A traditional home appliance that doesn’t come pre-installed in most RVs is an RV dishwasher, which is something you often have to purchase and install separately. Luckily, there are plenty of manufacturers that make these appliances for rigs that don’t have built-in dishwashers. If it happens to be an upgrade that you are very interested in, then join us as we thoughtfully review your options.
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What is an RV Dishwasher?
An RV dishwasher is relatively similar to the ones we grew up with at home, except they tend to be more resource-efficient and portable. Likewise, more expensive! It’s no wonder that they are often only pre-installed in fifth wheels and class A motorhomes.
Types of RV Dishwashers
If your RV didn’t come with an RV dishwasher, you can still add one to your rig as long you can manage your camper’s space and resources. With that said, there are two types of RV dishwashers that you can purchase.
Built-In
If you don’t have a built-in RV dishwasher, then you can have one installed permanently to your RV. However, you’ll likely need a professional to remodel your countertop or drawers, or the kitchen itself to make ample space.
Countertop
Portable countertop dishwashers are easier to incorporate as longs as the dishwasher will have access to a nearby water supply. Meanwhile, there’s also what others may refer to as portable RV dishwashers. Instead of resting atop the counter, these units have rollers that will allow you to move them around.
Benefits of an RV Dishwasher?
An RV dishwasher can bring your RV life closer to that of a traditional home setup. While we usually seek RV living for its unique adventures and circumstances, there are also conveniences we grew up with that’s definitely worth bringing to our favorite hobby or newfound lifestyle.
Use less water
It’s hard to imagine or keep track of how much running water is being used every time you manually wash your dishes—even when you’re being conservative. With an RV dishwasher, you can be more consistent with your usage and adjustments. You can also avoid uneven results that can lead to another round of washing cycle.
Drying function
The dryer is nice to have in certain situations where you need a short turnaround time for the dishes. Since most RV dishwashers nowadays come with its own dryer, it’ll be up to you how much you’d like to use the dryer to manage your power consumption.
Save money in the long run
An RV dishwasher is a big upfront investment to make, but it can also yield long-term savings as a result. For one, it allows you to track and manage your water consumption more effectively, and provides you with a consistent cleaning output that will save you resources over time. Furthermore, it works as a storage when dishes pile up or if you’re looking to round them up so you can clean them altogether to save more water.
5 Best Built in RV Dishwasher
Built-in RV dishwashers are excellent if you want seamless integration between all your kitchen appliances and accessories. However, finding the perfect unit for your RV is far from an average shop and go routine. So, if you need a place to start, check out some of our recommendations for the best RV dishwashers below.
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Fisher & Paykel Integrated DishDrawer + Sanitize
Fisher & Paykel Integrated DishDrawer (with auto Sanitize) is a beautifully designed and ergonomic specialty dishwasher that fits well in most RVs. The drawer-style dishwasher even has advanced programming that will increase the temperature of the final rinse to get rid of bacteria. Notably, the unit also features touch sensors and a knock-to-pause function, flexible racking options and operates at a very low 46 db on standard use.
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Vesta Built-In RV Dishwasher
Vesta’s RV dishwasher boasts a stainless steel finish that gives itself a modern and minimalist look. The drawer dishwasher unit has electronic controls that can support six (6) wash programs for more efficient use. On standard, this reliable cleaner consumes around 1.7 gallons per cycle and operates at a remarkable 49 db noise level.
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Edgestar Built-In RV Dishwasher
The Edgestar Built-In RV Dishwasher is a semi-lightweight option for RVs with a little more room for customization. The unit offers a signature leakage sensor that can automatically shut off water flow as soon as a leak has been identified. Aside from that, Edgestar supports six (6) wash cycles, and heated dry and sanitation options, while running at cool 52 db on standard operation.
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Furrion FDW18SAS-SS RV Dishwasher
The Furrion RV Dishwasher (FDW18SAS-SS RV) sports a double-loading rack that includes a utensil basket and a folding cup shelf for improved dish rack management and spacing. It operates at a relatively low 55 db noise level aided by its stainless steel frame that can also withstand vibrations when on the road. In addition, the unit has a fully-integrated touch control system that we found easy and responsive to use.
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GE Profile 18″ ADA-Compliant Dishwasher
GE’s Profile 18″ ADA-Compliant Dishwasher is backed by an autosense system that can wittingly adjust cycle duration by measuring soil levels and water temperature. At just 47 db on standard, it’s easily one of the most stealth and family-friendly dishwashers on the market.
5 Best Portable RV Dishwashers
A portable countertop dishwasher is great if you want to stay fluid with your arrangement or have a limited RV counter space to work with. Our favorites in this category are as follows:
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hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher
hOmeLabs’ Compact Countertop Dishwasher is one of the most appealing portable dishwashers when it comes to design and adaptability. It’s especially recommended for apartments and small households, including roving ones, such as your RV! Additionally, the unit is Energy Star certified and supports six (6) washing cycles for ease of use and additional savings.
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Farberware FDW05ASBWHA Compact Countertop Dishwasher
The Farberware Compact Countertop Dishwasher (FDW05ASBWHA) is a fairly powerful and compact dishwasher that should easily complement most RV setups. It takes little to no effort to assemble and requires no hookups thanks to its refillable built-in tank.
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BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Portable Countertop Dishwasher
BLACK+DECKER’s BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher is one unit that you can buy with confidence from a established manufacturer of compact kitchen accessories and appliances. The BCD6W, in particular, impressed me with its seven (7) wash cycles, six (6) place settings capacity and quiet operation at just 49 db on standard.
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SPT SD-2213W Portable Countertop Dishwasher
The SPT SD-2213W Compact Countertop Dishwasher made its name as one of the leading choices for small apartments, office kitchens and most recently, RVs. Despite its small frame, the unit can support up to 6 standard place settings and dishware with up to 10.25 inches in diameter. Additionally, the SD-2213W includes a rinse aid and water supply warning indicator to help monitor your usage and the equipment’s status.
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Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher
The immaculate-looking Danby DDW621WDB Countertop Dishwasher runs at a quiet 52 db and sports a six (6) place settings capacity that’s on par with portable dishwasher standards. What we loved about it though is the delay start feature that allows configuration of the dishwasher’s start option by 2,4,6 or 8 hours in order to wash dishes with optimum water and energy efficiency.
5 Best RVs with a Dishwasher
If you are looking to purchase or upgrade your rig to an RV with your preferred built-in features, including an RV dishwasher, then we also prepared the list below to help you navigate your options.
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Newmar King Aire
Newmar King Aire is loaded with amenities and features that will invite you to live an RV lifestyle full-time. This customizable luxury coach includes a Fisher Paykel dishwasher, 22 cubic foot Viking® refrigerator with French doors and an internal ice maker, Wolf induction electric cooktop and more for a truly mesmerizing RV kitchen setup.
Type: Class A Motorhome
Length: 40-45 ft (12.2-13.7 m)
Width: 8-8.5 ft (2.4-2.6 m)
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American Coach American Dream 45A
The American Dream 45A by American Coach is a dream motorhome for anyone who wants to combine and luxury and flexibility. Notably, the unit features a residential-style premium kitchen that includes a wine cooler, over-the-range convection microwave, 4-door refrigerator, quartz countertop and a built-in dishwasher.
Type: Class A Motorhome
Length: 44-45 ft (13.4-13.7 m)
Width: 8.5-9 ft (2.6-2.7 m)
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Tiffin Phaeton 40 IH
The Phaeton 40 IH is a stylish and powerful motorhome that is also one of Tiffin’s best-selling units in the last decade. The kitchen, in particular, can be customized (depending on the model) to include a combination of a drawer-style built-in dishwasher, two-burner induction cooktop, 25-cubic foot stainless steel residential refrigerator and an assortment standard kitchen appliances and amenities.
Type: Class A Motorhome
Length: 41 ft (12.5 m)
Width: 8.5 ft (2.6 m)
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Fleetwood RV 40G Discovery LXE
The ever-evolving line of Fleetwood RV 40G Discovery LXE mixes adventure and comfort via its cozy and spacious interior, and powerful chassis. It also features a stellar kitchen setup that includes a stainless steel residential refrigerator, built-in RV dishwasher, over-the-range convection microwave oven, two-burner induction cooktop and more.
Type: Class A Motorhome
Length: 41 ft (12.5 m)Width: 8.5-8.6 ft (2.6-2.7 m)
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Entegra Coach Cornerstone 45B
Entrega coaches are often lauded for their cozy design and well-insulated interior that consistently filters noise and vibration while on the road. When it comes to kitchen configuration, the Entegra Cornerstone is equally impressive with its assortment of residential-grade equipment and accessories that includes a distinguishable Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, accented solid-surface countertops with dimmable LED lighting and an induction cooktop with wood cover, among others.
Type: Motor A Motorhome
Length: 44-45 ft (13.4-13.7 m)
Width: 8.5-9 ft (2.6-2.7 m)
Can You Use Any Portable Dishwasher in an RV?
For the most part, you can use any of your preferred portable dishwashers as long as you can make room for it. However, it’s also important to consider that some household units are not recommended for RV dishwasher use since they may consume more water and dishwasher detergent which can stifle your supply between stops.
What RV Types Come with Dishwashers?
You are most likely to find built-in dishwashers in class A motorhomes and large fifth wheels. You may choose to add a built-in or portable dishwasher in smaller RVs, although this will require you to give up some precious cabinet or countertop space.
Final Thoughts on Selecting the Best RV Dishwasher
It’s not difficult to make a case about adding a dishwasher to your recreational vehicle. It can immediately improve your routine and allow you to accrue savings over time. However, before making this big of a commitment, we implore you to ensure that you’ll have enough space and resources to support the upgrade. Once you’ve come to terms with the pros and cons, then our list should be able to help you make a more informed and confident choice on your next purchase.
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