Is a dishwasher worth it?

[Reyes]

I use the dishwasher only once a month (we host a monthly dinner party). Given that, if I were redoing my kitchen I would forgo a dishwasher. I don't mind washing my hand. I would leave in plumbing so that if I were to ever move (at this point I want to be in this house for life) the new owners could have a dishwasher easily installed.

[Float On]

In 18 years I've gone thru 4 dishwashers - I'm begining to think that in this house a dishwasher isn't worth it.

[iris lily]

We dont' rinse dishes before putting them into the dishwasher and generally they turn out ok. NOt so much if I am washing the raice pan, though. There is just two of us but I wash a load each day. DH goes through a lot of dishes. Even then, I still wash pots and pans and incidentals only becuase there isn't enough room in the dishwasher. I wouldn't do without one given all of our dirthy dishes.

[kib]

Guess I don't have much to add. I think compared to my hand method using the DW is really wasteful. But then again it's a lousy dishwasher, so there's no gleeful evil joy involved in indulging and using it, I have to rewash half the stuff anyway. Definitely leave the hole if you don't get one. You can always set the garbage can in there or some homemade shelving.

[Miss Cellane]

Bias warning: I grew up handwashing dishes for a family of nine. Dishwashing is not my favorite chore.

My apartment has a crumby basic apartment type dishwasher. I don't generally rinse dishes before putting them in, and I only run the dishwasher about every three days. The dishes and flatware come out sparkling clean. The only thing that it can't tackle is oatmeal--I have to soak the oatmeal bowl and wipe it out before putting it in the dishwasher.