If you’re short on space, you’ve probably wondered whether you can fit a dishwasher under your kitchen sink. It’s something I get asked all the time as a designer, especially in compact homes, apartments, and galley-style kitchens.

The short answer is maybe. It depends on the type of sink you have, the layout of your plumbing, and the model of dishwasher you choose.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what’s possible, what to avoid, and the smart design workarounds that can make it happen.

Understanding the Space Under a Sink

The cabinet beneath your sink is one of the most awkward areas to design around. It’s usually home to your waste pipe, water feeds, and sometimes even a food waste disposal unit.

A standard sink cabinet measures around 600–900 mm wide and 600 mm deep, but once you factor in the sink bowl and pipework, that space gets tight very quickly.

That’s why most full-size dishwashers simply won’t fit directly underneath. However, with the right planning and the right appliance, it can be done.

Dishwasher Options That Can Fit Under a Sink

There are really only two practical options if you want to install a dishwasher under a sink: a single DishDrawer or a compact countertop dishwasher small enough to fit beneath the bowl while avoiding the plumbing.

1. Single DishDrawer Units (Fisher & Paykel)

If there’s one product worth mentioning first, it’s the Fisher & Paykel Single DishDrawer. This is one of the most flexible dishwasher designs available and, in some cases, can fit under a sink.

A single DishDrawer is compact, at around 410 mm high, meaning it can often slot under a shallow single-bowl sink with some careful plumbing adjustment.

These drawer-style dishwashers are easy to access, energy-efficient, and ideal for small households. They can be installed alone or as a double set, depending on your available space.

💡 Designer Tip: If you’re planning a bespoke kitchen, ask your fitter to raise the sink waste outlet slightly and offset it to one side. This creates valuable clearance for a DishDrawer underneath while keeping plumbing neat.

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2. Compact Countertop Dishwashers

Compact dishwashers, often marketed as countertop models, can sometimes be installed under a shallow sink or within a small base cabinet. These are typically 400–500 mm high and perfect for single-person homes or small households.

They’re not ideal for large families, but are a clever workaround if you’re short on space. The key is ensuring the appliance fits beneath the sink bowl while avoiding the main waste pipe and water feed.

Things to Consider Before Installing a Dishwasher Under a Sink

Even if you find a model that fits, there are some important practicalities to keep in mind:

• Plumbing clearance: You’ll need enough vertical space beneath the sink bowl for the dishwasher casing and hoses.
• Ventilation: Make sure there’s adequate airflow around the appliance to avoid overheating.
• Moisture exposure: The area under a sink can get damp, so protect electrical connections carefully.
• Access and maintenance: You’ll need room to remove the unit later for repairs or cleaning.
• Manufacturer approval: Always check the installation guidelines — fitting a dishwasher under a sink may void the warranty if not done correctly.
  
  

💡 Top Tip: Before committing to an under-sink setup, mark out your plumbing positions on the inside of your base cabinet. It’s much easier to spot potential conflicts before your worktops go on.

Pros and Cons of an Under-Sink Dishwasher

Pros:

• Perfect for small or tight kitchens.
• Makes use of otherwise wasted cabinet space.
• Keeps the dishwasher out of sight.
  
  

Cons:

• Limited model choice.
• Potential plumbing challenges.
• Can restrict access for maintenance.
• Often higher installation costs.
  
  

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, fitting a dishwasher under a kitchen sink is possible, but it takes careful planning and the right equipment. If you’re working with a shallow single-bowl sink and are open to something like a Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer or a compact countertop model, it can be a brilliant, space-saving solution.

For most kitchens, though, positioning the dishwasher next to the sink remains the most practical and reliable option. It keeps plumbing simple, improves usability, and often looks more balanced.

If you’re designing a new kitchen, it’s always worth talking through your options with your designer or plumber early on. A few clever tweaks at the planning stage can make all the difference. 😃

DISCOVER MORE

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  Can You Fit A Dishwasher Under A Kitchen Sink? – (Maybe!)
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  Should You Have Two Dishwashers In Your Kitchen?
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