I had a KD try really, really hard to convince me to do this. He said he had done it in his own kitchen and it was his favorite feature. He was tall and when he saw that I was also tall, he just insisted that I do it, too. The problem for me was that it would eliminate 24" (a little more, actually) of countertop and a lack of countertop space was the single greatest driving force behind my kitchen remodel, so nothing that unnecessarily reduced counter space for me was going to be acceptable. This was symptomatic of his inability to listen to my needs and wants, which was the reason we parted ways.

However, if the amount of counter space is not a problem for you and you can get past it looking different from what you're used to, it does seem to be very logical from an ergonomic perspective. In addition to that KD, I have heard from a few other people who really liked it, and none mentioned issues such as vibration being a problem. I think that would depend on having a skilled installer.

All that said, if bending to load and unload dishes were a big concern for me, I'd probably opt for two single drawers, one on each side of the sink.

This was suggested to me also by a designer as something popular now since the tall tub DWs open/hinge closer to the ground. I've seen this work in kitchens where the layout makes sense for it and it doesn't break up a needed counter run. I've seen it about 6" higher using the raised counter for something special. Like holligator, I'm not giving up uninterrupted counter space... that's why I'm doing this!

thx so much for your input on it. I'd probably end up with the same amount of counter space. It'd have to go next to the wall to the right of the sink (with about a 16" space in between) - where the fridge is now. I'd have to move the fridge over to the other end (left of the stove).

I could make it a 'wall unit' thingy - putting the micro on top of it - which would put the micro at a good level for me. the micro would be taking up counter space (or on a shelf under a cabinet) anyway. then the space below it - I'm not sure but was thinking might work out as a 'dog bar' area. Like the recent reno w/ the cat bar.

not sure how all that'd look tho.

still, it goes back to if I'm paying extra to move the plumbing and electrical I might as well spend the extra bucks and get a drawer unit... my thinking anyway. I'm waffling on the drawer vs the KA 18". I could save money on the KA and just be grateful for the days I could use it. I figured up and I haven't had a DW since 1990 and i'm still alive. I am planning easy access 'housing' for paper plates and plastic utensils for the bad times anyway.

but it was nice to know my friend was thinking of options for me. She did a total remodel of her kitchen about 2 yrs ago. kicked into her garage a few feet to expand it etc. It's a lovely kitchen now. She's been thru it!

I went to Google Images and Googled "Elevated Dishwasher" and saw several installations. Interesting idea.

Our dishwasher is raised and it is absolutely one of the best things about our kitchen! Love love love it, and now cannot imagine having an old-fashioned one. (I mean the placement.)

Neither my husband nor I have bad backs, but when I was pregnant I hated loading / unloading the diswasher; I'd hoped to have more children (am having a hard time holding onto a pregnancy!), but even if I never have another baby I'll certainly get older.

Anyway, a good choice for us.

My only disappointment is that my cabinetmaker didn't address the toekick correctly -- I've seen other raised dishwashers without the wonky toekick like ours. Oh well. Even with it, I'd still rather have a raised dishwasher!