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Built-in dishwasher

A built-in dishwasher is fully integrated into your kitchen. The front of the dishwasher is fitted to a panel of kitchen cabinets so that it fully blends in with the kitchen. The sides and top of the dishwasher are not finished, as it will be placed inside your kitchen. On this page you can read about how to choose the dishwasher that's right for you, and we answer the most common questions.

Built-in dishwasher

Update

October

Picture of Yannick
Yannick

A wash geek since 2017

Buying a new built-in dishwasher

Buying a new built-in dishwasher is no easy task. There are so many different types available that you can easily lose sight of them all. In this section, you will find all the dishwashers by type, making it easier to compare.

Dishwasher for a large household

For a large household, you need a dishwasher that has room for at least 13 place settings.

Dishwasher for small households

Small households or households that often run a half load will need a small dishwasher.

Efficient dishwasher

With an exceptionally efficient dishwasher you can save on energy, but also on water consumption. At the end of the year, that can make a significant difference to your final bill!

Inexpensive dishwasher

The price for a new dishwasher starts at around €350 and can go up to over €1000. It’s up to you how crazy you make it.

Silent dishwasher

Is your dishwasher in an open kitchen?

Fully integrated dishwasher

A fully integrated dishwasher will stand out in your kitchen.

Buying a built-in dishwasher: what to look for

There are a few things to look out for when buying your dream built-in dishwasher.

Type of built-in dishwasher

You can choose between a fully integrated dishwasher that blends in with your kitchen cabinets, or a semi-integrated model where the control panel is on the outside.

For the sleekest look, choose a dishwasher where the control panel is hidden from view.

Control panel location

With a fully integrated dishwasher the control panel is on the inside, so you can only change the settings when you open the door. This can be annoying if you don’t know whether the wash programme has finished.

A dishwasher with the control panel on the outside is easier to use, but doesn’t quite blend in with the design of your kitchen.

The layout of your dishwasher

If you often wash larger items, you may want to choose a built-in dishwasher with an adjustable upper basket. You can fully customize the dishwasher to fit the type of dishes inside, which means you can always get around everything.

Energy Rating

Clean dishes are important, but you don’t want to waste too much money, water and energy. Most built-in dishwashers are rated from energy class e to energy class c, which is fairly economical.

Noise level

Even in an open kitchen, it is very important to look closely at the noise level of a dishwasher. Anything below 43 db is considered quiet and dishwashers with a noise level between 44-47 db are considered normal. If your dishwasher is fully integrated, some of the noise will be muffled by the cabinet.

Frequently asked questions about built-in dishwashers

You can’t make a good decision about your new dishwasher until you know everything about it, so we’ve gathered the answers to the most frequently asked questions about built-in dishwashers for you here.

What’s the difference between a built-in dishwasher and an under-counter dishwasher?

A under-counter dishwasher sits alone under your sink, but the front of the appliance isn’t covered. So you can always see that there is a dishwasher in your kitchen. A built-in dishwasher has two options, where the control panel is visible and the rest is covered by a front panel or where the entire front of the built-in dishwasher is hidden by a front panel. So the difference is in visibility.

Does a built-in dishwasher last less than a freestanding dishwasher?

It has not been proven that a fully integrated built-in dishwasher lasts longer than a freestanding dishwasher. What is known is that a fully integrated dishwasher is often slightly more expensive than a freestanding model. You could also argue that an integrated dishwasher is better protected from impact by the kitchen cabinets around it, but the average lifespan of any dishwasher is around 11.5 years, regardless of type.

Are all built-in dishwashers 60 cm wide?

No. There are different types of built-in dishwashers with different sizes. If a 60cm wide dishwasher won’t fit in your kitchen, you can opt for a narrower one. This is also a good idea if a 60 cm wide dishwasher often runs at half load. Keep in mind, though, that the number of place settings in a 60cm dishwasher is much higher, so you can get a lot more dishes done.

Picture of Yannick
Yannick

A wash geek since 2017

Our research