Written by Rowan
Edited on
27 January 2025
ยท
13:10
What type of built-in dishwasher do you need?
When you want to buy a built-in dishwasher, you should keep a couple of important things in mind. For example, you have to decide how you want to build the dishwasher into your kitchen. Then, you carefully measure your niche dimensions. If you don't do it carefully, chances are that your built-in dishwasher won't fit. You can choose from 3 different models. On this page, we'll explain which type you need.
Choose a built-in dishwasher
There are 3 types of built-in dishwashers. Fully integrated, semi-integrated, and under-counter dishwashers. To determine which type of built-in dishwasher you need, you should ask yourself the following:
- What kind of front panel do I need?
- What are the niche dimensions of my built-in dishwasher?
- How high is my baseboard?
Different built-in dishwashers
Fully integrated
If you don't want to see your dishwasher at all, choose a fully integrated dishwasher. You'll need a front panel for this, to make sure it blends completely into your kitchen design. The control panel is on the inside, which means you have to open the door for the controls. If you want to see the time remaining during the cycle, choose a fully integrated dishwasher with floor projection.
Semi-integrated
Much like a fully integrated model, a semi-integrated dishwasher requires a front panel. The difference is that a semi-integrated model has the control panel on the outside. An advantage of this is that you can also control the dishwasher when the door is closed. The downside is that the control panel is always visible.
Under-counter
You place an under-counter dishwasher under your countertop. You don't need a front panel, meaning you'll be looking straight at your dishwasher. The dishwasher can be operated from the outside with the door closed. The downside is that the appliance won't blend into your kitchen entirely, because it lacks a front panel.
Measure the right niche dimensions
To ensure that your built-in dishwasher fits, it is important to measure the dimensions of your niche properly. When you opt for a fully integrated or semi-integrated model, you also need the right format front panel. Read more about this in the article below.
Measure the baseboard and determine the door system
Finally, measure the baseboard under your kitchen. The size of this determines the door system you need. When the baseboard is lower than 9cm, both a sliding door and a door-on-door system are suitable. If the baseboard is 9cm or higher, you need a sliding door system.
Oops, no built-in dishwasher needed after all?
Don't have room in your kitchen to build in a dishwasher? Choose a free-standing dishwasher. It can be placed wherever you want. That's useful when your kitchen is already finished and there's no room for a built-in model. A freestanding dishwasher means you don't have to worry about niche dimensions. If you place the dishwasher next to the counter, you might want to measure if you have enough space for this.
Article by Rowan
Dishwasher Expert.
