Hi. I’ve posted elsewhere and no solution yet. I’m trying to see where can I put a dishwasher in this small kitchen and how? No luck getting a tradie to help me or even quote me so may have to DIY.
Hi @sarah20000,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.
In a kitchen like this, the most practical location for a dishwasher is typically in the cabinet space directly next to the sink, in your case the left corner looks like the best option. This is because there is definitely a water source and drain present so a plumber can modify them to allow for your dishwasher.
The existing cupboard in that corner would need to be modified or removed to accommodate the size of a dishwasher, as they require a standard opening and adequate clearance. This may involve simply removing the door and base of the cabinet, but you would need to see what the requirements of your specific dishwasher are.
You’ll also need access to and power. If there isn’t an existing power point nearby, this will need to be installed by a licensed electrician.
While you may be able to handle some of the cabinet modification yourself, a licensed plumber (and electrician if required) will need to assist with connecting the appliance to ensure everything is installed safely and compliantly.
If you’re having trouble finding someone, try searching for “dishwasher installation near me” as some installers specialise in retrofitting dishwashers into existing cabinetry.
If you still have no luck, we could certainly assist further with modifying the cabinet to fit your chosen dishwasher, but the plumbing and electrical will need to be done by a licenced professional.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Jacob
I thought so too, but people did point out. I would not be able to stand over the sink rinsing and placing everything into the dishwasher. I would not have space to do that. I would have to rinse place it on the counter move away and then go back and place everything on the counter into the dishwasher. I have heard of people placing them under cooktops, especially when they are induction ones because they aren’t very deep and they’re fully enclosed in any event.
I have had absolutely no luck with any trades people willing to support me with this endeavour so if you could please support me with the do it myself options? I need recommendations on how to cut into the tile underneath regardless of where I place it. Thank you.
II’m not sure if you were looking carefully enough, but there is tile at the bottom that would have to be removed because no dish washer will fit otherwise. I am prepared to do that.
I can certainly support you and offer guidance with modifying cabinets, but I can't help with anything electrical or plumbing. If any plumbing or electrical modifications need to be made, then you would need to contact a licenced professional for these. Considering there is no dishwasher at present, then there's a good chance this will need to happen, and it would be best to do this early on as they will help to clarify what is and isn't possible in the space.
While installing a dishwasher under an induction cooktop it’s not straightforward due to clearance and heat separation requirements between appliances. If those requirements can be met, it may be possible, but you would need to carefully check both manuals and speak with a licensed electrician to ensure it can be done safely.
Considering the workflow, is definitely a good idea, but we also need to make sure that it is possible with what you've got and what you plan to install.
In terms of the tiles, they can be removed, but it does need to be done carefully to avoid damaging surrounding cabinetry or services. This involves scoring the grout lines with a multi tool or grout removal tool, then using a chisel to lift the tiles. There may also be a cement sheet or substrate underneath that needs to be cut back.
Once the tiles are removed, then the base of the cabinet needs to be removed so the dishwasher can sit on the ground. This would likely just involve cutting either side of the bottom shelf and removing it, but there could be some nuance to it. If you had some photos you could share, I could certainly provide further guidance.
Allow me to tag our helpful and knowledgable members @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @Noyade to see if they have any advice they can offer.
Please let me know if you have further questions or need specific advice. I can certainly continue to assist you to get a plan together.
Good Afternoon @sarah20000
Breaking the job down into smaller sections is how I work out if it can be done and if I can do it or need some trades.
Looking at your kitchen I am thinking of the cupboard to the left hand side of the sink is approximatley where a dishwasher could fit. Tho that means you will be loosing access to that area of storage. (you could re-locate the stuff in those cupboards to under the sink and so on)
The first thing id be researching is looking at dishwashers that you like, heading towards a smaller profile to fit the space you have pre measured. The plinth that the cupboards are sitting on (the bit behind the tiles) may need a bunch of work done depoending on how the bench has been put together.
The water and waste can travel from the sink to the dishwasher through the cupboards (or even under the plinth depending on the makeup) The power can be routed along the same area (in conduit to a new power point) you will need a sparky and a plumber to do this.
You could check what is behind the tiles from the rear (dining room area) but cutting a square in the base plaster (hopefully)
You could check what is under the kitchen bench under the sink if you are lucky by seeing if theer is space to view underneath where the drainpipe goes down through the bench. (sometimes the hole isnt the same size a sthe drain pipe)
1st step measure the spaces
2nd step check models and sizes
3rd step check requirements of the actual dishwasher you choose (just in case, waste pipe length ect)
4th step find out the underside composition of the bench
5th step, work out how to cut through the plinth and also how you would remove the timbers (we can help with ideas for that, requires photos)
6th step retrofiting the smooth edge around the dishwasher.
Problems that may stop you -
The cupboards on the left, I am guessing the one near the sink is 600mm, then the drawer set another 450mm. You may loose both of these areas to gain space you need. The drawers could be moved but by this point its a fairly major revamp.
The plinth may be holding stuff in place, It may not be wise to cut.
As an alternative to not being able to fit a dishwasher I have seen above the bench versions.
Dave
Hi @sarah20000
Just a small point, your thinking about being able to rinse the pots etc before you put them in is basically wrong as you don't rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher as you will waste more water than just washing them by hand.
Hello @sarah20000
Looking at the existing space that you have, you might be able to install a https://www.bunnings.com.au/mistral-45cm-stainless-steel-9-place-setting-dishwasher_p0959887 under the sink. But this will involve changing the sink you currently have into a righthand bowl with a left drainer. The dishwasher is a 450mm compact model and not a standard 600mm width, if you wish to have a 600mm wide dishwasher a cabinet or drawer cabinet may need to be removed on the lefthand side of your kitchen based on the picture you've shared.
There is also the option of an https://www.bunnings.com.au/esatto-55cm-white-benchtop-6-place-settings-dishwasher_p0429650 if you're open to that option.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
