Owners of small kitchens and kitchenettes often talk about the necessity of giving up having a dishwasher. They usually justify this by the lack of space where this useful appliance could be installed. Nowadays, it's easy to find compact dishwashers that take up very little space, and they can even be installed in a small kitchen by placing the dishwasher under the sink. This functional yet aesthetic solution is becoming increasingly popular among owners of small spaces.
What will you learn from this article?
- What dimensions dishwashers most often have.
- In which situations it is most worthwhile to use them.
- Whether they have – and if so, what – disadvantages.
Compact dishwashers – models for your kitchen
Before deciding to buy a dishwasher mounted under the sink, it is worth familiarising yourself with the models of dishwashers available on the market. A compact dishwasher usually has:
- 45 cm height,
- 55 cm width,
- 50 cm depth.
Its capacity reaches up to six sets of dishes, making it an excellent solution for two-person households and homes occupied by singles.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from various types of dishwashers. You can find, for example, partially built-in dishwashers whose control panel is placed on the front of the appliance, remaining outside the cabinet. This is an excellent solution as it allows you to easily check the remaining time of the washing cycle. There are also models available on the market that are hidden inside and only visible when the cabinet is opened. This is a very practical solution, which significantly enhances the interior's aesthetics. Only the cabinet fronts are visible from the outside.
Installing a dishwasher in a small kitchen
When deciding to place a dishwasher under the sink, you should first measure everything very precisely. Not all dimensions of ready-made kitchen cabinets are adapted to accommodate a dishwasher. The larger the cabinet, the easier it will be to incorporate a dishwasher, but one must not forget that there is usually not much space under the sink. A low sink, which does not take up space in the cabinet, works best in this case. If your kitchen has a double-bowl sink installed, you may have some difficulty fitting a dishwasher under it.
Replacing the sink is, however, the final solution; before that, you can try to find a mini dishwasher, which in this case will be a good solution. Such equipment will work excellently if you have a two-bowl sink with considerable depth. A small dishwasher will not only fit under the sink but will also leave some space between these two appliances. This is important because the dishwasher generates vibrations during operation which should not be transmitted to the sink surface.
Why should you consider placing a dishwasher under the sink?
Styling and functionally arranging a small kitchen or living room with a kitchenette can be quite a challenge. Especially if you want all the necessary appliances, including the dishwasher, to remain hidden. In this situation, the possibility of integration, i.e., installing the dishwasher under the sink, is a solution worth considering. A dishwasher under the sink is primarily about saving valuable kitchen space. It also saves water; you use significantly less water washing dishes in a dishwasher than doing it by hand.
A dishwasher under the sink is convenient to use; for example, you can rinse a plate under the tap before putting it into the dishwasher and then load it into the appliance without having to move. Cleaning up after a meal becomes much more convenient. It is also worth adding that small dishwashers suitable for installation under the sink are usually cheaper than their full-size counterparts.
Are there any disadvantages to a dishwasher under the sink?
Perfect solutions do not exist; since we have managed to present the advantages of dishwashers under the sink, it's time to check if this equipment might have any disadvantages.
- The most frequently mentioned drawback is capacity. A small dishwasher under the sink usually holds up to six sets of dishes, which is definitely too little for a 3- or 4-person family that eats at home every day. The need to run the appliance several times during one day will undoubtedly translate into greater water consumption.
- The weaknesses of this solution also include the size, or rather the depth of the sink above it and the siphon. Extra space is needed to mount the siphon, which simultaneously will not touch the dishwasher. Moreover, with the dishwasher placed in the cabinet under the sink, a rubbish bin might not fit anymore, and some other place will have to be arranged for it. In a small kitchen, this can be quite a challenge.
Summary
Before deciding to purchase and install a dishwasher under the sink, check all the dimensions – both of the appliance and the kitchen cabinets and the sink itself. A built-in dishwasher under the sink involves certain difficulties; however, in the case of limited space in the kitchen, it is an idea worth considering. Thus you gain a functionally and elegantly arranged space.
In small kitchens, the question often arises: can a dishwasher be under the sink? The answer is yes, provided you choose the right model. One popular solution is a compact dishwasher under the sink, which, thanks to its small dimensions (e.g., 40 cm under-sink dishwasher), fits perfectly into tight spaces. For those looking for even smaller solutions, the 45 under-sink dishwasher can be an excellent choice. These types of appliances are not only functional but also save space, which is crucial in small kitchens. However, it is essential to remember that installing such a dishwasher requires precise measurement to avoid installation issues.
If you are wondering how to fit a dishwasher in a small kitchen, consider models such as a cabinet 80 dishwasher or a dishwasher under the drainer. These solutions are particularly recommended for people who do not want to give up convenience but have limited space. Installing a dishwasher under the sink, such as a single-chamber dishwasher, does require proper preparation. You must first check whether the depth of the sink and siphon do not interfere with the appliance. In the case of narrow cabinets, a 40 cm under-sink dishwasher might be the perfect compromise between functionality and space savings. Remember, how to install a dishwasher under the sink is an issue that requires precision, but the end result will undoubtedly reward this effort, especially if you follow our tips, more of which can be found on the Mexen blog. We write about water-saving taps, among other things.