Silly question about portable dishwasher cabinets.

[thomasortega]

Guys, i have a silly question regarding WHIRLPOOL-made portable dishwashers.

I have a Kenmore portable DW purchased new around 2 (maybe 3? not sure) years ago.

Recently I installed it permanently in my kitchen.

Silly question is. It's a BOL plastic tub machine. it actually performs very well (and is performing zillions of times better now that I have it permanently hooked up).

Anyway, it doesn't look like it will last absurdly longer. When it dies, Is it ever possible to reuse the cabinet to put another Whirlpool-made dishwasher made to be built in?

I was thinking about that new Kitchenaid that has the super 3rd rack.

And before you guys ask... It's a rental unit and it's IMPOSSIBLE to have a built in dishwasher and of course I won't remodel the whole kitchen for my landlord. so I definitely MUST have a portable DW but I don't want to spend several years with a BOL DW.

 

[cam2s]

The cabinets do come off, most portables are able to be converted to built in so as along as you got a similar model it should work. If it’s only a few years old though maybe have some faith in it, it might last longer than you think. What issue do you think will kill this machine?? It would almost certainly be cheaper and easier to repair it than replace the whole thing unless you want to upgrade to a more TOL machine.

Side note...I have been looking at ways to make a built in a portable machine as I’m in the same situation you are. I’m going to make a separate post about but I did find an Stand alone cabinet that would work, but getting water to it will be the biggest challenge. Anyways best of luck!

 

[launderess]

Before sending my Kenmore 18" (built by Frigidaire) dw to the rubbish took off the top, disconnected and removed hoses along with casters. Thought about saving cabinet, but couldn't be bothered figuring out if it was at all possible.

Years ago now Ikea sold a kit that transformed stationary dishwashers into portable. Wish would have gotten one as always find Miele 18" dishwashers being almost given away.

For someone with proper skills and tools building a DW cabinet seems to be not big huge of a deal. To make one that is mobile would require nothing more than adding casters.

IIRC a few things have to be addressed clearly; keeping the dw from tipping over when door is opened, and how to connect fill and drain hoses, and finally electricity.