This Kitchen’s Dishwasher is a Total Game Changer

I look at a lot of kitchens for my job, and rarely do I see something completely new that makes me think, “Wow. Why has no one ever done this before?” So when I saw the dishwasher situation in this kitchen above, I definitely paused.

At some point refrigerator designers figured out that people don’t want to bend over every time they reach for the orange juice. So now it’s common to see appliances with freezers on the bottom of the unit, and regular cold storage up top. Since you use the freezer a lot less, it makes a lot of sense to rearrange them and spare your back.

Dishwashers haven’t received the same ergonomic treatment, so most of us still bend down each time we stick a plate in the rack. (I have a two-drawer dishwasher and the top one is definitely easier to reach, which I love. But I force myself to alternate drawers with each wash, so they get used the same amount. I don’t want one to wear one out before the other. Which means I still have to bend down like everyone else.)

Which is why I was intrigued by this elevated dishwasher. While doing dishes, you only need to pivot to reach it. After a little research, it turns out it is kind of a thing, if not completely common. (Google “raised dishwashers” for more examples.)

The space was designed by German designers Klocke. Klocke is a Houzz customer service favorite, and they work with homeowners on the design and production of custom kitchens, from soup to nuts. Everything is made in their furniture workshop, then assembled on location by their team. Which means, of course, that this solution isn’t for everyone. Instead of a sliding one into place, it requires a contractor who can build, or retrofit, some cabinets during installation.

And, as with most things, there are trade-offs beyond cost. When you elevate the appliance, you lose the counter space up top, but potentially gain closed storage in a drawer below. It will also visually break up the flow of the countertop, so finding the right spot seems essential.

What do you think? Is this appealing? Would this be worth it to you?