John Lewis couldn’t remove old dishwasher. What to do?

[zen1]

Our dishwasher died so we ordered a new one from John Lewis and arranged for them to deliver it and take away the old one. The old one is not integrated and fitted (snuggly!) in a space between two cabinets.

When the guys arrived they said they couldn’t remove the old one as the wood from the side of the cabinets must have expanded, trapping it in place. They tried several methods but couldn’t get it moving. They left taking the new dishwasher back with them.

They had no suggestions beyond getting a whole new side of the kitchen. The dishwasher is between the sink cabinet and the hob cabinet so that would require major upheaval (and expense). Has anyone got any ideas??

My previous dishwasher was fixed with a screw located either side of the dishwasher fixed to the cabinets, they were covered with plastic screw caps.

I'd hazard a guess that gunge has got between the cabinet sides and dish washer acting as an effective seal and glue.
You could try working something thin like a pastry knife between them from the front to seperate.
A squirt of wd40 into a gap will also help break up gunge
If trying to wiggle up and down to break the seal with a crowbar or similar use it where the feet attach ( its the strongest part structurally).
Good luck

If you have previously pulled out the dishwasher then it isn't screwed in.

Sounds like you need to get it greased up and slide it out. Of the kitchen chipboard is broken or expanded you may need to replace this.

Kitchen fitter might be the best trade to ask. It seems unlikely the new one will fit in, even if you do get the old one out.

With regards some sort of seal being created could you borrow or have you got a crowbar or jack bar or something slim to push under and down the sides and sort of crack the seal?
This would drive me mad until I had it out!

Our old dishwashers was fixed to the worktop via two screws - they should be fixed - have a look

It’s not fixed, it’s freestanding. There’s just over an inch between the top of the dishwasher and the worktop.