Introduction

Countertop dishwashers are popular with apartment dwellers. They're small, inexpensive, portable and don't require any sort of plumbing work that would forfeit a security deposit. While the compact appliances get generally positive user reviews, there has yet to be any independent, scientific tests of their performance.

Until now. We purchased a Sunpentown SD-2201W and put it through the same rigorous tests we use for full-size dishwashers. While it couldn't clean up after a dinner party for twelve, the little Sunpentown held its own, leaving dishes cleaner than many built-in units -- and certainly cleaner than you could ever get them by hand. If you've got a small apartment and $250, it's time to stop hand washing your dishes.