How to install a dishwasher in my unit?

Jonalyn

  

Hi,

I really want to install a dishwasher in the kitchen but I don’t know where to start and if it’s viable. I don’t care if it’s a slim or compact dishwasher, I just don’t want it to be a freestanding or bench top one. I’ve attached photos to show you what the kitchen currently looks like. Under the sink, on the upper shelf the pipes are in the way and on the corner shelf it’s the hot water tank and our pull out bin. Any suggestions/recommendations welcome! 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Jonalyn. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about installing a dishwasher.

Given what you have under the sink and in the corner cabinet, those two locations are unfortunately off the table for a built-in dishwasher. With the plumbing taking up the upper shelf under the sink and the hot water system and pull-out bin occupying the corner, there simply isn’t enough clear space to safely or practically install one there.

The next viable option is to move along the run of cabinetry to the first fully unobstructed section, which, in your case, looks to be the cabinet immediately to the right of the utensil drawer. That is the first spot where a dishwasher could realistically go, and it would mean sacrificing that cupboard space for the appliance. If that cabinet is around 900 mm wide, you would very likely be able to fit a 450 mm slimline dishwasher, such as the Bellini 45 cm stainless steel model, into the left-hand side of that space. 

Once the location is chosen, the rest is mostly about services. A plumber can run the water supply through the back of the adjacent cabinetry and around the oven and utensil drawer to reach the dishwasher position. It is a bit more involved than a standard install where the dishwasher sits right next to the sink, but it is absolutely achievable and quite common in apartments where layouts are tight. Electrically, there also needs to be an accessible power point, which is something an electrician can add if needed.

My only concern with this arrangement is the drainage for the dishwasher, and you'd likely need to speak with a plumber to determine whether connecting a dishwasher to the drainage from that area is feasible.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell