So, let me tell ya, I remember the time when I was moving into my first apartment and I got really excited about finally having a dishwasher.
I mean, who doesn’t love the idea of not having to scrub every single dish by hand?
But, as it turns out, I didn’t properly measure the space for the dishwasher and ended up having to do a lot of DIY remodeling to make it fit.
Talk about a bummer, right?
But, I learned my lesson and now I’m gonna share some tips with you so you don’t make the same mistake I did.
Did you know that the average person spends about 2,190 hours in their lifetime doing dishes?
That’s like, a whole year of your life spent on dishes alone! So, having a dishwasher is a pretty sweet deal.
Table of Contents
What Is the Standard Cabinet Opening for a Dishwasher?
The standard cabinet opening for a dishwasher is 24 inches wide and 34.5 inches tall.
This means that when you’re shopping for a dishwasher, you should make sure that the appliance will fit into this space. If you’re not sure, you can always check the manufacturer’s specifications to find out the dimensions.
What is the Minimum Distance Between Sink and Dishwasher?
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) the minimum distance between sink and dishwasher is 48 inches, thus, It is to make sure that there is enough space for the dishes to be loaded and unloaded comfortably.
Are Dishwashers Supposed to Be Flush with the Cabinets?
Now, this is where things can get a little tricky. Some dishwashers are designed to be flush with the cabinets, which means they sit at the same level as the cabinet doors.
However, there are also some dishwashers that are designed to sit slightly above or below the cabinet doors.
It is important to refer to manufacturer instructions to know if your dishwasher has to be flush with the cabinet or not, but generally speaking it’s best to flush mount it for aesthetic reasons.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) with Some Snarky Answers
Q: Can I just shimmy the dishwasher in there even if it’s a little too big?
A: Uh, no. Don’t be ridiculous. You’re gonna end up with a dishwasher that looks like it’s wearing a too-tight sweater and you’re not gonna be able to open the door properly.
Q: Do I really have to measure the space before I buy a dishwasher?
A: Yes, you really do. It’s like buying clothes without trying them on first. It’s just asking for trouble.
Q: My dishwasher is too small for the opening, can I just make the opening bigger?
A: A: Sure, you can. But, you’re gonna end up with a hole in your cabinets that’s bigger than your dishwasher. Not exactly a great look.
The End? More like The Conclusion, Baby!
In conclusion, measuring the space for your dishwasher is important before you buy one to avoid the DIY remodeling headache like I had.
The standard cabinet opening for a dishwasher is 24 inches wide and 34.5 inches tall, the minimum distance between sink and dishwasher is 48 inches.
And, you should refer to manufacturer instructions when it comes to whether or not your dishwasher should be flush with the cabinets or not. Now, go forth and measure your spaces, my friends! And remember, no shimmying of appliances allowed.