Knowing about the proper placement of your kitchen appliances is very important.
Otherwise, it can lead to serious kitchen hazards like glass appliances breaking.
Especially the dishwasher because it carries all the glass dishes.
Do you know how far should a dishwasher stick out from the cabinet?
Ideally, a dishwasher should stick out 1.5″ from the counter. In the case of the top controller dishwasher, it sticks out 2-3″. Therefore, the answer depends on your cabinet and appliance’s positioning and type. Its installation method is something to consider.
Now, that was just a highlight of this topic. We’ll further discuss the other concerns in detail. So, let’s wash right into the topic:
The Prime Position Of A Dishwasher
Before we start, let’s take a step back and ask:
Is the dishwasher sticking out?
Well, it’s normal to be confused about your dishwasher’s position because this depends on several factors, like the placement of the dishwasher and countertop.
Most of the time, the whole situation depends on perception. One might think it’s sticking out while someone else thinks otherwise.
One of the most popular suggestions is putting the dishwasher beside the sink. If you have a small (less than 100 sq. ft.) and closed kitchen, place it right under your sink. You better choose a slimline dishwasher for this purpose.
Another thing is, you shouldn’t place the dishwasher at the entrance of your kitchen. High traffic can increase the risk of accidents. So, avoid placing it there. Even if you do, it’ll sometimes feel like it’s sticking out. So, make sure your appliances are safely installed.
Most dishwashers need 24x24x35″ space inside the cabinet space. So you’ve got to give it enough space. Also, leave at least a 2″ gap between the dishwasher and other appliances. Such as a range or wall oven.
Otherwise, the steam won’t be able to get out. As a result, the dishwasher can get a bad smell. Quite comparable to an oven having a dead mouse odor.
Now you must be clear on why positioning your dishwasher correctly is extremely important. Since the functionality of your kitchen solely depends on that. So give it a good thought and plan carefully.
How Far Should A Dishwasher Stick Out
Most of the time, a dishwasher isn’t flushed with the cabinet. So it’s normal for it to stick out a little. Ideally, a dishwasher door sticks out 2.5″ from the cabinet frame and 1.5″ in front of the counter.
A dishwasher is mainly attached to the side. Hence, it shouldn’t be put to the back. Then it’ll have nothing to attach itself to. Most importantly, dishwashers shouldn’t be installed on the wall directly. At least a 24″ gap should be maintained between them.
Make sure your dishwasher is mounted on the sides or under the countertop. This ensures it won’t be able to move around. Otherwise, it can result in accidents and cause injuries or other hazards.
The buttons are on the top of the door for a top controller dishwasher. As a result, the door will stick 2 or 3 inches out. So, you can expand your cabinets according to that to level it up.
Aligning the dishwasher door is just as important as leveling. At times, the dishwasher door fails to align properly. This can make the dishwasher look like it’s stuck out.
In such cases, you can follow the below-mentioned process:
- Open the door angling it from the tub such that it reaches the hinge, preferably 15 degrees.
- Try lifting the door and putting it back on the hinges
- If you hear a loud click sound, you can be sure that the door is put back.
Now your dishwasher door shouldn’t stick out or fail to align. If it still doesn’t work smoothly, repeat the steps.
Necessary Tips For Installing Dishwashers
It’s possible to install a dishwasher flush with cabinets. Or set up a stand-alone dishwasher. Both have pros and cons. Either way, you need to know about the gaps between them.
It’s better if you install a dishwasher between two cabinets. But putting it in a corner cabinet won’t be wise. Because they usually are too large to fit in there. You can use a smaller dishwasher in case you place it in a corner cabinet.
It’s necessary to give the cabinet and washer at least a 21” gap. At the same time, filling the gap is also needed. It’s just as important as filling the gap between the wall and the tile, which can be done with filler strips.
If you’re not an expert in this field, choosing a filler can be a bit of a hassle for you. That’s why we’ve provided our list of best picks below:
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
Now, you can easily choose your filler strips. And install them following the instructions. Just cut them according to your size and then stain them on. Dry them for almost 24 hours.
Another important thing is to install flooring beneath the dishwasher. It should be the priority in projects that include plumbing and water flows.
It’s usually installed in front of the washer after setting it. But it should be installed underneath for long-lasting results. It’ll protect you from water leakage and other kitchen hazards. So, keep these in mind while installing the dishwasher.
Finally, you’re equipped to find the perfect gap between the dishwasher and cabinet.
Readers Also Ask
Do you need space around a dishwasher?
Keeping a little space around the dishwasher is a wise decision. You might need to change it in the future. So leaving at least 1 inch from each side will make the replacement easier.
How can I hide my dishwasher in my cabinets?
Installing a flush-inset dishwasher with the cabinets is a popular idea. It gives the whole kitchen a very well-furnished look. But this can be a bit expensive. A comparatively better idea is painting the dishwasher. To make it look like the cabinet. Moreover, you’ll always have the option to change or update it later.
Is the Top Control or front control dishwasher better?
Top-controller dishwashers are better in many ways. But they are high-end appliances, hence, they’re costly. Whereas front controllers are more common and the price is cheaper. The top controller dishwasher has better visuals and controls on the top.