“I realize it says countertop, but could this unit be used under the counter if it has room to breath?”
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I have been researching this answer because I am thinking of purchasing on for my NYC area pre-war apartment with the kitchen that looks like it is from pre-war Czechoslovakia. I'm neither a plumber nor an electrician, but this is what I've learned from just reading around and watching YouTube videos: (1) The machine doesn't know if it is being on a countertop or below the counter or above the counter. But the MOTOR of these little dishwashers (DWs) will sense if it has to work extra hard to push the water a long distance (e.g., to drain) or if it has to push against gravity. So, according to a plumber writer, hat's why the water hoses are about 4 feet max because it takes extra "power" to push the water to and from the unit. That is also why the directions usually advise that the units be installed or situate as close to the sink/faucet/water source as possible=--to the machine doesn't burn out. Thus, the issue is not whether the DW is physically located on a surface called a "countertop"--but rather whether the DW's motor will have to work extra hard to "push" (or pump) the water UP to the pipe where it will drain! ((Some of these units may be designed to take advantage of gravity---most probably are.)) But think about it. If the DW's hoses are on the same horizontal level the drainage PIPE (i.e., the drain pipe connected to the sink underneath the counter)---that is a NEUTRAL position for the unit to be in....so that would probably work well with no extra stress to the unit. The plumber said the shorter the hoses--the better for the machine. (2) In comments elsewhere (was it YouTube), a licensed plumber who sounded like he really knew what he was talking about said that these "countertop" DWs can indeed be hooked up directly to the pipes below the sink with a special valve and adapter....eliminating need to pull out the hoses, and hook directly up to your faucet each time you want to run it! (Also--wouldn't that be wonderful--not have to SEE all the long, snake-like hoses...and hassle with it, etc.. Downside: you have to hire a licensed plumber! I saw one YouTube video where Grandpa had installed the unit right next to the sink, but about 12 inches below the level of the faucet. If you have a 4 foot hose, having the unit on 1 or 2 feet lower with a short hose is probably NOT going to make any difference at all to stress on the motor. (3) Is steam an issue? Super hot steam might affect the glue on the counter above it--but that could happen if the unit is on top of the counter as well. I don't think steam is an issue at all....no more of an issue than with a regular DW. To me, having the DW LOWER is actually safer- less close to one's face. Less liklihood of getting burned by the steam. Same safety precautions for kids apply. (4) These DWs do NOT require a special, dedicated electrical outlet (like a fridge)....but read directions carefully. (5) WARRANTY: Even though under the countertop on a well ventilated shelf (where hoses will not get tangled , squeezed or torn may be ideal--very likely that just doing that will invalidate the warranty. If manufacturer learns you installed it in a place beyond the reach of the 4'water hoses, or 4 feet beneath your sink, or simply NOT on the counter top--it will argue (and boilerplate of typical warranty) will state) that warranty is invalidated if not used strictly according to directions. Not really rationale because if it is level with the drainage pipe through a special valve and adapter designed for that purpose, placing the unit there is NOT what is going to break it. But the product liability lawyers have to draw the line somewhere. What I want to do: Who cares about the warranty if the unit is less than $250. I would MUCH rather have the thing under the counter, with hoses hidden as well. I want the "built in" look. And, a few people have done that w/other models and posted photos. Somebody's Grandpa did it for her in her tiny studio apartment and it looked GREAT! Miss SNOOPY
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.The manufacturer does not recommend installing this dishwasher below the countertop or under the sink. Two reasons why. The hoses are light duty and not made for water pressure to be inside 24/7. Rubber hoses do bust and steel hoses don’t have the correct thread size on each end. You would have to be very clever to safely install this dishwasher permanently. Also, the drain motor is designed to discharge water when the hose line is short and level to the sink. The pump is not made to discharge water up hill but it does work. The life expectancy for the unit is decreased and warranty voids the dishwasher.
Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.You need to hook up directly to the faucet - if you have room for it and the hookups are long enough - I don't see why not.
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