Although every kitchen has a different layout, there are reliable guides that can help you plan where to place all your belongings. When it comes to appliances, the placement of the dishwasher is key. Ideally, it should be located in a place that makes loading and unloading quick and easy. But it’s also worth it to make sure the dishwasher door is open that doesn’t block any work areas or walkways.
Place It Next to the Sink
We recommend placing the dishwasher next to the sink. There are two reasons for this: the first is that it will make the pipeline easier and less costly, and the second is the behavioral aspect. People usually use the “scratch, rinse, load” method to load the dishwasher. This involves scraping leftovers from dishes into the trash (located on the side or below the sink) and then rinsing them quickly before putting the dishes in the dishwasher. Therefore, the best place to place it is on the side of the sink opposite the scratched area.
There are many dishwashers on the market that do not require rinsing before loading the dishes.
Select a Side
If you decide to place your dishwasher next to the sink, the next thing to consider is whether to place it on the left or right side. There is no right answer; Right-handed people usually hold the dish with their left hand and scratch or wash it with their right hand, so it’s easier to put the dish in the dishwasher located on the left side of the sink. It’s the opposite for left-handers.
That being said, people tend to be habitual animals, so I sometimes find that customers prefer to put their dishwashers on the same side of their old kitchen sink, whether they’re left-handed or right-handed. The overall layout of the rest of the kitchen and the placement of other appliances are also important, so try not to tilt to the left or right, creating a bad layout in other ways.
Make Sure the Dishwasher Is Close to the Drawer
Always make sure the drawers or cabinets where you store dishes, glasses, and dishes are close to the dishwasher. This functionality and practicality are essential for any kitchen design. The relative location of all kitchen utensils to each other and to the kitchen storage space plays an important role in making it a pleasant place to work.
Pay Attention to the Distance from Nearby Cabinets
The distance between the dishwasher and the storage area where the dishes and utensils are placed should be maintained at a maximum distance of one step. Your dishwasher can be located near or across from these cabinets and drawers; As long as you don’t need to move too far between them, that’s okay.
Check the In-Space
Mobility Freedom of movement is an important consideration when designing a layout. This is especially important when it comes to the placement of utensils such as dishwashers, which open to the circulation space and remain open for a period of time while in use.
When planning your kitchen, imagine yourself performing everyday tasks, such as loading and unloading the dishwasher. Try not to place the dishwasher in a position where it will get clogged when the main walkway is open. It’s also important to consider the location of other appliances, such as the stovetop, relative to the dishwasher. When using a stove or sink, avoid opening the dishwasher door to an area where people are standing.
Collisions with appliances or cabinet doors when opened are often unavoidable, especially in L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens. However, it’s worth making sure that the drawers and doors for your plates, cutlery, and glassware can be fully opened at the same time as the dishwasher door is open for easy unloading.
If Your Dishwasher Is Located Under the Island
In a kitchen with an island, you may find that the island becomes a place where dirty dishes are discarded when away from outdoor entertaining areas, dining tables, or breakfast bars.
So, it’s a good idea to install a dishwasher here. The dishes can be quickly cleaned out of the island and, if desired, rinsed in the sink and placed in the dishwasher without having to move to other areas of the kitchen.
However, it is not always possible to place the dishwasher in the center of the room due to plumbing limitations, especially if the house is built on a concrete slab. It’s worth discussing this with your designer and plumber during the planning phase, as it can be quite expensive.
Consider an Integrated Dishwasher
If you have an open kitchen, you may want to consider a hidden dishwasher, especially if it’s visible from your living area. In this case, consider an integrated dishwasher, i.e., one that is specifically designed to fit behind a panel that matches the rest of the kitchen cabinets.
There are two main types of integrated dishwashers. One is semi-integrated, as shown in the picture, where only the top control panel is visible, and the lower part is covered by a cabinet panel.
Another option is a fully integrated dishwasher, as shown, giving the illusion that the cabinet or chest of drawers is located in front of the cabinet. In this case, the dishwasher’s controls are located on the top edge of the door and are only visible when the door is open.
Or Hide It in the Walk-In Pantry
Walk-in pantry and butler or work storage are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens, especially in new homes. As a kitchen designer, I often get requests from clients to put the dishwasher and a second sink in the pantry. This way, all the dirty dishes can be taken directly there to be washed after the meal, and all the cauldrons and pans can be washed there so that the main kitchen can be kept tidy and the sink can be left empty to rinse cups or wash hands.
Busy families and residents with larger populations may consider installing two dishwashers, one in the kitchen for daily use and the other in the butler’s pantry for washing extra dishes or when guests visit.
Consider Elevating It
If you don’t like bending over to load and unload the dishwasher, this could be the solution for you. Placing the dishwasher in a taller cabinet (similar to how you would use an oven that is eye level) will make your back easier.
Add a drawer underneath the dishwasher that can be used to store anything like a dishwasher tablet, plates, or cutting board to make the most of the extra space. You can complete the height of the cabinet on top of the dishwasher or extend it to a higher height by adding extra storage space (or even microwave space) above the dishwasher. Make sure the dishwasher is properly installed and secured in place to avoid any movement.
