skip to main content

Flush mounting a dishwasher and steam venting

last month

I need a new dishwasher. Our old one vents steam from the top left of the door. We'd originally mounted it flush, but the hot steam would hit the cold quartz countertop, condense, and then drip on to the floor, so we had to pull it out. We'd really like to be able to flush mount the next one. I see several DW with the top door vent, and some that don't seem to have any. Do those vent steam? And if so, from where? The island where the DW sits is cherry so I would worry about the wood if it vents to the side somehow.

The other thing, is I've really fallen in love with the interior of one of the KitchenAids. It's so roomy with a big third rack, but it has the door vent. So, I was wondering if anyone had any solutions for how to deal with the condensation issue if there is a vent? Since the countertop is quartz it won't damage it, but I don't like a puddle on my floor. If the DW is flush, it would have a 2.5" countertop overhang (this is due to the apron front sink and legs on the island.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

wdccruise
last month
"I see several DW with the top door vent, and some that don't seem to have any. Do those vent steam? And if so, from where?"

The vent of the KitchenAid KDTM604KPS appears to be at the bottom of the door. You can see this if you look at part #18 ("duct vent") on the CONTROL PANEL AND INNER DOOR PARTS diagram on SearsPartsDirect.com (https://www.searspartsdirect.com/model/jwyt9llpl7-000593/kitchenaid-kdtm604kps0-dishwasher-parts).
Forever Now thanked wdccruise
Forever Now
Original Author
last month
Thank you @wdccruise, I didn't think to check the parts diagrams! I am now considering the Bosch, my husband wants the 500 with AirDry, but I'm wondering how much steam escapes when the door pops open. Though maybe it escapes all at once, and so condensation isn't an issue. I'd prefer the 800, but the exploded view doesn't give me any indication of where the duct fits in the overall scheme. I'm assuming the door, and from the shape figure it probably vents at the bottom somewhere as well.
Related Discussions
Dishwasher steam damaging counter
Q
Comments (5)
I used some of that Redguard rubbery paint on vapor membrane that you use underneath shower flooring and walls. It's pretty thick and substantial. We have butcher block counters, and the steam from the DW hasn't caused a problem yet. We had a bucket of it left over from a project: http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/ProductCatalog/SurfacePrep/WaterproofingAntiFractureMembranes/RedGard.aspx?user=diy&lang=en
...See More
flush mounted ceiling hood
Q
Comments (19)
Curmudgeons-R-Us Please review the first dozen or so pages of the guide at the link below for insight into the methods used to meet the goal of proper kitchen ventilation. While theoretical for me (I don't have a commercial hood, only Wolf's largest Pro Island hood) it is not theoretical for Greenheck (or their now spun off ventilatiion division), or for the ventilation system of our forum's @opaone. https://www.tagengineering.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/KVSApplDesign_catalog.pdf I think I should also supplement this thread with the thought that some recent ceiling vent schemes (not technically hoods) use slotted edges for their apparent air intake. While their noise behavior may exceed that of a large area of baffles, they may also provide an effective expansion of the capture area by pulling air across the ceiling -- if designed to do so. Now we have a larger effective capture aperture, as desired, but (!) if the ceiling is not warmer than the cooking effluent at that height there will still be condensation onto the ceiling. It boils down to what you expect to be cooking. I would argue that wok cooking and steak searing will not be captured well, that bacon simmering may be only partially captured due to its low upward plume velocity causing spreading into the room air, but steam and steam embedded grease particles that don't attach to the surrounding ceiling will be captured. And don't forget that the plume expansion angles that one can find in the Finnish cooking report do not account for air turbulence from people moving about in the room, or drafts due to heating or air conditioning. It is always best to capture as low as possible as limited by sight lines and head clearance. In commercial settings where capture and containment is provided by ceiling systems, they cover the entire ceiling and use special techniques to disassociate grease in the plenums above the ceiling. Heydal photo
...See More
dishwasher venting
Q
Comments (3)
This (flush) is really only a problem if you have lamanite counters. The particleboard substrate and steam don't get along very well. This can be helped by not opening the DW until the cycle is completely finished - meaning cooled down, or buy installing a shield under the top btew. the machine (Miele send one with all their DW's) or by sealing/painting/ lamaniting the underside of the DW portion of the counter.
...See More
Dishwasher - insulation, steam, wood cabinets
Q
Comments (12)
I measured counter height and per install instructions the dw should be able to leg-raise that high. But the space between the cabinets and it is nearly 3" on each side so I don't see how I could side-attach. I also don't see how it could be detached at a later date (after countertop is installed) due to the added "trim" at the front of the cabinets. Presumably they added this so that it wouldn't show so much space on the sides. If I had understood all this and they had put the dw there when I asked them to, the cabinets could have been moved to correct the spacing (they sit on top of the floor). If my countertop was not already fabricated and waiting to be installed next week I would unscrew them and try to move it myself. So how can I attach on the side and still be able to pull the dw out for servicing? I will attach a couple more photos to hopefully show the spacing and that added trim piece.
...See More
wdccruise
last month
I have an old Whirlpool Quiet Partner 1 with a top front vent (https://kithzentoolz.blogspot.com/2020/04/whirlpool-quiet-partner-1-dishwasher.html). A tiny amount of moisture is emitted through the vent while the machine is operating but no water runs down the door. I open the door to dry the dishes; moisture dissipates within a few seconds.

Are you sure you need a new dishwasher? Mine stopped mid-cycle and I spent weeks trying to figure out why. It turned out that a non-obvious fuse needed to be replaced. Total cost: $9.
Forever Now
Original Author
last month
Yes, it's the control board in ours. We replaced it once already after only two years of use, and it's stopped again exactly two years later. They are expensive, and at this rate, I expect it to fail again in two years if replaced, so we just want a better dishwasher. This was a low-end model GE that was bought as part of a package when we first moved in and there were no appliances in the house at all.

The reason we have trouble with dripping is because the steam is so hot, and the quartz countertop is so cold. A laminate countertop with a moisture barrier would probably be fine.
wdccruise
last month
I thought it was my control board. It turned out to be the fuse which was embedded in a plastic part attached to the control board, not the control board itself.

"The reason we have trouble with dripping is because the steam is so hot..."

Have you checked your household water temperature? It should be 120 degrees.

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN Should You Get a Recessed or Wall-Mounted Medicine Cabinet?

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Here’s what you need to know to pick the right bathroom medicine cabinet and get it installed

HOUSEKEEPING Tackle Big Messes Better With a Sparkling-Clean Dishwasher

By Bonnie McCarthy

You might think it’s self-cleaning, but your dishwasher needs regular upkeep to keep it working hard for you

KITCHEN DESIGN A Cook’s 6 Tips for Buying Kitchen Appliances

By Christine Tusher

An avid home chef answers tricky questions about choosing the right oven, stovetop, vent hood and more

KITCHEN DESIGN 11 Must-Haves in a Designer’s Dream Kitchen

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Custom cabinets, a slab backsplash, drawer dishwashers — what’s on your wish list?

TRENDING NOW 6 Trends in Kitchen and Laundry Appliances for 2021

By Nora Burba Trulsson

Steam functions, drink systems and hygiene elements are featured in products introduced at the recent KBIS trade show

DECORATING GUIDES 25 Design Trends Coming to Homes Near You in 2016

By Mitchell Parker

From black stainless steel appliances to outdoor fabrics used indoors, these design ideas will be gaining steam in the new year

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Find the Right Oven Arrangement for Your Kitchen

By KitchenLab Interiors

Have all the options for ovens, with or without cooktops and drawers, left you steamed? This guide will help you simmer down

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: Art Deco Style and a Place for Entertaining

By Becky Harris

An artfully decorated chimney vent hood and beloved collections stand out in a Toronto kitchen that reflects its owners’ passions

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Love to Cook? You Need a Fan. Find the Right Kind for You

By The Sky is the Limit Design

Don't send budget dollars up in smoke when you need new kitchen ventilation. Here are 9 top types to consider

KITCHEN DESIGN 16 Practical Ideas to Borrow From Professional Kitchens

Restaurant kitchens are designed to function efficiently and safely. Why not adopt some of their tricks in your own home?

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

36” Induction Range — Wolf, Thermador, Bosch, or ???

2

Downsize the fridge?!

29

2 bathroom exhaust fans vented together, mold problem

14

Good quality countertop microwave ovens?

5

Any advice on a vent liner?

3