The dirt on dishwashers
Where a dishwasher is installed in a kitchen can completely change how you interact with the space and clean up meals.
Positioning it in the perfect place can reduce the amount of time it takes to load or empty, giving you a few more precious minutes in the evening to relax on the couch.
Home design website Houzz shared a few tips for those going through a kitchen remodel on where to fit the fixture.
One of the most important things to consider when installing a dishwasher is having a sink nearby. Even though it’s supposed to do the bulk of the work, often times you’ll have to give plates and silverware a quick rinse before loading them. Keeping the faucet only feet away will both make this process faster and reduce the amount of water drops on the floor. Plus a dishwasher is easier to install when plumbing is already present.
Right-handed people will likely want the washer on the left of the sink, since they’ll be scraping with the right hand and holding the dish with the left. Then they can use that hand to load up the dishwasher. The opposite is true for lefties.
Keep the dishes you use most near the washer. Table toppers like dinner plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery shouldn’t be more than a step away. If possible, keep them in a cupboard directly above or next to the washer to eliminate the need to walk around while carrying heavy dishes altogether.
Ensure that the door of the dishwasher won’t be blocking anything else while open, especially drawers where you keep regular kitchen items, an under-the-sink garbage can, space in front of the sink or stove and regular walking areas. If your washer is in a corner, the drawers on the other side will be essentially unusable while the door is down.
For kitchens with islands and the proper plumbing, the separated counter space makes a perfect spot for a dishwasher that won’t block high-use cupboards. Dishes can be stored in a standard cupboard just across from the island, meaning you’ll only have to turn around to unload the washer.
Installing an elevated dishwasher can eliminate the need to bend down, which can be a relief to those with back problems. It can also create a nifty shelf to store cookbooks, flowers or even small appliances.
For those who want every part of the kitchen to look its best, creating an integrated dishwasher by covering the door with a material that matches the surrounding cabinets will make the kitchen appear seamless. Or you could hide it away in a walk-in pantry.
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