Small Space Scribes on October 19, 2020 0 Comments When people think about what it takes to live in a tiny home, they often think of what they’ll have to give up. In addition to square footage, you may have to give up some furniture, tools, storage space or appliances – but one of the appliances you won’t have to give up is your dishwasher. In fact, most large appliances also come in a compact size, perfect for tiny homes, RVs and other small living spaces. A dishwasher is a modern-day convenience that is as common as a refrigerator or stove. Most people wouldn’t even consider living without one! Sure, you can easily hand wash dishes in the sink with a kitchen sponge and soap, but that gets tiresome every time you use a dish. It’s so much easier to load the dishes in a dishwasher, pour in the dishwasher detergent, and push a button that will probably get your dishes cleaner and better sanitized than hand washing ever could. It’s not surprising that people would be hesitant to give up their dishwasher. Here’s how it can still work in a tiny home. There are two important things to consider when deciding whether or not to have a dishwasher in your tiny home: space and time. Save Time & Space in Your Tiny Home Kitchen First, start by answering the following questions: Are you willing to give up counter space for a portable dishwasher? Do you have cupboard space to store it? Could you spend the money to remodel and include it in your small kitchen design? Do you feel like washing dishes is consuming too much of your precious time? These are all questions that are based on personal preference and can really only be answered by you, but honestly answering them can help make the case that you don’t have to give up your dishwasher. Let’s address the common pushback people have when deciding whether or not to have a dishwasher in their tiny home: it takes up too much space. Yes, it does take up some space, but if you’re willing to sacrifice some counter space and storage space in order to save you the time of always handwashing dishes, then this Countertop Dishwasher by Edgestar is a great option. Edgestar 6 Place Setting Energy Star Rated Countertop Dishwasher If you are truly worried about space, at just over 17 inches tall and 22 inches wide, its compact countertop design fits comfortably under most cabinetry without permanent installation required. This also means you can easily store it in a cupboard out of sight when it’s not in use. If you like to host guests, you won’t be left with the dishes and cleanup after having them over because it has the capacity to hold up to six place settings, and you can choose from seven wash cycles: heavy, normal, light, glass, baby care, speed and rinse. If you’re still not convinced that you don’t have to give up your dishwasher in your tiny home (or if you feel guilty for wanting to keep it) here’s the thing – you have to eat and can’t afford eating out for every meal, which means you probably cook something at home almost every day. It’s inevitable you’ll wash dishes at least once a day. A portable dishwasher can save you time, keep your sink empty, and your counter clutter free because it can wash everyday items such as plates, glasses, and flatware, which means you’ll only have to handwash big items such as pots and pans. That’s doable and worth it! Answer this: will you use it every day? If the answer is yes, then you’ll be giving yourself the freedom from dishes and the time and space for more important things. A small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to give up on the convenience of a dishwasher. Learn more in our buyer guide “How to Choose the Best Countertop Dishwasher.”