How a Sink Dishwasher Works

Dishwashers come in many styles, including built-in dishwashers, portable dishwashers and in-sink dishwashers. In-sink dishwashers are a concept developed for apartments, outdoor kitchens or even small bar areas where a dishwasher would be useful, but there isn't enough room for a conventional or portable unit.

What is an In-Sink Dishwasher?

An in-sink dishwasher is approximately the same size as a double-basin kitchen sink. One of the sinks is slightly thinner than normal, and the rest of the space taken up with the dishwasher which sits flush with the counter top and is hidden from view by a stainless steel cutting board that fits over the cover of the dishwasher. That means there’s absolutely no space wasted on your counter top. 

It’s a top-loading machine that’s nowhere near as big as conventional dishwashers. It’s designed for much smaller loads, a maximum of five place settings and there’s also a silverware basket. The unit also has an overflow capacity, meaning it can accommodate pots and pans or large platters since the sink is 14 inches deep. 

The Benefits of the Dishwasher

Since it’s much smaller than most dishwashers, an in-sink dishwasher uses 50 percent less water than the bigger models. It takes anywhere from 18 to 30 minutes to complete a full cycle which is far less time than larger units. This results in a saving  on electricity, too. Being at counter-top height, there’s no bending needed to load or unload it. The final rinse is at 160 degrees and when complete, the lid pops up automatically. It’s also heavily insulated to run quietly. 

How It Works

The in-sink dishwasher effectively runs in exactly the same way as a more conventional dishwasher. You put the dishes in, set the controls, add liquid and start it. However, there are some options that set it apart. The spray arm and the rack can easily be removed. This transforms the dishwasher into a second kitchen sink if you need it. It does have its own dedicated water heater and a water system that’s designed to deliver water faster. 

You can put plates in for a two minute rinse-only cycle, which is useful if you need to re-use utensils or bowls when making a meal. You can also set a pre-rinse for glasses and plates to ensure they’re clean before serving. For small loads or loads that aren’t greatly soiled, there’s a quick cycle that completes in 18 minutes. A full load will be done in 30 minutes. Because of the instant drying facility, the dishwasher can be unloaded as done when the cycle has finished. 

Installing the Sink

Since it requires cutting the countertop as well as some extensive plumbing, you’d be advised to use a professional to install an in-sink dishwasher unless you’re very experienced. It requires a cabinet that’s either 42 or 44 inches long and about 16 inches of clearance underneath to allow for hook up to water and disposal.

You can also use the in-sink dishwasher for quickly running small loads when you don’t need the full capacity of a built-in dishwasher which is ideal if only one or two people are cooking and eating.