Dishwashers have become standard kitchen equipment in many homes. The convenience and efficiency of these appliances makes them a favourite in kitchens, and you may find your home has the space available to accommodate an integrated dishwashers.
Integrated dishwashers fit into the space that a cabinet would take, under a counter top in the kitchen. The front of the dishwasher is flush with the cabinets, and the control panel is on the front door at the top of the machine. Like a washing machine, an integrated dishwasher will have a water supply and drainage hidden behind and next to the machine. Sometimes, a panel or door is mounted in front of the machine to match the kitchen cabinets, hiding the dishwasher completely.
Because they are a part of your kitchen décor, the design of an integrated dishwasher tends to be more important. You may want to choose a finish that matches the other appliances such as the fridge or the oven, although your choice is generally limited to white or stainless steel.
Integrated Dishwashers sizes
Integrated dishwashers are generally bigger than other types. The full size version is 60cm wide and takes 12 place settings. Depending on the finish, prices range from around £250 for an Indesit, £290 for a Zanussi, £560 for a Bosch and upwards. White dishwashers tend to be less expensive than the stainless steel ones, and of course the number of features increase with the price.
A slimline integrated dishwasher is 45cm wide, holding around 8 or 9 place settings depending on the make and model. These tend to cheaper than the full size – the Bosch slimline for example goes for £440. Although they are difficult to find, integrated dishwashers can be found in the compact size, 35cm wide with capacity for 4 place settings. These are ideal for small kitchens in apartments where there are only one or two people living.
Integrated dishwashers save space as they are tucked out of the way with the kitchen cabinets, and because they are bigger they tend to be more energy efficient. However, if you do not have the plumbing in place, it can be expensive to install an integrated dishwasher into an existing kitchen. If you are building or remodelling your kitchen it is advisable to have the plumbing put in – whether you have a dishwasher or not. You may want one in the future, and it is a good selling point. It is far easier to remove the base of a cabinet and the door to slot in a dishwasher than to add plumbing.
Depending on your requirements, you can find integrated dishwashers with all the features you may need. Most of them are electronic today, but you may want to look at the different wash cycles available before you choose. Additional cycles such as pot-scrubber, steam clean and sanitizing cycles do not always guarantee a better wash, but they will add to the purchase price of your dishwasher.
Integrated Dishwashers models
Most new models of integrated dishwashers will have a self-cleaning filter that grinds down leftover food and drains it away. A rinse cycle allows you to just rinse dishes – very handy when you have half a load but don’t want the food remnants to get dried out and difficult to clean. You can rinse and then wash the dishes properly when the dishwasher is fully loaded.
Dishwashers are popular because they relieve homeowners of a chore that, in a big family, can feel never-ending. Integrated dishwashers become part of your kitchen, adding to it’s value without detracting from its looks.
