Dishwashers are extremely useful appliances especially for the busy family who ends up with loads of dishes and baby bottles at the end of every day. With so many on the market, you may be wondering which one to get. For the best dishwasher for baby bottles I highly recommend the Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher, mostly because it has an infant sterilization setting.
Its small size shouldn’t put you off. It packs a lot of cleaning power for both dishes and baby bottles. It’s a trully portable, countertop mini dishwasher.
My Top Picks
Is It Safe to Wash Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher?
It’s safe to wash dishwasher-safe baby bottles in dishwashers. Wash baby bottles in the top rack of the dishwasher. Dishwashers that have a baby care cleaning cycle are designed to clean bottles without damaging them. Baby bottles can be cleaned using the hottest wash cycle and heated dry mode.
Safety Features to Consider
When picking a countertop or portable dishwasher for your home or traveling purposes and you’ve got a load of baby bottles to wash, you want to get the most out of your appliance. This includes essential safety features to protect the lifespan of the bottle. And, to protect your younger children.
Third Rack (on the top)
Baby bottle manufacturers recommend using the third or top rack of the dishwasher but some appliances don’t have a third rack. So the best alternative is to use a dishwashing basket. They also recommend placing all loose parts of the bottle such as the lids, nipples, and air vents into one of the best available dishwasher baskets to keep the contents contained during a wash. This prevents any damage to the baby bottle and its parts. Most countertop and portable dishwashers don’t have a third rack. However, some do include a small basket for loose parts and an adjustable rack.
Child Lock
Appliances in the kitchen and laundry can become a hazard to curious children. A dishwasher that comes with a child lock feature will give you peace of mind that your younger children can’t open the machine while in operation.
Control Buttons on the Top
Another essential safety feature is having control buttons on the top of the dishwasher. Not only does this prevent your child from playing with all the fun-looking buttons. But, you have quick access to the control buttons whenever necessary. Control buttons on the top of the machine also makes it easier for you to operate the dishwasher without having to bend over all the time.
If the dishwasher doesn’t have a child lock feature, consider placing the appliance in a location where young children can’t access it easily.
Portable Dishwasher vs Countertop
Portable dishwashers are great for those trips away from home while the countertop design is ideal for the smaller kitchen. Most countertop dishwashers offer portable features as well but look out for ones that include a water tank for easy use anywhere. This is why I included that feature in my comparison table above.
Best Dishwashers for Baby Bottles
Best Portable, Countertop Dishwasher for Baby Bottles from Farberware
This stylish countertop mini dishwasher will look good in any kitchen without getting in the way. Measuring only 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3 inches, it’s compact and neat. But, don’t underestimate its capacity to do the cleaning job you want it to do.
Features
The dishwasher has a 5-liter water tank and 5 programs which includes the baby care, glass, and fruit wash cycles. It easily fits baby bottles up to 10 to 12 inches in height. Lower and upper spray arms allow for a deeper and more hygienic clean.
It has an infant sterilization setting which means that during the baby care wash cycle, steam is generated, sterilizing the bottles thoroughly.
A 40-minutes rapid wash cycle gets your bottles washed in no time at all and an automatic air circulation feature ensures all the items are dried at the end. An LED display control panel on the bottom of the machine allows for one-touch button operation. No water hookup to a faucet is required.
Pros
- Strong cleaning power for stubborn dirt
- Very quiet motor
- Good for cleaning baby toys
Cons
- Control panel on the bottom makes it difficult to read
- No child lock
2nd Top Choice as Portable, Countertop Dishwasher for Baby Bottles from KAPAS
If you love camping or traveling in your RV, you want to take a portable dishwasher with you too. This product is compact, measuring 16 x 16 x 17.5 inches and only weighs 26.4 lbs. You can decide whether to attach it to the faucet or use the water tank whenever you run a wash cycle.
Features
This compact and portable dishwasher comes with a built-in 5-liter water tank. It has 5 different wash cycles ranging from standard to strong and one for cleaning baby bottles. Lower and upper arms give a powerful spray for a deep clean on all items including baby bottles.
The LED control panel on the top of the dishwasher makes it easy to operate any cycle when doing a wash. It’s highest temperature is 75 degrees F which is ideal for cleaning baby bottles without damaging them.
Pros
- Takes pod, liquid, and tablet detergents
- Easy to install and to use
- Quiet
Cons
- Items on top rack don’t always clean well
- No child lock
Runner Up as Portable, Countertop Dishwasher Dishwasher for Baby Bottles from NOVETE
While slightly bigger than other countertop dishwashers in this review (21 x 20.8 x 19 inches), this appliance will still fit neatly on most countertops. This dishwasher saves up to 75% of your normal water consumption and it’s low on energy costs. Plus, it cleans like a dream!
Features
This dishwasher comes with 5 programs including the baby care wash cycle. It can reach a top temperature of 167 degrees F for hygienic cleaning. Lower and upper arms ensure a thorough clean. The speed cycle is only 29 minutes and dry mode can be used on the baby care cycle as well.
All accessories such as a tableware rack, storage basket, and drain hose are included. The dishwasher can be used on either the water tank or faucet mode, making it perfect for both home and camping purposes. A 72-hour ventilation system sanitizes items and removes all odor.
Pros
- LED control panel on the top of the machine
- Storage rack for “top rack only” items
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Could have more power for better cleaning
Runner Up as Portable, Countertop Dishwasher Dishwasher for Baby from BLACK+DECKER
Another energy-efficient dishwasher, this BLACK+DECKER appliance gives you clean dishes and baby bottles after every wash without any odors. The metal construction of the dishwasher makes it feel solid while looking good on any countertop.
Features
This compact countertop dishwasher has 7 wash cycles to pick from when cleaning dishes, glasses, and baby bottles. The product’s Hi Temp (up to 140 degrees F) and Heated Dry modes ensures your baby bottles are sanitized after every cycle. An adjustable upper rack makes it possible to wash bottles up to 10 inches high. The lower spray arm is powerful enough to ensure deep cleaning of all items in the machine.
The LED touch control panel is at the top of the dishwasher for easy operation. The dishwasher comes with all the necessary equipment for attaching it simply to the faucet in your kitchen. A big safety feature of this appliance is the child lock.
Pros
- Easy to clean with stainless steel interior
- Eco-friendly wash cycle
- Easy installation
Cons
- No specific baby care wash cycle
- No water tank included
Runner Up as Portable, Countertop Dishwasher Dishwasher for Baby from Aikoper
The Hygiene mode on this portable dishwasher ensures your baby bottles are always sanitized after a wash. While slightly bigger than other portable dishwashers, it’s still suitable for taking on camping trips. And, it looks stylish too!
Features
This portable dishwasher has a 6-liter water tank but it can also be attached to a faucet for the automatic function. It has 5 washing programs including Normal, Rapid, Hygiene, Glass, and Fruit. The highest temperature setting is 162 degrees F. It includes two 360° rotating spray arms, for cleaning at all angles.
The high-tech design of this machine includes improved drying performance which means you can let the baby bottles dry without using a dish cloth. The ventilation system prevents unpleasant smells. Best of all, it has a child lock feature.
Pros
- LED touch control panel on the top of the machine
- Great for RVs
- Low water consumption
Cons
- No specific baby care wash cycle
FAQ
Can I use a dishwasher (instead of a sterilizer) to sterilize baby bottles?
You can use the dishwasher to sterilize baby bottles. Use the highest temperature setting on the machine as well as the heated drying mode. If the dishwasher comes with a sanitizing or baby care wash cycle, select that option.
There are some cases when the baby bottle shows signs of discolaration, e.g. the bottle turning pink or your nipple and bottle turning yellow. Also in such instances a dishwasher comes quite handy.
Can you sterilize pacifiers in the dishwasher?
While some of the best pacifier wipes can help to keep your baby’s soother clean, using a dishwasher will ensure they’re kept hygienic. Pacifiers can be sterilized in dishwashers.
Ensure you place them in a dishwasher basket to keep them safely contained during the wash cycle. Use the highest temperature setting and heated drying mode to ensure the pacifiers are hygienically cleaned. You can also select the baby care wash cycle if your dishwasher has the option.
Should you wash baby bottles after every use?
Baby bottles must be washed after every use to prevent the build-up of milk, bacteria and germs. However, you don’t need to sterilize baby bottles after every use. It’s essential to always use hot water and dish soap when cleaning baby bottles.
What baby bottles are dishwasher safe?
Not all baby bottles are designed to be dishwasher safe. However, popular brands such as the Avent, Comotomo or Tommee Tippee bottles’ dishwasher safe features make bottle-feeding easier for parents when it comes to keeping them clean. You may want to check out also Dr. Brown’s, MAM’s or Medela’s which are dishwasher-safe. All parts of the bottles, including the nipples, can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher as long as you use the top rack.
Should I use dishwasher detergent for baby bottles?
Yes, you should use a dishwasher detergent for cleaning your baby bottles. It’s best to use ones that have been specifically made for cleaning baby bottles, which don’t contain harsh ingredients.
There are specially designed detergents made for this purpose, such as these by by Dapple Baby. These have been tested by pediatricians and dermatologists, hypoallergenic, and are made with plant-based ingredients. It’s my budget-friendly option as one of the best dishwasher detergents for baby bottles.
Final Thoughts
My role as a father has taught me how essential it is to take advantage of appliances that make parenting easier. Countertop and portable dishwashers are a must-have in every household that includes a bottle-feeding baby! Look out for nifty features such as baby care wash cycle, child lock, and high temperature settings to ensure your bottles are hygienic after every wash.
I suggest that you take a closer look at the Farberware Complete Portable Countertop Dishwasher if you want a serious machine to get done with the cleaning job. 🍼
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
