When I first started looking for a compact dishwasher, I was skeptical that a small unit could replace the convenience of a full-sized machine. My apartment doesn’t have built-in space for one, and after months of hand washing dishes I decided to try the ecozy Portable Dishwasher. I’ve now been using it for almost a year, both in my apartment and while traveling in my RV, and I feel ready to give a thorough review.
This review combines my personal experience with feedback from other long-term users to give a full picture of what this machine offers, where it excels, and where it falls short.
Setup and First Impressions
Out of the box, the ecozy is surprisingly sleek and compact. Measuring about 16.5 x 17.1 x 17.9 inches, it fits neatly on most counters and even under upper cabinets. The setup was simple. You have two choices: connect it directly to a faucet or fill it manually through the top tank using the provided pitcher. Since my faucet has a spray handle that doesn’t work well with adapters, I opted for the top-fill method. It takes about 60 seconds to pour in enough water for a cycle, which is far easier than I expected.
One tip I quickly learned was to secure the drain hose. I zip-tied a small grate inside my sink so the hose wouldn’t pop out and spray water everywhere. That small precaution saved me from a mess early on.
Capacity and Performance
At first glance, the ecozy looks too small to handle more than a few mugs, but the interior is surprisingly well-designed. I can fit three large plates, three smaller plates, several bowls, and a handful of utensils in a single load. Baby bottles, shaker cups, and food prep containers also fit nicely.
For everyday meals, the performance is excellent. Dishes come out spotless, even when I load them after sitting for several hours. I usually run the Quick Mode, which takes 29 minutes, but the Normal Cycle runs about 60 to 68 minutes depending on the setting. There’s also a heavy mode for tougher messes and an extra dry option that really helps if you hate towel-drying dishes.
That said, this machine has limitations. Oversized pans and baking sheets won’t fit, and if you overload it the spray arms may stop spinning properly. I’ve noticed the top jet sometimes gets stuck, which requires adjusting the load. Users with RVs also mentioned the importance of keeping the dishwasher level, otherwise the spray arms won’t rotate effectively.
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Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Like any dishwasher, maintenance matters. The ecozy has a small filter that collects food particles, and I clean it every few uses. It’s also worth removing the metal plate at the bottom occasionally since grime can build up underneath. Another lesson I learned is not to use pods. They contain too much detergent for this small unit and leave streaks or slimy residue. A few drops of liquid soap or a small scoop of powder detergent work best.
One minor annoyance is the beeping at the end of a cycle, which can feel unnecessary if you run it before bed. The noise level while running is moderate, quieter than a blender but noticeable if you’re in a small apartment.
Long-Term Use
After nearly a year, I’ve found the ecozy to be reliable and energy efficient. It consumes about 5 liters of water per load, which is far less than hand washing in a small sink. In my RV, I monitor power usage carefully, and I’ve seen it draw around 300–500 watts. That’s manageable if I run it during the day when solar panels are charging the batteries.
Durability has been mixed among users. My unit still runs smoothly, but I’ve read experiences where the wire rack rusted after 11 months or cracks appeared in the housing after heavy use. The saving grace here is ecozy’s customer service. Several people, myself included, reached out about issues and received quick replacements or parts without extra charges. That kind of support gives me confidence in the purchase.
Everyday Use Cases
The ecozy has changed how I cook and clean. When my partner and I were washing baby bottles, this dishwasher was a lifesaver. It handled multiple runs a day and always came through with sterile, sparkling bottles. In my RV, it solved the problem of wasting water while trying to hand wash dishes in a tiny sink. In my apartment, it makes weeknight cooking less stressful since I don’t dread the pile of dishes waiting afterward.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact size fits in small kitchens, RVs, and offices
- Flexible setup with faucet hookup or top-fill tank
- Uses only about 5 liters of water per cycle
- Multiple wash settings including quick, normal, heavy, and extra dry
- Excellent cleaning power for dishes, baby bottles, and glassware
- Reliable customer service and warranty support
- Energy efficient, suitable for solar-powered RV setups
Cons
- Too small for large pots, pans, or baking sheets
- Spray arms can jam if overloaded or unevenly placed
- End-of-cycle beeping can be disruptive
- Wire rack durability has been questioned after long-term heavy use
- Louder than a built-in dishwasher, though not excessive
Not sure which model is right for you? Read our complete Dishwasher Buying Guide to find the perfect match for your kitchen.
Final Verdict
The ecozy Portable Dishwasher is not a perfect machine, but it has been one of my favorite appliance purchases in years. For singles, couples, renters, or RV travelers, it offers an affordable and space-saving way to enjoy the convenience of a dishwasher without plumbing renovations.
Compared to competitors like COMFEE or Farberware countertop models, ecozy stands out for its dual water-filling options, energy efficiency, and strong customer service. While it won’t replace a full-size dishwasher for families of four or more, it absolutely shines for smaller households.
If you accept the limitations and maintain it properly, this little workhorse will save you time, water, and frustration. I know that if mine ever breaks, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one.
