Generally, most appliance manufacturers recommend a minimum of 27 inches or more between the edge of the dishwasher door when ajar and the facing cabinets.
Keep in mind the dishwasher door will extend past the cabinets. Make sure there is at least 27 inches of open space in front of the dishwasher for loading and unloading.
Make sure to leave enough room (at least 27 inches) in front of the dishwasher to comfortably load and unload dishes, plus enough room to move around between the open door and any counters and islands.
While your dishwasher does not have to be flush with the cabinets and countertops, there are benefits to the parallel installation. A flushed dishwasher makes it easier to maneuver through your kitchen, creates a cohesive look within the space, and prevents unanticipated plumbing challenges.
Dishwashers need to have at least 2 feet of space between them and the wall. This is due to how hot the machine can get while it is running and the moisture it emits. Having a dishwasher too close to the wall will quickly result in mold and mildew building up on the sheetrock or paneling.
The gap is necessary because dishwashers create a lot of heat and humidity. It can damage the counters to be exposed to these elements too closely. Most manufacturers recommend a gap of 1/2-3/4 of an inch.
A standard size dishwasher is made for a kitchen cabinet opening that is 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches high. Some dishwasher models have the same standard height and depth but come in different width sizes.
Take your tape measure on top of your counter and place it on the back wall of your kitchen. Pull it along your countertop to the edge where your cabinets stop. Write that measurement down. Because cabinets are generally set a standard size of 24 inches, that's the measurement of depth for your dishwasher too.
The vast majority of dishwashers come in standard measurements of 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 35 inches high.
Home Depot Dishwasher Installation Cost
Home Depot offers basic installation for $99 with free delivery 7-days a week when you spend $396 or more. A $19.99 installation kit fee, and $9.99 adapter fee will be included in all installation. A $59 delivery fee applies to any major appliance purchases below $396.
Considered the standard style, typical built-in dishwashers are about 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches tall to fit most cabinet openings in residential kitchens.