Why Two Dishwashers Are Better Than One, And How To Do It On A Budget

It's time to ditch your preconceived notions about kitchen design. Traditionally, homeowners have viewed kitchen appliances as a one-off need — one fridge, one range, one dishwasher, and one microwave, all put in place to make cooking and cleanup as easy as possible. But is this actually the most efficient system? If you're in a large family, you know the dishwashing struggle. As soon as you finish loading the machine, the sink is already full and ready for another round of cleaning. It's a ceaseless cycle that never seems to put you ahead. And that's exactly why more and more people are breaking from the norm and realizing the possibilities that come with installing two dishwashers.

For families with kids and those who often host guests, investing in two dishwashers lets you manage all the dinnerware and the pots and pans it took to cook the meal. Imagine having a sparkling clean counter, stovetop, and sink at the end of your Thanksgiving feast. No more staring down a mountain of dishes. And that's only the beginning of the benefits. Two dishwashers means more room for clean dishes, helping anyone operating on limited shelf and cabinet space. As you use clean dishes from one, you can fill the other with dirty items, always keeping your countertops free of clutter. While it may seem like your kitchen won't accommodate another dishwasher at first glance, the best part of setting up two units is that there are plenty of sensible solutions to fit your space and your budget.

Since installing a dishwasher requires access to a power source and a water line, you can't just slap one in any open space. Ideally, you can put one on the side of your sink opposite the other dishwasher. Not only will this give you easy access to install new lines, but it will also make loading efficient. Rinse your dirty dishes and drop them in whichever dishwasher will clean them. The cabinetry may need a professional overhaul, but setting this up can otherwise be straightforward. The drains and intakes can connect to common sink ports, an easy job for a plumber or handy DIYer. Meanwhile, if you want to save money and time on running electrical lines to hardwire the dishwasher, you can use a kit (like this Whirlpool Genuine OEM Power Cord Kit for $11.59) to convert it to a plug-in version.

In terms of dishwasher styles, you aren't limited to standard 24-inch varieties. Fitting a dishwasher into a new cabinet space is rarely easy. But with slimmed down options, you can make them work in areas you may not imagine. Though they can be expensive, dishwasher drawers are a shortened version that can help you handle overflowing dishes. Units measure roughly 19 inches high in a single-racked design that fits between countertops and cabinets. If cabinet width is the issue, opt for a compact dishwasher. Unlike the typical dishwasher, these only measure 18 inches wide, letting you squeeze them into narrower spaces running to corner cabinets.

Built-in dishwashers are a seamless integration that maintains a clean look, but the upfront price and installation investment don't come cheap. At the same time, you may not have cabinet space to allot for a new dishwasher. In these instances, a portable unit could be the answer. Portable dishwashers are normally a flexible solution for RVs and apartments, but you can also keep one out to use whenever you need extra washing capacity. The inlets hook up easily to a sink faucet, and the three-prong plug works in a standard 120V outlet. And, with its flat surface along the top, you can also make good use of it as additional counterspace even when you aren't washing dishes. It's a flexible solution when the kitchen layout is problematic, and they're typically cheaper than built-in dishwashers, especially when you factor in installation costs.

Need something even more compact? When you're all out of floor area, choosing a countertop dishwasher can be the cost-effective and space-saving upgrade to perfectly solve your problem. Products like the Airmsen Portable Countertop Dishwasher are inexpensive and sit neatly on the counter. Wash an extra load of plates and glasses, and tuck the appliance away when you don't need the added capacity. Dishwashing doesn't get any easier! Whether it's a full-blown built-in or a convenient portable option to pull out for the odd dinner party, there's a way for anyone to get the extra capacity they need with a second dishwasher. Consider your space, challenges, and budget, and consider adding an extra dishwasher to improve your routine.