The choice between an integrated and a freestanding dishwasher is usually made by the kitchen rather than the dishwasher. A fitted kitchen with a run of matching doors wants an integrated machine; a kitchen with a gap under the worktop or a utility room wants a freestanding one.
Integrated
A fully integrated dishwasher has no front of its own. Your kitchen supplier provides a furniture door that fixes to the appliance door, and the controls sit on the top edge, visible only when the door is open. It needs a 60cm or 45cm housing with a 82cm to 87cm opening, a nearby socket, cold water and waste connection, and the door panel. The machine itself costs about the same as the equivalent freestanding model; the door and fitting add to the total.
A semi integrated dishwasher is the older style with a visible control panel above a shorter door. Buy one only to replace an existing semi integrated machine.
Freestanding
A freestanding dishwasher has a finished front and top and simply pushes into a gap. It can be moved, taken to the next house, and swapped without touching the kitchen. It is also the only way to have a dishwasher where there is no housing. Full size freestanding models are 60cm wide and 85cm tall; slimline models are 45cm wide.
Size
A 60cm full size dishwasher holds 12 to 16 place settings. A 45cm slimline model holds 9 or 10. Both types come in integrated and freestanding versions, so the width decision is separate from the fitting decision.
What the two share
- Noise levels from 39dB on the quietest Bosch, Siemens and Miele models to around 48dB on budget machines.
- Energy classes from A to G, with Class A to C models using about 10 litres of water per eco cycle.
- Drying systems: Zeolite on Bosch and Siemens, AutoOpen on Miele, AirDry on AEG, which open the door at the end of the cycle.
- Third-level cutlery trays, adjustable upper baskets and app control on the mid-range and above.
Installation
Both connect to a cold fill, a 13A socket and the waste. An integrated machine also needs the door fitted and the plinth cut, which is a kitchen fitter’s job. Our installation service covers both; see the delivery and installation page.
Browse integrated dishwashers and freestanding dishwashers.