"Double Dishwasher" Kitchens are Going Viral — Here's Why Both Organizers and Designers Love Them
A professional organizer and kitchen designer give their thoughts on the trend for doubling up on dishwashers
![a kitchen with a dishdrawer dishwasher appliance](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kqqwqaH3repFWqyR7X8wxg-415-80.jpeg)
There are many features I'd want in my dream kitchen — but I may have just found a new contender for my perfect space in the 'double dishwasher'. This idea is doing the rounds on social media right now as the solution to one of everybody's least favorite chores - unloading the dishwasher - and proponents of including a second appliance in the kitchen swear it will transform your life.
I know what you're thinking — and yes, as someone with a small kitchen myself, adding in another dishwasher isn't a luxury I can afford in my home's compact square footage. However, if you've got the space to play with, is doubling up on dishwashers really a good use of space?
I asked both a professional organizer and a kitchen designer, expecting to be met with some resistance to the idea but, as it turns out, they think it's a great idea for a modern kitchen too. Here's why.
Is the "double dishwasher" trend a good idea?
I take most viral ideas with a pinch of salt, but when it comes to the double dishwasher kitchen, it seems the experts are in agreeance that it's actually a great idea.
'I have two in my house, and I love that I basically always have clean dishes, and the dirty ones are in the dishwasher,' says professional organizer Nicole Gabai, founder of B. Organized, and the author of The Art of Organizing: An Artful Guide to an Organized Life. 'This is especially useful when you have a dinner party — even with just four guests; it makes clean up so much easier and quicker.
Professional kitchen designer Gabrielle Fabbri agrees. 'I personally love the idea of two dishwashers and have done this with many clients,' she tells me. 'Two dishwashers are ideal for clients who entertain a lot and those with larger families.'
But is the double dishwasher a good idea for every home? Possibly not. 'It's a huge help to large families or someone who likes to entertain a lot,' Nicole agrees, 'but I am not so sure that I would prioritize having a second dishwasher over having another lower cabinet. It really depends on how big the kitchen is, how much kitchen storage space you already have, and what you actually need most.'
The good news is that your decision can be made pretty much on that basis, rather than cost: 'Depending on the appliance you select the cost can be equal to or less than another base cabinet,' Gabrielle explains.
@brentozar ♬ The Home Depot Beat - The Home Depot
How to use two dishwashers in a kitchen
Many of the viral videos surrounding the double dishwasher suggest that by having two appliances, you don't really ever have to unload the dishwasher: you can take what you need from the clean dishwasher, and fill up the dirty one. However, given that we don't use everything in our kitchens at the same frequency, it might not quite work like that — yet that doesn't stop it being a great way to keep on top of mess.
'Of course, the dishwasher is the best place to put dirty dishes, however, its not always possible,' Nicole Gabai says. 'As soon as the wash cycle is complete and dry (and not too hot), then it's time to put everything away. Ideally, you want your dishwasher to be ‘ready to load’ as frequently as possible.'
The best ‘holding place' I have found for keeping the ‘dirty’ dishes until it is time to empty out the dishwasher to re-load is to rinse them off and stack them neatly in the sink, waiting for the current wash to be complete and the dishwasher emptied,' Nicole adds. This means that the best dishwasher placement in a kitchen is generally on either side of your sink for easy loading.
Nicole has one last tip for keeping the clutter of dirty dishes at bay. 'For an ‘easy fix’ of the unsightly mess, try placing a large cutting board over the sink in the meantime. Having that second dishwasher is a wonderful luxury if space and budget allow!'
How can I get the 'double dishwasher' effect in a small kitchen?
We've already decided that two full dishwashers isn't a great idea for a small kitchen, however there are some ways to get the effect to consider, according to kitchen designer Gabrielle Fabbri. 'When fighting for space in a kitchen there are ways to do this without sacrificing too much,' Gabrielle explains. 'My first thought would be to explore other areas such as a pantry or wet bar. Perhaps we could sneak the appliance in there.'
'I would also consider using a dishwasher drawer; these are great for washing all your glassware and smaller plates, and you can fit another drawer underneath,' Gabrielle says. 'This allows clients to have a bit of storage with the appliance.' Fisher & Paykel are perhaps the best-known makers of this style of dishwasher with their iconic DishDrawers.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletter is your shortcut to the now and the next in home design. Subscribe today to receive a stunning free 200-page book of the best homes from around the world.
Luke Arthur Wells is a freelance design writer, award-winning interiors blogger and stylist, known for neutral, textural spaces with a luxury twist. He's worked with some of the UK's top design brands, counting the likes of Tom Dixon Studio as regular collaborators and his work has been featured in print and online in publications ranging from Domino Magazine to The Sunday Times. He's a hands-on type of interiors expert too, contributing practical renovation advice and DIY tutorials to a number of magazines, as well as to his own readers and followers via his blog and social media. He might currently be renovating a small Victorian house in England, but he dreams of light, spacious, neutral homes on the West Coast.
-
The 5 Art and Design Exhibitions in London That Are on Our Culture Editor's Radar Right Now
From public art installations to design-centric group shows, this selection of creative events open in the British capital will immerse you in the breadth of its cultural scene in and outside of traditional gallery spaces
By Gilda Bruno Published
-
Before and After — This Kansas Kitchen Went From Dark and Dated to Open and Bright, Here's How
Thanks to Forward Design Architecture, this once-old-fashioned kitchen now feels breezy and is wonderfully connected to the home's primary rooms
By Aditi Sharma Maheshwari Published
-
7 Shower Trends That Are Setting the Tone for Relaxing, Creative Bathrooms in 2024
The trends in enclosures, fixtures, materials and more than inspiring modern showers right now, according to interior designers
By Faaizah Shah Published
-
Architects Are Embracing "Porthole" Windows Right Now — And They Make for Such Joyful Spaces
Indulging contemporary architecture’s love affair with soft curves, porthole windows bring whimsy and major wow-factor to modern interiors
By Keith Flanagan Published
-
5 Lessons We Learned From the Reese Witherspoon Kitchen Organization Makeover with The Home Edit
These basic yet essential organizational tips will leave you with a stunningly organized kitchen and have you saying: 'What? Like, it’s hard?'
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
Forget "Overstyled" Beds — The Big Bedding Trends to Embrace Instead in 2024 Have One Thing in Common
If your bedding is starting to look a little bit tired, these are the on-trend styles designers recommend replacing it with
By Emma Breislin Published
-
11 Front Door Trends That Set the Tone for a Classy Home — Materials, Colors and Styles Architects Love Now
The front doors you'll find on the best-looking new builds and remodels right now — try these ideas to up your home's curb appeal
By Faaizah Shah Published
-
5 Mistakes People Make That Lead to a Cluttered Backyard — And How to Avoid It
Help your backyard reach its full potential this summer by following these expert approved decluttering tips
By Ciéra Cree Published
-
Glass Coffee Tables are the Hottest Decor Trend Right Now — And They've Been Given a Modern Twist
Coffee tables made entirely of glass - often with hints of color - are the chic new trend that designers are loving right now
By Amiya Baratan Published
-
9 Summer Color Palettes Designers Are Using in 2024 — "Think of Wisteria and Lilac Flowers"
Summer color palettes will last you all year - if you use the same shades as designers love they'll fill your home with a sense of sunshine that never goes behind a cloud
By Pip Rich Published