Danby DDW396 22 in. Portable Dishwasher

Pros: Low water usage. Spotless dishes. Automatic dispensers. Detergent lasts forever. Quieter than a microwave.
Cons: Multiple loads to do all dishes. I hear they don't last long as other dishwashers

It was my turn to do dishes. I really HATE washing dishes. Especially living with 2 roommates they tend to pile up quick. Just my luck, every dish in the house was dirty. I remembered seeing a tiny dishwasher at Wal-Mart, and without a second thought, I ...

Pros: Great price, quiet, small, holds lots of dishes, easy hookup, attractive, very convenient!
Cons: Few dishes may come out dirty; no beep to alert you at the end.

I got this dishwasher a couple of months ago and I love it! It's SO nice not to hand-wash a lot of dishes now, especially with my dry, chapped, winter-time hands. I just HATE washing dishes and couldn't stand it anymore - especially when I discovered ...

Pros: Fits on a counter, cleans well, minimal cost, uses little water
Cons: Takes up counter space, little loud

Sure, washing dishes is not that difficult. However, finding the time is another story. Also, I am clean-freak on the molecular level. Thus, my reasoning for spending money on what some of my friends consider a non-vital appliance. I've owned this ...

Pros: Nice cleaning action, stainless interior, pretty light for its size
Cons: Window in door not really necessary, remember to tighten inlet and outlet hoses

Having read the previous reviews on Epinions, I decided that a countertop dishwasher would be perfect for me, too. I ordered mine from Etronics and five days later the box arrived and I unpacked it to find the most wonderful appliance I have yet ...

Pros: Relevant Cycle Options, Functional Design, Powerful cleaning, Sanitizing Mode
Cons: Length of hookup cords (power and water), sticky guide rollers.

get one of these in your kitchen! I had minimal expectations for a compact dishwasher, but I was really impressed by the effectiveness and available options on this unit. My mother's very expensive dishwasher doesn't get her dishes as clean, as ...

Pros: Works great, looks good, quiet, GETS THE JOB DONE SO I DON'T HAVE TO!
Cons: Don't misuse it with laundry soap -- use dish powder and avoid leaks!

Only AFTER a house full of relatives left town, post-summer-visit, did it occur to me to get a dishwasher for my pre WW2 house. There just isn't enough space for a conventional portable (that you wheel around the floor), so I started looking for the ...

Pros: Takes up little space, runs quietly, saves me from having to do dirty dishes!
Cons: Hose hanger on back of unit is not practical and not necessary.

So far I have been very pleased with my dishwasher. It really does clean dishes well. It runs quietly and cannot be heard outside of the kitchen. The faucet adapter works fine -- you just screw it onto your existing faucet and then hook the ...

Pros: Does the job. Takes up little room. Uses very little detergent.
Cons: Hose is always in sink, doesn't retract, has leaks.

I love it. It was very easy to set up, everything needed was included. The hose has a quick connect/disconnect adapter inluded. I HATE to handwash dishes, I am single working girl who, in the past, used paper plates to avoid the nasty task of ...

Pros: Quiet, saves water/energy, cleans well, reasonably priced, good customer service.
Cons: instruction manual not very clear sometimes regarding certain issues, rinse agent dispenser not working (?)

I bought my Danby dishwasher back in April of 2005. It has been a great appliance so far! I use it approximately 2 or 3 times a week. With clever and careful placement, you can actually wash saucepans and skillets in the dishwasher, too. The ...

Pros: Makes quick work of the dishes - and its nice to get that Squeeky clean.
Cons: Standard config is hard to load dishes window option unit is not worth the money

Update - April 2008: We have replaced the door twice now. The first replacement lasted for quite a while, but it finally started leaking at the window. I had ordered a "spare" replacement door last time because they were so inexpensive, and this time I ...

Pros: it worked great at first
Cons: leaks like a sieve after less than 10 months

Please read all of the reviews before considering this product. I bought this unit because there is absolutely no way or room for a portable or built in unit in my studio apartment. A countertop model was my only choice. First, if you follow the ...

Pros: Saves a man from performing domestic labor. EXTREMELY Reliable.
Cons: Thermonuclear containment gear required to extract flatware upon cycle completion.

My wife is a United States Marine. When she was deployed to Iraq in January of 2003, I was involuntarily thrust back into a life of cleaning for myself. Having grown accustomed to a military cleaning routine, the only places I found myself lacking were ...

Pros: Great when it works.
Cons: Unreliable, in shop waiting for parts.

This dishwasher is good when it works (just don't put terribly crusty/heavily soiled dishes in - it will clean a reasonable amount of food off but not an excessive amount, especially if food is cooked on). It does work better than every built-in D/W ...

Pros: - Cleans well - Saves water, detergent and space
Cons: - Timer gets stuck - durability issues - Can't have too many food particles

I've had my Danby for under a year. It does a good job of cleaning the dishes, surprisingly even on cooked on pasta. However it doesn't clean as well when there are are many food particles in the wash. This is because there is only one spray arm ...

Pros: Great cleaning job, low water/detergent use
Cons: Durability, hoses laying around on counter

I'm on my 3rd Danby countertop dishwasher. I love the dishwasher when it works, but the durability isn't that great. On the positive side, the dishwasher does a great job cleaning dishes. I never really have to pre-rinse dishes. What's ...

Pros: GREAT LITTLE DISHWASHER
Cons: A little hard to set up; larger than expected

I got the Danby countertop dishwasher last week and so far it has worked great! I am very happy b/c I live in a very old style apartment and I was afraid something would not work, water pressure, sink adapter, whatever. However, it all works great so ...

Pros: Small, sanitizes, good sink fitings.
Cons: Fire hazard, not reliable, customer service is snooty, costly to repair.

I got this little dishwasher because I had a high risk baby who had to have everything sanitized. It worked great for about 2 months & then started smoking out the back with the smell of burning electrical wire. We took it back & exchanged it for a new ...

Pros: NOT HAVING TO DO THE DISHES. Inexpensive. Easy to use.
Cons: Nothing really. IT DOES THE DISHES VERY WELL, SO THAT I DON'T HAVE TO!

I did a lot of research on portable dishwashers. I didn't even know countertop models existed - what a great idea! Anyhow, long story short I decided upon this model, bought it at walmart.com for $168 including shipping, and it's been wonderful ever ...

Pros: Small, powerful as a full-size unit, stainless steel interior, low water consumption
Cons: Noisy compared to installed full-size models; hose doesn't really store easily when not in use.

That's the question I would always get when I had guests over at my home. I lived in a very small space and desperately wanted a dishwasher, but I couldn't afford to lose any cabinet space and my countertop space was limited, so I started looking into ...

Pros: when it works it works great...but not for long!!!
Cons: Pumps go bad...CS hung up on me. the pump goes out again and ...

Did you know I left at least 4 messages at your 1-800 numbers for Mr. Root, also Brent and more? Brent was the only one to call me back. I called Mr. Root yesterday at 3:45 pm my time and Mr. Root actually HUNG UP ON ME...it does not look good for your ...

Pros: Saves water, convenient for one person.
Cons: Doesn't rinse very well, especially silverware. Noisy after about a year's use.

I bought the dishwasher in Oct. 2002. In May of 2003 had to have the pump/motor replaced, still under warranty. January 04 the motor is making more noise and one day wouldn't work at all. Waited a couple days and tried it again. It works, still makes noise, and I'm wondering when it will go out again. Good idea, but not reliable.

Pros: In expensive, space saver.
Cons: Plastic parts not built to last.,

I bought this Danby countertop dish washer about a year ago. It meets my need and dishes come out pretty clean.

The only complaint I have is that the machine is not built to last. The plastic window on the front panel came off recently. Upon investigation, it reveals that the design to hold the plastic window water tight is rather minimal. No wonder they only offer warranty on plastic parts for 30 days.

I wouldn't have bought the unit if I knew the design was so bad.

Pros: gives you an excuse to mop the floor when water leaks out
Cons: leakage, noisy, gets stuck on rinse cycle, anti-spotting system is worthless

Due to budget and space constraints, I purchased this Danby counter top dishwasher. It was a terrible mistake. The worse aspect of this washer is water leakage. It seems during a heavy load of dishes, water would stream out the bottom of the front door causing a huge mess. You literally have to pre-wash the dirty dishes before placing them into the unit, otherwise you'll have a lot of mopping to do. The second flaw with this model is that the dial setting that is used to select wash cycle is always getting stuck on the final rinse cycle. On one occasion, I waited over 45 minutes for the washer to complete the final cycle. When nothing happened, I manually switched it off.
The 3rd irritating problem of this model is the anti-waterspot system. It doesn't work. I've ran over 20 sets of dishes in the washer and the waterspot agent reservior level has not changed and I always get spotting on my glasses. Overall, I would not recommend anyone from purchasing this useless product.

Pros: Small, cheaper than a maid, saves water!
Cons: Dishes very hot at end of cycle, soap scum on dishes, lasts 1.5 yrs

In a NYC kitchen-in-the-living room, the DW is perched on a counter near the sink. Two working adults find it a blessing, because it actually freed precious counterspace from unwashed dishes.

It does dishes and glass well for one year. We stopped doing pots. Some prewash is required, but it doesn't defeat the point. Everything is burning hot at end of cycle.

The price is great, considering time saved for the couch or cooking.

3/2006 Update: Washbox bid "Adieu!" after only 1.5 years service. Couple of months ago the ON/OFF button went, requiring a toothpick to keep it in operating position. At that point I spoke to a repairman who said: "Oh, those dishwashers are not worth fixing." True.

This morning, it sprang a leak from underneath and I declared time of death. While I still think it is worth $200 its not a better value than a larger freestanding model that is twice the money but lasts 3-4 times longer. I will look elsewhere, but if I cant find anything I'll replace this less than perfectly designed and made product, because it still beats standing over the sink for 40 minutes.

Pros: This dishwasher is the perfect size to fit under cupboards.
Cons: The biggest problem seems to be getting a unit that works and is not damaged.

The verdict is still out, but I'm not very happy right now. I thought the Danby countertop dishwasher was the solution to my dishwashing woes. I don't have room for a built in or full size portable. The countertop would be perfect. Well maybe it will be if I ever get one that works. The first one I received didn't work right off the bat. The cycle dial would get stuck in two different places and run, and run, and run until you manually turned the dial a notch or two. Even after all that running, the dishes were not very clean. Today I received the replacement model. It is still in the box. When I opened the box I noticed a large paint chip on the top of the dishwasher in the corner. There is actually a large dent in the top corner on the side that caused the top to buckle and the paint to chip. It is obvious the dishwasher was damaged BEFORE it was packed as there is no damage to the carton or the interior styrafoam that protects the corners.

Pros: Size of a large microwave so easy to fit on the counter.
Cons: Size of a large microwave so you can only do so much.

I've had this for a year so far and I love it. I'm an awful housekeeper and things sit in the sink a week before I touch them, but this is a wonderful thing to have if you're a single apt dweller. I've found I get the best cleaning out of it when I use the Sani feature (makes the water extra hot) and when I use gelpacs or tabs instead of regular dishwasher detergent. It also helps to pack things right and clean out the trap occasionally. Sometimes you'll get a load that doesn't seem to get clean the first time round, but that happens with most dishwashers anyway, every once in a while. For the money, I think it's a great deal.

Pros: Easy to use. Light weight (under 50 lbs).
Cons: Must clean metal filter after each load. Several other cleaning maintenance routines.

I came across this dishwasher at Target on clearance for $105 and snatched it right up. I recently moved from an apartment with a built in dishwasher to an apartment with no dishwasher, and how did I miss having one!

A big thing you have to be careful about (in my opinion anyway) is the output (dirty water) hose. I tightened both hoses (input & output) by hand (to the back of the unit) and they seemed tight. I ran a load and checked it when it was done and found a puddle of water on the counter under the unit. It seems the output hose wasn't on tight enough and needed to be tightened with a wrench. But you must be careful since it's just plastic parts. The input hose was tight enough by hand thanks to the type of nut they put on it, but output was a slight problem.

So far I've only run one load on it, but so far I'm happy with it. A nice appliance for the price.

Pros: WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL
Cons: NONE

I have been meaning for months to write this. We ordered a Danby from WalMart (cheapest price) about 8 months ago. First one that came had a huge dent in it; sent it back, 2nd one was fine. I LOVE IT! I use it 1-3 times a day; it gets dishes SUPER clean, and I have NO dishes on the countertop anymore. I couldn't live without it now; HIGHLY recommended for a small area (my cottage is about 450 sq. ft.).

Pros: Small, portable, affordable, easy to hook up to a sink.
Cons: Cleaning power has a lot to be desired. Must clean filter every time.

I hate doing the dishes more than any other housechore, and that's why I got my Danby portable dishwasher. However, i found out that the dishes have to be almost clean for it to clean them properly. Basically, I end up cleaning the dishes myself before putting them into the washer.

It's alright when I have visits and I get a lot of dirty dishes. Otherwise, it's not good for personal use.

I also found that it heats the water way too much, even when it's not in sanitize mode. I guess it uses too much electricity for that.

Pros: Saves time and space. Low cost.
Cons: A little noisy and uses custom hose so replacements are hard to find.

I have been using my danby almost daily for a little over a year. Overall, its a nice time saving machine. If you have a small kitchen and need to save space I would recommend getting one. I have never had a full sized machine so I can't the danby is better or worse but the danby most definitely gets the dishes clean. The two issues I have had is that sometimes the drain hose clogs with food particles. The other is the element that heats the water will crust over and stop heating. Both are easily overcome with weekly cleaning.

Pros: small, efficent, good for small families, money saver!
Cons: touchy settings, 2x size of mircowave, hard to level

I would recommend this product to anyone who doesn't have room for a full sized dishwasher or wants the ability to easily take it with you when you move.

HOWEVER: I had this dishwasher for about 4-6 months before it started leaking. Now I'm not sure if its faulty or if it was unlevel but i find it strange it would all of a sudden doing it if it was un-level. It got worse, but I never sent in my warrenty so I was out of luck.

Second problem, the faucet adapter started leaking so i had to use sealent on it, making it impossible to take it off unless i wanted to reseal it. Bad deal.

Third problem which is worst of all, my dishwasher worked very nicely even after all of this but i lost the darn faucet adapter, and I cant find anyone that sells them.

Pros: Spotless dishes, uses very little water and you can fit in a ton of dishes!
Cons: When disconnecting water can leak out both sides of the fitting.

This dishwasher does an incredible job! Not only was I able to fit my entire glass microwave plate into it it cleaned off all the fried on cheese and goodness knows what else to complete spotlessness! The complementary detergent lasted me three weeks! I don't even feel bad using it to clean just a large pot and some other small items since it doesn't even use a third of a sink of water!

Pros: It is a time saving device.
Cons: Parts need replacing fairly regularily, up to, and shortly after the first year of usage.

I've had this little dishwasher since 2003. Within 8mos., of using it, the front door panel started to leak. It took 2wks before I could get the replacement part. Next, the cycle dial would not move from the "normal" setting. I had to keep nudging it along(this lasted for weeks). Within the next, almost year, the front door panel needed replacing AGAIN. The cycle dial now moves freely from the "normal" setting, but needs to be nudged along at the final rinse stage. Somewhere along the way, I've seemed to have lost the "produces extremely hot water conditions" at the final rinse, since there is no longer any excessive heat; the dishes remain very wet at the end of the completed cycle. The most recent problem I having, is that the water won't drain out. Calling 1-800 Damby Cust.Service, is as helpful as their manual.

Pros: cleans good compact economical
Cons: cheap plastic window serves no purpose impossile to get parts

I found that in general the dishwasher works fairly well for it's simplicity and size when the timer doesn't stick or the cheap platic window with plastic rivets doesn't break causing a flood.

the plastic rivets have broke for the third time in 3 years and Danby has told me they no longer make the replacement parts despite still continuing to sell the model. If you have one that still works I would recommend not over filling, especially making certain absolutely nothing comes in contact with the window or else...

I would reccomend you check craiglist.com and see how many people are trying to get rid of theirs and make your decision.

Pros: energy efficient, small, fast, durable, still running strong after 3 years
Cons: none

This thing is a lifesaver, and has been able to withstand many loads of dishes. I cook a lot, so I often run the dishwasher more than twice in one day. I have been worried about the components breaking down, but (knock on wood) mine is still up and running as good as new. I bought this thing for $150 3 years ago, and my only complaint is that it does not easily fit my large regular plates without some manuevering.

Pros: At least for a few months, you don't have to do dishes by hand!
Cons: Breaks down too soon. Poor/non-existent customer service.

I am now on my second (and last) Danby countertop dishwasher, and it is ready to be trashed. As a single person who HATES doing dishes by hand, when I first found out about this product, I HAD TO HAVE IT! The first dishwasher lasted maybe a couple of years, but that was after having to get a replacement for the interior door - water was leaking everywhere because the window frame was cracked, supposedly from using too much detergent. But then the motor died. I have had my second dishwasher for a whole 10 months. It is now ready for the garbage. After a few times of it not cleaning well, I ran some vinegar through it a couple of times, but now it leaks from the bottom panel. I left a message for Danby customer service (as they do not answer the phone during their supposed business hours) and I still haven't heard from them. For the price of this product, I expect it to last more than a few months, or even years. I am now done with Danby. If anyone has a fix for the leaking bottom panel, please post here!

Pros: small
Cons: loud, doesn't clean well, makes a mess, soap scum, timer sticks

This machine is a horrible little device. It leave a soap film on everything that is really hard to wash off even by hand. The timer sticks and it gets stuck mid cycle. The stupid thing is too loud and the hook-up tube is too short. It leaks all over the the floor. I have never been so disappointed with any other dishwasher. It was a present, and I have a small kitchen, that is the only good thing is that it does save space. I was very disappointed with the product.

Pros: Excellent value, great for those who hate doing dishes and/or don't have two sinks.
Cons: Takes up some counter space, window is useless, recommended Cascade detergent isn't great.

I've been using my Danby 396 for about 7 months, and I'm very glad I bought this dishwasher. Not a whole lot needs to be said: it's a good value, it's not very loud, and it doesn't take up too much space (although some may prefer to use a cart if they have very little counter space as it is). It's great for those who:

1) hate doing dishes,
2) don't have two sinks,
3) or if you're like me, both.

My gripes are minor: the window is completely useless, you have to manually turn the dial between the "pre-wash" and "wash" stages (either that or mine's broken), and the recommended Cascade detergent doesn't work very well in my experience.

A suggestion: buy "Electrasol PowerBall with Jet-Dry" tabs and cut them in half; they have proven to be the best solution for us by far.

Pros: Easy to use. Turn the nob to "normal" before pressing the "on" switch.
Cons: I really can't think of any. A good buy for the money.

I hate washing dishes and happen to live in an older apartment that doesn't have a dishwasher. What to do... .
After reading reviews in Epinions, I bought my Danby last February on sale for about $100 at a closeout sale at an appliance retailer.

I have been very pleased with the performance. It cleans the dishes very well. I do rinse the dishes before placing them in the machine, and I religiously clean the filter after use. I believe that this helps with performance.

Fortunately, I have not had the problem with the front window becoming dislodged (I crack the door after the cycle has been completed), or problems with the rotating spraying arm that some others have mentioned. Nor have I had problems with leakage. I used teflon tape at the hose connections.

I would recommend this product without reservation.

Pros: Great price, great little product.
Cons: The knob getting stuck on any random spot.

I used this for maybe a month, and the knob that is supposed to automatically go all the way around, will decided to stop on a cycle, and if your not babysitting it, than can be alot of water, heat, and electricity.

Pros: Cleans Good and Fast! Uses little soap and water! Stainless steel interior. Nice design.
Cons: Cannot see through the window but even full size dishwashers doesn't have windows.

I hate washing dishes and so I decided to buy this for my apartment. I use it about 4 times/week. Cleans good and fast! (I only use the short cycle and it comes out clean. I scrape off food or slightly rinse off dishes before loading) Sanitizes well. Uses little soap and water.

Pros: Quiet, very efficient, VERY easy to use/setup/install, Priced right!
Cons: None that I have found so far...

I've had mine over a month now & I'm still amazed at how well this thing works. The dishes come out spotless & it is VERY energy & water efficient. I use the econo-cycle, and in about 28-29 minutes...the dishes are 100% washed & dried. For a single person, or a couple in an apartment, this is an excellent product. I am very pleased with how it's been working!

Pros: Gets dishes clean!!! Portable!!! Easy to install!!!
Cons: A little loud, but that's it so far...

It was quite easy to hook up.

I did have a little problem with leakage, but it was my own fault because i didn't have the drainage hose hooked up right. I haven't seen a leak since!

It gets my grossest dishes sparkling clean and it takes less than a teaspoon of detergent to do so.
I heard that putting too much detergent in may be the reason why some people have had leakage problems with the window unit, so i try to put as little in as possible.


Update:
After about a year, a disgusting smell would start coming out of the machines when ever it was on its last cycle (when the heater would turn on).
I think I solved this problem by reading another review saying that if you let the water sit in the machine, it will rust out the motor.
All I do now is make sure there is no water sitting in the hose.
I used to have the hose all coiled up, which I do not think was good for the machine.

Pros: No Pros at all about this product. Just a lot of headaches.
Cons: Through in trash, No more headaches. I will never by any Danby product again!

My experience with this dishwasher is terrible! I had to rinse all dishes before putting them in the washer, and then had to wash by hand most dishes after the washer was done. The last straw was when the arm stopped spinning and spraying water. No there was no blockage, that was the first thing I checked. Water sprayed up when I took the arm off, but not when I put it back on. And the arm was perfectly clean. Well, today I finally got justice. It's out in garbage where it belongs! What an absolutely terrible product! No more Danby for me of any kind!

Pros: Quiet
Cons: Leaks like a seive, dial gets stuff, residual on dishes, short hose, unreliable.

I bought this to wash bottles in when my little girl was born and to save time doing dishes in our small apartment.  The dishwasher takes up a lot of counterspace and has a very short hose so it has to sit right next to the sink.  After only 6 months the dial started sticking.  After a year, there is water leaking out from the window and door.  Dishes must be rinsed well before washing and many times there is residue left over on the dishes, not good for baby bottles, and sometimes the detergent door does not open.  It takes less time to wash the dishes by hand than it does to load/unload/rewash the dishes in this dishwasher.

Pros: Perfect for apartments and small (1 - 2 people) households.
Cons: Poor quality; we've bought two of these, and both broke down after three years.

We love our countertop dishwasher--but we're off to buy our third one today. Both of our previous Danby countertop dishwashers broke down after three years. Given the price, that works out to paying roughly $10 a month to have something other than *us* doing the dishes, so we're willing to plunk down the cash yet again, but it really irks me to have to treat a major appliance as disposable.