GE GPT145SSLSS Portable Dishwasher Review

Not only did the GE GPT145SSLSS ace our performance tests on all of its settings, but its versatility as a 18-inch portable unit make it very apartment-friendly. Across the board, from washing to drying, this small model put up impressive test results, getting dishes clean and dry in very short order.

While there's very little to dislike about the GE GPT145SSLSS, it does use a whole lot of water—over twice what most traditional dishwashers use. Also, there aren't many cycle options beyond the basics. Still, we'd recommend this dishwasher to those who love clean dishes but maybe don't have the space or ability to install a full-size dishwasher.

If you're considering this model but think 18-inches is too small, the 24-inch version—the GE GPT225SSLSS—performed slightly better overall and is our new top-rated portable dishwasher.

About the GE GPT145SSLSS portable dishwasher

• Dimensions: 36” x 18” x 25.375” (H x W x D)
• Capacity: Up to eight place settings
• Finish: Black with stainless steel door
• Three wash cycles: Normal, Autosense, Heavy
• Cycle features: Sanitize and Temperature boost

What we like

Cleans like a full-size dishwasher

Traditionally, full-sized dishwashers can pack a whole lot more cleaning power into their stainless steel frames than portable dishwashers can manage. This was not the case with the GPT145SSLSS, which put up similar or better numbers than a lot of its competition.

For our wash tests, we run full loads on the Normal, Quick, and Heavy cycles (or their closest equivalent). Typical Normal cycles will clean 98% of stains—the GPT145SSLSS cleaned 98.5% of our test stains. It could also compete in the quick cycle, cleaning over 92% of stains compared to the 96% fully-installed dishwashers average. On Heavy, we use our toughest stains, like baked-on cheese and burned sugar. On average, a traditional dishwasher manages a 97% clean—the GPT145SSLSS was able to clean almost 99% of those stains away. The the GPT145SSLSS really closes the performance gap we've historically seen between smaller and full-size dishwashers.

Gets dishes dry

One of the more frequent reader complaints we see is that their dishwasher doesn't get dishes dry. Drying dishes—especially plastics—can be difficult to do while remaining within Energy Star guidelines. We didn't see any issues with dish dryness here, however, with only one or two dishes not being bone-dry out of a full load. If you demand dry dishes, GE has your needs covered with the GPT145SSLSS.

What we don't like

Uses a lot of water

Our main complaint about the GE GPT145SSLSS was how much water it uses per year. For context, the average traditional dishwasher typically uses less than 577 gallons per year. We estimate the GE GPT145SSLSS will use more than twice that—over 1,394 gallons per year. That's toward the high end of the distribution curve for full-size dishwashers, let alone one that's 18 inches across. If using a lot of water is a concern for you, we'd recommend a different portable dishwasher.

Not a lot of cycle options

The GE GPT145SSLSS just doesn't have a lot of options when it comes to selecting your cycle. In total, it has three cycles: Heavy, Autosense, and Light. In terms of cycle options, it has a boost for increasing the temperatures and a sanitize option you can use for the Heavy and Autosense cycles. The GE GPT145SSLSS covers the basics, but it doesn't offer a lot of options for customizing your wash—fortunately, it seems to do a pretty good job with the settings it does have.

What users are saying

User reviews still haven't trickled in yet across major retailers: Most display zero or one review. We'll update this section once more reviews start getting posted.

Warranty

The GE GPT145SSLSS has a limited one-year warranty for parts and labor, which covers the entire appliance. Other companies often insure the stainless steel tub for up to three or even five years.

Should you buy it?

Yes. While it's an expensive option for a portable dishwasher, its price is justified by its impeccable performance—especially for its 18-inch size. Not only can the GPT145SSLSS out-clean some of our top-rated, full-size dishwashers, its stainless steel tub means it's also built to last (and will likely be quieter than other portable units). Whether you intend to keep it portable or install it as a permanent fixture, this GE is flexible enough to oblige either way.

So far only a few other dishwashers offer this level of performance (albeit at a premium price). If you don't need the flexibility and just want clean dishes no matter the cost, we'd recommend checking out the Bosch 300 series, which is super customizable and can be made to fit any kitchen aesthetic. If you like this unit but it's a little small, we'd also recommend checking out the 24-inch version, the GE GPT225SSLSS.