Dishwasher

[curlyfungirl]

We have a fairly good sized kitchen island in our 2011 Montana 358RL. I would like to install a dishwashing unit, either a slim model or a tabletop style in the cupboard area of the island. Has anyone installed a dishwasher in their unit? I don't want to just leave it sitting on top of the counter. Also, does anyone think it might be an option to install it ontop of a washer/dryer combo? The hookups for that are in the hall closet right next to the kitchen.
I am a kitchen gadget person and this would "ultimize" my fifth wheel kitchen.

Thanks,
Marianne

[Festus2]

My wife is also a "kitchen gadget person" but rather than go to the expense and problem of installing a dishwasher in our 5th wheel (which doesn't have room for one anyway), she purchased several dish rags, soap, a basin and rack and gave the whole bunch to me and said

Why not surprise your husband?

[curlyfungirl]

I appreciate your input but we have the room and I am tired of wasting valuable sight seeing time doing the dishes. I don't like using paper plates and we do not leave for the day until everything is sparkling clean.

[Festus2]

Cal & Marianne -
It wasn't meant to be taken as serious "input". I usually wash the dishes but not sure if they would meet your criteria as being "sparkling clean". Guess I'll just have to stay behind and not go sightseeing.

[hankaye]

curlyfungirl, Howdy;

A dishwasher ????? REALLY ???


hankaye

[Ruffus]

Our RV dishwasher works really good. Our chinette dishware, plastic composite utensils, daisey cupware and glasses are so easy to clean, turn 45 degrees left, bend over slightly and toss them in the waste basket dishwasher. Pots and Pans are a little more difficult but non stick green pans clean up really easy.
Life is short but it's not that short!!!!

[mobile42]

Lets compare the “Pros and Cons”.

Pro
■Reduces hand washing of dishes
■Great out of sight storage for dirty dishes
■Dishware and cutlery may be more sanitary in hotter water
■May use less water overall and reduce the washing frequency
■May increase resale value

Con
■A fairly expensive option
■Uses up valuable cupboard or countertop space
■Requires 120 volt power to operate
■May increase future maintenance costs and also having to consider winterizing


The dish water also wins the health issue as it washes using water at around 150degrees F. and rinses at nearly 165 F. The hand wash, however, scores a point for needed energy. Other than the heated water and obvious pump operating, no extra energy is required. Using a dishwasher means using water and power. A typical countertop dishwasher will use about 3 - 4 gallons for a full load, a compact model is more likely to use closer to 9 - 12 gallons. You must ensure that there is enough clean water in your source tank as well as enough space left in your 'gray' drainage tank. The power needs of even the small model are about 1250 watts and use a standard 120 volt source. This will be more important if you tend to use your RV generator instead of shore power.

We don't have a mechanical dishwasher so the DW and I take turns. When I cook, she washes and vise-versa. I agree with Ruffus, "Life is short but it's not that short".

[mikell]

I ndesign dishwashers for a living and we do not test them for RV's. Now some high end ones have them and if you have an extra circut it might be OK. Winterizing would be the same as the rest of the unit

[CUFFS054]

Curley,
I'll clean a toilet before I wash a dish, so I just put a Heier counter top in my Keystone Springdale. I got it at Brandsmart for $199 and a $15 rebate. I did 7 loads this weekend (just moving in) and am very pleased. Quiet, easy to load ans it did a great job with water so hard it seems like lava!

[curlyfungirl]

Hi Cuff,
Do you keep it on the counter or have you installed it somewhere? Thanks

[CUFFS054]

Curley,
right now it's on the counter because I've room. The unit comes with the hoses to plumb it in 'built-in'. Mine sits so close to the sink it's easy to load. The last load I did in it included a roasting pan I cooked chicken in. The full size GE dw in my park model would not have cleaned it. This little bugger did a great job.

[curlyfungirl]

Thanks for your input. I don't want to have to resort to paper plates. Ugh!!

[CUFFS054]

Curley,
It sits full time on my counter. My 291 has a perfect spot for it. I really am quite pleased with the job it's doing.