Oh my! I AM SOOOO in love with this teensy tiny miracle machine!
Here's why. I had a regular sized portable years ago, and it did a great job. I moved to Florida in 2002, and into a condo. The condo had an El Cheapo dishwasher, that sounded so loud you could hear it a block a way. It sounded like the motor was going to grind thru the floor! But it did an okay job on the dishes.
I read a Consumer Report's article about a fancy-arsed Kenmore dishwasher, and it was top rated...so I got it. $700.00. After one year, the phosphate ban hit. I knew nothing about it so for the next year, and was frustrated with the dishwasher's increasingly poorer and poorer performance. After a while the dishes were more soiled coming out than going in. At the time, I had a very demanding job and worked 50 to 60 hours a week. To cope, I used paper plates, and Lodge Logic pans, aluminum throw aways, or microwave throwaways. The dishes from the dishwasher got piled up after being "sanitized" but not "clean", and I stored in plastic tubs to be hand washed when I had time. A few got hand washed. Most lived in the tubs.
A couple months ago, I retired due to health issues, (temporary) and am unable to stand at the sink and handwash for any length of time due to back pain. I had tubs of dishes that were unusable, a $700 fairly new dishwasher that was essentially kitchen-junk/scrap, and now a limited income. Paper plates and disposables were rapidly becoming an item I needed to dispense with to save money. This had to get resolved.
I finally learned of the phosphate ban last year, and tried using TSP as an additive to the Kenmore, but by then the DW was so gummed up with hard water deposits, there wasn't much water flowing inside any more even with a replacement kit, and the TSP was not effective. (Thanks EPA for screwing up my kitchen!)
In desperation, I started to look for something, anything, to reclaim my dishes and get them clean on a regular basis. I discovered these countertop dishwashers at a very reasonable price on Amazon, and ordered this one. I got it Thursday 9/5/13 at the end of the day (7:30 PM). At my age and health situation, I take things slow and easy. I had this thing out of the box, the box cut into tiny pieces and bagged, and the unit on the counter and installed by 2:30 AM. I was going to get some clean dishes, daggoneit, and nothing was going to stop me.
I did 5 loads on Friday (today actually, since it's after midnight now), and the stuff coming out of this miracle machine is AMAZING.
My glassware is clearer than when I got it new. My dishes (Corelle Livingwear) look like they are new, and a few are from the 70s that I kept as a memento of my mom. My silverwear is shiny, clean and brighter than when I got it. And pots and pans have come out squeaky clean. I've done broiler pans, grill pans, fry pans, sauce pans, glasses, dishes, silverware, tongs, cooking utensils (scrapers, flippers, etc), the inserts from grill pans/panninni's, everyday pans, silicone steamers for microwaves, ceramic pie plates, bakewear, and every single item is pristine. I find myself eagerly waiting for the ping -- to run to the machine, and take out each piece and admire it. I hold it up to the light and marvel at the beauty of these pieces which haven't looked nearly this clean in 3 years. (Take that EPA!). In fact, they have NEVER looked this clean...even when new. I'm just stunned.
I did buy commercial Cascade (WITH phosphates), (Amazon) but be aware that the box is really SMALL. Normally in the grocery, it's a 3# box, and the one sold here is 1# 4 ounces.
A feature that I LOVE on this machine is the filter on the bottom. After each wash load, I turn it counterclockwise, remove it and rinse it out. Any tiny bits of food, fuzz, or other particulates are filtered out and caught there. Easy to clean, and the inner filter snaps out. There's actually 3. One flat metal one, a plastic wire/mesh basket, and an inner plastic basket. There's nothing like that on the $700 Kenmore. It's a major big deal (2 plus hours) to clean out the "chopper" area...requiring star-screwdrivers, and laying down on the floor to access the area. (Something all retirees are eager to do.[sarc])
Here's a point for folks that you may not know. Since I had a portable years ago, I was already familiar with the faucet connector. Others here have said that you can't use your faucet while the machine is running. That isn't so. If you push the red button while the machine is running, the water will come out the bottom. It's the same temp as you have for the dishwasher...but you can change the temp to cold, and press the red button and hold until it's cold then fill up your glass. Remember to set it back to hot and run it a bit by holding down that red button. It's a flow-thru valve. Great thing to have. Very convenient.
Now that I have a machine I can rely on to clean my dishes, I'm going to take the Kenmore apart and clean out the chopper, (a 2 hour job), and if it works fine, I'll use it for pots and pans that don't fit into the SPT. But since the control panel and the panel board aren't working properly, I don't have much hope. To replace them it costs $120, and $100...same cost as the SPT, and no guarantee it will work. Hence, my decision to get the SPT...which is the BEST decision I've made in years. (As long as it keeps working!)
Warning: avoid Kenmore/Whirlpool and associated brands that are model 665-*****. Many problems. Tons of it online if you look.
I can't believe this thing. SPT should get a medal for this machine. It's the BEST thing since sliced gluten-free bread. It's a BEST BUY! It should be required for all senior citizens who can't bend over to pick up heavy pots and pans from a standard dishwasher, or anyone with a back problem.
I can not hear the motor, but I do hear a woosh-woosh-woosh as it's swooshing the water around. I just finished load number 5 for the day. I can't wait to finish up tomorrow. I have such a feeling of accomplishment now. This little thing holds a LOT of stuff. About half as much as a regular dishwasher, and cleans rings around the big guys.
BTW: A bathtub of water is at least 24 GAL. For that amount of water, I can run 8 loads in this dishwasher. Energy star is $16 in power for the YEAR!!
Highly recommended for singles, empty-nesters, retirees, and anyone with a health problem, or back problem. A 4 person family might push this to it's limit...but I think it would handle it okay.
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From the manufacturer
SD-2201 Countertop Dishwasher
Compact Design
Perfect for apartments, office kitchens or any small-sized kitchens; offers full-size power in a compact design. With a height of only 17.24", this unit will fit between most countertop and cabinetry. Spacious cavity loads up to six standard place settings.
Easy Installation with Faucet Adapter and Quick Connect
Quick connect to any kitchen faucet eliminates the need for direct plumbing or permanent installation.
Our faucet adapter fits standard-sized Aerator openings for both male and female connections. Size: Male 15/16", Female 55/64". As long as your faucet has a removable Aerator, it should be able to connect the faucet adapter.
Note: For standard faucet head with a side/detached sprayer: while attached to the faucet, some detached sprayers will experience water leakage due to line pressure. This is from the design of these faucets to redirect the water pressure from the main faucet head to the side sprayer. If you have a side sprayer, you will most likely need to install a water line that is separated from the sprayer.
Specifications
Input voltage : 120V / 60Hz.
Energy consumption: 220kwh/yr.
Water consumption (normal cycle): 14.5L / 3.8 gallons.
Input / Element wattage: 680W / 600W.
Drying system: Residual heat drying.
Noise level: 55dB.
Power cord length: 4.5 ft.
Drain tube length: 5 ft.
Unit dimension (W x D x H) : 21.65 x 19.69 x 17.24 in.
Package dimension: 25 x 23 x 21 in.
Net weight: 48.5 lbs.
Shipping weight: 73 lbs.
Features and Functions
- Durable stainless steel interior
- 6 wash cycles (heavy, normal, light, glass, speed, soak)
- Dish rack and silverware basket
- Up to 6 standard place settings capacity
- User friendly controls
- Automatic detergent and rinse agent dispenser
- Faucet adapter included for quick and simple connection
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| SD-2201 Series | SD-2202 Series | SD-2213 Series | SD-2224D Series | |
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| Customer Reviews |
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| Price | — | — | — | $249.94 |
| Stainless Steel Interior | 6 Sides | 6 Sides | 5 Sides | 5 Sides |
| Delay Start | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Wash Cycles | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| LED Display | ✓ |
Compare with similar items
This Item  SPT SD-2201S Countertop Dishwasher, Silver |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $282.63 | -7% $345.32 List: $369.99 | $329.00 | -10% $269.99 List: $299.99 | $287.99 |
| Delivery | — | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| For small spaces | ||||||
| Noise level | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Suction power | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Plumb Source | Amazon.com | hermitlux Kitchen Appliances |
| capacity | 6 place settings | 6 place settings | 2 place settings | 6 place settings | 2 place settings | 5 liters |
| display type | — | LED | LED | — | LED | LED |
| material | Stainless Steel, Plastic | Plastic, Stainless Steel | Plastic | Stainless Steel | Plastic | Plastic |
| model number | SD-2201S | CDC22P1BBB | CDC17P2AWW | — | CDC17P0ABB | HMX-TDJ04 |
| form factor | Freestanding | Freestanding | Built-In | Freestanding | Built-In | Built-In |
| options cycles | 6 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
Reviews with images
Great dishwasher with a few frustrating flaws
This dishwasher certainly has its pros and cons. I wish I could give it 3.5 stars. Ultimately, I do like having the dishwasher. But it has some frustrating flaws.PROS:When it cleans, it cleans greatGood size for a small apartmentEasy to useCONS:Sometimes requires two wash cycles to get dishes cleanInterior is too smallRack layout is frustratingWhen it cleans things, it cleans them well. I have had several times where I have left a plate out for a day or two and when I tried to wash it in the dishwasher, it did not come out clean on the first washing. You must be sure that the dishes are free of residue, and if anything is dried on, you should soak the dishes first to loosen up the yuck. I have also had problems with dishes not coming out clean due to how I've loaded the dishwasher. There have been several times where I've done one load of dishes, only to find that nothing got clean.after running the dishes through again (sometimes rearranging them first) everything comes out clean.As others have said, be sure to measure your dishes before getting the washer to make sure they will fit. I did this, and it seemed like my plates would fit, but they are just slightly too tall. I have to lean them over slightly to get the rack to fit into the washer. Also, the rack is fairly small. The images online show that you can wash a a full 6 place settings. If you had the right dishes, I'm sure you could, but my bowls aren't shallow and my plates are square not round. Part of the problem is the layout and shape of the supports on the rack, which force me to load certain dishes in certain spots. Using mad Tetris skills, I'm able to get a lot of my dishes in, but with a lot of wasted space, and a lot of trial and error figuring out what to put where. I suspect that I would have similar problems with my bowls in a larger dishwasher, but at least there would be more space for them.Also, when I load the small dishes in the back of the rack, I am not able to fit my large dishes in the front. Again, if you had round dishes, this might not be a problem. For reference, these are my dishes: Thomson Pottery 16−pc. Black Quadro Set BLACK The Plates are 11" and the bowls are 6". As you can see in the photo I've added, I was able to load 7 small plates in the back but could only fit 2 of the tall plates. Trying to load any more, they bumped into the back row of plates. I was able to load two bowls in the front, and 3 more in the back but because my bowls are deep, I couldn't nest them and they are all resting upside down on the rack (taking up about 1/4 of the rack space).In the end, I am happy to have a dishwasher. It sure beats washing dishes by hand, but it frustrates me that I need to do so many extra loads and rearrange the dishes so much to get them all to fit.UPDATE:After almost a year of use, I've lowered my rating from a 4 star to a three star. While it is nice having a dishwasher, all those things that used to be a little annoying, now anger me every time I do the dishes. My next apartment WILL have a dishwasher in it. Of that I'm sure.
