What you need to know about integrated dishwashers

An integrated or semi-integrated dishwasher can give your kitchen a seamless, streamlined look.

An integrated dishwasher (also known as a built-in or built-under dishwasher) is designed to match the rest of your kitchen cabinetry.

Integrated dishwashers fit beneath your countertop and provide a neat, flush finish to your existing decor. They have specific design elements on the front of the door that allow for a fitted, custom cabinet door to be attached, concealing the dishwasher when it is closed. You will generally need to get a carpenter or cabinet maker to build a door panel that matches the surrounding kitchen cabinets.

To allow for this concealment, they also have the control panel located at the top inside edge of the door, rather than on the top outside front of the door.

Unlike freestanding dishwashers, which can be taken with you when you move, integrated dishwashers are more or less permanently installed into your dishwasher cavity.

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How do I choose an integrated dishwasher?

Dishwasher size is your first and most important consideration. Your existing dishwasher opening may also be different to the current standard, so you must take precise measurements to ensure you purchase the right size.

First, measure the depth, width and height of your allocated dishwasher space. This will help refine your options to the right size. It’s best to leave a little extra depth (20-30mm) to allow for the water hoses and electricity cables.

Once you have the dimensions, you’re ready to explore the options.

Semi-integrated vs fully-integrated – what’s the difference?

There are two main options when it comes to integrated dishwashers: fully and semi-integrated. The style you choose will likely be based on both the look you are going for in your kitchen, and functionality.

Semi integrated dishwashers

Semi integrated dishwashers are designed to be installed into your kitchen cupboards, with only the controls left visible. The remaining space on the door can be covered with a panel that matches the rest of your kitchen. Alternatively, depending on your interior design style, you may choose to get it fitted with a stainless steel or different coloured panel altogether.

Fully integrated dishwashers

Like semi integrated models, fully integrated dishwashers provide a flush finish to your kitchen - but even more so. Compared to freestanding, built under and semi integrated dishwashers, fully integrated models are ideal for creating a completely smooth and minimalist style in your kitchen.

Unlike semi integrated dishwashers, fully-integrated dishwasher control panels are located inside the top of the door. When you shut the door, you won’t see the controls at all, and the dishwasher is fully concealed within your bench. You’ll only be able to tell there’s a dishwasher there when it’s open – otherwise, it will sit flush with the rest of your kitchen cabinets.

Some fully integrated dishwashers project lights and even messages onto the floor directly in front of them to notify, for example, if a wash cycle is complete.

Integrated DishDrawer dishwashers

There is one additional alternative to regular integrated dishwashers. If you want the concealed look but with the flexibility of running smaller and mixed loads, and without needing to bend down to floor level, the integrated DishDrawer range could be for you.

Unique to Fisher & Paykel, DishDrawer® dishwashers feature one or two dishwasher ‘drawers’ with a comprehensive range of programs and features. Both integrated (add your own front panel to match cabinetry) and standard models are available.

The main advantage of a two-drawer DishDrawer is that you can run two different cycles at once – for example, a heavy wash program for pots and pans in the lower drawer and a delicate cycle for glassware in the top drawer.

The drawer design is also very ergonomic, making these dishwashers easy to load and use. If you prefer to run small loads more frequently, you can choose to run just the top drawer, which also has the benefit of not requiring any bending.

Are built-in integrated dishwashers all the same size?

No – dishwasher dimensions can vary slightly between brands and models. There is however a standard dishwasher size range, with the majority of built-in units measuring within 810-850mm high, 540-570mm deep and 585-605mm wide. Some models also feature height-adjustable legs, which allow you to bring the appliance perfectly flush to your benchtop.

Certain styles, such as the DishDrawer®, also have specific plumbing requirements for their hoses. You can find all of the details on our website, including product videos, user reviews and other helpful content, along with our great range of dishwashers.

Alexander Chetner

Alexander is a poet, music obsessive, and full-time existentialist who also writes a bit of copy. When not pondering the nature and meaning of human existence, you might find him with headphones on, making sense of the wonderful world of life-enhancing appliances.