If you're wondering whether you should stick with hand washing or purchase a home dishwasher, like the Comfee dishwasher, the below guide will aid in answering your question.
Home Dishwasher Vs. Hand Washing
Below, you'll find a comparison of each cleaning method to help determine which dish-cleaning option works best for you.
However, if you don’t have a lot of space in your kitchen, you can also invest in a small countertop dishwasher. For example, the Comfee dishwasher (5L Mini Dishwasher) is excellent for smaller spaces.
Which is more eco-friendly?
Keep reading to see which option is most eco-friendly. Spoiler alert – it’s a dishwasher, specifically, the Comfee dishwasher.
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Water
Since most people continuously run water to hand wash dishes, this method uses much more water. A regular dishwasher uses the same amount every time, typically about 20% less than when you hand wash items.
You can cut the water down even further using a mini dishwasher or a compact dishwasher, like the Comfee dishwasher. It can wash loads using 80% less water than a standard dishwasher! Thus, you're saving water and money.
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Time
In terms of time, it may seem like a regular or countertop dishwasher takes longer. While it does have a longer timer (typically 60-90 minutes), that doesn't mean it takes longer than hand washing. As you're likely waiting for your hand-washed dishes to air dry, you'll be waiting a few hours for clean dishes instead. Plus, most dish racks don't have a large capacity, so you'll likely be hand washing more often.
Overall, it's more convenient and saves more time using a dishwasher. Bonus, if you elect to use a Comfee dishwasher, you can cut the time down to 45 minutes!
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Energy
As dishwashers use less water than hand washing, it only makes sense that they also use less energy. It’s typically more energy efficient to choose a dishwasher over hand washing, assuming you’re only running the dishwasher when it’s full. You can also select a dishwasher that’s energy efficient to help with energy usage.
Which one is more hygienic?
Dishwashers are more hygienic, as the water temperatures can reach over 140°F. You can kill the germs on your plates and cutlery at this temperature. You can't reach this temperature while hand washing as most sinks don't allow water to get that warm for safety reasons.
Which costs more?
When deciding if a dishwasher is right for you, it's necessary to consider the cost compared to hand washing. While a dishwasher may be a higher cost upfront, if you are loading your dishwasher fully each time, it should save you money in the long run. You can cut some upfront costs by selecting a smaller portable dishwasher, like Comfee offers.
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Time
As mentioned, you'll notice that using a dishwasher does cut down on time as the dishes are dry and ready to put away at the end of the cycle, compared to the few hours of drying time necessary for hand washing.
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Water Fees
Since the dishwasher uses less water, the water fees will be lower than if you only hand wash items. Thus, you’ll have more money in your pocket after the initial investment for your dishwasher.
Dishwasher not safe list
Unfortunately, certain items cannot go in the dishwasher. These items can cause either damage to the dishwasher or be damaged during a wash. The below items are not dishwasher safe and require you to hand wash them.
- Wooden utensils and plates
- Non-stick pans (including copper pans)
- Sharp knives
- Handmade kitchen items
- Plastics
- Delicate glasses/crystal
- Silver
- Antique china
Which option is best?
Overall, a dishwasher of any sort (even a countertop portable dishwasher) is a great investment. It helps you save time, money, and energy when used properly.