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I’ve used plenty of full-size dishwashers, but the Loch Capsule was the first countertop model I’d tested, and I had my doubts. Could something only 10.3 inches wide really clean dinner plates and glassware as well as a built-in dishwasher?
The Capsule is sleek and modern, but at 18.3 inches tall, it won’t fit beneath every set of upper cabinets. I set mine on a stainless-steel rack over my sink, which worked well. It doesn’t require permanent plumbing; a separate clean-water tank feeds the dishwasher, while a hose drains the dirty water. At 26 pounds and with a built-in carrying handle, it’s portable enough to move between locations.
Best for Small-Space Living
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com
What We Like
- Cleans surprisingly well
- No permanent plumbing required
- Uses very little water
- UV-C sanitizing and produce cycles
What We Don’t Like
- Too tall for some countertops
- Pricey for a 2-place-setting dishwasher
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 10.3 inches wide by 18.3 inches high by 20.3 inches deep
- Capacity: 25 items
- Water use: 0.7 gallons per quick wash
- Wash programs: 10
- Noise level: 60 dB
Can a countertop dishwasher really get dishes clean?
That was my biggest question, and the side-by-side comparison to my built-in Bosch answered it. The Capsule holds about two place settings; I generally had room for dinner dishes from two people along with a couple small bowls or pans. Removing the flatware holder creates additional space when needed.
Loch offers cycles ranging from a 15-minute Quick Wash to Heavy Duty and Intensive Clean, plus settings for glassware and everyday loads. The Capsule reaches temperatures as high as 167 degrees Fahrenheit, and its stainless-steel tub helps retain heat. It’s relatively quiet while operating, too.
As a comparison test, I served a big Italian dinner, complete with spaghetti, then let the dirty dishes sit for a couple of hours. After a quick rinse, I divided them between the Capsule and my Bosch dishwasher and ran both. The dishes and glassware that came out of the little Capsule were every bit as clean as those from the Bosch. That got my attention.
More Than a Tiny Dishwasher
The feature I didn’t expect to appreciate so much was UV-C sanitizing. The Capsule has dedicated short and long UV cycles that can be run without water, plus a fruit-and-vegetable program that incorporates UV light. I put newly purchased produce through the fruit-and-vegetable cycle and then I felt better about serving it to my family. Loch also suggests the UV function for items such as baby bottles and other small household objects.
Water conservation is another strong point. The 15-minute cycle uses just 2.69 liters, or about 0.7 gallon, making the Capsule appealing anywhere water use matters.
Who is the Loch Capsule best for?
At $459.99, the Capsule isn’t inexpensive, and I wouldn’t buy one for my own kitchen because I already have a full-size dishwasher and don’t mind washing a handful of dishes by hand. But I’m not really who this dishwasher is for.
I can see it being exceptionally useful in an RV, houseboat, tiny home, cabin, dorm room, or other small living space without a dishwasher hookup. A college student who uses a few dishes throughout the day or an RV couple who wants to load the day’s dishes and wash them all at once could get far more value from it. Its biggest limitation is capacity, but buyers who understand they’re purchasing a personal dishwasher rather than a miniature replacement for a full-size family dishwasher may be surprised by just how well the Capsule performs.
Where to Buy
Photo: Glenda Taylor for BobVila.com