First, choose a dishwasher that fits the available space and connections, then compare its capacity and features. A freestanding model gives you more flexibility with your kitchen layout. An integrated model needs a compatible housing unit and door panel, while a slimline or compact model takes up less space, but you’ll need to check that its capacity suits how often you run a load.
If you’re keeping your kitchen units, measure the housing and check the door panel, plinth and door mechanism before choosing a replacement model. Guides from UFC-Que Choisir and Bosch explain what to look out for when fitting one.
If you’re planning to fit a matching door panel, decide whether you want the control panel to remain visible or be hidden. This determines the type of appliance and panel you’ll need.
A narrow space or a worktop may point you towards a 45 cm or compact model. Weigh the space you’ll save against the amount of washing-up you need to do and how often you run a load.
According to guides from UFC-Que Choisir, the main difference between freestanding and integrated dishwashers is how they fit into your kitchen layout. Once you’ve found models that fit the space, you can compare their capacity and features.
Consider this if: you don’t have a dedicated housing unit or want the flexibility to change your kitchen layout.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible. Check the specific model before fitting it under a worktop.
Consider this if: you have a housing unit and want the controls to remain visible on the front.
Bear in mind: the door panel won’t cover the control panel, and the appliance must be compatible with your kitchen units.
Consider this if: you want to hide the appliance behind a door panel that matches your kitchen.
Bear in mind: the housing unit, door panel, plinth and door mechanism must all be compatible with the model you choose.
Consider this if: the available width or worktop space limits the size of appliance you can fit.
Bear in mind: a smaller capacity may mean running more frequent cycles.
| Factor | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Integration compatibility | Measure the housing unit’s width, height and depth. Compare them with the model’s installation diagram, and check the door panel, plinth and door mechanism. | If I’m keeping my kitchen units, I want to avoid the new door catching on the plinth or the appliance not fitting in the housing. Around 36% of consumers may put this compatibility first. |
| Flexible layout | Check the location and access to the connections. If fitting the appliance under a worktop, check the available height and whether the model’s top can be removed. | If my kitchen layout may change, I’d rather install or replace the appliance without relying on a kitchen-unit door panel. Around 29% of consumers may prioritise this flexibility. |
| Capacity and dimensions | Compare the available space, the stated place setting capacity and how often you run a load. | If space is limited, I want a model that can fit my dishes without needing to run extra cycles. Around 21% of consumers may prioritise this balance. |
| Installation work and services | Ask for details of the existing connections and the services included for the door panel, installation, commissioning and removal of the old appliance. | Before choosing an integrated appliance, I want to know what work will be needed in my kitchen. This may be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
For a built-in dishwasher, the nominal width alone won’t tell you whether the housing, door panel and plinth are compatible. The door fitting also depends on the model, as explained in guides from UFC-Que Choisir and Bosch.
Take all the measurements you need and check the installation diagram for the exact model before choosing the appliance and its door panel.
If the parts aren’t compatible, you may need a different door panel or alterations to your kitchen units.
A dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste outlet. Creating or altering these connections may require a separate service, according to UFC-Que Choisir.
Ask for written confirmation of the work included, particularly connecting the appliance, fitting the door panel, removing the old appliance and carrying out checks after installation.
The difference in configuration alone doesn’t mean there will be a difference in results. UFC-Que Choisir describes comparable interior layouts and features across both categories.
First decide which type of installation suits your kitchen, then compare the features of the models that fit.
Slimline and compact models free up space, but their smaller capacity may mean running more cycles. UFC-Que Choisir’s comparisons include both 45 cm models and compact worktop dishwashers.
Estimate how much washing-up you want to fit in between cycles, then compare it with the model’s stated capacity.
Worth considering for an integrated installation where you need a housing diagram and guidance on fitting the door panel.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in dishwasher with a visible control panel, for example. Siemens offers the SN55ES12CE in this configuration.
Compare models individually: UFC-Que Choisir lists both freestanding and built-in Beko models in its comparison.
Compare models individually: several Whirlpool models feature among the appliances listed by UFC-Que Choisir.
These models suit two types of kitchen: one with fitted units for an integrated appliance, and one where a compact model can sit on the worktop. For built-in dishwashers, the measurements and door-panel fitting are key. For compact models, check the space available and how much washing-up you need to fit inside.
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Worth considering for a kitchen designed for a built-in appliance. The product name states a width of 60 cm, a capacity of 13 place settings and an energy rating of B. Check the installation diagram against your housing, door panel and plinth.
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Worth considering when worktop space is a key factor. The product name states that it has a built-in 5 L tank and 6+3 programmes. Check how much space it needs and how the water supply and waste outlet will work in your chosen spot.
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Worth considering if you have a built-in housing unit and want the capacity stated in the product name. It specifies a width of 60 cm, 14 place settings and an energy rating of E. Check the manual for the installation measurements and door-panel fitting requirements.
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Worth considering when replacing or installing a built-in appliance. The product name states a width of 60 cm, 13 place settings and an energy rating of C. Measure the housing and check the door mechanism, as well as the compatibility of the door panel and plinth.
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Worth considering if a compact appliance suits the space available. The product name lists 7 programmes and an energy rating of D. Its capacity is given as “3 Cutlery”, so it can’t be compared directly with a standard place-setting figure. Check how much of your washing-up it can actually hold.
Measure the usable width, height and depth of the housing unit, then compare them with the installation diagram for the model you’re considering. Also check the door panel, plinth height and door clearance. Bosch’s installation guides show that these details vary according to the model and its door mechanism.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, a dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste outlet. Before deciding where to put it, check access to all three and ask whether creating or altering any connections is included in the planned installation.
Yes, some models have a removable top and are low enough to fit once it has been taken off. Check both details in the manual for the model you’ve chosen. Don’t assume that the top of a freestanding dishwasher can be removed.
You’ll need a compatible door panel. Check whether fitting it, connecting the appliance or adapting your kitchen units will be necessary. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this work from simply commissioning the appliance, so ask for a breakdown of the services included before making your choice.