Key takeaways
- Renters who are not allowed to install a built-in dishwasher.
- Older kitchens with no dishwasher cut-out and no plan to remodel.
- Households of two to four people who cook daily.
- Condos and cottages where a permanent appliance is not worth the cost.
Yes, the Danby DDW1805EWP is worth buying if you want a real dishwasher in a kitchen that has no space or plumbing for a built-in. It is an 18-inch-wide portable dishwasher in white that rolls on casters and connects to your kitchen faucet when you need it, then rolls back into a corner when you do not. Compared with countertop dishwashers, it holds noticeably more and handles larger plates, pots and serving pieces, which makes it the more practical choice for couples and small families.
The trade-offs are the usual ones for portable dishwashers: you need a compatible faucet, a spot on the floor roughly the size of a small cabinet, and the patience to wheel it to the sink each time. If you live alone and run a few dishes every couple of days, a cheaper countertop unit may be enough. If you cook at home most nights, the DDW1805EWP is a meaningful upgrade over washing by hand.
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Who it is for
- Renters who are not allowed to install a built-in dishwasher.
- Older kitchens with no dishwasher cut-out and no plan to remodel.
- Households of two to four people who cook daily.
- Condos and cottages where a permanent appliance is not worth the cost.
Not ideal for
- Kitchens with pull-down or pull-out faucets that cannot take a standard quick-connect adapter.
- Very small kitchens where there is no floor space to park an 18-inch cabinet.
- People who want a fully hidden, integrated look.
Specs at a glance
| Spec | Danby DDW1805EWP |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable (freestanding on casters) |
| Width | 18 in |
| Color | White |
| Typical capacity for 18 in portables | About 8 place settings |
| Typical height | About 35–36 in, similar to counter height |
| Water connection | Faucet quick-connect adapter |
| Power | 120V standard outlet |
| Typical price range | Usually around $450–$650 |
Capacity and height reflect the typical figures for 18-inch portable dishwashers; confirm exact numbers on the product listing before ordering.
What stands out
Full-height racks in a narrow body
The biggest advantage over a countertop unit is interior height. An 18-inch portable uses a tall tub with upper and lower racks, so dinner plates, cereal bowls, glasses and even some pots fit at once. In practice, an 18-inch machine does about a day’s dishes for a family of three or four.
Moves when you need it to
Casters let you store the DDW1805EWP against a wall or in a pantry, then roll it to the sink to run a cycle. When finished, disconnect the quick-connect coupling and wheel it back. There is no drilling and no plumber.
Clean, simple look
The white finish suits older kitchens and rentals where white appliances are already the norm. A freestanding portable also adds a bit of extra surface on top when it is parked, which is useful in small kitchens.
Danby support
Danby has specialized in compact and apartment-sized appliances for decades, so replacement adapters, hoses and racks are easier to find than for many import brands.
Trade-offs
- Faucet tie-up. While the dishwasher runs, the faucet is connected to it, so you cannot use the sink normally for the length of the cycle.
- Floor space. It needs a permanent parking spot roughly 18 inches wide and about 2 feet deep.
- Weight. Portable dishwashers are heavy; rolling them across tile is easy, but thresholds and rugs can be awkward.
- Drying. Like most compact dishwashers, plastics may come out damp. Rinse aid and leaving the door ajar help.
- Noise. Without cabinetry around it, a portable dishwasher is generally a little louder than an equivalent built-in.
Setup tips
- Check your faucet. Unscrew the aerator. If it has standard internal or external threads, the quick-connect adapter will fit. If not, you may need an adapter kit or a different faucet.
- Use a grounded outlet near the sink, and keep the cord away from water. Avoid extension cords.
- Run hot water at the tap before starting a cycle so the dishwasher fills with hot water from the start; this improves cleaning.
- Load dirty sides toward the spray arms and keep tall items from blocking the upper arm.
- Clean the filter weekly. Scrape plates first; compact filters fill faster.
- Lock the casters while the dishwasher runs to keep it from shifting.
Running costs
Modern compact dishwashers use only a few gallons of water per cycle. Washing the same load by hand with the tap running often uses several times as much, so the DDW1805EWP can save both water and the energy used to heat it, especially if you run it only when full.
Portable vs countertop: the real difference
Countertop dishwashers usually hold about 4–6 place settings and sit on the counter, while an 18-inch portable like the DDW1805EWP holds roughly 8 and lives on the floor. That extra interior height is what lets you wash dinner plates, tall glasses and a pot or two in the same load. If you cook most nights, the portable format saves you from running the machine twice a day or hand-washing cookware.
Alternatives
If you only need to wash for one person, a countertop dishwasher costs less and takes no floor space. If you own your home and have a cabinet you can remove, an 18-inch built-in dishwasher gives you the same capacity with a permanent hookup and frees up the faucet. And if you want a portable with a butcher-block or stainless top, other portable models in Danby’s range and from other compact-appliance brands offer that look.
FAQ
Can the DDW1805EWP be converted to a built-in?
Portable dishwashers are designed for faucet connection. Converting one is not standard; if you want a permanent installation, buy a built-in model.
Does it work with a pull-down faucet?
Usually not directly. Most pull-down faucets lack the threads for a standard quick-connect adapter.
How long does a cycle take?
Normal cycles on compact dishwashers typically run between about 1.5 and 2.5 hours; quicker cycles are available for lightly soiled loads.
