Dishwasher Installation Preference

[may63]

Linda Richmond asks:

Do you prefer to have your under-the-counter dishwasher installed to the left or right of your kitchen sink? Is there a "proper" side? Discuss.

 

[mayguy]

May, I don't think there's a right or wrong way of putting in a dishwasher. it all depends on how the cabinets are laid out, and how much room there is.

 

[turquoisedude]

It depends on how much cupboard space is available - the design books suggest leaving adequate room either side of the machine for easy loading. Where space is limited, it would make sense to follow whether the main user of the machine is right or left-handed. Or you could just install a pull-out (vintage or modern!).
Funny but the dishwasher-sink combos from once-upon-a-time always seemed to have the dishwasher to the right of the sink...

 

[mixfinder]

Clean dishes, food prep and baking.

I set the dishes nearest the dishwasher and leading to the eating area along with silverware, serving pieces and the coffee maker since it is close to the sink for water and the dishes for cups. Then near the range I place spices, knives, utensils, food processor and pans for stove top and savory cooking. In a third area I place any ingredient used in baking along with the mixer and baking pans. Then I can stand in one logical place and simply produce food. I cannot begin to tell you how many coffee makers I see sitting next to the range and I silently ask, Why?

 

[danemodsandy]

What I Used to Recommend:

When I taught cooking and consulted on kitchens was, if there was a choice, the dishwasher should be on the same side of the sink as one's dominant hand. Right-handers should have it on the right, left-handers on the left. Not only is one's dominant hand more dexterous, with many people, it's stronger. That means if your dishwasher is positioned so that you're reaching into it with your dominant hand, you stand less chance of dropping a dish.

This is probably not an issue for younger, healthy people, and it seems to be less of one for males than females, but an older woman or someone with hand issues like arthritis can really benefit from a little thoughtfulness in this regard.

Coming up on the hour - where to put your range, and why...

 

[mixfinder]

Food prep

Near the range

 

[mixfinder]

Baking and Utensils

Too close to really delineate

 

[petek]

Okaaaay,, so I'm right handed and my partner is left handed. I am responsible for loading and he does the unloading. The dw in this house is on the right of the sink, same last house, first house it was on the left. I don't think I ever really thought about it. So long as there is one.
Though we don't have our upper cupboards organized properly. It was sort of done in a move in rush 3 years ago and has stayed that way since. LOL

 

[ronhic]

Well....

...I've always prefered to have the dishwasher to the left of the sink and that sink should have drainers either side.

I prefer to wash from left to right, dirty to clean, and therefore the dirty dishes would be directly above the dishwasher for easy loading....

 

[xraytech]

When we built our home in 1993 we did not include a dishwasher in the kitchen, in 1999 when we decided we wanted one the only place that it could be placed was on the opposite side of the kitchen from the sink, but it is also located nesxt to the cupboard where the dishes are kept

 

[mysteryclock]

Well in an ideal world....

...I'd have one on *each* side, one for big pots-n-pans (stainless, of course) and one for regular dishes.

Miele, preferably...

< *sigh *>

 

[toggleswitch2]

With a corner sink, once should allow for at a least 12" (30cm) cabinet in between the sink and the DW so that the DW can be opened easily while one is at the sink.

I don't care on which side the DW is located; I've had both.

I like the SS drainboards common in the UK that are part of the SS sink (one-piece).

In an ideal world I'd love to have a cabinet the size of a DW to move the bottom rack (once clean) into it. One could just pick the "cleans" out as needed and technically never empty that rack all at once!

I'm with you guys-- 2 DW-ers is a must!

 

[ronhic]

Toggles....

....May I just say that stainless steel one piece sink units are the norm here too....and have been for decades. You can pretty much get any variation you like from single bowl with left or right hand drainer to 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 or double bowls...with single or double drainers.

I've always had at least 1 1/4 plus drainer...and have double with double drainers here as you can see in the pic....

 

[toggleswitch2]

Thanks Chris.

I thought so, (about such feature being common is Austalia) but wasn't sure. I'd have a full-sized sink and another next to it just for the dish-drainer. Can't stand looking at those things and I don't have one.

Actually, I'd have a full-sized DW (24"/60cm) and a tabletop model as well installed (fitted=> UK) under the counter ("workbench") they are quick and wash well...even on 110v.

 

[ronhic]

Here you go...

...a link to Clark who probably sell more sinks than anyone else in this country

Clark Bathroom Products AU | Stylish & Durable Solutions - Caroma

Explore the range of Clark bathroom products at Caroma. From innovative taps to modern basins, discover durable, high-quality solutions that elevate your bathroom design. Shop now!

www.clark.com.au

 

[circlew]

On right, elevated

In my new kitchen I'm planning on putting the dishwasher to the right of the sink, and it will be raised 1' for ease of use. Dish storage will be above. Stainless sink will be double bowl (one large deep for oversize pans and one regular) with integral drainboard.