Life on the road in an RV is an adventure. While adventuring some people prefer not to be spending their time washing dishes. Many RV models don't have options for dishwashers. However, there are ways to work around this problem. We even gathered a few options to help you get started in your search.
You can purchase a countertop dishwasher, or install a built-in dishwasher. Wisdom says you should research several factors before buying your dishwasher. Below is a list of things to keep in mind when buying a dishwasher for your RV, and why you need to know about them.
- Water consumption, knowing how much water your dishwasher uses, is essential in an RV. Storage tanks have limited supply when not on a constant water source. Water consumption understanding is necessary for an RV, especially if you enjoy boondocking.
- Space. Countertop, drawer, or built-in, you will want to measure the dishwasher, clearance space carefully, and the area you have to set out to make room for the dishwasher.
- Heat Drying takes electricity. Do you need/want the dishwasher to heat dry? If so you need to take into account the electricity load it pulls from batteries or the voltage where you are connected. Believe me when I say flipping blown circuit breakers connected to an RV is not always a walk in the park.
- Installation cost and separate installation options for each dishwasher will be different, so be sure to research if a particular model will work in your rig.
- When winterizing you will need to check your owners manual for proper instructions. To see VEHQ's post on winterizing an RV click here.
- Water heater usage is also a consideration. Knowing how much added pull this model will take from your propane and electric stores.
So, once you have researched your RV's bandwidth for added electric load, and water load, and space constraints, you can start researching dishwashers. In this case, I will share a few of the best-rated options I found in my search with you below.
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Countertop Dishwashers For Use In An RV
Countertop dishwasher has the advantage of not losing hidden storage space at installation, and they typically use less water. However, as the name implies, they do take up precious counter space. Let's see what the options are:
Furrion Countertop Dishwasher Item # FDW18SACSS
This little countertop helper uses 3.5 gallons (13 liters) of water per cycle. It weighs 68.35 lbs and is 18-3/4" long x 23-1/4" wide x 20-1/2" deep. Designed for efficient loading and the ability to secure dishes in a home that moves. To see more about this model, visit the etrailer product page.
hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher
hOmeLabs designed this dishwasher for high efficiency and small spaces. This model should work on your RV if your sink has regular threading, or you can find adapters at your local home improvement store.
None of us want the weight to be an issue, but in RVs, it can be, hOmeLabs thought of that and kept this model to 44.1 lbs, and an area footprint of 21.6 x 19.6 x 17.2 inches. To see more specs on the hOmeLabs countertop dishwasher, see the product page on Amazon.
Farberware Profesional Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Holding a 4.3-star rating on Amazon, the Farberware countertop dishwasher seems to be a contender for the top spot. Weighing just 20 lbs, with dimensions of 21.7 x 19.7 x 17.2 inches it will fit great on your RV countertop.
This dishwasher is made with tiny living in mind. To see more product information visit the Amazon product page.
EdgeStar DWP62SV 6 Place Star Rated Portable Countertop Dishwasher
Surprisingly this dishwasher will hold six place settings, and it will wash plates up to 10.5" in diameter. It's dimensions are 17-1/4" H x 21-11/16" W x 19-11/16"D. Requires Power: 1160 W/10.7 A / Input voltage: 120 V/60 Hz / Noise level: 52.3dB.
Weighing 44 pounds this dishwasher is a contender for your RV dishwashing needs. To see more details about the EdgeStar DWP62SV see the Amazon product page.
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
Washing up to 6 place settings, and featuring a child lock this dishwasher is an excellent RVing option. Its dimensions are 24.8 x 23.3 x 21 inches, and it weighs 46.2 lbs, it uses 120 volts.
It is rated as an energy star appliance, with LED display and touch controls. To look for more details on this compact countertop dishwasher, see the Amazon product page.
Built-in Dishwashers For Use In An RV
Built-in Dishwashers have the advantage of not taking up the minimal counter space found in an RV. They do, however, tend to weigh a little more and take slightly more water per cycle. Let's jump right into some built-in options.
Furrion Built-In Dishwasher Item # FDW18SASSS
Furrion has a popular built-in dishwasher that is 69.5 lbs, well under the weight limit of the average dishwasher.
Boasting unusual space-saving dimensions of 32-3/16" long x 17-1/2" wide x 22-1/8" deep, and water consumption of 4.2 gallons (16 liters) this dishwasher is a great RV option. To see more specs on this model, visit the etrailer product page.
EdgeStar 18" Built-In Dishwasher
Not to be outdone the EdgeStar 18." wants to be considered for your RV. It weighs 55 lbs and holds dimensions of 22.44 x 17.63 x 32.5 22 x 18 x 32.5 inches, accommodating up to eight place settings. It is a great built-in dishwasher for an RV. To find out more about this model, see the Amazon product page.
DMAFRIGFFBD1821MB - Frigidaire 18 Built-In Dishwasher
Amazon reviews for this machine talk about the fact that it is perfect for retrofitting. It weighs 71 lbs and is 23 x 17.6 x 33.5 inches in dimension.
This machine is energy star rated, and hosts an array of cleaning options. To see the specs on this built-in dishwasher, check out the Amazon product page.
Fisher Paykel DD24SAX9 24" Drawers Full Console Dishwasher
The DD24SAx 24" drawer model is an excellent option for putting into your kitchen space. This model is energy star rated and uses 110 volts of electricity.
Weighing 120lbs this dishwasher is 25 pounds under the average weight of household dishwashers. The dishwashers dimensions are 22.6 x 23.6 x 16.1 inches. This drawer dishwasher has a 3.7-star rating on Amazon. To learn more about this model on Amazon, visit the product page.
EdgeStar DWP62SV
The dimension of 17-1/4" H x 21-11/16" W x 19-11/16" make this drawer style dishwasher an excellent space-saving option. Energy star rated, and only using 2.85 gallons of water makes this drawer style option ideal.
It can hold up to 6 standard place settings and still keeps its low profile. To see more about the DWP62SV, see the Amazon product page.
On The Road, Or Boondocking, Enjoy No Dishes
If you are wanting to enjoy an RV with a dishwasher without having to consider how to install it, see the VEHQ post about RVs With A Dishwasher (Pros And Cons). We also have this knowledgable post about Travel Trailers With Rear Kitchen Floorplans.
Reading the forums for reviews and popular models, I found a lot of talk about husband vs. wife dish nights, whether the dishwasher being robotic or human, was better. Whatever your decision about a dishwasher in your RV, countertop, built-in or just the good old fashioned way. I hope that your trip is all you desire from it. Relaxing, adventuring, exploring, or just a quiet weekend away.
Do you prefer a countertop or built-in model? Leave a comment and let me know which dishwasher model you use in your RV?
Tom
Saturday 17th of April 2021
Thank you for writing this post. This is very helpful for me in choosing a good dishwasher. I will keep reading your post.
Tom
Saturday 24th of April 2021
I decided to buy a EdgeStar dishwasher. Very pleased with it. Small and compact design, making it appropriate for RVs and small kitchen space.
Natalie Roberts
Saturday 31st of October 2020
From the advice of a friend, I bought a dishwasher for my parents. I think they will love it
Natalie Roberts
Tuesday 27th of October 2020
I am using Furrion 18″ RV Dishwasher. I saw that it has Nice appliance, easy to install. Not as good as a residential dishwasher, but I didn't really expect it to be. Cleans dishes VERY well, no complaints there, but be aware that there is no heated drying like in a residential model. It relies on the use of "rinse aid" to make most of the water slide off and then the "residual heat" from the wash cycle to dry the dishes.
Iris Thomas
Sunday 2nd of August 2020
I agree with your opinion as well as your list RV dishwashers. They are the best products on the market now. Thanks for sharing, I very like your article.
Iris Thomas
Thursday 30th of July 2020
EdgeStar DWP62SV looks in silver and wipes clean easy enough. Super simple controls. A small space between the bottom panel and the door, but that’s where all the action happens so I’m assuming it's an access panel. It’s the little engine that does. While it’s bigger than the microwave it’s far more useful.