If you're right-handed, or whomever uses the dishwasher most is right-handed, then you'll enjoy having the dishwasher to the right of the sink, and that would reduce your need to re-configure the cabinetry.

I like the pantry location in the first photo. It looks singled out by itself to have it near the window, but that's just my opinion. Also, if you put the refrigerator right up to the wall like that, you might have trouble with the door clearance for opening, so keep that in mind.

On the contrary, I’m right-handed, and have always preferred the dishwasher on the left. I hold plates in my left hand (when minimally rinsing), and manipulate the faucet head with my right. Then I turn to my left, and load the plate, glass, whatever.

Also, if your main prep area is over the DW, you’ll be in the way, and have to move, should someone want to put something in it.

How about this?

1. High cabinet (aka pantry) to the right of refrigerator and to make sure right-hand refrigerator door can be opened fully.
2. Top cabinet over refrigerator.
3. Vertical Cover panel to the left of refrigerator
4. Sink opposite the open counter (not opposite the range) to minimize butt-to-butt contact.
5. Dishwasher to the right of sink to keep access to refrigerator unimpaired during cleanup time.

Also: If you don't need a monster refrigerator, use a 30"-wide model (examples: Frigidaire FFHT2033VS, GE GBE21DSKSS) with right-hand hinges so both the refrigerator and freezer are easily accessible when you're standing to the appliance's left.

-- amateur

Thanks for the comments so far! As for moving the sink, that really isn't an option considering I don't want to spend the money on a new counter. So the best I can do is a 30" space to the left; 24" will make things simpler with the cabinets I already have (and leave a larger area to the right), but 30" will make things simpler with the counter. With that said, do you still think it's better to put the dishwasher on the right and make it 30" to the left of the sink?

Also, there is enough space in the aisle between the oven and dishwasher that their doors will not hit each other, but it would probably be better if people could stand in front of both at the same time.

I actually currently have a 30" refrigerator, but I was thinking of going with a 36" for future functionality. If I sell the house and someone wants a 36" refrigerator, moving all the cabinets will not be easy.

With the DW to the left of the sink (I'm right hand/left eye dominant, and my DW is to the left of my sink), where will you store dishes? You'll have some conflict with the fridge door, but if that's the only option, then I'd move the sink down as far as possible. Keep in mind that you'll need a return panel for the DW, and a counter overhang of at least 1" on that side.

If the dishwasher is on the left side, I'd store the dishes in the cabinets between the fridge and range. Putting the dishwasher on the right side of the sink would put more of the wall cabinets within the same reach of the dishwasher. So I guess right makes more sense?

Are you saying that since I can't move the sink farther right, I should leave as little space as possible on the left side, regardless of where I put the dishwasher?

I've figured the panel and overhang into my numbers, but thanks for the reminder. I usually forget things like that.

Yes, if you move the sink and DW to the far left, you'll have more space for prep to the right, and for a wider cabinet under the prep space. 30" to the left of the sink, with 26" or so for DW and return panel, and 1" overhang, would just be wasting 3" you could add to a cabinet to the right of the sink.

Yes, if the dishwasher is on the left, absolutely I would move it over as far as I could. The question I was raising is if the dishwasher is better on the right. In that case, more of the wall cabinets are closer to it, and that would give me the option of putting between 24 and 30" of cabinets to the left of the sink. Or were you saying that a dishwasher inherently interferes with prep space, so it is better on the left in this case?

I live alone, so I'm the only person that interferes with what I do... which happens frequently ;) But I am also considering the future sale of the house.

You have a 30” space on the left of the sink- I would do a 12” base tray cabinet, 18” double pull out trash recycling, then the sink, then the dishwasher. This is the natural flow of cleanup- scrape, rinse, dishwasher.

You said if the dishwasher is on the left you could trim the counter up to 6 inches, that’s a good idea. 36 inches of walk space around that big an island in a pain, you will need the room. Also I would pull the pantry and block it out from the wall to be the same depth as the fridge box depth . You will find it much easier to access the pantry.