Question: Hi Robert, thank you for the article topics, they’re so helpful. I don’t recall dishwasher questions so I am unable to find any past articles on that — please forgive me if you’ve covered this. We’ve had some trouble with our dishwasher. It’s an old model and though it still functions well, we are getting rid of it and going to buy a new one.
The old style is with the utensil holder in the front, and there have been several instances where family members have mistakenly dropped a utensil beside the basket instead of in it, which has created a gap in the seal. Needless to say, the final straw is when it went unnoticed and flooded the kitchen and beyond. End of life for this machine, it has got to go.
The question is, do you have a dishwasher recommendation that we can consider, as we head out shopping for a new one? It’s been years since I’ve done any appliance shopping, so I’d rather look at recommendations vs. starting from scratch on my own, researching. Thank you for all your help.
— Daniella C.
Answer: Daniella, you’ll be so happy to have that worry gone, and not deal with the potential flooding again. I am a fan of the dishwasher drawers. I have one and love it. There are different sizes and configurations, and they work well.
The space they are installed in is slightly different than an old-school dishwasher, which slides into an open space. These require a shelf to sit on, but that can easily be retrofitted into existing cabinetry. I believe they can be purchased as single or double drawers and even operate separately from one another. In lieu of a second drawer dishwasher, a cabinet drawer may be installed.
This is my recommendation for replacement. I am very happy with the one I have. Best of luck.
Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at [email protected].
