Dishwasher under the hob

Limited kitchen space is a sore point for Russians and residents of countries where Khrushchev-era buildings are common. Anyone who lives in a "separate apartment" in one of these buildings will tell you a ton of stories about who built these houses and by what hands. But that's not the point here. We need to solve a very specific problem: arranging the cooktop above the dishwasher as efficiently as possible so that the two appliances don't negatively impact each other and prevent malfunction. That's what we'll do.

The pitfalls of such an installation

At first glance, it might seem like an under-the-cooktop dishwasher is the perfect solution, and incredibly easy to implement. After all, the cooktop is narrow and fits perfectly over the dishwasher—plug and play! However, it's not that simple.

1. The hob, whether induction or gas, tends to heat up during operation, and this heat will inevitably be transferred to the dishwasher, which should not be overheated.
2. A dishwasher is a source of moisture that can condense on the hob, which is not desirable, especially if the hob is electric.
3. The hob and dishwasher are connected to communication elements that may interfere with each other.

Particular care should be taken when connecting gas hoses to the gas cooktop. These hoses must not be pinched or completely blocked.

4. It can be quite difficult to correctly calculate the distance between the hob and the dishwasher lid so that everything fits perfectly into the cabinetry, while still leaving the necessary gaps for laying the thermal and moisture-proofing layer.
5. It's crucial to choose the perfect location for the dishwasher, which will be mounted above the cooktop. First, the location should be near the sink. Second, the dishwasher will be positioned between two cabinets, and the cooktop will be recessed into the countertop or installed in a similar manner. If you install it differently, the service life of the dishwasher and hob will be reduced.

We've covered all the main challenges a technician might face. Those who are determined to implement the idea of ​​placing a cooktop above a dishwasher are determined to do so. Some of the issues are very serious and require a detailed on-site analysis, but we can assure you that in most cases, this idea is feasible. Let's discuss the mechanics of its implementation.

Installation under an induction hob

If you've decided to plan ahead for installing a dishwasher under your cooktop, but don't yet have either the cooktop or the dishwasher, you need to carefully consider which cooktop and dishwasher models you'll be considering. Expert advice on this matter is a good place to start.

Firstly, it's best to choose an induction cooktop. It generates very little heat from underneath, transferring virtually no heat to the dishwasher's body. Secondly, it's best to choose a fully integrated dishwasher, as the outer layer of its body is wrapped in felt—a good thermal insulator—so the machine will be reliably protected from excess heat.

Is it possible to install a dishwasher under an induction cooktop? It's absolutely possible, but there are a few things to consider.

1. Leave a gap of at least 2.5 cm between the dishwasher body and the induction cooktop body.
2. Place foil-clad penofol or regular thick foil between the dishwasher and hob housings to insulate against moisture.
3. It's best to choose a thin hob, no more than 5-5.2 cm thick, so it fits better into the countertop and looks like a single, monolithic structure.
4. The built-in dishwasher must be no higher than 82 cm, so that the overall height of the structure, taking into account the clearance, does not exceed 90 cm (+-2 cm). This is a comfortable burner height that will make cooking as convenient as possible for a housewife of average height. What other heights are dishwashers available?, you can read in the article of the same name on our website.
5. When installing a cooktop on a dishwasher, remember to leave enough space behind the structure for utilities: electrical wires and hoses, which should also be positioned freely, without kinks or pinches.

The above recommendations are met by the Kaiser KCT 6395 I Elfem induction hob (5 cm thick) and the Hansa ZIM 636 EH dishwasher (82 cm high).

When beginning the installation process, remember to leave at least 1 cm of clearance between the floor and the dishwasher body to ensure adequate air and heat exchange. Remember that a dishwasher can overheat not only from the top, but especially from the bottom, where all the main operating components are located.

Take careful measurements when installing a dishwasher and cooktop. Consider all the aforementioned gaps, the thickness of the cabinet walls, the height of the legs, and other factors. Once you've accounted for all of this and captured it in a drawing, or at least a sketch, you can begin implementing your plan. If any problems arise along the way, consult a professional.

Installation under a gas hob

We've decided that an induction cooktop can be placed above a dishwasher, and there's nothing particularly wrong with that. But what if we don't have an induction cooktop, but a gas cooktop, and we absolutely must install a dishwasher under the gas cooktop, and we want it to be safe and convenient?

Even an experienced handyman will have a tough time with this task, as working with household gas appliances requires strict guidelines that cannot be bypassed. What problems might arise when installing a gas hob over a dishwasher?

1. Heating up the dishwasher. The gas hob gets very hot, and excess heat in such quantities will definitely damage the dishwasher.
2. Gas Hoses. Gas hoses supplying the cooktop must be positioned freely, allowing the gas service technician checking the equipment to easily access them.
3. The gas hob is quite thick, which will certainly create obstacles to its aesthetic placement on the dishwasher.

The conclusion in this case is disappointing. As much as we'd love to install a gas cooktop over a dishwasher ourselves, it's best to consult a professional. If only for your own safety and the safety of your family.

Ready-made solution

If installing a dishwasher under the cooktop has become your ultimate obsession, but something is holding you back, don't despair. The manufacturer has already thought of this for you and offers an original solution that has already proven popular with many consumers. We're talking about a combined gas stove, oven, and dishwasher.

This is a very good kitchen appliance, combining a full-size 4-burner gas stove, a small oven, and an equally small dishwasher. The main advantages of this combined kitchen appliance are:

• compact placement;
• ergonomics;
• the perfect combination of seemingly incompatible kitchen equipment;
• saving electricity and water.

Such equipment does have its downsides. You might say the main drawback is the price. In fact, the combined price of an oven, cooktop, and dishwasher is higher than the cost of the "hybrid" we're describing, so there's no need to worry about that. Functionality is another matter entirely.

Firstly, not everyone will appreciate an oven that only fits a single small baking sheet. If you have a family of four, for example, to bake cookies for everyone, you'll have to bake them in two or even three batches. This means additional time and energy consumption. So, with this example, we've already turned the aforementioned advantage into a disadvantage. Secondly, the dishwasher in such an appliance takes up the entire space under the oven and also holds a minimal amount of dishes—usually no more than six place settings. This is fine for a small family, but if you have four or more, such a dishwasher is frankly too small.

The bottom line on this point is that if no more than 2 people live in your home, combined equipment is the ideal solution to the problem of saving space. But if you have a large family, you'll have to install a full-size dishwasher and figure out how best to place the cooktop above it so that nothing leaks or short-circuits.

In conclusion, when deciding to install a dishwasher under a cooktop, be careful. If you have an induction cooktop, you can easily do the job yourself. However, if you need to install a gas cooktop over a dishwasher, you'll need professional help. Good luck!

   

Readers' comments