Owners of small kitchens and kitchenettes often talk about the necessity of giving up on having a dishwasher. They usually justify this by a lack of space where this useful device could be installed. Currently, it's easy to find compact dishwashers that take up very little space and can be installed even in a small kitchen by placing the dishwasher under the sink. This functional and aesthetically pleasing solution is gaining popularity among owners of small spaces.
What will you learn from this article?
- What dimensions dishwashers most commonly have.
- In which situations it is most worthwhile to use them.
- Whether they have any disadvantages and if so, what they are.
Compact Dishwashers – Models for Your Kitchen
Before deciding to buy a dishwasher installed under the sink, it is worth getting acquainted with the models of dishwashers available on the market. A compact dishwasher usually has around:
- 45 cm in height,
- 55 cm in width,
- 50 cm in depth.
Its capacity is up to six sets of dishes, making it an excellent solution for two-person households and apartments occupied by singles.
Depending on preferences, you can choose from various types of dishwashers. For instance, you can find partially integrated dishwashers, with the control panel on the front remaining outside the cabinet. This is convenient, as you can easily check the remaining time until the end of the washing cycle. There are also fully integrated models visible only when the cabinet is opened, which significantly enhances the interior's aesthetics, with only cabinet fronts visible outside.
Installing a Dishwasher in a Small Kitchen
When deciding to place the dishwasher under the sink, first measure everything very accurately. Not all dimensions of ready-made kitchen cabinets are suitable for fitting a dishwasher. The larger the cabinet, the easier it will be to fit a dishwasher into it. However, don't forget that there's often not much space under the sink. A low sink is best in this case, as it doesn’t take up space in the cabinet. If you have a double-basin sink installed in your kitchen, you might have some difficulty fitting a dishwasher under it.
Replacing the sink is a last resort; before that, you can try to find a mini dishwasher, which in this situation would be a good solution. Such equipment will do well when you have a double-basin sink of considerable depth. A small dishwasher will not only fit under the sink, but there will also be some space left between these two appliances. This is important because the dishwasher, when in operation, generates vibrations that should not be transmitted to the sink's surface.
Why Consider Placing a Dishwasher Under the Sink?
Designing a stylish and functional small kitchen or a living room with a kitchenette can be quite a challenge. Especially if you want all necessary appliances, including the dishwashing machine, to remain hidden. In this case, the possibility of built-in installation, i.e., placing the dishwasher under the sink, is a solution worth considering. A dishwasher under the sink offers the primary benefit of saving precious kitchen space. It also saves water, as washing dishes in a dishwasher uses significantly less water than when doing it manually.
A dishwasher under the sink offers user convenience; for example, you can rinse the plate under the tap before placing it into the dishwasher, and after opening the door, put it into the device without needing to move from your spot. Cleaning up after a meal becomes significantly more convenient. It is also worth adding that small dishwashers suitable for installation under the sink are usually cheaper than their full-sized counterparts.
Are There Any Disadvantages of a Dishwasher Under the Sink?
There are no perfect solutions, and since we've managed to present the advantages of dishwashers under the sink, it’s time to check if this appliance might also have any drawbacks.
- The most commonly mentioned drawback is capacity. A small dishwasher under the sink usually holds up to six sets of dishes, which is definitely not enough for a family of 3 or 4 who eat at home daily. The necessity of turning on the device several times a day will undoubtedly result in greater water consumption.
- The disadvantages of this solution also include size, or rather the depth of the sink located above it and the siphon. Additional space is needed to mount the siphon, which simultaneously should not touch the dishwasher. Moreover, with a dishwasher placed in a cabinet under the sink, a waste bin probably won't fit and you'll need to find a different space for it. In a small kitchen, this can be quite a challenge.
Summary
Before deciding to purchase and install a dishwasher under the sink, carefully check all the dimensions – both of the appliance and the kitchen cabinets as well as the sink itself. A built-in dishwasher under the sink comes with certain difficulties, but when space is limited in the kitchen, this idea is worth considering. In this way, 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 (such as a 40 cm under-sink dishwasher), fits perfectly into tight spaces. For those looking for even smaller options, a 45 under-sink dishwasher might 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 vital to remember that installing such a dishwasher requires precise measurements to avoid installation problems.
If you're wondering how to fit a dishwasher in a small kitchen, consider models like a dishwasher for an 80 cm cabinet or an under-drainer sink dishwasher. These solutions are especially recommended for those who don't want to give up convenience but have limited space. Installing an under-sink dishwasher, such as a single-chamber dishwasher, does require proper preparation. First and foremost, you need to check whether the depth of the sink and siphon do not conflict with the appliance. In the case of narrow cabinets, a 40 cm under-sink dishwasher might be the perfect compromise between functionality and space saving. Remember that how you install a dishwasher under the sink is a task that requires precision, but the end result will definitely make up for the effort. Especially if you carry it out according to our tips, which you can find more of on the Mexen blog. We write, among other things, about water-saving taps.