Dish dryers in the cupboard
The kitchen is considered a special room in the house, as it serves not only as a place for cooking, but also for eating. To make it as convenient as possible, various modules and accessories are used when arranging the room, among which the main attribute is a dish dryer built into the closet. It is available in various types, which differ not only in size, design, but also in the method of installation.
Peculiarities
The dish drainer built into the cupboard is a useful device that takes up little space and allows you to conveniently dry various kitchen utensils (plates, cups, saucers).
Built-in structures can be located both at the bottom of the pull-out module and directly above the sink in a wall cabinet. Dryers designed for installation in corner cabinets are not very convenient to use, therefore they are chosen less often. The dimensions and shape of such products are determined by the furniture manufacturer; the width of the structure can be different: 500, 600, 700 and 800 mm. The depth is usually fixed and does not exceed 25 cm.
Kitchen dryers designed for wall cabinets are usually made on two levels. The lower tier is used for drying dishes, and the upper tier for cups. The location of the levels can be changed at personal discretion, but the distance between the shelves should not be less than 30 cm.
When the cabinets have lifting mechanisms, it is possible to install single-level dryers in them, designed to dry only one of the plates. In this case, mugs, glasses and cups are hung on S-shaped hooks.
Dish dryers are made of a variety of materials; the surface of most modern models is additionally covered with a layer of enamel.This gives the product an original look and greatly simplifies the cleaning process.
Devices with a rubber coating are very popular among housewives, thanks to which the dishes are installed silently.
Advantages and disadvantages
The built-in dish drainer is a must-have kitchen accessory. This device has become widespread, as it has a number of advantages.
- Aesthetics. Since the structure of the dryer is closed by the front and is not visible, this makes the kitchen tidy and gives it a modern look. It is necessary to install a dryer in open cabinets, which would be in harmony with the overall decor of the room.
- Hygiene... After washing, the dishes are immediately placed in the compartments; they do not need to be wiped off, as the water flows into a special tray. The surface of plates and cups dries on its own without the formation of mold. The only thing is that the kitchen utensils need to be arranged steadily and neatly so that nothing breaks.
- Ease of use. Usually, the structure is placed near the sink - to put the washed dishes, just reach out. All kitchen items are placed strictly in their places, so they are always easy to find and take out.
- Huge selection of the lineup. Today the market is represented by dryers of various configurations and sizes, which allows them to be quickly installed in both mounted and corner, retractable modules.
As for the shortcomings, they also exist. The main disadvantage of such devices is that the pallet must be constantly monitored... If this is not done, the container will overflow with water, which flows from the dishes and spills out. Besides, the pallet should be rinsed at least once every few days. To prolong the life of the dish dryer and the cupboard in which it is built, the humidity level of the furniture should be checked regularly.
It is best to purchase modules with a protective top layer. Also, good ventilation should be provided in the cabinets; for this, several holes are drilled in the upper part of the structure.
Views
A built-in dish drainer is classified according to several criteria, so each of its types differs not only in size, but also in the type of construction, material of manufacture, and location. Depending on the place of installation, dish dryers are divided into the following types.
Retractable (withdrawable)
They are mounted directly into the lower curbstone; they are a drawer equipped with special compartments. As a rule, such devices do not have sides, their construction is made of metal. This type of product is characterized by many advantages, the main of which is its convenient use. A dryer installed in this way provides free access to the dishes. To place and remove it, you do not need to reach up.
Retractable devices can be of different designs and shapes, as well as withstand different levels of stress. Some models are designed only for placing spoons and plates, while others are much more functional and allow you to load not only plates with spoons, but also cups and glasses. Usually, pull-out devices are single-level, and if you need to install a second tier, you have to separately purchase (manufacture) an additional dryer and pallets for it.
Top cupboard dish dryers
These are stationary models that are available in two types: one- and two-level. Moreover, the latter are universal, since they provide for the placement of all types of dishes. Most often, plates are located at the lowest level, and mugs and glasses are located on the upper level. It may be the other way around. Such structures are equipped with a drip tray. As for single-level dryers, they are less practical and allow you to fill the cupboard with a minimum amount of dishes, since they are designed separately for drying glasses, plates and other dishes. Also on sale combined types of products that deserve special attention.
Thanks to them, it is possible to rationally fill the upper rack with saucers and plates, and the lower one with small bowls and glasses. In addition, most of these models are equipped with additional compartments for storing cutlery.
Corner and straight
They are stationary and are installed in the upper modules, as well as sliding and swivel ones with installation in cabinets or doors of the lower cabinets. Such models have an original design and save space in a small kitchen.
Dish dryers also differ in the material of manufacture and are as follows.
Metallic
They are produced from various alloys, characterized by original design, high quality and long service life. Such models are available as desktop or built-in wardrobes. The only drawback of the products is the high price. Steel-sprayed structures are especially popular with housewives, they have a steel sheen, but quickly wear out during operation. Stainless steel dryers are also an ideal choice, they last indefinitely, but are expensive and require periodic polishing to maintain the original look.
Plastic
They are a budget option, so anyone can purchase them. Plastic dryers are presented in a huge assortment, which allows you to choose them for any furniture design. The main disadvantage of these products is their quick failure. In addition, the plastic surface is not resistant to mechanical damage and is often scratched. Plastic becomes clogged with dirt during operation, this makes the structures ugly and unhygienic.
Enameled
Such devices are aesthetically pleasing, but they are short-lived. Usually, after a year of operation, enamel dryers need to be replaced. Under mechanical stress and constant contact with water, the coating of such dryers begins to peel off, and the black metal hidden under them can become rusty. Like plastic models, enamel dryers are considered budgetary.
There are also exclusive options for kitchen dryers, they are made to order. They can be made from different materials. Connoisseurs of unusual design choose dryers with silver and gold plating, which, if desired, can be decorated with various decorations. Despite the fact that today you can buy any type of dryer, experts recommend giving preference to high-quality and practical products that will last a long time.
Criterias of choice
A built-in dish drainer is a must-have kitchen accessory, so you should be careful about your choice. There are several main criteria to look out for when buying.
- Manufacturing material. When purchasing a dryer for the kitchen, it is important to remember that it will be constantly exposed to mechanical stress and the influence of water. Therefore, it is necessary to give preference to not cheap products, they can look beautiful, but after damage to the protective coating, such structures quickly become unusable. Dryers made of metal alloys are considered an excellent choice in this case, while plastic models can be bought at summer cottages, where they are used from time to time.
- Roominess. Each specific model of dryers is designed to accommodate a certain amount of dishes, and if the structure is filled to capacity, the kitchen utensils will not dry well. In addition, it will be difficult to remove a plate or glass from a densely filled shelf; dishes can be dropped and broken.
- Type of construction. Today the market is represented by a huge assortment of dish dryers. Both single-level and multi-level products are available for sale. Before giving preference to this or that model, you need to decide on its location and choose only the most practical and convenient options.
- The size of the dishes. Often, after installing mesh shelves in a cabinet, it turns out that large plates do not fit in them, they have to be put in another place. To avoid such mistakes, you need to know the dimensions of all dishes before buying a dryer.
- Cabinet design features... Before purchasing a dryer, it is necessary to correctly measure the inner space of the cabinet and, based on this, find out the dimensions of the device. Many furniture manufacturers, when making kitchen modules, immediately complete them with pallet dryers.
Installation rules
In order to properly install a dish drainer in the cabinet, first of all, you need to find a suitable place for it, it is best to give preference to cupboards, located above or next to the sink. Thus, the hostess does not have to make unnecessary movements, bend over and reach up. Many people mount dryers above the sink in a cabinet without a bottom. Thanks to this, there is no need to add an additional tray (water immediately flows from the washed dishes into the sink). It is undesirable to build dryers into floor cabinets, since the hostess will have to bend over a lot to fill them.
During the installation of this device, the following recommendations must be taken into account.
- Provide furniture with good ventilation. In the cabinet, you need to drill 2 holes in the sides, this will help the dishes dry quickly and protect the furniture from the appearance of unpleasant odors.
- Keep distance. The grid on which it is planned to place the plates should be installed at a distance of at least 30 cm from the top of the cabinet and another shelf. A distance of 7 cm is allowed between the lower tier and the pallet.
- Seal furniture. Since a kitchen set under constant exposure to moisture can quickly become unusable, it is recommended to treat its lower part with special sealants. For example, silicone protects the material well from water.
If you follow all the above recommendations, then the installed dryer will last a long time and will be convenient to use. In the case when the kitchen set is made to order, the installation of dryers in it is performed by the craftsmen.
For information on how to install a dish drainer in a shakf with your own hands, see the next video.