can choose different types of set place as per your kitchen requirements.  For free standing models you can buy a Bosch dishwasher stand to fix at the given place in your kitchen. Bosch 13 Place Settings, Free Standing Dishwasher (SMS66GI01I, Silver Inox), extra dry and hygienic wash is very popular in India. The Bosch 18 inch dishwasher is a compact, efficient appliance perfect for smaller kitchens, offering powerful cleaning performance and energy efficiency without taking up too much space.

LG: LG is also a well-known brand worldwide for its Korean cutting-edge technology, after-sell service, and durability.

IFB: IFB is a well-known Indian brand for the goodness of its home appliances with affordable prices and after-sell service.

Siemens: Siemens is well known worldwide for its premium quality and durability. Siemens dishwasher price is little expensive as compare to their counterparts .

Kaff: Kaff is also a well-known worldwide brand but the service center and parts availability is limited.

An dishwasher air gap is a small device installed above the sink or countertop that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the dishwasher, a feature commonly found in dishwashers from popular brands like Bosch and KitchenAid

Apart from the list, there are also other brand in the market like Electrolux dishwasher, Hafele dishwasher, KitchenAid dishwasher, Godrej dishwasher and many more.

Popular Dishwasher Brands available in India. These all are also available in US, UK and Canada.

Brand	Model	Special Feature	Noise label (db)	Energy Efficiency	Water usage	Warranty	Service Centre Availability
Bosch	SMS66GI01I, SMS66GW01I	EcoSilence Drive, AquaSensor, LoadSensor	44-52	A++ to A+++	9-12	2 years	Extensive
LG	DFB424FP, DFB424FW	QuadWash, TrueSteam, SmartThinQ	41-48	A++ to A+++	9-12	2 years	Extensive
IFB	Neptune VX, Neptune FX	Eco Wash, Energy Saving, Water Softening Device	49-55	A++	9-12	2 years	Extensive
Siemens	SN256W01GI, SN236I01GI	iQdrive Motor, VarioFlex Baskets, HygienePlus	44-48	A++ to A+++	10-14	2 years	Moderate
Voltas Beko	DT8S, DF14W	ProSmart Inverter Motor, AquaIntense	46-52	A++	9-12	2 years	Moderate
Samsung	DW60M5042FS, DW80K7050US	StormWash, AutoRelease Dry	44-48	A++ to A+++	9-12	1 year	Extensive
Kaff	DW VETRA 60, DW 60 ELITE	AquaStop, Turbo Drying, Delay Start	49-52	A++	9-12	1 year	Moderate

Portable or table top dishwasher in India

Bosch-free-standing compact dishwasher 55 cm Black	Series 6	450 x 551 x 500 mm	6 place settings
Voltas- 8 PS Portable Countertop Dishwasher (Silver)	DT8S	55x50x59.5 cm	8 place settings
Sharp- Countertop Dishwasher	QW-C80N-S	590 (H) x 550 (W) x 500 (D) mm	8 Place Settings
Faber- Ace Black	FFSD 6PR 8S	595x550x500 MM	8 Place Settings

Capacity and Different sizes of Dishwasher

In Indian families, multiple large utensils like cooker, kadhai, large pan, etc. are used while cooking a meal. The dishwasher machine size comes with different sizes due the space and with different capacity by  dishwasher rack in a place setting capacity (Place setting is one for each dinner plate, dessert plate, glass, soup bowl, tea cup including a saucer, and one set of cutlery). A Flexible rack function should be available to ensure that large utensils fit easily.

8-Place Setting

Small dishwasher size like 8-place Setting is suitable for small families, an 8-place setting dishwasher can accommodate around 72 items, including plates, bowls, glasses, and cutlery.

12-Place Setting

Ideal for medium-sized families, a 12-place setting dishwasher can handle up to 96 items. This capacity is sufficient for daily use in an average Indian household.

14-Place Setting

For larger families or households that entertain frequently, a 14-place setting dishwasher is the best choice. It can accommodate up to 112 items, making it suitable for heavy loads and larger utensils.

Brands analysis

BOSCH

Bosch known for its German engineering performance and reliability. Its Model like SMS66GI01I has special features like Eco silence drive, dosage Assist, Half Load option, Save Water, extra dry and hygienic wash, Glass care system. Bosch dishwasher price in India is reasonable for all classes. It featured an intensive kadhai program. Six wash option and three options. Express Sparkle Program – Saves Time, Half Load option- For fewer utensils, Extra dry option – For better drying efficiency.

LG

LG is a Korean company. LG Dishwasher model DFB424FP has special features like Auto Program, Half Load, Adjustable Rack, four washing arms, multi-directional rotation, Foldable tines, Easy height adjustment, Smooth Operation, Turbo cycle, Dual zone wash. It contains 9 Wash programs: True Steam, Quad Wash, Dual Wash, Quiet, Turbo, Auto, Eco, Gentle, Quick.

IFB

IFB is an India Home appliance brand and its mode Neptune VX1 has special feature Adjustable Basket, Childproof Lock, Sensor Washing, Half Load, Self-Cleaning Filter, 70°C Hot water wash for tough stains, Hygienic Steam Drying: Get Completely Dried & germ-free dishes, 360° unique spray arm for hard-to-reach spots. IFB maintains good balance between price and performance. It is very popular in budget conscious buyers.

Siemens

Siemens dishwasher model SN256W01GI special features: – 10 years warranty against rust-through from the inside, 1Qdrive motor is very efficient, quite and long lasting, antibacterial dishwashing at high temperature for maximum hygiene, Auto 45-65°C, Economy, Intensive Plus, Normal Express, Quick wash, Pre-rinse, eco wash option, half load, Hygiene Plus.

Voltas Beko

Voltas Beko model DT8S is perfect for bachelor, and it is portable. Its offer you features like 6 program- Intensive, Normal, Eco, Glass care, Clean and Shine, mini 30 program , 8L of water consumption

Samsung

Samsung dishwashers DW60M5042FS contain feature 4 wash programming, Delay start, Half Load, Hygiene, control lock, fingerprint resistant finish.

KAFF

Kaff Dishwasher DW VETRA 60 has number of six functions, delay wash, glass utensil wash, rapid wash, memory function, automatic detergent dispenser, half load, touch control panel. Comprehensive 2-year warranty and 5 years warranty on motor.

Conclusion

The choice depends on your family size, space, budget, water quality, and feature requirements. Bosch 800 series dishwasher and LG are good for high durability and premium features. Voltas Beko and IFB suit budget-conscious consumers. Siemens offers high-end premium features and reliable performance. The design of the Samsung standing out in the market. Kaff provides basic features for daily use. A stainless steel dishwasher is a durable and stylish kitchen appliance that offers efficient, high-performance cleaning while resisting stains and odors for a long-lasting, sleek look.

Best Overall Performance: Bosch, LG

Best for Budget: IFB, Voltas Beko

Best for Premium Features: Siemens

Best for Stylish Design: Samsung         

Best for Basic Use: Kaff

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