Before choosing a built-in dishwasher, measure the housing and check the door panel, plinth and door clearance. A fully integrated model is concealed behind the door panel, while a semi-integrated model has a visible control panel. Even if the width is the same, replacing your dishwasher may require adjustments to the cabinetry or a different hinge system. Compare the installation diagram for your chosen model with your kitchen, and check the connections before ordering.
The first thing to check depends on what is already in place in your kitchen: the door panel, the housing or the cabinetry as a whole.
If you want to keep the existing door panel, note the housing height, plinth position and panel dimensions. Also compare its fixings and the way the door moves with the new appliance’s installation diagram: matching widths alone aren’t enough.
Choose the type of integration at the same time as the cabinetry and door panel. That way, you can plan the housing dimensions, hinge system, water inlet and drainage, as well as the electrical supply at the chosen location.
A housing designed for a 45 cm appliance calls for a model of that width, rather than a 60 cm one. Still, measure the available height and depth, then check the door panel and door clearance.
First decide how much space the appliance can take up and how much of its front you want to see. Then check the installation diagram for the model you’re considering: this is what you need to compare with your kitchen measurements.
Consider this if: you have a compatible housing and door panel, and want the appliance concealed when the door is closed.
Bear in mind: the panel covers the front of the appliance, so its fixings and movement need to work with the plinth and hinge system.
Consider this if: you want a built-in appliance but prefer to keep the control panel visible.
Bear in mind: the control panel interrupts the line of the kitchen cabinetry, so you’ll need a door panel that suits the model.
Consider this if: your kitchen can’t accommodate a housing and door panel that are compatible with a built-in model.
Bear in mind: the appliance already has its own finish and won’t have the same integrated look. If you’re putting it under a worktop, check in particular whether its top can be removed. Que Choisir distinguishes this requirement from built-in installation.
| Priority | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Housing and plinth | Measure the internal width, height and depth, then compare them with the model’s dimensions and installation diagram. Check the space needed behind the appliance and the door clearance near the plinth. | I’m replacing an appliance under a worktop: I want to make sure it fits and the door can open without hitting the plinth or neighbouring cabinets. |
| Door panel and hinge | Note the dimensions of the panel you want to reuse and check its fixing points. Bosch distinguishes between fixed and sliding hinges. Check which system is intended for your chosen model, as well as the door movement shown in its installation diagram. | I want the door panel to match the rest of my kitchen, so I need to know whether it can be fitted to the new appliance without obstructing the door. |
| Type of integration | Check whether the control panel is concealed or visible, how much of the front the door panel needs to cover, and whether the manufacturer has any installation restrictions. For example, Electrolux states that its semi-integrated EES47310IX is supplied without a door panel and is not designed for raised installation. | It’s important to me to see the controls without opening the door, or I’d prefer a panel that completely conceals the appliance when closed. |
| Connections | Locate the water inlet, drainage and route for the hoses. For installation in a home in France, Promotelec states that the dishwasher socket must be supplied by a dedicated circuit. | Before delivery, I want to know whether the planned location allows the appliance to be connected and whether the electrical installation needs to be checked. |
| Using the appliance after installation | Once you’ve checked the installation requirements, compare appliances on a like-for-like basis. ADEME says the energy label includes information such as consumption in kWh per 100 cycles, water used per reference cycle and noise information. | If several models suit my kitchen, I’d also like to compare their stated energy consumption and noise levels. |
Two 60 cm appliances can differ in height: Bosch lists the SMV4EVX36F at 815 mm and the SBH4HVX14E XXL at 865 mm. Depth and door movement also matter when it comes to installation.
Measure the housing under the worktop and compare all its dimensions with the diagram for the exact model, including the plinth.
If the dimensions don’t match, you may need to adapt the cabinetry, plinth or door panel.
A fixed hinge and a sliding hinge move the door panel in different ways. Electrolux advises checking that its sliding hinge is compatible with the appliance concerned.
Keep the reference number of your old dishwasher, measure the panel and ask for the new model’s fixing diagram before planning to reuse it.
A semi-integrated model has a visible control panel and needs a different front panel from a fully integrated one. Installation restrictions can also vary by model.
Decide whether you want the control panel to remain visible, then check the required door panel and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
The appliance must be connected to the water supply and drainage. In France, Promotelec states that its socket must be supplied by a dedicated electrical circuit.
Locate the connections and plan the hose route before installation. Have the electrical installation checked if the location needs to be created or altered.
These manufacturer models help illustrate the available configurations. A brand name is no substitute for checking the installation diagram for the exact model.
In France, Bosch offers fully integrated dishwashers in 45 and 60 cm widths, including standard and XXL models.
Electrolux offers, among other models, the 45 cm fully integrated EEM43200L and the 60 cm semi-integrated EES47310IX.
Siemens offers the 60 cm varioHinge SN75EX23CE and 45 cm SR73EX25ME fully integrated models.
These built-in dishwashers are listed as 60 cm wide, making them options to consider for a project with a housing of that width. Before choosing one, compare the installation diagram with the height and depth of your housing, then check how your door panel is fixed and how much space the door needs to open.
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If you’re replacing a built-in dishwasher in a kitchen with a door panel, compare this model’s installation diagram with the housing, plinth and fixings for the existing panel.
The product title lists a width of 60 cm, capacity for 13 place settings and energy rating B. Also check the hinge type and door clearance for your installation.
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If you’re installing it behind a kitchen door panel, check the height × width × depth measurements in the installation diagram before comparing this model with your housing.
The title lists 60 cm, 14 place settings, a white finish and energy rating E. Also confirm the hinge system and the clearance needed for the door to open near the plinth.
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If you’re keeping your kitchen door panel, check its fixing points and how it moves near the plinth against the installation diagram for this model.
The product title lists 60 cm, 13 place settings and energy rating C. Also measure the internal height and depth of the housing before choosing this model.
Measure the internal width, height and depth of the housing. Also note the plinth, the space behind the appliance for connections and the clearance needed for the door to open. A stated width of 45 or 60 cm alone doesn’t confirm that a particular model will fit in your kitchen.
Not necessarily: its height, hinge and door-panel fixings may differ. For example, Bosch lists the SMV4EVX36F at 815 mm high and the SBH4HVX14E XXL at 865 mm; both are presented as 60 cm models. Compare the replacement’s installation diagram with the housing and the panel you want to keep.
On a semi-integrated model, the control panel remains visible above the door panel. On a fully integrated model, the panel conceals the appliance when the door is closed. Check the dimensions of the door panel required for your chosen model, as the two configurations cover the front differently.
Promotelec states that the dishwasher socket must be supplied by a dedicated circuit. Before creating or changing the location, have the electrical installation checked and coordinate the position of the socket with the water inlet and drainage.
Once you’ve confirmed the door panel, hinge and connections, compare their energy labels on a like-for-like basis. ADEME says these include information such as kWh per 100 cycles, water consumption for a reference cycle and noise information. These figures can help you compare models, but they don’t replace checking the installation requirements.