Owners of small kitchens and kitchenettes often talk about the necessity of giving up having a dishwasher. They usually justify this by a lack of space where this useful device can be installed. Nowadays, it is easy to find compact dishwashers that take up very little space and can even be installed in a small kitchen by placing the dishwasher in a cabinet under the sink. This functional and aesthetically pleasing solution is gaining increasing popularity among owners of small spaces.
Compact Dishwashers, Models for Your Kitchen
Before deciding to purchase a dishwasher installed under the sink, it's worth familiarizing yourself with the models of dishwashers available on the market. A compact dishwasher usually has a height of about 45 cm, a width of 55 cm, and a depth of 50 cm. Its capacity reaches up to six sets of dishes, making it a great solution for two-person households and singles.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from various types of dishwashers. For example, you can find partially built-in dishwashers with a control panel located on the front of the device that remains outside the cabinet. This is a good solution because you can easily check the time remaining until the end of the washing cycle. There are also hidden models available on the market, which are only visible once the cabinet is opened. This is a very practical solution that also significantly enhances the aesthetics of the interior. 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, it's important to measure everything very carefully first. Not all dimensions of ready-made kitchen cabinets are suited to accommodate a dishwasher. The larger the cabinet, the easier it will be to integrate the dishwasher; however, you shouldn’t forget that there is usually not much space under the sink. A low sink that doesn’t take up space in the cabinet works best in this case. If you have a double basin sink installed in your kitchen, you may have some difficulties fitting a dishwasher underneath.
Replacing the sink is a final solution, but you can first try to find a mini dishwasher, which will be a good solution in this case. Such equipment will work perfectly if you have a double basin sink with considerable depth. A small dishwasher will not only fit under the sink but will also leave some space between the two appliances. This is important because the dishwasher generates vibrations during operation, which should not transfer to the sink surface.
Why Is It Worth Deciding on a Dishwasher Under the Sink?
A stylish and functional appliance for a small kitchen or a living room with a kitchenette can be quite a challenge. Especially if you want all necessary devices, including the dishwasher for washing dishes, to remain hidden. In this case, the possibility of built-in installation, meaning placing the dishwasher under the sink, is a solution worth considering. A dishwasher under the sink primarily provides the opportunity to save precious space in the kitchen. It also conserves water; washing dishes in the dishwasher uses significantly less than when done by hand.
A dishwasher under the sink offers convenience; for example, you can rinse a plate under the tap before putting it in the dishwasher, and after opening the door, you can place it in the appliance without having to move. Cleaning up after a meal becomes significantly easier. It’s also worth adding that small dishwashers suitable for installation under sinks are usually cheaper than their full-sized counterparts.
Are There Any Disadvantages to a Dishwasher Under the Sink?
There are no perfect solutions. Now that we have presented the advantages of dishwashers under the sink, it's time to check if this equipment has any disadvantages as well. The most commonly mentioned drawback is capacity. A small dishwasher under the sink typically holds up to six sets of dishes, which is definitely too little for a family of 3 or 4 who eat at home daily. The necessity to run the appliance multiple times a day will undoubtedly lead to greater water consumption.
Other downsides of this solution include size and, more precisely, the depth of the sink located above it and the siphon. Additional space is needed to accommodate the siphon, which should not come into contact with the dishwasher. Besides, a trash bin probably won’t fit next to a dishwasher placed in a cabinet under the sink, and you will have to find another place for it. In a small kitchen, this can be quite a challenge.
In summary, before you decide to buy and install a dishwasher under the sink, carefully check all dimensions - both of the device, the kitchen cabinets, and the sink itself. A built-in dishwasher under the sink comes with some difficulties; however, in cases of limited space in the kitchen, it is an idea worth considering. This way, you gain a functional and elegantly designed space.