A semi or fully integrated dishwasher
A built-in dishwasher can be a fully integrated dishwasher or a semi integrated dishwasher. The difference is the location of the control panel. With a semi integrated model it’s on the outside, so it’s always visible, while with a fully integrated dishwasher the control panel is on the inside. Fully integrated dishwashers blend in with the rest of your kitchen, but you do need a front panel.
Which built-in dishwasher is best for you depends on your taste. If you don’t mind looking at the stainless steel look or white front of a dishwasher, you might want to go for a semi-integrated model.
What different dishwashers are there?
Before you decide to buy a built-in dishwasher, it’s important to know what the difference with the other types of dishwashers is. This will allow you to choose the type that suits you best.
A built-in dishwasher vs. a freestanding dishwasher
A freestanding dishwasher is completely visible in your kitchen. Neither the top nor the sides are covered by your countertop or kitchen cabinets. Most people choose a freestanding dishwasher because they don’t want to sacrifice a kitchen cabinet or because they don’t have the right connections underneath the kitchen. Freestanding dishwashers take up a lot of space, so this is something to consider!
A built-in dishwasher vs. a built-in dishwasher
Domestic dishwashers blend in with the design of your kitchen, while built-in dishwashers are still partially visible. A semi integrated dishwasher has a visible control panel and a fully integrated one you can’t even see is there. The adjustable feet allow the appliance to reach all the way to the bottom of the worktop and then be hidden behind the kitchen plinth. A built-in dishwasher goes under the countertop, exposing the entire front of the unit.
Help on choosing
Before buying a new built-in dishwasher, there are a few features to consider. This will ensure that you buy the dishwasher that best suits you and your household.
Look at where the control panel is
An integrated dishwasher has the control panel on the outside or on the inside. Both forms have different benefits, so you should pay close attention to where the controls are located. For example, if the control panel is on the outside of the dishwasher door, you can always see how far along the program is and what temperature is being used. If the control panel is on the inside, you can place a panel from your kitchen on top of the dishwasher and the appliance will blend in nicely with the rest of your kitchen.
Look for the different connections
The biggest mistake many people make when buying a built-in dishwasher is not having the right connections. The dishwasher is already in the house the moment they find out that there is a water supply or power connection nearby. Sometimes you can use PVC pipes to branch off from your existing water pipes, but you have to be able to get behind your kitchen cabinets to do that. A built-in dishwasher is often of standard size as it is designed to be fully integrated into any kitchen. You often have the choice of a normal sized dishwasher or a smaller model. The best type of dishwasher for you depends on your household and the amount of dishes you have. For example, if you often run a half load because you just don’t have that many dishes, you might want to choose a small built-in dishwasher. You’ll save space, water and energy! For households with lots of dishes, it’s important to look at the maximum load of the appliance. The capacity of a dishwasher is always specified in the number of place settings, where 1 place setting equals one set of cutlery, one plate and one glass.
The different features
Different types of dishwashers have different features, so it is important to consider what is important to you. These include an energy-saving programme, delayed start, adjustable water softener or a wash programme especially for caked pots and pans. All dishwashers have an indication of the type of dishes they are designed to handle, such as large dishes, wine glasses or baby bottles.
Dry function
Having a dishwasher doesn’t always mean your dishes will be instantly dry. Some items, such as plastic containers, can come out of the dishwasher wet. You’ll need to dry them before they can go back into the cabinet. A built-in dishwasher with zeolite technology features zeolite granules that convert moisture into heat, ensuring that all your dishes dry quickly, completely and energy efficiently. With ventilation drying technology, the dishwasher automatically opens after the wash to dry the dishes with cold air from outside. The old-fashioned condensation drying method uses cold water to cool the dishes, which takes considerably longer and is more energy consuming.
Disadvantages of a built-in dishwasher
A fully integrated model is obviously very beautiful in your kitchen, but it does have a few drawbacks. Firstly, it’s very difficult to get behind the dishwasher. If something isn’t working properly, it’s very difficult to check if all the wiring is correct. Built-in dishwashers are built into your kitchen, and if you need to get behind them, you have to remove them from the recess.
With a freestanding dishwasher, it’s much easier to check the back. It’s also not easy to fit the dishwasher back into the niche. Once all the hoses are connected, you have to put the unit back so that they don’t get stuck and so that the door can close. With a fully integrated model, a few millimetres can make the dishwasher no longer fit.
A built-in dishwasher must also be properly levelled. Otherwise, the appliance could wobble, damaging the dishwasher itself and your cupboards.