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Housekeeping

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Original poster

I want a dishwasher [sulk]

30 replies

fuzzpig · 10/04/2014 09:31

Keeping up with the dishes is proving very difficult (before you all think I'm just lazy, I have a disability that makes it really difficult physically as I can't stay upright long enough)

But it's a tiny fitted kitchen and I don't think there's any other outlets (or whatever they're called) besides the one the washing machine is plumbed into.

We would have space if we moved the table back to the living room but am I on a hiding to nothing here? There is no way round it is there? I'd even consider a counter top one but again I assume there's no way to do it without altering the plumbing (can't as it's a rented house)

Is there any magical way of doing this? Is there some wonderful way of attaching it to the tap or something

OP posts:
MrsBennetsEldest · 10/04/2014 09:35

Countertop dishwashers can be ideal for those who are renting property and young couples or smaller busy families who do not have space or enough washing up to warrant a full size machine. They usually hold 6 place settings. From a practical point of view, they come in extremely compact sizes (starting at 50x50 cm) so they are great if you have very little spare cupboard space in the kitchen as they do not require a reconfiguration of kitchen furniture. They are also popular for caravan or mobile home owners.

The installation is relatively simple; countertop dishwashers come with a drain hose that can drain to your sink, and a quick connect adapter to accept water from standard sink taps. You may be wondering; “do countertop dishwashers produce results that are as effective as a traditional dishwasher?” Countertop dishwashers usually clean just as well as full size models, but if you are interested in optimum performance, you can invest in a model with two spray arms. Countertop dishwashers use the normal dishwasher detergent.

Could be the answer to your prayers.....Smile

Original poster
fuzzpig · 10/04/2014 09:42

Oh my gosh that actually sounds brilliant. I will suggest it to DH today and we will definitely look into it! Thank you! :)

OP posts:
TKKW · 10/04/2014 12:02

I was thinking about this before we removed a cupboard to fit a slim line dishwasher. I looked up some videos on you tube and watched a product review on appliancesonline.co.uk.

I would look into it before ordering one. Maybe call up somewhere like Appliances online or order one to to view only at argos so you don't need to pay upfront and have hassle of a return and waiting for a refund?

Im not sure if machines use the hot water from the hot tap or whether it heats it up itself (so using up all your hot water thus requiring you to have your boiler on for longer to create hot water for the machine).

Also, depending if you have one hot/cold mixer tap or two separate taps, you might not be able to use the tap(s).

Also, Id check that your plates actually fit into the machine. Even with our slim line dishwasher, once I put in our large wok/ frying pan with the lid, I can't actually put in any more smaller saucepans which means I still wash some things by hand.

Original poster
fuzzpig · 10/04/2014 12:46

Oh I'm sure DH we would still do some washing up at the sink too, but it'd be brilliant to just stick our modest sized plates/cups/bowls/cutlery in there after meals!

I'd not heard of appliances online so will check that out. We have Which? back catalogue at work (library) so maybe they'll have reviews too?

Also didn't know you could order to view only at Argos, that's a great idea Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
fuzzpig · 10/04/2014 12:47

And we do have a mixer tap so will make sure I remember that while looking :)

OP posts:
TKKW · 10/04/2014 13:07

oops, sorry, i thought they were in store - double checked an they have to be delivered! sorry for confusing you fuzz.

PigletJohn · 10/04/2014 23:42

it is very preferable not to connect appliances to a sink tap. Especially a mixer with a turnable spout.

Do you mean you are short of a water supply; or a drain; or an electric point?

tabletop d/wrs are especially expensive for what you get. The Bosch one is probably best.

PigletJohn · 10/04/2014 23:43

they all have cold fill these days.

Original poster
fuzzpig · 11/04/2014 08:44

It's the water supply/drain that's the issue, electric is fine. There is only the pipes for the washing machine which is under the counter.

Money's not an issue really as it would be totally worth it given our circumstances, but only if it was reliable and didn't leak etc!

OP posts:
thereisnoeleventeen · 11/04/2014 09:11

I thought I couldn't get a dishwasher in my kitchen for the same reason OP. I know a good plumber though and he said it would be fine, the dishwasher uses the same in/out as the washing machine, it was an easy job for him.

In the past I have removed a cupboard from a fitted kitchen, kept a fridge in the room next to the kitchen and had pipes in odd place to fit a dishwasher in!

Years ago when we moved house the washing machine was 'temporarily' plumbed so that the outlet pipe could be drained away via the kitchen sink. All went well until someone left a tea bag in the kitchen sink, the entire kitchen floor flooded with washing machine water, it was not a happy house...on that basis I wouldn't recommend draining via the sink!

PigletJohn · 11/04/2014 09:44

It is very simple to add water and drain connections. If you already have a washing machine, "Y" connectors can be used, though this is not the best way. If you are not fond of DIY plumbing ask friends and neighbours for a recommended local plumber.

PigletJohn · 11/04/2014 09:45

It is very simple to add water and drain connections. If you already have a washing machine, "Y" connectors can be used, though this is not the best way. If you are not fond of DIY plumbing ask friends and neighbours for a recommended local plumber.

Fluffycloudland77 · 11/04/2014 09:50

We ran the dishwasher off the wm supply using a Y connecter, we tried plastic first but that leaked so we ordered a Brass one off eBay which didn't leak.

NotCitrus · 11/04/2014 10:26

Is there anywhere else you could move the washing machine to, like the bathroom or under stairs cupboard?

Original poster
fuzzpig · 11/04/2014 10:27

Thanks, surely I can't change any plumbing in the house though (and obviously can't remove cupboards, drill holes etc) as it's not our house?

OP posts:
Original poster
fuzzpig · 11/04/2014 10:31

We do have a big cupboard under the stairs but couldn't plumb anything in there!

OP posts:
januaryJump · 11/04/2014 18:29

Joining in for advice as we're in a similar spot - rented property, washhing machine, space for countertop but no idea how it would be plumbed. We wash dishes in the sink, would continue to do boards, pots etc, but would help massively to put plates and cutlery in a machine as we've one toddler, one on the way, DH has chronic illness as do I, plus pg whacking me out at the mo!

To all, please help! Grin

PigletJohn · 11/04/2014 18:58

if you have a plumbed in washing machine, you can almost certainly add a dishwasher. The parts can be fitted by screwing and unscrewing, you do not have to damage the pipes.

under the sink

it works, but not the best way

januaryJump · 11/04/2014 19:21

Piglet Thanks for the links. I think part of the problem is working out where to run the pipes/tubes, wm is under a counter and can't drill through anything due to being rented, so I think we'd have to run the pipe bits out and then sort of bend onto to the countertop to connect to dw?

Hmm, food for thought... (soz for hijack fuzz!)

PigletJohn · 11/04/2014 19:31

append some photos.

Original poster
fuzzpig · 11/04/2014 21:06

Thanks piglet!

No problem January, sounds like we are in a similar position even down to the health situation! Even just doing the plates/bowls/cutlery in a machine would be bloody brilliant.

OP posts:
januaryJump · 11/04/2014 23:09

Ok, so no pics available due to lack of working camera at the moment, but... I've drawn a lovely little diagram Grin

I want a dishwasher [sulk]
PigletJohn · 11/04/2014 23:11

show us the pipes under the sink

januaryJump · 11/04/2014 23:41

Here they are... I promise they look better irl Blush Smile

They were done recently I believe, around January.

I want a dishwasher [sulk]
januaryJump · 11/04/2014 23:46

Oh, I've just spotted 2 more flexible metal pipes behind the flexible plastic pipe. They both run up to the tap and then connect to other bits down/where pipes run out of the back 'wall'.