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Original poster

Do you have 2 dishwashers? Or regret not having 2 dishwashers? Come and talk to me!

226 replies

GappyValley · 05/05/2021 11:04

First world problem alert 🚨

We are currently doing a once-in-a-lifetime kitchen extension and redesign.
This is the last part of the refurb of our forever family home which we bought as a bit of a wreck so very keen to get it right so I never have to have builders set foot in the house again..!

We have seen quite a few kitchen companies, and half of them have suggested getting 2 dishwashers, suggesting it’s up there with a boiling water tap as a family essential.

The company we’ve ended up going with for the kitchen was Team OneDishwasherOnly but I am now having buyers remorse and wondering if I should ask them to incorporate a second one into the design.
It would mean sacrificing some cupboard space, but I’m wondering if that’s worth it?

We are a family of 4, and love cooking, having people over, doing big roasts, so can envisage times when we would need both
But can also see that for the majority of the time, we wouldn’t

Arghhhh

OP posts:
MsMarch · 05/05/2021 14:18

Are two washing machines a thing too, as I have never heard of two dishwashers until now. Or two ovens. Except if you are a caterer of course. When else would you need two ovens?

Two dishwashers for all the reasons already flagged on this thread (and don't even get me started on DH's habit of FILLING the dishwasher but not actually turning the damn thing on as dirty dishes and glasses start to fill the sink).

I can see the benefit of two washing machines but you'd need a lot of space and/or extra tumble dryers. We do a LOT of washing as gets through multiple sets of work clothes in a day, kids do sport etc. But two washing machines for us would just generate more mess while stuff is drying etc so it's a harder sell for me.

Two ovens is a must for me. So so useful to be able to cook multiple things at different temperatures etc. I'd never willingly be without two again (and in fact, in current kitchen, have compromised with two slightly smaller ovens vs one big one).

ilovemydogandmrobama2 · 05/05/2021 14:23

Friend of mine has 2 - brilliant - all those dishes that tend to get piled up as dishwasher is one, go somewhere.

Hopeandglory · 05/05/2021 14:24

I have 2 dishwashers, they are in the island which is where the sink is. They are often both in use daily even though we are only a family of 3, one is empty until the other is on, so used in rotation. Crockery and glasses are kept in 320mm deep cupboards behind the island and cutlery, pots and pans are in the drawers below the hob and ovens infront of the island so empying is very quick and painfree. Next to the end dishwasher are the integrated bins and the sink is between them complete with a boiling tap and waste disposal unit.

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Home improvement
ScratchyItchy · 05/05/2021 14:27

We have two and they’re a godsend! If you have the space you won’t regret it.

Blue5238 · 05/05/2021 14:31

Near the sink. When I had two I had one either side of the sink. But also near where cutlery, crockery, mugs and glasses live.

I had two in previous house and loved it.... You avoid the situation of piling stuff on the side waiting for the dishwasher to finish. But the kitchen was big. In current kitchen with less space couldn't justify it.

brokengate · 05/05/2021 14:32

We have two. Farmhouse, one in utility one in kitchen. At times like this, lambing, both are on constantly. I'm cooking for ten twice a day. Other times of the year, bbqs, Christmas, anything that requires a big cook they are used.

Kitchen one is main one, I repeat kitchen one is main one. I'm looking at you DH who put ONE empty casserole dish in the other one which then was not used for a few weeks. Yuck.

moovinon · 05/05/2021 14:37

I absolute would if I could!

We are a family of 4. I put the dishwasher on every evening, and there are always dishes etc left over. I think I could at least half fill another dishwasher. It would be the most useful thing in my life.

I would do it.

AnxiousWeirdo · 05/05/2021 14:44

My aunt and uncle have 2 dishwashers (and no kids) . I rib them for it endlessly 😂

RandomMess · 05/05/2021 14:45

2 all the way it's just a cupboard that washes the dishes for you!

Virtually never having to empty them ever, never running out of space for dirty space!

TSSDNCOP · 05/05/2021 14:51

If I had the space and budget I definitely would. I'm a big entertainer and never have enough space in one.

I'd ditch the hot water tap though.

mrsdavegrohl · 05/05/2021 14:58

I have two. They are used everyday on rotation. I hate seeing dishes lying waiting to go into the dishwasher when it's on, then needs emptied before you can refill it so I wanted 2. Then when one is on, the other gets filled. I don't think it's a particularly crazy idea, it's just convenience.
Family of 5 all meals home cooked. At least 2 people in for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.

BabbleBee · 05/05/2021 15:01

I’d have 2 washing machines if I could!

BigWoollyJumpers · 05/05/2021 15:02

Family of four. One dishwasher here, and on once a day. Loads of stuff get's hand-washed, like glasses, but I suppose that is my choice. Like I hand wash lots of clothing too, wouldn't ever need two washing machines, as our one isn't even on every day. I have a range cooker with two ovens, but have only ever used the second one at xmas. It's practically new! I don't have a huge fridge freezer either, just separate under counter fridge, with an extra fridge and a freezer in the garage.
I have a microwave, but only for heating coffee.

Lots of my friends have boiling water taps. I always ask for tea to be made via the kettle. Despite all the hype, the water is nowhere near boiling enough for tea. It doesn't, in my humble opinion, make nice tea at all.

I accept I am probably very old fashioned, but I do think a lot of this extra "stuff" is just "stuff" which most people don't want or need, and kitchen companies are making a fortune off.

BigWoollyJumpers · 05/05/2021 15:04

Additionally - does no-one actually wash any excess dishes? Pans? And if not, why not? Do you wash out/rinse your bottles and jars for recycling?

BraveBraveMouse · 05/05/2021 15:09

What about a proper catering dishwasher, where you load everything into crates instead of having fixed racks. Once stayed in accommodation with one and really liked it.

Delphigirl · 05/05/2021 15:11

I have a double sink and the dishwashers are one on either side. Works well. Then wide drawers for plates and cutlery are to the right of the right hand dishwasher (for everyday) and to the left of the left hand dishwasher (for smarter dinner service and the top drawer then is my Kitchen Drawer of Doom), so that whole wall is a big run with good worktop either side of the sink running over the dishwashers and drawer stacks on each side.

Original poster
GappyValley · 05/05/2021 15:15

My pet hate with dishwashers is that the top rack isn’t big enough for wine glasses unless you lower it, in which case, you can’t fit plates underneath

So I could nominate one as primary glass washer and leave it set up to actually fit glasses in properly, and have them coming out actually clean instead of looking like I’ve sprinkled a stock cube in the bottom

I’m falling more in love with this idea!

OP posts:
Fairystory · 05/05/2021 15:16

It sounds a good idea if you have space. I used to have two washing machines. That is very useful and I miss it. With two, you can have a light and dark wash on at once or Mum can put a wash on and adult kids or lodger can wash at the same time.

lonel · 05/05/2021 15:16

I'd love two as I hate unloading it. Unfortunately we don't even have room for 1 1/2 sinks so it's not going to happen.

Original poster
GappyValley · 05/05/2021 15:18

@BigWoollyJumpers

Additionally - does no-one actually wash any excess dishes? Pans? And if not, why not? Do you wash out/rinse your bottles and jars for recycling?
I really dislike washing up so try and buy as many pans, utensils, etc as possible which are dishwasher safe

We’ve got a couple of nice pans which only get washed by hand but they are super non stick so only need a quick swill with water and wipe

But if I never have to scrub another oven dish, I can die happy

OP posts:
kittycat863 · 05/05/2021 15:20

I once learned that a single man had 2 dishwashers in his home - one that he would keep clean dishes in, and one for dirty dishes. When he ran out of dishes in the clean one, he'd run the dirty one, put newly used dishes in the one that used to be clean, and the cycle continued. Each would fit a full set of plates, bowls, glasses, etc. He never had to use his cupboards for dishes. Doubt that'd be realistic for you though!

Danni91 · 05/05/2021 15:23

Near to the sink, because the pots have to cool down anyway and probably will get rinsed! Its sensible!

Your new kitchen sounds posh. Im picturing clean straight lines and fancy spot lights!

What colours you gone for?

SallySycamore · 05/05/2021 15:27

I'd rather have a second oven I think.

Or an extra fridge or freezer — my DP's have two under-counter fridges, an under-counter freezer, a chest freezer, and a 50:50 fridge-freezer. It makes food rotation, drink storage and Christmas so easy.

Original poster
GappyValley · 05/05/2021 15:30

@Delphigirl

This is the run of units where the sink will be (it will be a 1&1/2 sink when it’s done

1 is where the existing dishwasher will go
2 is the cupboard I will lose if I have a second dishwasher
The wide drawers on the right had side are where I envisaged the plates and cutlery living, and the right hand end cupboard will be where glasses live

The other option is to move them to the island which is directly facing that run of units

@Danni91 we are going for the cliche Cornforth wall units with a navy blue islands and white quartz worktops

Do you have 2 dishwashers? Or regret not having 2 dishwashers? Come and talk to me!
OP posts:
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