Sometimes called integrated dishwashers, built-in dishwashers are fully built in to your kitchen, fitting under the counter top with the front of the machine lining up with the kitchen cabinets. They do not protrude in any way, and often are designed to blend in with your kitchen. At the very least, they are designed to improve the appearance of the kitchen, not detract from it.
Built-in dishwashers are installed with a water supply and drainage system plumbed in, usually at the back of the cabinet next to the space left for the dishwasher. There will also be an electric socket nearby to make it easy to plug the machine in without cords snaking around the machine.
Because they are placed under kitchen counters, the control panel for built-in dishwashers is usually on the front of the machine, not on top as on free-standing machines.
Built-in dishwashers sizes
Built-in dishwashers are available in two sizes, full size at 60cm wide, and slimline, which are usually 45cm wide. Your choice will be dictated by the space available in your kitchen. Full size dishwashers accommodate between 8 and 12 place settings, while a slimline machine will take 6 to 8, making the latter more suitable for families of four people or less.
If you want to replace a kitchen cabinet with a built-in dishwasher, you will have to have plumbing and an electricity supply installed. This can be quite costly, unless you are able to put the machine next the washing machine which will likely already have the necessary plumbing that can be extended or split easily. If you are renovating or building from the ground up, it is advisable to have the dishwasher installed near the kitchen sink so that you don’t have to cart dishes around for pre-rinsing. It is a good idea to rinse food particles off dishes before you put them into the dishwasher. This prevents over use of the filters, and reduces the amount of food swirling around during the wash cycle, some of which can get stuck to dishes resulting in an inferior cleaning process.
Built-in dishwashers save space in a kitchen because they fit in with the cabinets. In a small kitchen a slimline dishwasher is preferable, especially if storage space is needed. Removing a cabinet to fit a dishwasher means that you lose one cupboard, so make sure you can afford to lose the space before you make a decision.
Built-in dishwashers prices
Prices for built-in dishwashers range from around £250 for an Indesit, £290 for a Zanussi, £560 for a Bosch and increase depending on the brand and the features the dishwasher has. Most models have a choice of finishes, the most popular being white and stainless steel. Your choice will depend on the colour scheme of your kitchen and the other appliances such as the fridge and the washing machine. Slimline built-in dishwashers tend to be cheaper than the full size – the Bosch slimline for example goes for £440.
Built-in dishwashers today are beautifully designed to enhance your kitchen, and because they are a permanent fixture, your choice will likely take appearance as well as performance into consideration. Because built-in models tend to be larger than free-standing machines, they will have cutlery and glassware compartments, may have a variety of different programs, and some will have a dirt sensor to adjust the wash cycle according to how dirty the first cycle’s water is.
Check the machines ratings for energy, washing efficiency and drying power – an A rating is the top rating, but can cost quite a bit more. Built-in dishwashers offer convenience, superior performance and aesthetic appeal – and of course the relief that ‘someone’ else is doing the dishes for you.
