5 DISHWASHER PLACEMENT IDEAS

Getting the placement of your dishwasher right is an important step in creating a kitchen that inspires. A dishwasher should be in close proximity to a sink and cabinets where dishes are stored with proper access to water hookups. Ideally, it should also be distanced from areas where cooking and food preparation take place to help maximize your creative potential through a thoughtful kitchen design. 

Read on to learn how to make your kitchen space the ideal place for making with these important dishwasher placement considerations, including hookup access, sink access, proximity to storage, appliance visibility and mobility.

1. ACCESS TO HOOKUPS

Before installing your new appliance, also keep in mind the location of essential dishwasher hookups like the water supply, drain line and power cord connections. Be sure to identify the location of these elements, whether they be to the left or right side of the sink or in another area of the kitchen entirely, like near the refrigerator.

2. LOCATION OF THE SINK

Installation requirements surrounding plumbing and draining may affect how far away you can install your dishwasher from a sink. When thinking about the ideal placement for your new dishwasher, also consider whether it will be close enough for you to load dishes comfortably without straying too far from the sink.

As you experiment with different recipes and cooking techniques, dirty dishes can accumulate quickly. Keeping your dishwasher in close proximity to the sink can help you rinse dishes quickly during the making process, allowing you to leave the loading for later.

3. PROXIMITY TO STORAGE

Ensuring your dishwasher is in close proximity to storage areas for cookware and cutlery can help reduce unloading time, freeing you up to start thinking about your next recipe idea. Strive for a dishwasher placement that allows you to easily transfer everyday items like plates and utensils from the dishwasher racks to their proper place in your cabinets and drawers.

4. VISIBILITY

Appliance placement is an easy way to add your own sense of style and function to your kitchen. Placing your dishwasher behind a dedicated enclosure can help you create a clean, seamless look for your kitchen that let’s you concentrate on cooking and entertaining.

Built-in dishwashers are a great option for creating better flow in your kitchen without wasting valuable cabinet space. Explore panel-ready options like these models by KitchenAid brand that can provide a wall-to-wall cabinet look for a truly seamless integration. When shopping for a new appliance, consider quiet dishwashers models like these by KitchenAid brand to help you think less about cleanup and more about your next great recipe.

5. MOBILITY

As you consider placement ideas for your new appliance, you’ll want to ensure ample space around your dishwasher to properly use it. Before placing the dishwasher, consult your owner’s manual to make sure the chosen area fits the required space specifications for proper installation and use. The placement should leave enough door clearance to maximize the flow of traffic in your kitchen, even when the dishwasher is open and the racks are extended. If you’re considering a location perpendicular to the sink, be sure to leave enough space for you to stand as you load and unload dishes.

Or, consider placing your dishwasher in a kitchen island to make your appliance accessible from multiple angles and streamline the look of your space.

WHERE SHOULD A DISHWASHER BE PLACED IN A SMALL KITCHEN?

Small, narrow kitchens with an L-shape or galley style can benefit from placing the dishwasher at one end of the space for easy access to the appliance without cutting off more of the already limited walking space. Dishwashers placed in a corner, or at the end of a row of cabinets can also help other small kitchens feel more open.

As you shop for a new appliance, it’s important to find the right dishwasher dimensions that fit both your kitchen and your culinary pursuits. In terms of style, built-in dishwashers can be aligned nearly flush with cabinets for easy access and a seamless look that also creates more space for moving around the kitchen.

SHOP KITCHENAID® DISHWASHERS

Available in an array of styles to fit the needs of your space, KitchenAid^® dishwashers can help you transform your kitchen into a space that inspires your culinary passion. Explore features like the 360º Max Jets^™ Third Rack and ProWash™ Cycle on select models by KitchenAid brand that will help you focus less on cleanup and more on creating.