Best for…
This countertop model is easy to clean and takes up less space than its competitors. But this type of dishwasher has its drawbacks, so make sure you really need it.
Countertop dishwashers have a lot of problems, but if you think this type is right for you, I recommend the Loch Capsule. It’s a powerful cleaner that takes up less counter space than any other model I’ve tested, thanks to its slim profile and external water reservoir.
This machine cleans thoroughly, quickly and quietly. The pod has two sprinklers (one at the front of the machine and one at the back), which helped this model destroy almost everything I threw at it, regardless of the cleaning mode. In a long cycle (which lasted just over two hours), the capsule almost completely cleaned the toughest stains (baked egg, tomato sauce, yogurt and starchy pasta), even when I used regular powder detergent. And its fast cycle did a yeoman’s job of clearing dirty dishes.
This model operates with moderate noise, similar to that of a regular vacuum cleaner.
A decent amount of larger dishes can fit inside. Most countertop dishwashers will force you to tilt large dishes, making them more difficult to clean completely. The pod is tall enough to accommodate larger plates, and there’s a thin pad on the inside edge so dishes fit without much tilting. And after the cycle, I noticed very few missed spots. This machine can accommodate two to three place settings (more than other small countertop models we’ve tested). You can even wash a small frying pan (10 inches in diameter or smaller), saucepan, or sauce pan (probably one at a time).
Has two water source options. You can connect the pod to a sink or water supply, but this model does not come with a hose or adapter (the hose can be purchased separately). Best of all, the dishwasher has an external water reservoir that is easy to fill and is located next to the machine while it is running. When the cleaning cycle ends, dirty water from the tank is drained into the sink. (If you want a completely closed system, you can buy a second external tank. It draws water into the machine from one tank and discharges dirty water into another tank, and you can dispose of the wastewater wherever you want.) When the tank is not in use, it can be stored in a cabinet or under the sink.
This is a reasonable size. Measuring approximately 20 inches tall, 10 inches wide and 20 inches deep, the pod takes up less space than a traditional toaster oven.
The controls are intuitive. The buttons and time indicator are located front and center on the door, and switching between 10 modes is easy.
Disadvantages, but not deal breakers
The shape is weird and loading takes some practice. The capsule looks like a regular dishwasher that has been dragged and resized into a tall, thin, long rectangle. But you don’t load it like a regular dishwasher. It is easiest to load the rack from back to front when it is fully extended. Removing the silverware basket will make the process easier.
We’re not sure how it’ll hold up. This machine looks well built and has a stainless steel tank that is perfect for any dishwasher. But the capsule hasn’t been around long enough to generate a ton of information about longevity. (The company says it will issue refunds for damaged or defective orders.)
It is not recommended to use capsules with detergents. Powder, gel, liquid or tablet detergents can be used, but according to the model’s instructions, the capsules are “too powerful to use Loch water effectively.” This is a little disappointing since the pods tend to clean dishes a little better and are easier to maneuver than the heavy boxes of powder.
Some modes seem useless. The somewhat confusing “fruit wash” mode (yes, it’s designed to wash real fruit) and the UV sterilization mode are overkill for most people. And I haven’t tested them.
You can’t watch the dishes being washed. That zen moment of watching the water swirl around the dishes is meaningful to some people, and many countertop dishwashers I’ve tested have a small viewing window. The capsule does not offer such pleasure. In fact, the company claims the machine cleans and dries dishes better without a window.
It’s not cheap. A capsule typically costs around $460. (You can skip the dishes and spend that money on a few nice evenings!)
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