Read the installation manual of the dishwasher. It will show the available/suggested areas it should be located.

The suggested area is in an adjacent cabinet (https://imgur.com/5KPnFvq), and instructions specify not to install the j-box behind the dishwasher (though they don't say anything about other locations within the dishwasher cabinet). If this was a new install I'd just do it as in the picture. Given the current location of the power cable and the available space beside the dishwasher in the dishwasher cabinet though, I feel like it would be a cleaner install to just put the j-box there (seems silly to drill a hole in the side of the cabinet to run the power line into an adjacent cabinet just to run the power right back in), but I only want to do it like that if there's not a compelling (i.e. safety or code) reason not to.

Do not install the junction box in the same cabinet space as the dishwasher. Dishwashers can occasionally vent into their cabinets if the one way air equalization valve fails, and junction boxes are a notorious spot for electrical failures, smoke, and fires. You need to be able to get at it if something happens. Pulling your dishwasher out to get to it is not a good option. Mount it as high up as possible as well.

Right-o, thank you for the explanation! Sounds like a safety reason then. Adjacent cabinet it is. Thanks again!

you've got plenty of wire to do so! good luck with the rest of the install

A junction box needs to be easily accessible. I think the dishwasher being screwed into place makes it considered inaccessible, like if you had to remove the counter top to get at it. Under the sink is fine. So long as you can get at it by opening cabinet doors or pulling a drawer.

You're thinking of "readily accessible":

> The NEC’s definition of readily accessible states: “capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to actions such as to use tools, to climb over or remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders and so forth.”

Just "accessible" requires not damaging anything, but does allow removing screws.

I'm guessing it must be "readily accessible" and that's why it's usually located in an adjacent cabinet.

one caveat

The pull down faucet's hose can be interfered with by the junction box

While tempting, that space is not appropriate. Your dishwasher installation manual will specify the exact location to drill a hole through the side of the cabinet to run the wires, water supply and drain line.

New dishwasher has a manual. Read it.

This information is in the manual.

You should put it under the sink with a switch where it's easily accessible.

Thanks for clearing that up. Yes, removing screws and pulling out the dishwasher would definitely not count as readily accessible.

You don’t drill a hole to bring it into the adjacent cabinet you bring the wire back through the drywall to come through the back of the adjacent cabinet then with a power cord you run the the bottom corner of the adjacent cabinet back to the dishwasher. The romex that is there shouldn’t be left exposed to possible damage.

Your installation is considered "hard wired" and you do not need a junction box as long as you wire the dishwasher directly into the electric line.

The last kitchen remodel I did, the owner didn't know if they wanted a dishwasher yet because the kitchen was so small, but they wanted power available in case they changed their minds in the future. In this case, I terminated the circuit in a junction box under the sink cabinet which was next to the cabinet that would have been removed to install a dishwasher.

As long as a dishwasher is a permanent part of your kitchen, you don't need to install a junction box and hard wiring as in your current configuration is the best choice and meets code.

What is not acceptable is terminating a circuit in a hidden junction box, like behind the dishwasher, because all junction boxes are required to be accessible to look for evidence of arcing during an inspection. In the case of a direct or hard wired dishwasher, the junction box is actually installed beneath the dishwasher where the electrical connection is made and is considered to be a safe way to wire an appliance.