It also allows for a fitted custom cupboard door that will conceal the appliances when it’s fully closed. As compared to freestanding dishwashers that you can take with you when you move an integrated one is more or less permanently installed in your kitchen’s dishwasher’s cavity. Apart from saving you from the process of cleaning the dishes now and again, modern energy-efficient integrated dishwashers can help you to significantly reduce your energy bills and allow you to store your dirty dishes so your kitchen always looks neat and tidy. If you are looking for the best-integrated dishwasher click here to read our in-depth review.

Benefits of integrated dishwasher

Dedicated plumping. Integrated dishwashers require dedicated plumping to help them receive water and drain water after cleaning. As compared to the portable models linked to the kitchen faucet, an integrated dishwasher only requires a onetime connection to your plumbing system. This means it will allow you to continue using your kitchen sink the way you were using it before without any issue. Even when the dishwasher is working, you can still use the kitchen sink.

Quiet operation. This is perhaps one of the most important operations that integrated dishwashers have over portable ones. As compared to others, they normally make less noise. This means their operating system is usually muffed by the insulating materials that fixed on them. However, since portable dishwashers are standalone, they cannot just help but make a lot of noise.

Specialized circles and adequate place settings. Standardized integrated dishwashers usually hold even up to 12 place settings worth of utensils or dishes. They are, therefore, suitable for kitchens meant for homes with more than two people. This means the integrated dishwasher will handle most if not all the dishes that need to be cleaned at once. Plus, all integrated dishwashers come fitted with special wash circles such as rapid, glass and heavy.

They have a sleek look. This is also another advantage that an integrated dishwasher provides. If you want to use the kitchen panels on your appliances to make them blend with your décor and kitchen then a cheap integrated dishwasher will help you take the look all the way.

Differences between the semi-integrated dishwasher and fully integrated dishwasher

Semi-integrated dishwasher

These types of dishwashers are designed in such a way that they fit inside your kitchen cabinets with only the controls left visible. The remaining space on the door is then covered with a special panel that matches the rest of the kitchen. If your kitchen cupboard has beech finish, you can cover the door of the dishwasher with a beech panel to match it. Alternatively, you can also fit some semi-integrated dishwashers with stainless steel panel

Fully integrated dishwasher

Just like the semi-integrated dishwasher, fully integrated one will provide you with a sleek flush finish. As compared to semi-integrated and standard dishwasher, they are suitable for those who want to create a smooth minimalist style in their kitchen. Unlike the semi-integrated dishwasher, a fully integrated dishwasher has a control panel located inside the top of the door. This means when you shut the door you’ll not see any controls. Also, the dishwasher will be fully concealed within your bench. You’ll only notice that there is a dishwasher when you open the door. Otherwise, it will match and flush with the rest of your kitchen appliances.

Slimline integrated dishwasher

If you have a smaller kitchen space then these are the best dishwashers. As compared to the standard ones, they are narrower in size. The normal width of a slimline dishwasher is 45cm. So, to ensure that you are getting the right size you need to measure the existing model from edge to edge. More so, since they are 82cm in height, you should always ensure that you have enough room in your kitchen for the new model.

Are integrated dishwashers the same in size?

Just like any other kitchen appliance, integrated dishwashers come in different shapes and sizes depending on the model and brands. However, there is always standard dishwasher size range with most of the built-in units measuring 858mm high, 570mm deep and 605mm wide. Some models also come with height adjustable legs which will allow you to bring them perfectly flush to your benchtop.

The main features in the best-integrated dishwasher

Regardless of whether you opt for semi-integrated dishwasher or fully integrated dishwasher, there are some very important features that they should have. Some of these include

Adjustable upper racks. When shopping for a dishwasher you need to look for the ones that have adjustable upper racks, this means you can always raise or lower the height to fit larger items that you want you to put in. Even if the upper rack is full of dishes these dishwashers are very easy to use. Although roller types will allow you to adjust the height of the rack, this is not always easy as you’ll not be able to do this when the rack is full.

Fold-down prongs. Integrated dishwashers with fold-down prongs will make the process of loading the items easy. You, therefore, need to consider buying ones with this feature in both the lower and upper racks.

Large spray heads. If you have extremely dirty utensils then this feature can always come in handy.

Delay start. Most integrated dishwashers come with a delay timer that will allow you to set it hours before you want the program to start. This always becomes handy especially if you want to take advantage of cheaper night-time electricity. It can also help you if you want to time your dishwasher so that your plates are warm and ready for dinner.

Child safety locks. This is a very common feature that normally prevents nay unwanted changes taking place while the dishwasher is working.

Anti-flood protection. In case something goes wrong the flood switches will detect the water in the base and stop it from flowing further.

Sensor wash. This will measure how dirty the water is and adjust the length and temperature of the wash accordingly. However, since it’s a very unique feature it’s mostly found, inexpensive models.

How to clean and maintain your integrated dishwasher

Most people don’t think that dishwashers also require cleaning and maintenance. After all, they are the main kitchen appliances used to clean the dishes and other utensils. It’s easy to assume that while the dishwasher is in operation it will also be cleaning itself. However, the reality is that food debris and other deposits can always be built up after several uses. This can lead to a very poor performing dishwasher and utensils that come out when looking gross. Regularly maintaining and cleaning your dishwasher will not only ensure that it runs smoothly but also provide you with spotless utensils every time they get cleaned. Here are some easy to follow tips on how to clean and keep your dishwasher safe.

Use them regularly. One of the best ways to ensure that your dishwasher is running well and is free from excess built up is to wash it regularly. Using your integrated dishwasher frequently will prevent the debris from settling down at the bottom and will reduce the number of times that you’ll have to give it a thorough wash.

Empty the dishwasher. For you to carry out the following tips effectively you need to run your integrated dishwasher through a full circle and then ensure that you empty all the dishes inside the appliances. This will enable you to have easier access to the interior integrated dishwasher so you can carry out a thorough washing.

Clean and inspect the spinning arms. Dishwashers normally function by producing water out of their arms onto the dishes put inside. When the arms are not spinning well or are full build-up, you won’t have a thorough cleaning on your dishes. You, therefore, need to check the spinning arms to confirm whether they are working well and clean them if need be.

Clean the exterior and edges. In most instances, the offending smells that you may find coming from your integrated dishwasher may be originating from the outside areas. When you don’t wash the edges around the door during regular circle, you may end up with lots of spills and pieces of food debris. Also, you need to clean parts such as under the door, flatware basket, gasket, and detergent dispenser.

Unclog and clean the drain. At the bottom of your integrated dishwasher, you’ll find the drain. This is the area is always a common place where build up food debris and other matter can end up. When your integrated dishwasher drain is clogged it will not only become less efficient but also harder to clean next time you want to clean it. It’s, therefore, very important to take some time and clean it well.

Use acid to get rid of any build-up. Getting rid of buildup and water deposits inside your dishwasher is a very important step since it can result in dishes that are sparkly clean. It’s, therefore, important to use acids such as white vinegar, tang, lemonade mix, lemon juice, and lemon-flavored Kool-Aid.

Get rid of mildew. If there are mold and mildew inside your integrated dishwasher make sure you get rid of them.