Dishwasher niche size

Nowadays, few people buy freestanding dishwashers because they don't fit well into modern interiors. Instead, they favor fully integrated, partially integrated, and compact models for the simple reason that they can be hidden in special niches. Hiding them is possible, but to do so, you need to know the exact dimensions of the niche you need for the dishwasher. We'll discuss these dimensions today.

What could be the niche?

Before preparing a niche for a dishwasher, you need to know the exact dimensions of the unit. If possible, purchase the dishwasher first, then take measurements and order the cabinetry with a pre-made niche. This will avoid annoying mistakes that could lead to time-consuming and costly remodeling.

The problem is that novice dishwasher builders often consider only the width and depth of their future dishwasher, completely forgetting about the height. Meanwhile, the height of dishwashers can also vary. Narrow 45 cm wide models and full-size 60 cm wide models can have heights of:

• 81 cm;
• 81.3 cm;
• 81.5 cm;
• 81.8 cm;
• 82 cm;
• 82.4 cm.

The tolerance is small, but if you miss the mark by even 5 mm, you'll have to hammer the machine into the niche. The height range for compact dishwashers is even greater: 43.8, 45, 48, and 50 cm. A mistake could cost you the furniture. Basically, there are two options: allow a generous 8-10 cm of extra space for the niche, or purchase the machine in advance, carefully measure it, and order a niche specifically for it. The second option has a drawback. If the machine breaks down over time, you'll have to find a new model to fit the niche, which can be inconvenient.

If you decide to create a niche with some extra space, keep in mind that there should be a small gap between the dishwasher body and the walls of the niche, at least 5 mm on each side. Thus, when installing a full-size dishwasher of an unknown model, we calculate the niche W x D x H to be 61.5 x 57 x 85 cm. For the narrow model, W x D x H is 47 x 57 x 85 cm. For the compact model, W x D x H is 56 x 51 x 51 cm.

We indicate the useful dimensions of the niches, without taking into account the thickness of the material.

The principle of built-in dishwashers

When creating a dishwasher niche yourself, there's a lot to keep in mind. We've already mentioned that the niche size for a built-in dishwasher should have some "room." However, we haven't mentioned other important considerations.

1. When taking measurements, be sure to take into account the thickness of the material. Failure to account for the thickness of the walls, ceiling, and floor of the future niche will significantly reduce its usable size.
2. If you are making a niche exactly to the size of an existing dishwasher, carefully measure the body, not forgetting the protrusions.
3. When planning a niche, take into account the opening features of the dishwasher door.
4. Be sure to consider the thickness and placement of the furniture front on the dishwasher door, otherwise it may catch on the edges of the niche when opening.
5. The niche's base must be strong enough to support the weight of a fully loaded dishwasher. This is especially important if the niche is located above the floor rather than on the floor.

Accommodation Features

It is important to choose not only the size of the future niche, but also its location. Where should the dishwasher be located in a corner kitchen?, and even in a regular kitchen? Where can you find the perfect spot for it, even if space is quite limited? This is a truly puzzling question. It's important not just to find a place for a dishwasher, but to find one that meets a number of requirements.

1. Don't place a dishwasher directly next to a microwave oven. It's best to keep it further away, but if you have no other choice, place it at least 15 cm away.
2. Try to position the washing machine a little further away from the oven and stovetop. The minimum gap is 5 cm; smaller is possible, but then you'll need to use insulating material.
3. It's not recommended to place a dishwasher next to a washing machine. The vibrating and rocking body of the washing machine can damage the dishwasher.
4. Avoid placing the dishwasher too high, as this will make it difficult to place dishes in the baskets.
5. If equipment is located nearby, its doors and hatches should open freely without interfering with each other.

In short, before installing a dishwasher in a niche, you need to think through every detail. Sketch out your future furniture, visualize the future niche for the dishwasher, spend time considering the final outcome, and you'll be delighted with the result. Good luck!

   

Readers' comments