Converting a Built-in Dishwasher into a Portable

[Brent-Aucoin]

Hello everyone,
I was wondering if any of you have converted a built-in dishwasher into a portable?
I have a KitchenAid that I would love to convert.
Do you need to have the exact cabinet that was designed for this dishwasher to convert, or can you use another portable shell, and make it work.
Has anyone done this before?
Have a great Sunday!
Brent

 

[bajaespuma]

I've converted enough portables into built-ins to know that all you need to do to make the machine work is connect the water inlet and drain via standard pipe adapters to any faucet hook-up and then connect the electrical box to a standard grounded 20amp appliance cord. You can find all of this stuff from Home Depot or Lowe's. It's easy once you find the adapters. The height adjusters on the unit can be replaced by casters, especially on early KitchenAids that have the steel frame enclosure. On other brands you need a base as the unit can't stand on it's own as an early KitchenAid will.

As far as enclosing the unit, I've seen kits on ebay but have you tried to contact KitchenAid Parts? I think they still exist, but it depends on the year. Worse comes to worse, you can pay for the auxiliary sides, back and top that they used to offer even for the built-ins.

 

[knitwits1975]

I've never done it myself, but have seen others converted to portables. So I know it's do-able.

 

[Brent-Aucoin]

You guys are great! Thanks for the advice.
I found a Kenmore vintage portable I am sure is made by D&M, but the outer case seems too small to fit a KA in.
I will look on Ebay and check out these conversion kits.
I have so many dishwashers that I would love to use as portables, by converting. You know, like a every 6 months or so thing.
My built in is a Kitchenaid KDS-18 Superba, and I love it. I want to keep it there for now.
I also have a portable Maytag belt drive in the kitchen with reverse racks, and I love it also. I just want to convert some of the KA's that I have and use them also, as a portable.
It is super to load 2 dishwashers. It is really so cool. It is like having extra cabinets to store dirty stuff.
I am sure that many of you have been there, and done this.
This is fun.
Thank for the advise. Your thoughts make is seem so simple.
I will play with the cabinet of the Kenmore and see if a KA will fit.
Thanks again!
Brent

 

[bobbyderegis]

Hi Brent!

Let me know your secret to success. I have a KDS 21 that is just sitting in the basement. I would love to convert it into a portable just so I can use it ocasionally. Keep us posted.

Bobby in Boston