Dishwashers for small kitchens

Are there any types of dishwashers suitable for small kitchens? This question can be found on various online forums, and unfortunately, people don't get a comprehensive answer. This is rather surprising, as the answer is obvious, although it all depends on the individual characteristics of a particular small kitchen. A simple rectangular room is one thing, while a room with a non-standard configuration is quite another. So, let's talk about dishwashers for small kitchens.

If the dishwasher doesn't fit in the kitchen

Who doesn't dream of a full-size dishwasher that will once and for all resolve the age-old family question: whose turn is it to wash the dishes? But where to put it in a small kitchen, where even two people can barely maneuver between the refrigerator and the electric stove. What to do? Give up on the idea or, as always, use your ingenuity? We favor the latter, especially since this problem is quite solvable.

Khrushchev-era buildings often have very small kitchens, but even in such a kitchen, space can be cleverly organized to accommodate a dishwasher and other essential appliances.

There are several ways to solve this problem. Not all of them are budget-friendly, but we'll explore them all, and you'll choose the most suitable option for yourself.

1. Calculate kitchen space to accommodate a dishwasher. We often think that fitting a dishwasher in our small kitchen is simply impossible. However, when we start calculating every centimeter of space, it turns out that space can be found. If you don't like messing around with calculations yourself, hire an experienced designer.
2. Consider buying built-in appliances. A built-in dishwasher does not take up extra space in the kitchen. If everything is calculated correctly, it can be placed in a specially made cabinet or tucked under the countertop, so that the dishwasher will not get in the way.
3. A miniature dishwasher. This is certainly a radical solution, but it's effective. A small dishwasher doesn't take up much space, meaning it can be installed in a small room where space is at a premium.

Built-in appliances

A dishwasher in a small kitchen can be a nuisance, not to mention simply clashing with the overall design. For some, interior design is paramount, so manufacturers have developed built-in dishwashers specifically for them.

Fully integrated dishwashers come in standard, 60 cm wide, and narrow, 45 cm wide. Narrow machines can also be classified, but we won't go into that here. If you're interested, What types of narrow built-in dishwashers are there?, read the publication of the same name, which we previously posted on our website.

From a space-saving perspective, narrow dishwashers are better, but they lack capacity, and it is also difficult to wash large dishes in them.

Fully integrated dishwashers are rather unassuming in appearance. The exterior is covered with insulating materials, and the front is a piece of painted metal with hooks and latches. Everything changes once the dishwasher is installed. The door will feature a cabinet front that perfectly matches the rest of the kitchen cabinetry, and the entire unit will disappear into a cabinet recess that you'll need to prepare in advance.

In this configuration, the dishwasher will be indistinguishable from any other piece of kitchen furniture, but simply open the door and you'll have immediate access to the wash baskets, where you can place dirty dishes. Very convenient. Maintenance is also straightforward—just wipe the cabinet front clean and you're done.

Miniature technology

If you're unsure how to fit a dishwasher into a tiny kitchen without renovating or replacing cabinetry, consider compact models, and you'll quickly understand. Indeed, with today's technological advances, small kitchen owners don't necessarily have to sacrifice certain amenities and wash dishes by hand. You can buy a compact dishwasher and enjoy life, as it can be installed in a variety of locations:

• on a tabletop or table;
• on the nightstand;
• on the refrigerator;
• hang it on the wall using special brackets.

The prices for compact dishwashers are quite reasonable, so almost everyone can afford them.

The dimensions of compact dishwashers are truly impressive, with an average size of 55 x 50 x 44 cm and a weight of only about 20 kg. Fitting such a "home helper" into even a small kitchen is no problem, although such appliances will have very limited functionality. Firstly, they are too small to wash a large number of plates and glasses. The maximum capacity of a compact dishwasher is 6 place settings.

Secondly, it's impossible to wash large pots, pans, trays, or baking sheets in such a dishwasher, so you can't completely forget about hand washing. Such a limited-featured dishwasher won't allow you to do that.

Hybrid solution

There's another expensive, but rather original, solution to the problem of accommodating a dishwasher in a small kitchen: purchasing a hybrid appliance. What does this mean? It means you can buy a gas or electric stove with a built-in oven and dishwasher. Sound like science fiction? No, this type of appliance has long been sold quite successfully in the CIS market. The advantages of hybrid appliances are obvious.

1. There's no need to install a separate hob, oven, and dishwasher, which will save you not just centimeters, but meters of space in the kitchen.
2. There is no need to jump around the kitchen to use this or that appliance - everything is in one place and everything is convenient.
3. Hybrid appliances will cost you slightly less than a new hob, oven, and dishwasher.

However, let's be honest: such appliances have both advantages and disadvantages, and they definitely need to be discussed. Firstly, they are quite complex devices, and there's always a significant risk of failure. Secondly, almost every component of the hybrid, be it the dishwasher or the oven, with the possible exception of the cooktop, has limited functionality. A single-sheet oven, a 6-placeholder dishwasher—basically, the same problem described above regarding compact appliances.

To summarize, as sad as it may sound, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of dishwasher placement in a tiny kitchen. Every solution has its drawbacks, but some drawbacks are tolerable, while others are completely unacceptable. In any case, the final decision is yours. We hope we've given you some food for thought. Good luck!

   

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