You’re replacing a dishwasher behind a kitchen door
Your decorative door matches your kitchen units and you’d like to keep it. Check the housing dimensions, the door fittings and the way the new model’s door moves.
Who is this option for?
Your kitchen has a low plinth
The door needs to open without catching on the plinth. Bosch notes that not all door systems suit every plinth height, so check the clearance required for your chosen model, including if you have an IKEA kitchen.
You still need to check that it will fit your housing
If the dimensions, door front or connections need adapting, confirm what work is required before choosing your appliance. A freestanding or under-counter model is only a fallback if you’re happy to give up the integrated door front.
What should you check before buying?
Fully integrated
Choose this: if the door front needs to hide the appliance completely and can be fitted to your chosen model.
Bear in mind: the decorative door and its fitting may not be included in delivery or installation. Electrolux, for example, states that its KESC7300L is supplied without a decorative door.
Semi-integrated
Choose this: if you want a built-in appliance but prefer to keep the controls visible on the front.
Be aware: the visible control panel breaks up the uniform look of the kitchen door. Bosch distinguishes semi-integrated models from fully integrated ones.
Freestanding or under-counter
Consider this: if keeping an integrated door front is no longer a priority.
Limitations: an under-counter or freestanding appliance won’t automatically take your kitchen door front. Bosch distinguishes under-counter models from genuinely built-in appliances.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Housing dimensions | Measure the usable width, height and depth. Compare them with the installation dimensions, adjustment range and hose clearances shown in the model’s diagram. A listed width of 45 or 60 cm isn’t enough to confirm a fit. | I want the appliance to fit in the housing and be adjustable beneath the worktop. I won’t assume that a model with the same width will replace the old one. |
| Door front and plinth | Check the permitted dimensions and weight of the door front, its fixing points and the door system. Check the clearance between the door and the plinth; Bosch notes that not all systems suit every plinth height. | The door that matches my kitchen units needs to remain usable and open without catching on the plinth. |
| Installation and connections | Give the installer the model’s instructions and confirm exactly what the service includes. Electrolux states that its installers don’t carry out plumbing or electrical work, so any necessary alterations need to be assessed separately. | Before delivery, I want to know who will fit the door front, make any necessary cuts and connect the appliance. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on the stated width alone
Two appliances both listed as 60 cm wide may have different heights. Siemens Electroménager France gives dimensions of 815 × 598 × 550 mm for the SN95EX22CE and 865 × 598 × 550 mm for the SX716X01EF, in height × width × depth.
Take all the measurements you need for the housing, then compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model, including the adjustment range required.
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Assuming your old door front will fit
The fittings and the way the door opens may differ. Bosch notes in particular that the door system should be chosen with the plinth height in mind.
Compare your existing door front with the dimensions, permitted weight, fittings and opening clearance specified in the new appliance’s instructions.
Depending on your kitchen layout, the plinth or door front may need adapting.
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Confusing installation with kitchen alterations
An installation service won’t necessarily cover changes to the kitchen unit or connections. Electrolux states that its installers aren’t qualified to carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work.
Ask what your chosen installation service includes and arrange for any necessary alterations to be assessed before delivery.
Carpentry or changes to the connections may require a separate visit.
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Treating a freestanding model like an integrated one
Sliding an appliance under a worktop doesn’t mean you can fit a kitchen door front to it. Bosch distinguishes under-counter models from genuinely built-in dishwashers.
If a seamless door front matters to you, choose only a model whose instructions confirm that it can be integrated in the way you need.
A guide to the brands
Bosch
Bosch offers 45 and 60 cm built-in dishwashers, including semi-integrated and fully integrated models. Its documentation helps you distinguish between door systems to check the clearance when opening.
- The brand describes fixed-door and sliding-door configurations, helping you assess clearance when opening the door.
- Whether a door front or low plinth is compatible depends on the mechanism and the exact model.
Siemens
Siemens offers fully integrated models in different heights, which you can compare with the space available beneath your worktop.
- According to Siemens Electroménager France, the SN95EX22CE measures 815 × 598 × 550 mm and the XXL SX716X01EF measures 865 × 598 × 550 mm, in height × width × depth.
- These dimensions apply to these two models only; they don’t define the dimensions of every Siemens model or the housing required.
Electrolux
The KESC7300L is an example of Electrolux France’s range of 60 cm fully integrated dishwashers for kitchens with a decorative door.
- Electrolux clearly states that the KESC7300L is supplied without a decorative door, which is worth bearing in mind if you want to reuse yours.
- Check the installation service separately, as it may not include alterations to your kitchen.
Fully integrated models on Joybuy
Consider these models if you want to keep a door front over your integrated dishwasher. Their inclusion in this selection doesn’t confirm that your door or housing is compatible, so check the installation instructions for each model.
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Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1, 60 cm, 13 place settings
If you’re replacing an appliance behind a door front, check the door fittings and clearance above the plinth. This model is listed as built-in, with a B energy rating; also compare your housing dimensions with its installation diagram.
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Whirlpool W2I HD526 A, 60 cm, 14 place settings
If your kitchen door front needs to stay over the appliance, check that its fittings and opening movement suit your kitchen unit. This built-in model is listed with an E energy rating; check the installation dimensions and door-front compatibility in its instructions.
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Samsung DW70H72WCB0U1, 60 cm, 13 place settings
If the door’s clearance near the plinth is important, compare this model’s door system with your kitchen unit’s dimensions. This built-in dishwasher is listed with a C energy rating; also check that your housing dimensions match the installation diagram.
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AEG FSB34707Z, 14 place settings
To keep an integrated door front, check its fittings and opening clearance against the FSB34707Z instructions. This model is listed with a C energy rating, but the stated dimensions differ between sources. Confirm its width and installation dimensions before choosing it for your housing.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before ordering a built-in dishwasher?
Measure the usable width, height and depth of the housing, as well as the plinth and the space needed to open the door. Also note the dimensions, weight and fittings of the door front you want to keep. Then compare everything with the installation diagram for the exact model, rather than relying on its listed width alone.
Can I reuse the door front from my old dishwasher?
Yes, if the new model supports its dimensions, weight and fixing points, and the door opens without hitting the plinth. Bosch distinguishes between fixed-door and sliding-door systems; the chosen appliance’s instructions should confirm whether either system is compatible with your door front.
What’s the difference between fully integrated and semi-integrated?
A fully integrated dishwasher is designed to be hidden behind a kitchen door front, while the control panel on a semi-integrated model remains visible at the front, as Bosch explains. In both cases, check the housing and the door panel specified for your chosen model.
Does installation include fitting the door front and making any necessary alterations?
Not necessarily; it depends on the service you choose. Electrolux states that its installers aren’t qualified to carry out carpentry, plumbing or electrical work. Before delivery, confirm who will fit the door front, adjust the plinth and make any changes to the connections.