Compact dishwasher: select and install under the sink

• Posted by Svetlana Lukyanova
• Date: November 30, 2018

Few of us like to wash dishes. Some, remember Agatha Christie, even become writers on this basis. However, not everyone has a gift for writing, and dirty cutlery needs to be washed. Modern technology has come to our aid a hundred years ago and invented dishwashers. Even for the smallest kitchens, where, it would seem, nothing extra can be added, you can choose a small compact mini-dishwasher.

• 2 What criteria should be followed when choosing a small dishwasher under the sink
• 3 Review of popular and popular models of dishwashers with the ability to be installed under the sink

  3.1 Compact dishwasher Candy CDCF 6/E

  3.1.1 Customer reviews about Candy CDCF 6/E

What kind of dishwashers are built under the sink?

Manufacturers are interested in growing sales, so they do not want customers to abandon dishwashers (hereinafter DMM) due to cramped kitchen space. A small unit can easily fit under the sink without taking up a single centimeter of free space. Miniature and narrow PMMs wash dishes just as well as their larger counterparts. Narrow and compact dishwashers differ from standard appliances only:

• Dimensions. Many consumers are interested in whether there are models with a width of 40 cm or even 30 cm. Why can’t the dishwasher be made so miniature? For equipment to perform its functions, its dimensions should not be less than necessary. Today, the optimal dimensions for compact cars are 55x50x44 cm.
• Capacity. Full-size machines can hold up to 14 sets of dishes, narrow ones - up to 10, compact - up to 6 sets. The last option is suitable for 1-2 people.

Most often, compact desktop-type units are used for installation - they are the easiest to hide in a cramped cabinet.

Pros and cons of compact dishwashers

By choosing small devices, you save on their cost, and they further save your resources.

Their advantages:

• consume water and electricity sparingly;
• reasonable price - compact versions are much cheaper;
• equipped with all necessary functions;
• have a low noise level.

Flaws:

• limited capacity - up to 6 sets;
• It is problematic to wash large pots and pans - they either do not fit, or one item takes up the entire space of the chamber.

How to choose a PMM for washing?

Important parameters when choosing a built-in dishwasher:

1. Sink width. As a rule, it is 55 cm. This means that the width of the device should be less than 55 cm.
2. Cabinet height. It is necessary to measure the height from the floor to the sink to the nearest millimeter. Usually it is in the range of 80-85 cm. But due to the presence of a siphon and the deepening of the bowl, the actual value will be lower. If there is 30-40 cm between the bottom point of the siphon and the floor, placing the PMM under the washbasin will be impossible - not a single model will fit there. Before installing the dishwasher, you will have to completely dismantle the structure to change the configuration of the space.

You can place either a free-standing or partially built-in modification under the sink. But fully built-in devices are not so convenient for this purpose - they need a separate facade, so you have to remove the sink doors. The best option is custom-made furniture, then there will be no problems with installing the PMM.

Instructions for connecting to the water supply

As a rule, flexible hoses from pipes with hot and cold water go to the mixer tap located in the sink. That is why the most convenient way to connect the PMM is located in the place where such a hose is connected to the water main. Otherwise, you will have to make a tap into the pipe using a tee or a manifold with two bends and taps. When connecting a flexible hose to a water supply, a tee with a shut-off valve must be installed under the sink.

Connecting a tee at the junction of a flexible hose with a water main coming out of the wall

A shut-off valve in the tee is necessary so that you can quickly stop the water supply in case of an emergency. Since most PMM models only require cold water, one tee will be required.

For work, you should prepare the following tools and materials:

• a tee with a built-in faucet, made of brass or bronze, with a thread diameter of 3/4 inch (this diameter is suitable in most cases);
• inlet coarse filter (if one is not included in the dishwasher kit);
• fluoroplastic sealing tape (FUM tape);
• adjustable wrenches;
• sharp knife.

2-output splitter with 3/4" thread diameter

If the kitchen already has a washing machine or plans to install one, the tee should be replaced with a manifold with two outlets with the same diameter (3/4 inch) and two shut-off valves (see photo above). In addition, some PMM models are equipped with inlet hoses that are too short, a little more than a meter long. If this length is not enough, you will have to buy a new hose from a specialized store.

PMM inlet hose together with the built-in Aquastop system

To properly connect the dishwasher to the water supply with your own hands, the work should be done step by step, in several stages:

1. Shut off the water supply to the apartment.
2. Disconnect the flexible hose supplying cold water to the faucet from the water supply pipe.
3. Connect the water pipe to the inlet of the tee or splitter by first winding FUM tape onto the thread.
4. Connect the outlet of the tee or manifold to a flexible hose going to the mixer. Don't forget to use FUM tape.
5. Connect the filter and dishwasher inlet hose to one of the side outlets.
6. If you have a washing machine, connect its inlet hose to the second outlet of the splitter.
7. Check the tightness of all connections by supplying water to the main line.

This completes the connection of the dishwasher to the water.

It happens that when installing a dishwasher you have to redo the fastening and supply of communications

Sometimes the situation does not allow installing a PMM near the sink. In this case, you have to crash into the water pipe. If it is made of metal-plastic, there will be no difficulties. It is necessary to cut out a piece of pipe and install a tee or manifold with press fittings in its place to ensure a reliable connection.

Push-in connection of metal-plastic pipes using compression press fittings

There is no need to cut the metal pipe - just put a clamp with an outlet on top and drill a hole in the pipe through the outlet. This connection is also reliable.

Tee clamps for metal pipes, with attached shut-off valves

What else should you pay attention to when choosing?

Most popular brands offer, along with full-sized ones, a line of small-sized models. Choosing one option or another:

1. Read reviews from consumers who have tested a particular device in action.
2. Pay attention to the shape and material of the baskets - they should be made of stainless steel and suitable for placing large dishes.
3. Evaluate the quality of drying. Expensive models have turbo drying, thanks to which the dishes come out perfectly dry. In budget ones - condensation, after which moisture may remain on the plates.
4. Ask about the number of options. The more there are, the more expensive the device. But decide - do you really need all these functions?
5. Find out what the noise level is during operation. Comfortable - 40-42 dB. The quieter the equipment, the more expensive it is.
6. Find out how many programs are in the machine. Compact versions usually have three programs - everyday, intensive and delicate. This is quite enough for home use.

Before you finally decide on a model, decide which features you need and which you can do without:

• protection from children;
• filters for water;
• delayed start timer;
• economy mode;
• hot steam

Features of selection

The modern domestic market for home appliances offers many models of built-in and free-standing small-sized dishwashers.

All of them stand out for their ergonomics, multifunctionality and reasonable cost.

Important! However, experts draw the attention of buyers to the need to take into account certain characteristics. Among them:

• working chamber capacity;
• equipment dimensions and network cable length;
• power consumption;
• number of programs and availability of additional options;
• washing cycle duration;
• energy consumption and water consumption;
• sound power level;
• the presence of a leakage protection system;
• thoughtful safety lock against small children;
• manufacturer and duration of the warranty period.

How to install?

Procedure:

1. Connecting communications. You need to purchase a flat siphon - it is installed in the same way as a regular one. Before installing the siphon, turn off the water.
2. It is advisable that the drain hole be located in the corner. If a leak occurs, the water will not get into the expensive dishwasher, but will flow past it.
3. A drain hose is connected to the new siphon. You can also connect the washing machine drain here, but then the siphon must have 2 branches.
4. Connecting hoses according to the installation diagram.
5. Before placing the PMM in the allotted space, you need to ensure that the bottom shelf is firmly attached - it must support the weight of the device.

For free-standing models, installation ends here. If you are installing a partially built-in machine, you also need to attach it with metal strips to the side walls of the cabinet.

Sewage and water supply are half the battle; you still need to provide a connection to the network. There should be an outlet nearby. If it is located far away, you should not connect the device through an extension cord - call an electrician to install an outlet closer to the PMM.

Review of compact PMMs

Let's take a closer look at compact PMMs, which, according to Yandex.Market, arouse the greatest interest among consumers. Let's consider free-standing, fully and partially built-in devices.

Bosch Serie 4 SKS62E22

White body. There is a display. Electronic control type. Drying type: condensation. There are special programs: soaking, delicate, for lightly soiled dishes. Timer: 1-24 hours. There is a clean water sensor.

Specifications:

Advantages:

• The use of “3 in 1” tablets is provided;
• High-quality washing and rinsing;
• The presence of a half-hour program that thoroughly washes plates with fresh leftover food;
• Time indicator;
• Works quietly;
• Good drying;
• Automatic shutdown after cycle completion.

Flaws:

• No 50% occupancy;
• Few items fit, and you need to carefully arrange it so that more can fit;
• Periodically you have to idle to clean the chamber;
• The half-hour mode does not wash away traces of tea and soup bowls.

Electrolux BLACK line ESF 2400 OK

A stylish black machine that is not only good for embedding - it will look great on the table. Energy consumption per cycle is 0.61 kWh. The washing time on the normal program is 190 minutes. Drying - condensation. There is an economical and delicate program. Weighs 21 kg. Technical specifications:

Advantages:

• Delay start timer;
• Moderate cost;
• Stylish design.

Flaws:

• Partial protection against leaks;
• The use of a “three in one” product is not provided;
• No clean water sensor;
• Limited capacity.

Flavia CI 55 HAVANA

Budget modification from Flavia. There is a display and control is electronic. Consumes 0.61 kWh per cycle. Drying type: condensation. There is a soaking function.

Advantages:

• Can be placed under the countertop;
• Cheap.

Flaws:

• After 2 years of operation, the control module broke down;
• It beeps after the cycle, but does not show the completion status;
• Few dishes fit.

This inexpensive machine can wash dishes, and that’s enough for it, say the most ironic and picky consumers. For more demanding users - the next model from Siemens.

conclusions

When deciding to purchase a compact dishwasher that can be installed under a sink or on a table, you should remember several important nuances:

• the main technical parameters that you need to pay attention to first of all are the dimensions of the device and its capacity ;
• also to take into account the total number of programs, water consumption, duration of the washing cycle and the length of the power cord ;
• a good solution for a family with small children would be a unit equipped with a well-thought-out safety lock for the door and control panel;
• for safe and durable operation, you should choose a model with a reliable system of protection against water leakage during the cleaning process;
• It is better to purchase equipment from a well-known manufacturer of home appliances that guarantees the high quality of their products.