2 Dishwashers in a Kitchen: Smart Ideas x5: How I designed kitchens with two dishwashers — practical layouts, pros, cons and tips from a senior designer

I once had a bride insist we fit two dishwashers into a tiny galley kitchen so she could host weekly dinner parties without the post-party sink mountain — I almost said no, then figured out a clever layout that actually made the kitchen sing. Small spaces force creative moves; that project taught me how two dishwashers can transform workflow and guest experience.

1. Side-by-side under-counter setup

Putting two slimline dishwashers side-by-side under the counter keeps the cook zone uninterrupted and allows one machine for quick rinses and another for heavy loads. The advantage is streamlined loading and reduced cycle wait time during big meals; the downside is you lose run of cabinetry storage in that run, and plumbing needs careful planning. In a recent 8-foot run I designed, we shared a single drain and water feed to cut costs while keeping separate controls.

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2. One under-counter + one integrated into island

Installing one dishwasher under the main run and the second inside the island gives you separation between prep and cleanup — guests can access clean dishes without entering the cook area. This layout boosts social flow, but the island installation may require extra sound insulation if you don’t want noise during gatherings. I used an ultra-quiet model in an open-plan flat and the partners didn’t notice it running during dinner.

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3. Tall cabinet dishwasher for space saving

If under-counter space is limited, consider a tall cabinet dishwasher — a column unit at counter height — paired with a standard under-counter unit. The tall unit is ergonomic for loading heavy pots and acts like a secondary pantry location; however, it can be pricier and reduces tall-storage options. For a family that cooks daily, the convenience outweighed the loss of a broom closet.

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4. Zoned approach: one for daily use, one for entertaining

Design the two machines by function — a small-energy daily washer and a high-capacity one for large gatherings. This approach saves energy over running large cycles for small loads and preserves the longevity of the heavy-duty unit. The trade-off is coordinating where to keep detergent and racks; I labeled shelves in one job and it became a little ritual that clients actually enjoyed.

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5. Mix and match brands and functionalities

Mixing a quieter, energy-efficient model with a fast-cycle commercial-style unit gives real flexibility: slow, silent cycles overnight and rapid cleanups between courses. The challenge is matching panel sizes and finishes if you want them to blend; I recommended custom toe-kick panels and a consistent handle design to visually unify mismatched machines.

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Tips 1:

Plumbing notes: consolidate water inlets and a common waste trap to reduce installation complexity, but ensure each unit has accessible shutoffs. For layout mocks I often start in 3D and test door swing and access; that’s why I use tools like the 3D floor planner when I sketch options for clients.

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FAQ

Q: Is it worth installing two dishwashers in a regular family kitchen?

A: For larger families or frequent entertainers, yes — it saves time and prevents cycle bottlenecks. For small households the extra cost and space may not justify the benefit.

Q: How much extra plumbing does a second dishwasher require?

A: Usually you can T-off the existing hot water feed and share the drain with a Y-connection, but local codes and distance may require separate runs; consult a plumber first.

Q: Will two dishwashers use much more energy?

A: Modern efficient models can be used strategically (small loads in the clever unit) to keep total energy use reasonable; pick Energy Star–rated machines to minimize impact.

Q: Can two dishwashers fit in a small kitchen?

A: Yes, with narrow slimline units, vertical column models, or island placement — it’s a layout puzzle but solvable with careful planning.

Q: Are there sound concerns with two units?

A: Noise can accumulate, so choose quiet models for open plans or add sound-insulating cabinetry. I’ve had success specifying units with low dBA ratings.

Q: Do I need special electrical work?

A: Most dishwashers require dedicated circuits; adding a second may need an additional circuit or subpanel. An electrician should evaluate your load.

Q: Are there commercial options for home kitchens?

A: Light-commercial or compact commercial machines can offer fast cycles and durability, but check water usage and ventilation needs.

Q: Where can I view layout examples and try designs in 3D?

A: For interactive layout testing and visualizing two-dishwasher configurations, I often use a room planner that lets me test placements and door swings — it makes client approvals faster and reduces surprises.

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