People keeping their existing kitchen units
If you already have an appliance housing and cabinet door, check their dimensions, along with the plinth and hinge system, before comparing programmes.
Who is this option for?
Households with a narrow appliance housing
A housing space designed for a 45 cm appliance limits your choice of size. Match the stated capacity to how much washing up you do; for example, the Electrolux EEA22100L is listed as holding nine place settings in this size.
People arranging professional installation
Make sure the scope of the work specifies the connections, cabinet-door fitting and any adjustments needed to the plinth.
What should you check before choosing?
Fully integrated
Consider this if: you want to conceal the appliance completely behind a cabinet door that matches your kitchen units.
Bear in mind: the controls won’t be visible when the door is closed.
Semi-integrated
Consider this if: you’d prefer to keep the control panel visible on the door.
Bear in mind: the visible control panel interrupts the line of the kitchen unit door.
| Factor | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Housing space and door | Compare the usable width, height and depth with the installation diagram. Check the permitted dimensions and weight of the cabinet door, and make sure it clears the plinth when opened. | I’m keeping my kitchen units, so the appliance needs to fit in the housing space and its door must open without hitting the plinth. |
| Integration type | Confirm whether the model is fully or semi-integrated, and which part of the door needs a cabinet front. | I want to know whether the control panel will be visible in my kitchen. |
| Width and capacity | Check whether the housing space is designed for a 45 or 60 cm model, then compare the stated place settings for the models you’re considering. | A narrow housing space may point me towards a 45 cm model. If I can choose between the two sizes, the capacity needs to suit my household’s washing up. |
| Connections and installation | Locate the water supply, waste outlet and electricity supply. Confirm who will be responsible for levelling the appliance and fitting the cabinet door and plinth. | Before booking an installation date, I want to know whether the connections are in place and what work is included. |
| Consumption | Once you’ve confirmed the model will fit, compare the water and energy figures for the Eco programme on your shortlisted models. | I want to take regular use into account without overlooking the requirements for the housing space and cabinet door. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Looking only at the width
Two appliances with the same width may differ in height or door mechanism. Depending on the layout, a cabinet door attached directly to the appliance door may hit the plinth when opened.
Measure the housing space and plinth, then check the installation diagram for the exact model before ordering.
An incompatible door may mean you need to adapt the plinth or cabinet door.
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Confusing fully integrated and semi-integrated models
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the control panel on a semi-integrated model remains visible at the front. A fully integrated model conceals it when the door is closed.
Decide whether you want the control panel to be visible, then check which cabinet door is required for your chosen integration type.
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Assuming installation includes fitting the cabinet door
Connecting and securing the appliance doesn’t necessarily mean that the cabinet door and plinth will also be fitted.
Before the work begins, ask for a breakdown covering the connections, levelling, cabinet-door fitting, plinth and any adjustments that may be needed.
What do the brands offer?
These ranges give you examples of configurations to compare. Check the product details and installation diagram for each model to make sure it will fit.
Bosch
Bosch offers the SMH4EVX08E, for example: a 60 cm fully integrated model with the VarioHinge system.
- Bosch describes how its sliding cabinet door moves, which can help you assess the space available in front of the plinth.
- Check the door system and dimensions of the model you choose. A feature specific to Bosch won’t necessarily apply to other appliances.
Siemens
Siemens offers the SN55ES12CE, for example: a 60 cm integrated dishwasher with a visible control panel.
- This model is a useful example to consider if you want a visible control panel in a fitted kitchen.
- Check the housing space and cabinet door required for the model you choose.
Miele
Miele’s French range includes fully integrated dishwashers, including XXL models.
- The standard and XXL options are a reminder to check the available height, not just the width.
- An XXL model won’t necessarily fit a housing space designed for a standard appliance.
Electrolux
The Electrolux EEA22100L is a 45 cm fully integrated model listed as holding nine place settings.
- Its product details give you a specific capacity to consider for a narrow housing space.
- Check the installation requirements and allow for a suitable cabinet door: this model is listed without a door front.
60 cm integrated models on Joybuy
These three 60 cm integrated models are worth considering for a fitted kitchen. Before choosing one, compare its instructions with the dimensions of your housing space, cabinet door and plinth.
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Samsung DW80H72YBB0U1 — 60 cm integrated dishwasher, 13 place settings
A good option for a fitted kitchen with room for this size: it’s listed as holding 13 place settings and has a B energy rating. Compare the installation diagram with your housing space, cabinet door and plinth. Check the Eco programme figures too if they’re important to your decision.
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Whirlpool W2I HD526 A — 60 cm integrated dishwasher, 14 place settings
Consider this model if your housing space can accommodate this size and 14 place settings would suit your household. It has an E energy rating. Check the required dimensions, cabinet door and door mechanism in the instructions before making your choice.
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Samsung DW70H72WCB0U1 — 60 cm integrated dishwasher, 13 place settings
For a space designed for this size: it’s listed as holding 13 place settings and has a C energy rating. Check the exact installation dimensions and door mechanism in the instructions, particularly to make sure the door can open in front of the plinth.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between fully integrated and semi-integrated?
A fully integrated model conceals the appliance behind a cabinet door, with the controls on the top edge of the door. A semi-integrated model also fits into an appliance housing, but keeps the control panel visible and needs a cabinet front fitted below it.
What should I measure before ordering?
Measure the usable width, height and depth of the housing space, then measure the existing plinth and cabinet door. Compare these measurements, along with the weight of the cabinet door, with the installation diagram for the exact model. A fixed door may move differently from a sliding one.
What connections do I need?
A dishwasher needs a water supply, an electricity supply and a waste outlet, as UFC-Que Choisir explains in its installation guide. Check where these are before installation and confirm what work is needed if any of them have to be adapted.
What should I confirm before installing an integrated model?
Confirm the connections and levelling, as well as how the cabinet door will be fitted and whether the plinth needs adapting. Don’t assume that these integration-specific tasks are included in a basic dishwasher installation.