Renovating your Kitchen? Finding the perfect position for your Dishwasher.
What is the perfect position for your dishwasher in your newly renovated kitchen?
Stunning white flat panel polyurethane finger pull cabinets, finished with a bulkhead, engineered stone benchtops and stainless steel appliances – kitchen renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.
Regardless of the size or layout of a kitchen, the positioning of its appliances is key. Renovating the kitchen is an ideal time to ensure that it’s layout and location of major elements are in the most functional position possible to create a workspace that flows without disruption. The kitchen triangle is a starting point, that is the location of the sink, cooktop and the fridge. From there attention should be turned to work zones. The way to create the ultimate function in a newly renovated kitchen is to focus on each individual zone. No matter how large or small the kitchen may be, focusing on separate work zones, will result in a kitchen that is pleasant to work in on a daily basis and be better able to accomodate extra help when entertaining.
Work zones in a kitchen are centred around a major appliance. One such appliance, is the dishwasher. Ensuring this appliance is positioned in its ideal location increases the functionality of the kitchen. While there are no hard and fast rules as to where the dishwasher must be positioned, we have some tips that can be used as a guide. Considering how an appliance is used will assist with finding its ideal location. There are two main daily tasks that the dishwasher encompasses, which are the loading of dirty kitchenware and of course the unloading of clean kitchenware. Therefore, it is practical to consider how to best facilitate these regular chores to reduce time and effort to increase the everyday kitchen flow and function.
Loading
Locate the dishwasher as close as possible to the sink. Ideally, right next to the sink to save time and energy when unloading and to avoid water dropping on the floor that creates a mess and a potential slip risk. This placement not only increases function, but makes plumbing less complicated, which saves extra dollars on your renovation.
There is much debate about whether the dishwasher should be placed to the left or the right of the sink. Some designers and renovators guide their customers with this decision with whether they either left or right handed. This is something to think about, though it is more important to think of the dishwashers function as a work zone with a 3 part system. While there are a number of dishwashers that boast a no rinse cycle, most people prefer to 1) scrape rubbish from the item into the bin, 2) give the item a quick rinse in the sink, then 3) place the item in the dishwasher. The sink should ideally be centre, the bin to one side and the dishwasher on the other. Which side the bin and dishwasher sit, is a matter of personal preference.
On another note, many homeowners choose to place their bin under the sink in either a pullout drawer or inside the cabinet. In this case, it is important to be sure that when the drawer or cabinet door is open to scrape rubbish off plates while after meal cleaning is being conducted, that it does not block the access to the dishwasher requiring the bin to be reached over when being loaded. Just think of easy access between each of these three elements within the zone, to achieve the most function. A quick and easy cleanup time after daily meals adds valuable family time in a busy household.
Unloading
Ensure that daily used items are stored close by. Be sure the dishwasher is close to drawers and cabinets used for cutlery, glass wear, cups and plates. This will save hassle and time when unloading the dishwasher on an everyday basis. Ideally these drawers and cabinets are within a step or two from the dishwasher. These storage points may be adjacent or opposite the dishwasher, though keeping them within a step or two will make emptying the dishwasher much less of a chore. That single pot or pan and other items that are less regularly put through a dishwashing cycle may be placed on the outskirts of the kitchen cabinetry and be put away as you leave the kitchen. Job done!
Gorgeous white polyurethane cabinets with dishwasher placed to the left of the sink – kitchen renovation by Master Bathrooms & Kitchens.
A safe position
Keep walkways clear of obstruction. Kitchens need to have their major pathways left clear and free of obstruction to ensure a functional and safe workspace. Let’s face it, our kitchens can become extremely busy zones before and after mealtimes, even more so when entertaining. It is beneficial for all members of the household, especially those with young children, to ensure that the kitchen has ample space to walk freely in high traffic areas. When deciding upon the placement of your dishwasher in a kitchen renovation, you have the unique opportunity to try to ensure that the placement of this appliance does not become a trip hazard when the door of the dishwasher has been left open. Now obviously this may not be possible in all kitchen layouts, particularly smaller kitchens though, it is something to consider.
Kitchen Islands
A kitchen island looks fabulous in kitchens that boast a larger area, they make such a statement. Not only do they look fantastic, they create an informal meals area that can be used daily at breakfast and dinner. Having the key after meals elements housed within the kitchen island creates the most simplistic cleanup possible. That is, locating the bin, sink and dishwasher in the kitchen island means that after meals, plates can be handed over when seated at the island to the sink, scraped, rinsed and placed in the dishwasher in minutes. An ideal kitchen setup.
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Master Bathrooms & Kitchens is a bathroom and kitchen renovation company that has been renovating homes beautiful for over 25 years. We are family owned and operated and offer advice and expertise that only comes from years of experience. Be sure to peruse our website for more renovation inspiration or simply call us on (02)9899-9330 to discuss your renovation and organise an in home quotation today!
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