Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
118 of 119 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Danby 1805 Portable DW is worth twice the price! (UPDATED), May 13, 2005
I used to sell dishwashers at Sears. I've owned several built in full sized dishwashers, even a stainless steel Bosch. This is the first one I am 'giddy' over.
I recently downsized to move to Manhattan, which meant getting a small kitchen with no dishwasher. After months of sink washing, I broke down and bought this (Actually, a house guest felt sorry for me, and got it for me after I mentioned I was about to buy it). But not without reading all the specs and reviews. I bought it from eTronics (I've bought from them before) and was pleased with the customer service (so far). They had the best price (no delivery charge, as they have a local store too).
After unpacking and inspection, I concluded that it was built with the same specs as the top of the line Kenmore (which I used to sell). It has a form fitting stainless steel interior, mechanical controls (which, IMO, are better than electronic on a machine that gets wet alot), well fitting seals, and stable casters. The interior is FULL size depth and height, just 6 inches narrower in width (Another brand, which I viewed on the spot, was NOT nearly as deep, and had rickety trays). The upper tray has two height settings, but I found the lower setting is not suitable for standard size dishes to fit below. The trays fit well, perhaps a bit too snug, but we'll see if they loosen up with use. The tines are spaced a bit close together for my taste, but after a washing, it appears the 1805 can handle dishes so close together. There is a lower spray arm, middle spray arm and top sprayer (non-spinning). The food filters and heating element in the base are sturdy and well made. Complaint: The hose hook-up are 6 feet long (apparently that is measured from inside the back where they connect to the machine, as they seemed too short and the 1805 must be right up against the sink counter to hook-up.
I've never had a portable before, and (with the exception of my dear grandmother) always looked down on them. This one looks solid and has clean lines in any kitchen. On the rear panel, however, you will see a few (covered) rivets and seams, along with the black-plastic lined hose receptable, and serial tags. Unless you store it against a wall, you will see these protrusions. It should fit in with all your other appliances without standing out.
The standard load time took about 45 minutes to run. The machine attaches easily to your faucet, though you do have to replace your areator with an adapter that produces a narrower stream of water from the faucet when the DW is not in use. I've only used the "economy" cycle, which worked great, but there are also Pots and Pans, Delicate, and Rinse only cycles. Additionally, the Delicate cycle can have a no heat option, and the Pots and Pans can have an extra boost option. It heats the water steaming hot.
Very Quiet. Though not as quiet as the Bosch I owned (which I think is quieter than a Meile), it was as quiet as my Kitchen Aid. It was definitely quieter than all the plastic tub models out there.
Though hardly used, I have experienced NO leaks. This even was operated on a non-level floor. My building is 110 years old and the floors are VERY slanted and swelled. This was my biggest concern. After each cycle, I took my flashlight and looked underneath for any signs of water....none. (My neighbors below would not appreciate an un-requested shower).
I am a penny-pincher, and stressed over the purchase. Not because of the price, but because of the value for the price. I couldn't believe that such an inexpensive dishwasher could deliver like this one has.
I can seriously say that this dishwasher outperforms dishwashers at twice its price. It carries an in-home 1 year warranty, but I always like stores like Sears where if you complain enough they take it back without any questions. So this was a bit of a leap, as Danby relies on authorized service centers (of which I hope I will never use).
(*UPDATED DEC 2009)
I bought this almost 5 years ago (wow! time flies), and I can say that it is still working great. One wheel keeps falling off, but duck tape took care of that! (Of course). Everything else on it is working fine; fittings, timer, exterior finish, interior lining. no leaks, etc. I use it about 2x per week with Cascade lemon. Always a very full load, and often dishes that have been sitting around a couple days. I hope it lasts me another 5 years.
|
|
|
60 of 60 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Even better than I had hoped!, January 31, 2005
After moving from a home with an under the counter dishwasher, to a home without a dishwasher, and no under the counter space to put one, it didn't take very long handwashing dishes before I had to find a solution. I searched high and low for a "portable" dishwasher, and finally came across Danby. I ordered it, waited for delivery, and have now been using it for about 2 months. I have to say this thing cleans BETTER than my under the counter dishwasher at my old house. Because it is portable, I can even use it as a kitchen island! Two of the lower wire racks fold down so you can clean large pots, pans, etc. I would recommend this to anyone with no space to put an under the counter dishwasher. Only precaution....be careful attaching the hose to your faucet. If you push the connector too far down, the ball bearings will come out, and they are not easy to get back in place.
|
|
|
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why Did I Wait So Long?, May 24, 2007
I can't believe I spent my life hand washing dishes! Living in an older home with a small kitchen means losing precious cabinet space when installing a dishwasher. I never thought a dishwasher was really necesary, but I recently noticed my hand washing was not getting the dishes clean, so I broke down and bought the Danby. The thing is compact, but big enough to do the dishes of two people (we let the dishes accumulate for a couple of days to allow for a full load). It cleans dishes like crazy - even those coffee cups that had what I thought were permanent coffee stains - they came out sparkling white. I don't think they were EVER that white! The hoses are a bit on the short side, but who wants to string hoses clear across the kitchen anyway? I AM SOLD ON THIS PORTABLE DISHWASHER. It does a better job than some built ins I have witnessed in other homes. The only negative? It was packed in a box half filled with those styrofoam packing peanuts. I'm still chasing those damn things all over the house!
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
