When you get your countertops installed, the first thing you should ask your quartz countertop contractors or granite installers is whether they can support a countertop dishwasher or not?
Choosing the best kitchen countertop material
If you are living in a small apartment or have a small kitchen, or there is no built-in connection for a normal dishwasher, then you should buy a countertop dishwasher. A countertop dishwasher is a small unit which can easily sit on your countertop. It is generally of 18 inches in size. Before you proceed in buying a countertop dishwasher, there are some things that you should consider and then purchase. After all, you would not want to make a wrong decision for your kitchen.
Tips for selecting countertop material
- Size and Weight
The countertop dishwashers are even smaller in size than the portable ones and can be easily placed on the countertops. Some countertop dishwashers’ also come in a bigger size.
First, you will need to measure the size of your kitchen countertop before purchasing so that you know it will easily fit on the countertop. Also, you will need to consider the weight of your countertop dishwasher.
Lighter weight dishwashers can be easily moved from one place to another while it may get difficult with heavier ones. Heavy countertop dishwasher may also put a strain on your kitchen decor. It is advisable to have durable countertops such as granite, marble, and quartz which can easily sustain weight. You can also ask the granite installers and quartz countertop contractors whether quartz and granite can support the weight of countertop dishwashers or not.
- Water Connection
Unlike normal and portable dishwashers, countertop dishwashers do not need to be connected by a water hose connection. Countertop dishwashers can be attached to any water faucet easily.
You should also consider the space on the countertop, that it should be enough for a countertop dishwasher beside the faucet and sink. It also has a drain hose which causes the water to flow directly into the sink. Also, make sure that your faucet has a threaded waterspout or else it will not be able to attach to the countertop dishwasher. For some countertop dishwashers, you may also need to purchase a faucet adapter which will easily connect it to the faucet.
- Amount of Washing
As they are smaller in size, your heavy pots and pans will not be able to fit in the dishwasher. But it is surely a life saver for plates, mugs, glasses, baby bottles and cutlery.
- Water Consumption
The best part about countertop dishwasher is that it uses less water than big dishwashers and even conventional hand washing. This also conserves and saves the water and uses less water for cleaning.
- Cleaning Power
Countertop dishwashers are small and compact and utilize less water for washing, but it does not mean that they will not clean thoroughly. Your utensils and cutlery will be thoroughly washed and cleaned just like any other dishwasher.
- Wash Cycles
Just like any normal dishwasher, kitchen countertop dishwashers also contain all of the wash cycles which are, glass, heavy, light, normal, speed, soak and even a rinse option. You can choose any wash cycle according to your need and requirement. You should purchase a one with an automatic detergent and rinse aid dispenser so that it will be easy to rinse the extra detergent. Also, it is preferable to give a plain rinse cycle to wash away the food and detergent residue if any.
- Utility Bills
Countertop dishwashers are also easy on the pocket in consideration to your electricity bills. They consume less energy than conventional dishwashers and are energy efficient and save energy costs.
- Countertop Considerations
As these dishwashers will be placed on the countertops, then the countertop will also go through more wear and tear due to the constant use of the water.
For this reason, porous countertops will not be suitable even if they are regularly sealed as the sealing will be also damaged by the weight of the countertop dishwasher and may cause scratches.
So, always consider non-porous countertops such as quartz and can also take an idea from quartz countertop contractors. However, granite will be the best choice as it is extremely durable and also non-porous and stain and scratch resistant and you can also consider the granite installers durham nc.