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Can I Use a Roll Around Dishwasher Under the Counter?

When you are building a new kitchen or remodeling an old one, there is always the question about what to do for your dishwasher. Although many people choose to go with the permanent type, others opt for roll-around, or portable, dishwashers. The portable versions complete the same basic task as their permanent counterparts, but they are easier to hide and replace if things break down over the years.
  1. Space

    • One of the primary reasons some homeowners choose to use a portable dishwasher rather than one that is secured in place is space. Not all kitchens are large enough to accommodate a full-sized dishwasher, and the roll-around kind presents people with an option to consider. Because portable dishwashers are usually smaller and lightweight, they are meant to fit in areas that others cannot.

    Connections

    • Although you can use a roll-around dishwasher under the counter, the connections are something you have to think about because they still have a range limit. The easy part about portable dishwashers is that all of the various connections can be attached or detached in a matter of minutes by anyone with basic tools. However, if you plan to use yours under the cabinet where you slide the washer out every time it is used, then you need to ensure that your washer has the right kind of connections and flexible pipes so that they don’t bend and rupture after multiple uses.

    Visibility

    • With normal full-size dishwashers, the common way of installing them under a counter is directly under the countertop between two sections of base cabinets. Portable dishwashers are different in that you can build a cubby for the dishwasher that has its own door that can be opened and shut depending on whether the dishwasher is in use. This also helps keep the dishwasher hidden from sight so that it looks like you have a seamless cabinet section.

    Maintenance

    • All appliances require regular maintenance, and portable dishwashers are no different. Once you have attached your connections and hoses and chosen your placement, there is still the ongoing maintenance to consider. In some ways, roll-around washers require a little more because the pipes and connections need flexibility and can bend and break with continual use. However, they are also small enough that they can be wheeled in and out of place easily, allowing for quick maintenance when necessary.