The Feature That Might Be Missing From Your Wet Bar

A wet bar doesn't have to be purely for recreational purposes — it can be a great tool to enhance the functionality of your home. Joe Himali, of @bestaddress on TikTok, shared a creative detail in a home he was listing. Because there was little space to put a dishwasher, the designer added a small dishwasher to the wet bar. These compact appliances are often referred to as dishwasher drawers because they pull out like a normal drawer while concealing a small dishwasher inside.

Because this hack requires a water source, it is only suitable for a wet bar rather than a dry bar. However, there are several limitations to consider if your wet bar is already built. First, determine whether your drain is suitable for a dishwasher. Because most wet bars are only designed for small sinks, there can be drainage issues if you add a more demanding appliance. You also want to ensure that your water pressure is sufficient to get the dishes clean. Manufacturers also recommend never changing the plug provided with the dishwasher and instead having an experienced electrician modify your outlet before installation. While it can be installed yourself, an experienced technician can help prevent future issues.

If you're crafting your wet bar from scratch, you have more freedom when it comes to choosing the materials and layout. If you are installing a dishwasher drawer, it's important to have durable countertops in your wet bar. You want to avoid porous materials like butcher block or concrete that could be damaged by excessive moisture. Materials like quartz or stainless steel are ideal, nonporous options. If you already have a wet bar and the construction isn't ideal for a dishwasher drawer, you can always opt for an alternative like this small Danby countertop dishwasher from Amazon.

The aforementioned TikTok hack is a great way to hide your appliances, and your dishwasher isn't the only thing you can hide in your wet bar. If you don't have an ideal location for your washing machine, or you want to add a guest-friendly laundry option, consider the European technique. A compact washing machine under the sink is common overseas, and it's easy to see why. However, you'll need a little more space than a drawer. A typical kitchenette-size washing machine is 2.5 cubic feet, like Amazon's Midea compact washing machine. It's always best to have a licensed plumber determine whether your wet bar can accommodate specific appliances.