The Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 is a reliable appliance that is up there with the best countertop dishwashers around. It includes many of the same great features you would find in a full-size dishwasher. Ideal for small-apartment living, this appliance is surprisingly roomy and can happily take a decent load for one- or two-person households.
Handy features include a delay-start feature, a separate cutlery basket, and a cup shelf, as well as quiet operation – we think it offers great value for money. For now let’s take a look at what else it has to offer when it comes to features, design, and efficiency.
Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 review: What you need to know
- Width: 21.7 inches
- Height: 17.2 inches
- Depth: 19.7 inches
The Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 offers a capacity big enough to clean six place settings. It’s available in black or white and it features a total of six cycles - quite a few in the world of dishwashers. This machine is also Energy Star rated, making it an excellent choice for energy efficiency. The Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 doesn’t feature a tank, like the Farberware FDW05ASBWHA but instead, will need to be connected to your faucet. It also comes with a one-year warranty.
Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 review: Features
This contemporary-looking appliance might look compact on the outside but it can take up to six place settings, as well as some larger items such as pots and pans. It has six wash cycles, and these include Heavy, Normal, Light, and Quick, plus there’s also a glass cycle and standard rinse. In other words, there’s enough here for it to be more than up to the job.
The controls include a delayed start function that can be set up to 24-hours in advance, ideal for busy lifestyles. While there is also an easy-to-clean three-filter system that keeps the appliance hygienic, plus an automatic detergent and rinse aid dispenser. The Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 also has an anti-flood sensor that detects when the water level is too high.
Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 review: Design
The Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 connects directly to your faucet with an easy-to-install quick-connect kit that includes inlet and outlet hoses, and a faucet adapter. It’s easy to do yourself with little fuss and doesn’t need to be connected to the main water supply. This makes it a great option for taking on RVs too.
On the inside things are just as straightforward with the racks nicely organized to hold pots, pans, and plates neatly. There is also a standard cutlery basket, and cup shelf, which is a nice extra to ensure a thorough clean. The Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 is also roomy enough to take larger items like frying pans, should you need it.
The stainless-steel interior offers a durable and long-lasting finish, while the controls are intuitive with simple push-buttons and a clear LED display. When the cycle finishes, the appliance will automatically shut off and sound a brief alert.
This countertop dishwasher comes in two colors – black or white – to fit in with your kitchen decor. If you want something a little more aesthetically pleasing, check out the hOmeLabs Compact Countertop Dishwasher.
Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 review: Performance and efficiency
The Magic Chef MCSCD6B5’s quiet operation of 52 decibels is a real bonus and makes it ideal for smaller apartments or for use in the evenings. It cleans dishes well and thoroughly with only the occasional need for an extra rinse. It also dries effectively with advanced drying technology ensuring your dishes come out sparkling.
When it comes to efficiency, the Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 has an Energy Star certification, uses 3.1 gallons per cycle, and has an annual energy use of 203 kWh per year – roughly a third of the energy of a standard dishwasher. According to the product’s energy guide, this appliance will cost approximately $27 a year to run.
Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 review: User reviews
There are plenty of great online reviews for the Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 countertop dishwasher. On the Home Depot website, it scores an average of 4.4 out of five stars. One review is impressed with how economical the appliance is, stating: “Our water bill went down by a substantial, noticeable amount. I’m thrilled.” Meanwhile, there is also praise for the performance, including comments like: “Absolutely perfect. Extremely quiet, does an admirable job! Wouldn't change a thing!”
The reviews on Amazon also give the thumbs-up and include feedback like, “I’ve had it for nearly a year. Absolutely love this thing. Dependable, quiet, easy to use. Highly recommended! Dishes always clean when it's done.” However, there were some complaints about the appliance leaking, as well as some feedback on the connectors breaking and having to be replaced. Some users also were disappointed to find that this model didn’t completely dry their dishes.
Should you buy the Magic Chef MCSCD6B5?
If you are looking for an affordable, economical and efficient way to get your dishes really sparkling then the Magic Chef MCSCD6B5 is a great option. With quiet operation and delayed start functionality, it’s designed to fit into small-apartment living well.
When it comes to price, this countertop dishwasher sits nicely in the affordable bracket, and for the features you get it’s well worth the money. But, while it’s easy to connect to the faucet, the lack of a tank does mean it needs to be placed next to the sink, which might make it less of a convenience, especially if space is tight.
