Looking for a dishwasher that works well with hard water?
Hard water is known to damage the quality of dishes, and if you’re using a dishwasher that doesn’t work well with hard water, then maybe it’s time to get a new one that works perfectly and keeps your dishes neat and clean.
How does hard water affect the dishwasher?
The white streaks on your glass and cutlery, dishwasher becoming rusty, or not working correctly are the signs that your dishwasher is victim to hard water issues. The minerals present in hard water leave a cloudy and smudgy effect on your dishwasher interior and cutlery.
Hard water can also affect different components of the dishwasher, such as the cleaning arm and interior tray. This issue could drastically affect the cleaning efficiency of your dishwasher and increase the chances of rusting.
A solution to all these problems is to use a dishwasher to manage the dishwasher cleaning while utilizing hard water. So after detailed research, our editors have picked the best options that serve as a solution to hard water problems.
Our picks include the best choices with different installation types that are known to work with hard or any water. The guide also includes tips and tricks that can help you remove the rigid water signs from your dishwasher.
Related: Best Dishwashers Under $500 in 2021
At a Glance – Our Top 6 Picks of Best Dishwashers for Hard Water
Review of Best Hard Water Dishwashers
1. Farberware Professional Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher
This dishwasher features three programs for cleaning options. You can choose from rising, standard, and heavy cleaning modes. The Baby Care functions ensure a hygienic clean for your baby products and glassware, giving a squeaky-clean finish. This dishwasher is suitable for all cleaning aids such as pods, liquid, or powdered detergents.
The standout feature of this dishwasher is that it includes a 5-liter water pitcher supporting its portability and compact design factor. This option makes the setup process of the dishwasher more convenient, reducing the water supply hookup. You can fill up the water pitcher or directly connect the water supply with the kitchen water faucet.
The dish rack is spacious enough to fit 12-inch dishes and hold small pots. The cleaning rack slides out once you pull open the magnetically latched door. The cutlery rack is durable and can withstand long cleaning cycles. Powerful Cleaning spray arms ensure streak-free cleaning. The digital touch control panel is easy to operate, and there are designated buttons for every cleaning mode. The quickest cleaning cycle runs for about 40 minutes which is quite impressive for a countertop dishwasher.
This dishwasher’s operation is noise-free at only 62 dB with a compact design and multiple cleaning options. Therefore you don’t have to worry about any background noises. You can take this dishwasher even on your camping trips with the built-in water tank and compact size factor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5 liter built-in water tank | Error code for water leakage may appear |
| Countertop kitchen appliance | Few Shipping Issues |
| Not so much Noise | |
| Powerful cleaning | |
| Perfect for RV and small room places |
2. EdgeStar DWP62BL Portable Countertop Dishwasher
The dishwasher features seven settings for cleaning your cutlery. You can easily choose from seven different cleaning modes depending on the items placed in the dishwasher. The digital display portrays the dishwasher state and Led indicators to keep you updated with any warnings. You can set the delay timer for your convenience as well.
The stainless-steel interior withstands the effects of hard water and gives you reliable service for years. The interior rack is spacious enough to hold 10 inches of diameter plates. The Interior rack is designed for six place settings featuring a cup shelf, cutlery basket, and dish holding rack.
The quick 45-minute wash gives you squeaky clean results in the nick of time. A built-in rinse agent avoids any hard water spots or dinner stains to remain on the plates.
The internal heating feature raises the water temperature for a thoroughly cleansed wash. The dishwasher operates quietly at only 52.3 dB sound level.
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The dishwasher hose can easily fit in with any kitchen faucet and adapter for quick and easy setup. The direct water supply uses only 2.85 gallons of water on regular wash, saving energy on the EnergyStar standards. The dishwasher is not recommended for dish detergent or pods as it may cause overflow. Therefore it is recommended to use the liquid detergent for best results.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and sturdy | Using detergent pods may cause overflow or leakage |
| Seven cleaning modes to select | Delicate parts (hose) |
| Easy to set up | |
| Built-in rinse agent | |
| Quiet operation at 52 decibels |
3. BLACK+DECKER BCD6W Compact Countertop Dishwasher
The dishwasher is programmed with seven wash cycles to choose from, which works the best for your dishes and cutlery. The setting features Normal, Intensive, Eco, Glass, 90 Minutes, Rapid & Soak options. You can also set a delay timer featuring start-stop options for the convenience of your washing cycles. The noise factor is as quiet as possible with this machine even when operating at intensive clean mode.
The icons featured on the control panel offer easy operation with just the touch of a button. Easy to read control panel features timer Led to state the delay timer set from the control panel. The panel also features a child lock option to keep it safe from nasty hands or unintentional touch.
The washing capacity of the internal rack is impressive for a countertop dishwasher. The 6-place setting allows you to place more in an organized manner. You can fit plates and dishes of 10-inch diameter along with your other cutlery items at a time. The rack slides out when the lid is opened and features a removable basket for easy loading.
The dishwasher saves you from the trouble of installation with an easy-to-fit hose with a kitchen faucet. The quick-connect options let you power the machine whenever you feel convenient to use. The bottom section has the detergent dispenser and removable filters to fill in and keep the cleaning procedure on the go.
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish and modern design | No drying or heating element |
| Seven cleaning modes and child lock | May not hold ample cutlery |
| Easy to fit hose | Small soap dispenser |
| Digital touch control panel | |
| Low noise production |
4. Novete Portable Compact Countertop Dishwashers
The mini dishwasher features five washing cycles: Normal, Speed, Eco, Baby/heavy Mode, and fruit options. The cleaning time varies depending on the option you have selected for cleaning.
If you are in a hurry, select the automatic speed mode, which will clean and dry your cutlery in just 29 minutes. Although if you are looking for a more thorough cleaning, go for the Baby/Heavy option, which will increase the cleaning water temperature up to 167 Fahrenheit.
The installation procedure is as easy as it can get with this dishwasher. It features a built-in 5-liter water tank which can be filled in for the convenience of connection-free use. The hose can also be attached directly from the kitchen faucet for direct supply.
The dishwasher rack is designed to fit more in the upper and lower frame giving a designated cleaning experience. The upper and lower spray arms perform an obstruction-free cleaning to rinse the dishes thoroughly.
The tall design for the separate portion for plates and cups allows more items to fit in for a single go. The cleaning rack features a fruit basket for cleaning your fruits and vegetables with just a single option.
The unique 3 in 1 cleaning function is a standout option in this dishwasher. The dishwasher would automatically begin the hot air-drying cycle once it is done with the cleaning procedure. It would make the plates and dishes dry, leaving no water spots on them. The trays and containers can be stored for up to 72 hours with the automatic ventilation feature.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Water-saving with the built-in water tank | Speed cleaning options may not dry dishes properly |
| Dry mode for sanitized storage | Too small for some items |
| Automatic drying function | |
| Five cleaning options | |
| Easy to operate and install | |
| Speed wash cleaning in just 29 minutes |
5. Kapas Portable Countertop Dishwasher
This portable dishwasher offers you a cleaning choice in Standard, Quick, Strong, ECO, Fruit, and DRY options with six cleaning modes. The washing arms perform simultaneously to give a thorough and streak-free cleaning. The tall design offers various items to fit in for cleaning, and it can fit up to 12 inches of plates in the holder. A separate fruit basket is included in the packaging for your fruits and veggies
The ideal feature of this dishwasher is that it has a two-way water supply. It features a built-in tank that can be filled with water for cleaning purposes. This feature supports the portability factor and lets you clean the dishes wherever and whenever. The hose attachment with the kitchen faucet is an optional feature convenient to set up as well.
The easy-to-operate Led control panel shows the electronic controls to choose the cleaning options from. The water level in the built-in tank is also mentioned on the Led panel, so it indicates when it requires a refill. The dishwasher supports all sorts of detergents and pods for cleaning aids. However, detergent tablets are only recommended for long cleaning cycles.
The high internal temperature heating thoroughly sanitizes your baby bottles properly, keeping the hygienic factor insight. The intense temperature also helps to dry the dishes and plates rapidly. The convenient countertop dishwasher is equipped with all the necessary features in a reasonable price range.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built-in water tank | Hard to fit in cabinets due to its tall design |
| Six cleaning options | A bit loud |
| High-temperature air drying | |
| Easy to use and setup | |
| Small and portable size |
6. EdgeStar BIDW1802SS Built-In Dishwasher
The dishwasher features six washing cycles to choose from, including Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, Rapid, and Rinse programs. These options can be selected from the designated buttons on the control panel, depending on the cleaning.
After you’re done with the cleaning, you can also select the drying process from three different options: Sanitize, Hi-Temp, Heated Dry. The high temperature would allow cleaning the plates without any water smudges or spots behind, giving streak-free results.
The 8-place setting gives you generous space for your dishes and trays in the cleaning rack. It also features a silverware basket and cup tray for holding onto more items for cleaning.
The dishwasher also features a convenient safety feature which is a leakage sensor. It automatically detects if there is water leakage and is indicated to protect from any hazardous electric incident. The EnergyStar rating makes it an energy-saving and efficient product. However, the price factor could be a bit expensive on this due to features and manufacture.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| EnergyStar Certified | Some Leakage Complaints |
| Eight places setting | |
| Six cleaning cycles | |
| Dry heating and sanitize option | |
| Sturdy and durable |
Buyer Guide:
Using hard water in a dishwasher could be risky unless you take the following factors into notice. These tips will prevent the effects of hard water building up on your dishes and dishwasher interior:
Use rinse aids: Rinse aid can help to prevent the effects of hard water on your plates and dishes. If your cleaner has a rinse aid, make sure to fill up on it.
Hard water detergent: These detergents are specially made to work in hard water by keeping the same cleaning effect on cutlery items.
Related: How Long Do Dishwashers Last?
Does hard water damage stainless steel?
If your dishwasher has a stainless-steel interior, the chances of getting corrosion or rust are meager as stainless steel can withstand the mineral and salts of hard water. It also helps to rinse these white streaks without damaging the interior at all.
How to clean the dishwasher interior?
Vinegar will help to remove the white smudges and scales built upon the stainless-steel interior. All you have to do is to run the dishwasher empty so that the interior cleans itself.
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Final Thoughts
The complex water effects can damage your dishes, trays, spoons, or mugs daily if you use the dishwasher for cleaning purposes. The hard water resource depends on your geographical location whether the quality of water and the ratio of minerals present are hazardous or not. Therefore, following the methods mentioned above and choosing a suitable product can help you tackle the issue more smartly.
