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Dishwasher with a custom fit

15 years ago

Hi all,

So we're looking at getting mom a new dishwasher for Christmas. We just have one problem though; where we want to build it in, doesn't fit.

The dimensions of our floor cabinets (where we want to cut out and put it in) are just slightly too narrow or slightly too low for a standard dishwasher to fit. A drawer dishwasher is out of the question because of its price and mom needs a little more room than what a drawer dishwasher has to offer. The only other option left we can think of is to purchase a portable dishwasher, then maybe build it in later when we do a remodel or something to that nature.

However if anyone has a type or brand of dishwasher that they know might help us out, I'd truly appreciate your insight. Thanks!

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Comments (5)

homepro01
15 years ago
What are the dimensions of the space you are working with? How much is your budget? Miele makes one machine that I believe is universal design based which means it is shorter than normal and the Dishwasher are barely 24" wide. You may also consider an 18" dishwasher from Miele, Bosch and GE. The dimensions and budget will help determine what is possible or not.

Good luck!
Homepro01
jpsaxman
Original Author
15 years ago
Hey homepro,

The dimensions we have are not all that specific; width is about 22" give or take a half and height is just over 34"...maybe a quarter or half inch over. The problem I found with many of the 18" dishwashers was that they were 35"+ in height, so that would really not fit in our situation.

Our budget is hopefully not over $500. However, we're going through Sears; we have a relative in the business who can get us a discount on the appliance, which will help tremendously.

I'll have to look at the Miele and see what I come up with - thanks for your help!
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Thanks! Yes, it’s a weird space. I hadn’t even thought of changing it to a galley shape, thanks for opening my eyes to a new option. We’re keeping the door there because there’s a side porch where a future owner with a bigger budget could turn it into a mud room. We plan to be here 3-5 years. The layout I first shared was the proposal from our contractor. Was going to Lowe’s for a second opinion and possibly to purchase the cabinets. Do you think a kitchen designer is also necessary? I’ve been so hit or miss with hiring folks and just don’t see how we really have that many options, given constraints I’ve put in (e.g. using peninsula for counter space and no sink or stove).
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Hey Live_Wire_Oak, You're totally right of course. This is not how it's supposed to be done according to regulation, but we belatedly discovered that our contractor was a bit of a wildcatter. (My husband asked many times about this approach and the contractor told him, at the time, that the only other option was to either gouge out the back of our new kitchen cabinets--to allow for the access panel you suggest--or to punch a hole in the roof for a vent. Neither sounded good to us and so this is what we're left with.) Weedmeister, That's a really interesting and smart suggestion. If I understand correctly, it would allow the full length of the hose to "sit" inside the already opened cavity. Questions for you: 1: Would we probably need to cut and reposition the Y-connector (turning it further into the cavity) to make this work? We're assuming so. 2 If we set it up without any kinks, would everything *probably* still drain as intended? We'd be sure that pieces are not cinched too tight, but would this already un-Kosher drainage set up still probably work? Many thanks, Hannah
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User
15 years ago
Find a way to get that extra 2" to 24" wide. The estra 6" of space you get with an 18" DW comes at a premium. THe least expensive ones start at your budget and really go up from there. You also don't get as many features for the money as you do with your 24" choices. There are a couple of choices at 24" that can give you your height clearances. I think HD has a new one that can go under a 32" counter, but I think that model is exclusive to them and not available at Sears. I'd avoid the portable ones like the plague. They're loud and don't have near as many features as do the built ins. They're also extremely awkward to use, and most people only end up using them on large gathering occasions, as it's just easier to handwash in the sink than it is to roll out the DW and connect it, operate it, and then roll it away to store.

Good luck with your project. This is the type project that prompts many to a total kitchen remodel. When you can't fit in standard sized modern appliances, it is certainly time to consider it.
jpsaxman
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks live wire. Yes we are looking to do a remodel soon its just a question of when and $$$, you know, the usual lol.

I'll look into the HD and see what we can come up with. Thanks again for your help!
davidro1
15 years ago
Measure twice and report back here once.

A low-height DW will be easy to find.

A 22.5" wide DW will be hard to find.

David

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