Gap between countertop and dishwasher

5 years ago

I replaced a 2008 GE Profile dishwasher with a Bosch 800 that showed as having similar specs. The installers said that the brace under the countertop that connects to the wall was preventing them from being able to make the dishwasher come up closer to the counter (see first pic). They said the GE had more rounded edges which is why it could be installed flush with the counter. So now there is a large gap between the dishwasher and countertop (second pic). I’ve been considering replacing the kitchen countertop but am wondering if this will remedy the gap issue or if there is anything else I can do other than a wood filler strip.

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PRO

HALLETT & Co.

5 years ago

It looks to me like the granite counter is being supported by a small one by two screwed to the wall. This worked with your old American dishwasher that had rounded corners. I’m guessing this new dishwasher would fill the whole space if it were raised into position. If possible remove the wood brace and replace it with a aluminum 2 inch L from Home Depot screwed into the studs. This should allow enough clearance for the dishwasher to be raised in the place while still supporting the countertop

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Comments (8)

M
5 years ago
If you can't modify the brace then a filler strip wouldn't be all that unusual. The only thing that is unusual is the size of the filler strip. Typically, it would line up with the top of the drawer right next to
Fori
5 years ago
Is it highly visible or do you have to squat down to notice it? It might not be that bad!

If you have seating facing it, then it might be that bad...
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Amy Davis
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks to both of you for the input! Unfortunately it’s the first thing you see when you come into the condo so the gap would be noticeable. I suppose I may have to look into a new countertop and see if the installers can install them in a way that doesn’t have that brace. It’s just odd because the GE Profile was the same width and fit higher up to the counter.
Fori
5 years ago
If you don't want a new countertop, see if you can get the countertop installers to just reinstall this one.

But really, a piece of wood trim would be my preference.

(Did you actually look and verify what the installers told you? It's possible that they would rather leave it like this than take the needed time to fiddle it into position...I've had seriously bad luck with DW installers so I pay attention to appliance installation now. Trust, but verify.)
wdccruise
5 years ago
@Fori: "Did you actually look and verify what the installers told you?"

The wood support for the countertop is visible in the first picture.
M
5 years ago
Oh, now I see what you mean. I am pretty sure that can be modified to take up less space while still adequately supporting the counter top. Ask your cabinet maker, general contractor, or counter top people (depending on who you have the best working relationship with). I am pretty sure all three of them could come up with a good solution.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
It appears you have an EZ Dishwasher Brace installed. This is old-school and unnecessary with a modern dishwasher that attaches to the cabinet/panel/wall sides.

Remove the brace, raise the dishwasher, and secure the dishwasher through the sides, not the top tabs which you can remove. If you don't hit a stud in the wall, you may have to do a bit of blocking installation and drywall repair.