My new dishwasher should be installed in a few weeks, and I am so excited to upgrade my kitchen. I have been manually washing my dishes for years, but I have decided to finally step into the modern world with a dishwasher.
There is more to add a dishwasher to the kitchen than just choosing a model and installing it. I need to sit down and think about where I want to place my new dishwasher.
I am thinking of placing my dishwasher near the oven to make cooking and cleaning up easier for me.
It is not a good idea to place the refrigerator next to the oven, so I wanted to see if this rule applies to my dishwasher and oven as well.
Why Research This Dishwasher Placement?
I am the type to research any installation or home project before getting started on it. However, other people may wonder why it is important to find out if you can install the dishwasher next to the oven.
First, you want to ensure you are putting it in a safe spot. Remember, you are installing an appliance that uses water next to an appliance that gives off heat.
You also want to ensure the spot is close enough to a water line and drain. Otherwise, you are installing an appliance that is not going to work properly.
Finally, you need to take measurements to ensure your dishwasher actually fits inside the space. If need be, you can choose a different dishwasher for your kitchen.
I think these are all good reasons to research where to place a dishwasher, especially if you want to place it next to the oven.
Can You Place A Dishwasher Next To The Oven?
Now that I have mentioned placing a dishwasher next to the oven, you may be thinking about this arrangement yourself. Can you place a dishwasher next to the oven?
The answer to this question is yes and no, but it also depends on the type of oven you have in your kitchen. Basically, you can place the dishwasher next to the oven, but there are a few rules to keep in mind if you choose this arrangement.
You can place a dishwasher next to a freestanding, slide-in, or drop-in oven, but there should be at least 2 inches of clearance between these appliances.
The dishwasher should never be placed right next to a wall oven that has been installed beneath the counter. You need to ensure there is at least 24 inches of clearance between these appliances.
When in doubt about the 2-inch clearance, leave a clearance of 24 inches between these appliances to be safe.
My wall oven is installed under the counter, so I know to keep a distance of at least 24 inches between my dishwasher and oven.
Reasons To Leave Clearance Between The Dishwasher and Oven
By now, you know there needs to be clearance between a dishwasher and an oven. Being a curious person, I decided to see why it is important to leave clearance between these appliances!
1. Provides Space For The Appliance Doors
When installing appliances next to each other, you want to ensure the doors can open all the way.
It would become frustrating to work in a kitchen with appliance doors that cannot open properly.
2. Gives Heat Enough Space To Evaporate
Clearance is also essential because the heat from the oven needs enough space to evaporate. Otherwise, the dishwasher may eventually become melted or damaged.
In addition, you always want to reduce safety risks in the kitchen.
3. Prevents Meals From Being Contaminated
It is also important to leave clearance because the food particles on dirty dishes can cross-contaminate the food you are cooking.
Contaminated food ruins the meal and causes you to feel sick.
4. Creates An Efficient Kitchen Design
Leaving clearance between the dishwasher and oven creates an efficient kitchen design.
There is enough space to cook and clean up after meals.
5. Creates A Safe Kitchen For Everyone
In addition to creating an efficient design, leaving clearance also creates a safe kitchen for everyone.
For example, splashing water into the hot oil of a stove can lead to injury and messes.
The Benefits of Placing The Dishwasher Next To The Oven
The dishwasher can be placed almost anywhere in the kitchen. There just needs to be clearance between the appliances.
Are you wondering why this arrangement may be a good idea? I have found two benefits of placing the dishwasher next to the oven.
#1 Easier To Prepare Meals
I think it would be easier to prepare meals if the dishwasher is next to the stove. All I need to do is dry off my cookware, and I can continue preparing my meal.
If I keep a dishtowel in the general area, I do not have to maneuver around my kitchen to dry off my cookware.
#2 Cleaning Up Is An Easier Task
I also think cleaning up after a meal would be easier with the dishwasher next to the oven.
When I am finished cooking, all I need to do is take a few steps to place the cookware in the dishwasher.
Design Ideas For Your Dishwasher and Oven
If you are like me, you are thinking of placing your dishwasher next to the oven in your kitchen. Remember to allow for 24 inches of clearance between these appliances.
I have decided to check out a few design ideas for kitchens with the dishwasher next to the oven, and I am going to share a few kitchen designs that appealed to me.
You can use these ideas to draw inspiration for your own kitchen.
Side-By-Side Design
I found a design with a side-by-side dishwasher and oven, and it did leave at least 2 inches of clearance between the appliances. The dishwasher and oven were both installed under the counter.
There was a lot of space for preparing meals on the counter, which is always a bonus in my opinion. The appliances were surrounded by multiple drawers and cabinets.
Mounted to the wall above the counter were open shelves for easily accessing kitchen supplies.
L-Shaped Kitchen
It is easier to provide enough clearance between these appliances in an L-shaped kitchen. You can usually find the dishwasher and oven across from one another, but both appliances are close enough to the corner to be considered next to each other.
The dishwasher is next to the sink in this L-shaped kitchen, and there are several drawers and cabinets between the dishwasher and oven.
In addition, there is enough space for clearance, preparing meals, and cleaning up after meals.
U-Shaped Kitchen
I also found a U-shaped kitchen that features a dishwasher close to the oven. Actually, these appliances are on different parts of the counter, but they are close enough to be considered next to each other.
Imagine a U-shaped counter with a dishwasher and oven across from one another. It sticks to the side-by-side design while providing room to maneuver around the kitchen.
I think this is another great idea because there is enough space to prepare meals, and the dishwasher is close enough to make cleaning up after meals a breeze.
A Dishwasher Can Be Placed Next To The Oven
It is okay to place a dishwasher next to the oven, as long as you allow clearance between these two appliances. This creates a safe, efficient kitchen for everyone.
There should be at least 2 inches of clearance between these appliances, but I need to add at least 24 inches of clearance between my dishwasher and wall oven.
