(Before You Buy) What is a Built-In Dishwasher?
Most dishwashers in the homes of Canadians are considered built-in dishwashers. Two other formats available are portable dishwashers and countertop dishwashers which can be useful depending on your needs and your kitchen.
Are you trying to decide if a built-in dishwasher is right for your kitchen, household and lifestyle? To help, we’ll compare freestanding vs. built-in dishwashers and take a good look at the important things you should know about these appliances, including the various types, the benefits, considerations, and more.
Built-in Dishwashers: The Various Types and Their Differences
Built-in dishwashers are usually 24” wide though some models offer an 18” width which is a great option for small spaces.
As built-in dishwashers are the most common type of dishwashers in Canada, there are many colours, features, and styles to choose from. Many come in white, black, stainless steel or black stainless steel.
Some models offer a panel-ready option that allows you to match your dishwasher panel with your cabinetry.
Most dishwashers feature two racks for dishes while some models offer three racks which may increase your loading capacity.
Some KitchenAid dishwashers offer the Free Flex Third Rack. It is the largest third rack available and has a deep, angled design that fits 6" glasses, mugs and bowls. It features rotating wash jets to clean items in the rack, a drying bar with tabs that help wick moisture off glasses and a removable utensil tray for cooking.
There are two types of freestanding dishwashers - countertop and portable.
Countertop dishwashers are a great option for small spaces as they are compact. Most models get water from the kitchen faucet and drain through the kitchen sink. These models range in size but are typically the size of a countertop microwave.
KitchenAid® does not offer any countertop models.
If you lack the space for either of the above-mentioned options, you can choose to go portable. Most portable dishwashers can be easily stored in another room so that it’s out of the way when you don’t need it. Portable dishwashers also typically get their water from a hook-up to a kitchen faucet and drain it into a kitchen sink.
KitchenAid® does not offer any portable models.
There’s a good chance that your kitchen, like most, can accommodate a built-in dishwasher. However, if you are space constrained or looking for more flexibility, you may want to consider a portable or countertop dishwasher.
The Pros of a Built-in Dishwasher
Before landing on a built-in model as your next dishwasher, you should review these pros:
- Built-in dishwashers can be installed under counters and between cabinets for a cohesive look.
- Built-in dishwashers generally offer more capacity than countertop or portable dishwashers.
- There are many styles, features, and configurations to choose from.
The Cons of a Built-in Dishwasher
- Built-in dishwashers need permanent plumbing, which, in most cases, has to be installed by a plumber.
- Built-in dishwashers are generally larger and may be a challenge for small spaces.
- Once built-in dishwashers are installed, they are not easily moved.
Sizes of Built-in Dishwashers
Built-in dishwashers intended for home use are mainly 24" (61 cm) wide though 18" (46 cm) wide dishwashers are available.
What’s important to know is that a width of 18” is best for smaller kitchens or people who use their dishwasher less frequently. On the other hand, a width of 24” is popular among large households or those who use their dishwasher more frequently.
It can never be stressed enough, you should always measure the intended installation space before making your purchase.
Fully-Integrated vs. Semi-Integrated Built-in Dishwashers
Semi-Integrated dishwashers are defined by their controls being on the exterior of the door and visible when the door is closed. These models may also provide the cycle progress via exterior status lights.
Fully-Integrated dishwashers offer controls that are on the top lip of the dishwasher door. This means that when the door is closed, you can not see the controls which provide a streamlined look. You can receive immediate feedback via status lights with an exterior cycle indicator.
Frequently Asked Questions About Built-in Dishwashers
The answers to these common questions about built-in dishwashers can help you make an even more informed choice.
Are built-in dishwashers hardwired?
Built-in dishwashers are hardwired. Because of this, you will have to inspect if your home’s electrical output has everything it needs for a safe installation. This typically includes a grounded electrical outlet and a dedicated 15 amp circuit. We recommend never using an extension cord or adapter. Don’t forget to review your appliance and product use and care and installation instructions prior to making your purchase.
Does a built-in dishwasher need a cabinet?
Most of the time built-in dishwashers are placed underneath counters and between cabinets. Of course, you could choose a panel-ready model if you want your cabinets and your dishwasher to match.
FREEFLEX™ THIRD RACK
The largest third rack available1 has a deep, angled design that can fit 6" glasses, mugs and bowls.
Ready for a Built-in Dishwasher?
Now that you better understand built-in dishwashers, you should be much closer to deciding if one is right for your kitchen.
