Until recently, many consumers did not attach importance to the presence of a dishwasher in the house, regarding it as an attribute of unnecessary luxury that should not be in an ordinary kitchen. Much has changed since then, there are much more household appliances, but the kitchen space has not expanded. Many people still do not understand whether a dishwasher is needed for a small kitchen, and how to resolve the issue of installing it.
Advantages and disadvantages of small dishwashers
The main advantage of a small dishwashing machine is the ability to install it almost anywhere. Certain types of dishwashers for a small kitchen are similar in size to microwave ovens, and such equipment can be installed in a cabinet under the sink or installed on a countertop.
In addition to ease of use, a small dishwasher will perfectly complement your interior. Let us add that it will significantly reduce water consumption if it replaces a hand wash, since the average volume for washing six dish sets will be up to seven liters. The economic effect is created by reusing water at any working stage.
Choosing a small dishwasher
The dishwashing machine is chosen according to its technical indicators and functionality. When purchasing, you need to check whether the dimensions of the machine are suitable for the space in your kitchen, how much energy the dishwasher consumes over a full operating cycle, whether it is protected from possible leaks, and whether its number of programs will cope with everyday tasks.
Where to put the dishwasher
If you think about it, this question is quite serious. How to rationally place a refrigerator, furniture, stove, microwave and dishwasher in a small kitchen? How to optimize the available space in order to satisfy all wishes as much as possible, especially if you have a small corner kitchen? First of all, you need to think through all the placement options, using some recommendations:
- the available space is carefully planned. This option is good if household appliances and furniture have not yet been purchased;
- If there is no free space, you should buy a narrow built-in model for washing dishes, the width of which does not exceed forty-five centimeters. Such a washing mashine will hide perfectly in a locker;
- You can purchase and install a compact dishwasher. You don’t need a lot of space for it;
- Another solution is a “three in one” unit, combining a stove, an oven and a small dishwasher.
Recommendations for placing the dishwasher
All dishwashing machines, characterized by compact parameters, are divided into two groups:
- built-in;
- desktop
The first option is good if there is a need to save space as much as possible. But placing the dishwasher on the table means you have the opportunity to maneuver (rearrange it to a more convenient point).
It is necessary to clarify that machines located under sinks are not considered built-in models. At their core, they are free-standing dishwashers, the dimensions of which allow them to be mounted under a siphon.
- all necessary communications are close;
- saves space on the table.
But installing the machine under the sink will create the problem of placing a trash can, which will also have to be solved.
To install a dishwasher on a table, no special knowledge is required; all work can be done independently. A location is selected, a water supply hose is connected, and the drain is discharged to the sewer. There is a possibility that you will have to install a separate electrical outlet.
Many people believe that this option is the most optimal for a small kitchen.
"Hybrid" model
Small dishwashing machines are combined with stoves or ovens, which helps to significantly save kitchen space. This has its own advantage - dirty dishes from the stove can be immediately placed in the washing chamber, without accumulating them on the countertop. This type of equipment will cost less if you purchase each element separately.The disadvantage is that a complex unit breaks down faster than conventional appliances. In addition, the functionality of not only the dishwasher itself, but also the oven, is reduced.
The most popular small washing mashines
Almost all well-known companies that produce dishwashers also produce compact models that differ in cost and quality. Let's look at a few examples:
- dishwasher BOSCH – equipment from a German manufacturer, considered a leader among compact models. Its cost is quite high, but it is justified by quality and functionality. These dishwashing machines are simple in design, have a minimal set of controls, and are easy to operate. Products are divided into three groups - basic, comfortable, premium. Their differences are functionality, and quality and reliability indicators are at the same level;
- SIEMENS machine – another small piece of equipment from German masters. The units are small and narrow, and the cost is no different from the previous analogue. The quality characteristics of the brand are high, the models are protected from leaks, make noise no more than 45 dB;
- dishwashing equipment ELECTROLUX – The Swedish company has long taken its place in the household appliances market. Compact devices are simple and easy to use, are assembled with good quality, and are reasonably priced when compared with analogues from Germany. The model line is quite wide, you can always choose a machine with the optimal number of modes;
- Italian brand CANDY – If you need a budget option for a dishwasher with good operating functions, pay attention to products from this company. In terms of functionality, the unit is practically no different from well-known brands.There may be minor ergonomic shortcomings, but the reasonable price will completely smooth them out;
- INDESIT – another option from Italy, which is classified as a budget model with good quality characteristics. The dishwashing device is not equipped with a large number of working functions, but it copes with the main task perfectly - it is able to remove burnt food and grease without much difficulty.
Conclusion
The final choice of dishwashing equipment for your kitchen depends entirely on the size of the room, functionality and availability of funds. Without any problems, you can choose high-quality equipment that can help you around the house for a long time.
