Dishwasher Placement

9 years ago

We had a complete gut rehab about 15 years ago. The architect was inexperienced (and so were we) and put our dishwasher to the left of the sink. I've always hated loading the dishwasher and didn't realize why until recently. Having it on the left is just awkward! The sink is centered on a window and is a double bowl, smaller bowl left, food disposal on right. We will be redecorating, so a new sink is an option.

Any suggestions on how to improve the situation? There isn't room on the right to move the dishwasher unless we shift the sink left and as I said, it's centered on a window.

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Patricia Colwell Consulting

9 years ago

To be honest I have had it on either side and agree it really made no difference for me. BTW disposals should be against code everywhere , what a waste of compostible material and a really heavy load on waste processing. Really get with the 21st century and start looking after our resources. These have been outlawed in Europe already and we should follow suit.

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Comments (15)

sheloveslayouts
9 years ago
If the window is a slider, could center the sink on the left window panel to fit the dishwasher on the right?
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Flo Mangan
9 years ago
Get a single sink, slide to left and put dishwasher on the right. Otherwise, live with the left side dishwasher. I have it on the left and am right handed, but it is very convenient to scrape dishes on the right side sink and disposal rinse a bit on the left sink and then load on left with dishwasher there. You will have to decide which is best for you. I very much dislike the small sink big sink combos. The small sink isn't useful at all, so either one sink, or two larger bowls.
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astor818
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks Flo! I agree about the small sink, that's why I want to replace it.
simstress
9 years ago
I prefer the disposal on the dishwasher side, whether single bowl with offset drain or double bowl. If you do nothing else at the moment, get your disposal switched to the left bowl. HTH.
erinsean
9 years ago
Our disposal is on the right of a double sink and dishwasher is on the right of the sink....have always found it handy and I am right handed.
athomeeileen
9 years ago
I've had my dishwasher on left and right sides of the sink. I never noticed a difference either way. Still gotta do the dishes.
apple_pie_order
9 years ago
Consider an 18" dishwasher. It may be a better fit on the other side of the sink.
PRO
Debbi Washburn
9 years ago
Usually the placement of the dishwasher is based on where it will fit and whether it opens in front of another appliance. It should not be in between the sink and range if it will interfere with the person cooking. I would encourage you to change the sink.

Good luck!
jonio
9 years ago
Sorry, not giving up my disposals!!! It all composts... I didn't put any diapers in the landfill, so some vegetables or leftovers going into the ground won't change the world. T each their own!
Milly Rey
9 years ago
I'm adding a disposal this time. I wouldn't scrape dishes into it, but I hate cleaning out the little basket every day--it's usually less than 1/6 full, but it's still gross.
Milly Rey
9 years ago
Also, there is nothing wrong with a dishwasher on either side of the sink. What a peculiar thing to blame a contractor for! He made no mistake, and I've never heard of anyone having a problem before. Maybe you need to work with an OT. This isn't a normal problem to have.
Banjo Hughes
9 years ago
I agree with Patricia, they are a complete waste of water also.
woodteam5
9 years ago
There is no right or wrong side for a dishwasher. I planned my dishwasher on the left of my sink, I hold the dish in my left hand, wipe with my right. Right hand keeps the sponge while left puts the dish into the dishwasher and gets a new dish. I am right handed though, maybe my son (a lefty) would rather it be the other way around? Everyone is different Your architect was not wrong, that was were it fit best.
jonio
9 years ago
Garbage disposals are still available online in France, so I guess we aren't too behind "the times!" :-/ Something I don't want my government to regulate. Thanks, anyway.