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| Date Reviewed: 07/01/2006 |
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Strengths: Full size performance in a compact package. 3 level wash system with no center wash tower taking up space. Very space efficient both outside and inside. Easy to connect and roll.`
Weaknesses: Cosmetic quality control could be better. Damage caused by packaging process at factory? Short 4 foot hoses and power cord. Cryptic dial symbols require you to read the owners manual to decypher.
Summary: We had gotten to the point were we would avoid using or cooking anything that required more than 1 pan, 1 spoon and a plate for every member of our household. We ate only non-messy meals which were usually not that healthy. All to avoid having to wash more dishes. We're too busy to deal with a pile of dirty dishes and needed a solution that would fit into our very tiny galley kitchen. Not too many units fit in the space we had: 19" x 36". We looked at the Kenmore: kind of pricey, lost space due to the center tower wash post and the store staff was not too interested in making a sale (at 2 different Sears stores!). We looked at the Frigidaire: Looks like the poor cousin/clone of the Kenmore (they probably make the Kenmore). Neither got exactly glowing reviews by web posters. The Haier was not well reviewed elsewhere and does not appear to be as well built. The Kitchenaid in sink DW was just too expensive as were several German and Australian brands + they were built-in units. The web reviews in several places were not promising on the portable DW brands other than for Danby. In fact, the reviews by web posters at other sites and pricegrabber were positive about the Danby. You know what? They're right. It washes superbly, is compact, reasonably quiet and easy to use. Normal cycle is long (90 mins) but you get sparkling dishes. It's amazing what will fit in this thing. We did remove the top rack teacup holders as we mainly use mugs and this gave us more usable space. The 3 level wash (2 moving arms, 1 stationary spray at the top) is very effective even if it seems that plates are very closely spaced. So far it has cleaned everything we've thrown at it. I do recommend scraping large bits of food off or you will need to clean the filter (there is no food grinder in this unit but that is not a loss). It requires very little dishwasher powder, holds rinse aid in an automatic dispenser that works well and it heats the water to the temperatures required for best results - all while being one of the most energy efficient units out there. Danby's DW appears to be made on a contract basis by a Chinese appliance maker as there is a portable DW sold by Equator that is very similar, a built in DW sold by GE that looks identical inside and one sold by Avanti that looks virtually identical overall to the built in version of this Danby. I can say that Danby seems to sell the most of all of these units and there have been mainly positive reports on their products (I have not seen negative ones). Danby customer service seems helpful and you get a human, not a machine (I called with a question to test before buying). The Danby DW has been on the market for more than 2 years with no recalls or major complaints. I am concerned that our first delivered unit arrived damaged (liquid spilled inside, damaged back and rear of top). The replacement unit was nearly defect free (a very slight indentation on 1 side, a minor bit of paint missing on the back of the top). A unit I saw in store at a major national electronics retailer was also damaged in the back. These look like factory crating problems. Otherwise the unit is well finished: glossy paint done better than many car makers, a nicely finished countertop on the top of the unit, nice panel fits, easy rolling casters, shiny stainless steel interior, sturdy dish racks and cutlery holder, parts that seem durable and easy to service. On top of this, the Danby warranty is better than most. You can view the warranty and owner's manual before you buy at their website. There are many sellers of this unit (another reason to be more confident of this brand) so shopping around for the best price is easy to do (start at Pricegrabber.com!). In the short time that we have had this unit we have totally changed what and how we eat. We no longer worry how many plates and glasses we use and are eating much healthier now. This Danby DW has changed how we live, for the better. Now, instead of grimacing at a pile of dirty dishes we smile every time we reach for another spotlessly clean plate out of our Danby. What a superb product for those of us who thought we could never fit a dishwasher in our kitchen.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/11/2007 |
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 Disappointed Strengths: Holds a lot of dishes for its size. Friendly customer service.
Weaknesses: Not especially quiet. Manual gives a poor description of operation.
Summary: There are several quirks to this machine. You cannot drain it in the way the manual describes. You actually have to place it on its back and let the water spill out on to the floor. In the process of doing this a couple of times on of the back casters was weakened and subsequent broke. It took two service visits to get the fixed. Recently, after 2 years of operation, the machine has stopped working. The manual only gives suggestion how to drain the machine, but there is nothing on getting it to pumping water in. There is a paragraph about the water pump, but gaining access to the pump is not as described. Again you have to turn the machine on its back. Once there, you need special tools to extract the pump. I have lost my patience.
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| Date Reviewed: 05/31/2007 |
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Soap Box
Strengths: Its compact, Stainless steel interior, Quiet for the first run, Holds alot of dishes for its size.
Weaknesses: Takes too many to get one that works.
Summary: 2007-05-31 03:14:21 First dishwasher I ever bought, ordered it through a local appliance dealer. First complaint about this one is that I had to go back three times to get one that didn't look like it was hit by a bus. I have seen allot of dishwashers in action. Only the newer high end models clean your dishes well and quietly. First time I ran this one I thought WOW!!! the dishes are cleaner than the more expensive ones and not very loud at all. 3 tier system I would have to give an A+, top and bottom rack came out cleaner than any other dishwasher I've seen. I thought to myself I got me a good dishwasher here. The second run, not impressed at all. Timer started making really weird sounds, louder than the dishwasher. After about 10 mins of the wash cycle it started making another weird noise that just kept getting louder(I think its the pump). The first time I turned it on when I left the room it sounded like a water fall not like a vacuum cleaner, so imagine how I felt about that. Now after the cycle is all said and done I opened it up and low and behold the dishes look clean. I drained out the hoses to put it back and found to my surprise there was soap still in the water. Looked inside the machine and there was soap all over the inside and the dishes had soap all over them. So i rinsed them again (4 times total) still soap in the machine!(with less soap than recomended). First time the thing works greater than any other dishwasher, how does it make a 180 on the second run? My conclusion I guess I may have just got a bad one(or three, 2 shipping and one manufacturing problem), once, twice shame on you, 3rd time shame on me, I'm going to get my money back on this one.
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| Date Reviewed: 05/16/2005 |
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Strengths: Great Construction, Quiet, very economical and inexpensive
Weaknesses: Hoses are too short (about 4 feet from the back)
Summary: I used to sell dishwashers at Sears. I've owned several built in full sized dishwashers, even a stainless steel Bosch. This is the first one I am 'giddy' over. I recently downsized to move to Manhattan, which meant getting a small kitchen with no dishwasher. After months of sink washing, I broke down and bought this (Actually, a house guest felt sorry for me, and got it for me after I mentioned I was about to buy it). But not without reading all the specs and reviews. I bought it from eTronics (I've bought from them before) and was pleased with the customer service (so far). They had the best price (no delivery charge, as they have a local store too). After unpacking and inspection, I concluded that it was built with the same specs as the top of the line Kenmore (which I used to sell). It has a form fitting stainless steel interior, mechanical controls (which, IMO, are better than electronic on a machine that gets wet alot), well fitting seals, and stable casters. The interior is FULL size depth and height, just 6 inches narrower in width (Another brand, which I viewed on the spot, was NOT nearly as deep, and had rickety trays). The upper tray has two height settings, but I found the lower setting is not suitable for standard size dishes to fit below. The trays fit well, perhaps a bit too snug, but we'll see if they loosen up with use. The tines are spaced a bit close together for my taste, but after a washing, it appears the 1805 can handle dishes so close together. There is a lower spray arm, middle spray arm and top sprayer (non-spinning). The food filters and heating element in the base are sturdy and well made. Complaint: The hose hook-up are 6 feet long (apparently that is measured from inside the back where they connect to the machine, as they seemed too short and the 1805 must be right up against the sink counter to hook-up. I've never had a portable before, and (with the exception of my dear grandmother) always looked down on them. This one looks solid and has clean lines in any kitchen. On the rear panel, however, you will see a few (covered) rivets and seams, along with the black-plastic lined hose receptable, and serial tags. Unless you store it against a wall, you will see these protrusions. It should fit in with all your other appliances without standing out. The standard load time took about 45 minutes to run. The machine attaches easily to your faucet, though you do have to replace your areator with an adapter that produces a narrower stream of water from the faucet when the DW is not in use. I've only used the "economy" cycle, which worked great, but there are also Pots and Pans, Delicate, and Rinse only cycles. Additionally, the Delicate cycle can have a no heat option, and the Pots and Pans can have an extra boost option. It heats the water steaming hot. Very Quiet. Though not as quiet as the Bosch I owned (which I think is quieter than a Meile), it was as quiet as my Kitchen Aid. It was definitely quieter than all the plastic tub models out there. Though hardly used, I have experienced NO leaks. This even was operated on a non-level floor. My building is 110 years old and the floors are VERY slanted and swelled. This was my biggest concern. After each cycle, I took my flashlight and looked underneath for any signs of water....none. (My neighbors below would not appreciate an un-requested shower). I am a penny-pincher, and stressed over the purchase. Not because of the price, but because of the value for the price. I couldn't believe that such an inexpensive dishwasher could deliver like this one has. I can seriously say that this dishwasher outperforms dishwashers at twice its price. It carries an in-home 1 year warranty, but I always like stores like Sears where if you complain enough they take it back without any questions. So this was a bit of a leap, as Danby relies on authorized service centers (of which I hope I will never use).
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| Date Reviewed: 08/17/2006 |
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Strengths: compact, great design
Weaknesses: cost
Summary: I've never used a portable dishwasher before, but was forced to buy one when I had to move into an apartment. I had my doubts in the beginning (considering I couldn't look at a floor model and had to buy based on internet reviews), and the price was also a concern. But once I put it to the test, my worries were gone. It's well made and works like a charm. It's easy to use, quiet, and cleans great. The regular wash cycle takes about 45 min.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/01/2006 |
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 Not Bad Strengths: small
Weaknesses: takes a long time to clean
Summary: I have never used a portable. The dishwasher cleans as good as the bigger built in's, but it takes 3 hours on pot/pan mode. And 2 hours on regular wash. The hoses are plastic and short. I reccomend replacing them with rubber hoses, and a appliance extension cord. Other wise a pretty good performer for the buck.
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