Modern kitchen setting with Miele appliances

Dos and Don'ts:

Positioning Appliances in Your New Kitchen

When planning a kitchen around Miele appliances, thoughtful placement is key. From enabling easy movement to ensuring timeless aesthetics, how you position your oven, hob, hood, fridge, or dishwasher can elevate your daily life. Here’s how to create a kitchen that feels as effortless as it looks.

The ABC of kitchen design:

Understanding the kitchen work triangle

What is the kitchen triangle?

A classic design principle, the work triangle connects your hob, sink and fridge in a layout to create a smooth workflow. Ideally, each side of the triangle spans 1.2–2.7 m – enough to allow easy movement without unnecessary steps.

Lady cooking in a modern kitchen setting

Ideal distances between appliances

When designing your kitchen, it’s not just about where appliances go—but how they support your daily routines. Miele built-in appliances are engineered for seamless integration. They can be installed side-by-side or stacked vertically using standard furniture panels, with no special side clearance required.

That said, if space allows, we recommend leaving at least 40 cm of work surface space between key work zones—such as between your refrigerator and hob. This provides a practical “landing area” to set down ingredients, prep food comfortably, and transfer items smoothly between stations.

Consider allowing prep space between:

Fridge and hob: To unpack and prepare ingredients efficiently.
Oven and sink: For placing hot trays or rinsing cookware.
Dishwasher and storage drawers: For easy unloading.

These thoughtful gaps don’t require much room—but they do make a big difference in how your kitchen flows, feels, and functions every day.

Ready to plan your own dream kitchen? Visit one of our trusted Miele kitchen retail partners who will help you bring your vision to life. Find your nearest specialist here.

Three people in a modern kitchen setting

Common pitfalls to avoid

Preventing appliance doors blocked by adjacent units or walls
Overcrowding corners with wide sinks or ovens
Forgetting the swing clearance for fridge and oven doors

Form meets function

The way appliances are positioned not only defines the look of a kitchen but also shapes how smoothly it works. Good design choices create efficient workflows and an elegant atmosphere — together they make your everyday life easier.

Place the fridge near the entrance and prep area so it’s easily accessible when unloading groceries.
Ensure there is worksurface space either side of the hob for placing hot pots.
Position the dishwasher close to the sink and waste bin to streamline clean-up.

_{Photo: Rachel Ferriman | Architecture: Giles Miller}

Our expert’s tip:

Key placement principles for major appliances

Refrigerator placement: Dos and don’ts

Do:

Position the fridge within the working triangle near the prep zone and ensure it stays accessible even if there are multiple people in the kitchen
Position close to the sink for easy rinsing of fruit and vegetables
Ensure ventilation, so air can circulate properly. Make sure you fulfil all requirements mentioned in the installation guide to ensure proper ventilation.
Choose a door hinge direction that suits your layout – not towards a wall or corner
Place glass fronted wine fridges near dining or home bar areas for easy entertaining

Don’t:

Have door hinges opening towards a wall or corner
Install too close to heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight
Install in confined, unventilated gaps as poor ventilation shortens appliance lifespan
Block adjacent units or foot traffic
Tuck in corners where door swing is limited
Install wine conditioning units close to other vibrating appliances, such as dishwashers or washing machines, as wine is sensitive to vibration

See fridges & freezers

Modern kitchen setting with an open fridge in the back

Oven and hob placement: Dos and don’ts

Do:

Measure the existing cutout space when buying a replacement hob
Consider the different types of extraction:
Hob with integrated extraction: Keeps air fresh and sightlines clear—ideal for open-plan spaces.
Ceiling extractor: Flush-mounted and virtually invisible; perfect for islands and high ceilings.
Downdraft extractor: Rises from the worktop only when needed—great for minimalist kitchens or angled ceilings.
Built-in hood: Hidden inside cabinetry for a clean, understated look with extra storage above.
Wall or island hood: A design statement with powerful performance—best for classic or spacious kitchens.
Consider positioning ovens at eye level to avoid stooping when lifting trays
Pair steam ovens close to the sink for convenient refilling (or choose plumbed-in models for added ease)

Don’t:

Overlook quiet extraction to remove steam and odours – Miele has a range of options for all spaces
Stack ovens into narrow corners without door clearance

See all ovens See all hobs

Dishwasher placement: Dos and don’ts

Do:

Place beside the sink for easy plumbing and direct loading
Consider slightly raised installation for reduced bending
Consider variances with XXL format e. g. for loading larger plates
Consider appliances with FrontFit feature for optimal design appearance
Use Miele’s Knock2open for handleless kitchens for clean aesthetics
Consider AutoDos models with integrated PowerDisk for automatic dispensing for maximum user convenience

Don’t:

Obstruct bins, drawers or walking paths
Overlook plinth compatibility
Forget to check the weight of the front panel (although we offer a very high flexibility)

See all dishwashers

Modern kitchen setting with an open dishwasher

Sink placement: Dos and don’ts

Do:

Place centrally in the kitchen triangle, ideally between fridge and hob
Allow prep and drying space on either side

Don’t:

Position under low, non-opening windows or corner gaps
Install without adequate workspace for dishes
Install inset sinks too far away from the front edge of the worktop to prevent back strain – 60-90cm is idea

_{Photo: Rachel Ferriman | Architecture: Giles Miller}

Aesthetics and Functionality: Key considerations

Aesthetic tips

A harmonious kitchen begins with a cohesive look: match appliance finishes—from Obsidian Black to Pearl Beige—to create visual unity. Consider horizontal or vertical alignment to achieve elegant sightlines, and decide whether to let built-in models blend seamlessly into the cabinetry or allow freestanding pieces to stand out as bold design features.

Easy access & efficient workflow

Maintain 90 cm clearance in all walkways and around islands; Store everyday items near where you use them: cups by the coffee machine, pans by the hob, plates near the dishwasher; Group bins, prep space and dishwasher in one zone to simplify clean-up.

Balancing form and function

With Miele, form and function go hand in hand. Clever positioning ensures elegance and an effortless workflow. Use smart Miele technology like Con@ctivity to reduce effort—for example choose a hob that communicates with the hood, adjusting extraction automatically.

Conclusion: Expert takeaways

Top dos:

Design layout around your daily routines, not just your space
Plan ventilation, plumbing and power sockets from the start
Match finishes and alignment for visual consistency
Use modular options for future flexibility

Top don’ts:

Don’t assume appliance fit without measuring clearances and opening arcs
Don’t ignore ergonomics—especially for frequently used appliances
Don’t forget the finishing touches like bin access or lighting zones

With Miele’s blend of thoughtful design, intelligent engineering and design-led philosophy, your kitchen becomes a space that’s intuitive, efficient and uniquely your own.

_{Photo: Rachel Ferriman | Architecture: Giles Miller}

Immer besser

Experience Miele for yourself

Still unsure which appliance is right for you? Visit your local Miele Experience Centre or find kitchen specialist partners to explore the range up close and receive expert guidance tailored to your needs. You can also book a Miele Discovery Course - a relaxed, hands-on session where our culinary experts will prepare a delicious three-course lunch and walk you through the appliances in action.  They will answer your questions, and help you make confident, informed choices. It’s the perfect way to see how Miele performance and design could transform your everyday cooking.

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