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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU not to want a dishwasher?

450 replies

ChloeCC · 19/03/2021 21:22

My DP and I are currently planning our kitchen. We don't have dishwasher in our current kitchen and I'm not too bothered. He thinks it's an essential, and it'll become more essential as our kids grow - they're tiny atm. The new kitchen doesn't have a huge amount of cupboard space so I think we should save the space and go without. What do people with slightly older kids think? Is it something that would put you off buying a place if there wasn't a dishwasher? We might sell the house in a few years. I'm a bit torn - I don't mind washing up - sometimes it feels like a break!

OP posts:
halcyondays · 19/03/2021 21:24

I’d be very out off if there wasn’t space for a dishwasher.

maddening · 19/03/2021 21:25

If I wanted a dishwasher but dh vetod it he would be washing dishes alone.

anniegun · 19/03/2021 21:25

Its an essential appliance for most people. It is also a more environmentally responsible way of washing up. I am not sure I could face the aftermath of a full Sunday lunch without one! Also baking seems to create an amazing amount of washing up

IHaveBrilloHair · 19/03/2021 21:26

I don't want one either, even though I can afford one.

traintrain · 19/03/2021 21:26

It would put me off a house if there wasn’t a dishwasher. It’s an essential for us.

Comtesse · 19/03/2021 21:26

You don’t know what you’re missing. Ok sure it’s not a necessity but it is incredibly useful.....

Mumdiva99 · 19/03/2021 21:27

Essential. Could you compromise on a slimline? We had a slimline in the old house....it still fitted plates, bowls, cups, dishes, cutlery for a day.

dudsville · 19/03/2021 21:27

Honestly it's such a helpful thing, and when your kids are older they'll be able to use it to.

HelloDulling · 19/03/2021 21:27

I would hate to buy a house with an almost new kitchen and no dishwasher. Would def want to put one in, and would not want to pay a premium for a ‘new’ kitchen that I then have to muck about or even replace.

dementedpixie · 19/03/2021 21:27

A dishwasher is non negotiable in this house. I wouldn't be without mine

WinterStrawbsAreLikeTurnip · 19/03/2021 21:28

I would not buy a place that had no space for a dishwasher.

mommybear1 · 19/03/2021 21:28

I'm with @dementedpixie I would NEVER be without one 🤓

MixedUpFiles · 19/03/2021 21:29

I hate washing dishes so much that many years ago I found a portable dishwasher for a rental so I wouldn’t have to go without. It was bulky and hooked to the sink and cost a small fortune, but it was worth every penny.

Chunkymenrock · 19/03/2021 21:29

Essential for a family of 4. We never used to have one but I love it now.

wtfisgoingonhere21 · 19/03/2021 21:29

Definitely non negotiable here.

With teenagers that use ten cups a day,ten glasses,a million items of cutlery and side plates I wouldn't be without it

user1493413286 · 19/03/2021 21:30

I would say essential and I’d be put off a house without one

Pedallleur · 19/03/2021 21:30

I don't mind washing a couple of things, certain cups etc as dishwashers fade the pattern. But I won't want to go back to washing sinkfuls of pots

nokidshere · 19/03/2021 21:30

I'd never be without a dishwasher by choice now.

As an aside, I remodelled my kitchen last year and have to tell you that drawers are the way to go! So much better storage than cupboards and much less wasted space.

Hankunamatata · 19/03/2021 21:31

Love mine. DC empty as part of their chores otherwise it would be me handwashing everything

Tangogolf55 · 19/03/2021 21:31

It’s an essential.

Alienchannell21 · 19/03/2021 21:31

We didn't have one for a while but have in past two houses. Wouldn't be without! I hate mess around the sink and I think you'll regret it when kids get older.

BouquetsAndBalls · 19/03/2021 21:32

I would never buy a house without a dishwasher.

CherryCherries · 19/03/2021 21:32

To me a dishwasher would seem more of a hindrance than anything. The reality would be, it would need to be loaded, meaning pre rinsed and stacked properly and be full to be switched on. Then great, it cleans it for you. But then it would need to be emptied and put away. Meanwhile more piles up to be put in the dishwasher..
Much quicker to just wash up, no need to make sure it's stacked properly etc and you can do smaller amounts as you go..

Snowpaw · 19/03/2021 21:34

I’m surprised you find it easy with tiny kids and no dishwasher. I didn’t used to have one but when my child turned about 12 months I couldn’t face washing up any more - my evenings was my time to watch my programmes or read my book, or just go to bed early and catch up on sleep etc. I didn’t want to be spending my precious free time washing up. I gave up a cupboard for a dishwasher and it’s changed my life - it has given me so much more of my time back!

Cheeeeislifenow · 19/03/2021 21:34

The older kids get the more you need it, constant butter knives out for sandwiches, endless glasses etc. You would be washing up all day without one. I personally hate dishes left on the side.