Reclaim Your Time and Space with the Duronic DW5 BK Table Top Dishwasher
By Ty from Duronic
Iused to believe a dishwasher was a luxury reserved for large kitchens. I was wrong. The average UK household spends a staggering 12 hours a month washing dishes by hand. That is 144 hours a year spent scrubbing, rinsing, and drying. As a professional, my time is my most valuable asset, and I am certain you feel the same. Let me introduce you to a solution that has fundamentally changed my daily routine: the Duronic DW5 BK table top dishwasher.
This is not a bulky, permanent fixture. It is a compact, 950W powerhouse designed for small kitchens, flats, and busy individuals who refuse to let a sink full of dishes dictate their evening. I have put this machine through its paces, and the results have been genuinely transformative. It cleans everything from wine glasses to saucepans with an efficiency that will make you question why you ever did it any other way.
The Small Kitchen Dilemma
For those of us in city flats, cosy cottages, or open-plan studios, kitchen space is a premium commodity. The classic image of a full-sized dishwasher is often a non-starter. We are left with a difficult choice: sacrifice precious cupboard space for a machine, or sacrifice our free time to the sink. This dilemma is what makes the tabletop dishwasher category so compelling. The Duronic DW5 BK portable dishwasher sits perfectly in this niche. It measures just 42.8cm in width, 45.8cm in depth, and 12.5cm in height.
To put that in perspective, it requires less space than a standard microwave. You can place it on your countertop, a sturdy kitchen trolley, or even store it in a cupboard when not in use. Its portability means it is also an ideal companion for caravans, motorhomes, or even as a secondary dishwasher in a larger home for baby equipment or glassware.
Unpacking the Duronic DW5 BK Table Top Dishwasher
From the moment you unbox the Duronic DW5 BK table top dishwasher, its design philosophy is clear: intelligent simplicity. The unit is sleek and modern, with a black finish that integrates seamlessly into most kitchen décors. The control panel is a clean, tactile touch interface, not a cluster of confusing buttons. A thoughtful addition is the viewing window on the lid, allowing you to monitor the wash cycle without interrupting it, a small but significant touch that underscores its user-friendly design.
Power and Performance: The 950W Motor
Do not let its size fool you. At the heart of this mini dishwasher is a robust 950W motor. This is not a gentle soaker; it is a machine built for cleaning. The high-pressure water spray system ensures that every plate, glass, and piece of cutlery is subjected to a thorough, targeted clean. I was particularly impressed with its ability to handle baked-on food from a roasting pan using the Intensive cycle. The power is there, and it delivers consistent, spotless results.
Mastering the Six Wash Cycles
Versatility is key for any appliance, and the Duronic DW5 BK delivers with six distinct wash programmes. This allows you to match the cleaning power to the task at hand, saving both time and energy.
Quick Wash:
Perfect for a post-breakfast cleanup or lightly soiled lunch plates. This cycle gets the job done in a short time, perfect for busy mornings.
Eco Wash:
The go-to for everyday loads. It uses less energy and water while still providing an excellent clean for your standard dinner service.
Intensive Wash:
Your best friend for tough jobs. Saucepans, casserole dishes, and bakeware with stubborn, baked-on residue meet their match here.
Glass Wash:
A gentler cycle with lower water pressure and temperature to protect your delicate crystal and glassware from etching or cracking.
Fruit Wash:
This is the standout feature you did not know you needed. The included fruit basket and dedicated cycle use ozonated water to remove dirt, pesticides, and bacteria from your produce. It is a hygienic step that elevates your food preparation.
Rinse Cycle:
Ideal for giving dishes a quick rinse to prevent food from drying on if you are not running a full load immediately.
The Ultimate Flexibility: Plumbing-In or Jug-Filling
This is perhaps the most revolutionary feature for renters or those wary of plumbing. The Duronic tabletop dishwasher offers two setup options.
Permanent Plumbing:
The kit includes inlet and drain pipes that can be connected to your kitchen tap (often with an adapter) and your sink, for a more traditional, hands-off setup. A plumber may be required for this, depending on your kitchen setup.
The "No Plumbing" Jug Method:
This is pure genius. The unit has a built-in 5-litre water tank. You can simply pour water into this tank using a jug, and the dishwasher will use that water for the cycle. The wastewater then pumps out into your sink via the drain hose. This means you can have a fully functional dishwasher anywhere you have a power socket and a sink within reach. No permanent alterations, no landlord permissions needed.
Features That Elevate Your Experience
Beyond the core washing functions, the Duronic is packed with smart features that make it a joy to use.
Delay Start (1-18 Hours):
This is a game-changer for managing energy costs. You can set the dishwasher to run during off-peak electricity hours, or simply have it finish its cycle just as you walk in the door from work. Waking up to a clean, dry load of dishes is a small but profound pleasure.
Child Lock:
A crucial safety feature for families. Once activated, it prevents little fingers from accidentally changing the settings or stopping the cycle.
Adjustable Rack and Removable Cutlery Holder:
The interior is cleverly designed. The rack can be adjusted to accommodate taller items like water glasses or small pans. The cutlery holder is removable, making loading and unloading a swift, simple task.
Removable Filter:
Easy maintenance is vital. The filter at the bottom of the tub is easily removed and rinsed under the tap, preventing food particle buildup and ensuring the machine runs hygienically and efficiently for years to come.
Energy and Water Efficiency:
This compact dishwasher uses approximately 5 litres of water per cycle. To put that in context, washing the same load by hand under a running tap can use up to 40 litres. Its annual energy consumption is rated at around 87kWh, making it a responsible choice for both your wallet and the environment.
What Users Are Saying: Real Experiences with the Duronic DW5 BK Portable Dishwasher
I am not the only one who has been impressed. Here is what other UK users are saying about their experience.
Integrating the Duronic DW5 BK into Your Daily Life
So, what does a day with this dishwasher actually look like? For me, it begins with breakfast. The breakfast plates and coffee mugs go straight in. I select the Quick Wash cycle, and by the time I have finished getting ready, they are clean and dry.
After dinner, the plates, cutlery, and cooking pans are loaded. If it is a late night, I use the Delay Start function to have it complete by the time I wake up.
On a Sunday, I might use the Fruit Wash cycle to clean a week's worth of apples and berries, something I never had the patience to do thoroughly by hand. It has not just saved me time; it has created a new, more efficient and hygienic rhythm in my kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Does a table top dishwasher require a plumber to install?
Not necessarily. While you can opt for a more permanent setup by connecting it to your kitchen tap with the included hoses (for which you might want a plumber), it also offers a "no plumbing" solution. You can manually fill its built-in 5-litre tank with a jug, and it will drain the wastewater directly into your sink via a hose.
How many place settings does a portable dishwasher hold?
While official place settings can vary, the Duronic DW5 BK is designed to hold a full day's worth of dishes for one to two people. This typically includes dinner plates, side plates, bowls, cups, glasses, and a full set of cutlery.
What type of detergent should I use in a tabletop dishwasher?
This dishwasher is compatible with all common types of dishwasher detergent, including tablets, powder, and liquid gels. It is important to use detergent specifically designed for dishwashers, as washing-up liquid will create excessive suds and damage the machine.
Is a portable dishwasher energy efficient?
Yes. It has an annual energy consumption of approximately 87kWh, based on 5 standard washes per week in Eco mode. It also uses only around 5 litres of water per cycle, which is significantly less than washing the same load by hand.
Can I wash large pots and pans in a table top dishwasher?
The Duronic DW5 BK table top dishwasher can handle small to medium-sized saucepans and bakeware, especially using the Intensive cycle. However, very large items like a big roasting tin or a stock pot may be too bulky to fit comfortably. The adjustable rack helps accommodate taller items like water glasses or small mixing bowls.
How does the fruit wash function work in a tabletop dishwasher?
The dishwasher includes a dedicated fruit basket and a special Fruit Wash cycle. This cycle uses ozonated water, which is highly effective at breaking down and removing pesticides, bacteria, and surface dirt from your fruit and vegetables, offering a more thorough clean than rinsing by hand.
How do I clean and maintain my tabletop dishwasher?
Maintenance is simple. The most important task is to regularly rinse the removable filter under warm water to prevent food debris from clogging the system. Periodically, you can run an empty cycle with a dedicated dishwasher cleaner to keep the interior fresh and free from limescale or grease buildup.
Is a portable dishwasher noisy when operating?
Like all dishwashers, it produces a humming and water spraying sound during operation. However, it is not excessively loud. You can easily hold a conversation or watch television in the same room without it being a significant disturbance.
Conclusion
The Duronic DW5 BK Table Top Dishwasher is a triumph of intelligent design. It directly addresses the core challenges of small-space living without compromising on power, features, or performance. It gives you back the one thing you can never get more of: your time. The glowing user testimonials from students, families, and seniors confirm its wide-ranging appeal and real-world reliability.
Whether you are a busy professional in a city flat, a new parent, or looking to add convenience for an elderly relative, this appliance delivers tangible, life-easing value. It is not just a mini dishwasher; it is a smart investment in a simpler, more efficient, and more enjoyable daily life. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
