Are These the Best Integrated Dishwashers of 2021? We Think So
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Posted On April 6, 2021
When it comes to saving time on household chores, few appliances will do more for you than a good dishwasher. This is one of the many reasons that these machines are so popular.
If you are looking for a new dishwasher, you have many choices, and, regardless of your needs, there is likely a machine that will be perfect for your home. They come in various sizes, they have all sorts of different features, and you have design options like freestanding or integrated.
In this article, we are going to cover some of the points that concern people that are thinking about buying an integrated dishwasher and then we will offer some recommendations for models that should suit the needs of different buyers.
What Is an Integrated Dishwasher?
When shopping for a dishwasher, you will find that most of them are considered a freestanding variety. They can be installed almost anywhere as long as there is a big enough gap available between your kitchen cabinets and wherever the water supply is located. Freestanding models are also typically just slid into position and are cheaper to purchase than other varieties.
On the other hand, an integrated dishwasher is designed to fit flush with your existing kitchen units and is hidden behind a panel that matches your kitchen cabinetry. So, many integrated dishwashers, for this reason, do not come with the front panel attached.
The Advantages of Integrated Dishwashers
The big advantage of having a dishwasher, integrated or otherwise, is that you will not have to wash your dishes by hand. Hand washing your dishes takes time, it can require a lot of scrubbing, and it can be tough on the skin of your hands. Most people just don’t feel like going through this right after finishing a meal.
Another issue with handwashing is that it is not always as effective as washing with a machine. While you might be able to remove all of the old bits of food and caked-on grime, hand washing does not do a great job of removing bacteria from dishes.
Your hands cannot handle a temperature that will significantly impact the bacteria that can build up on dishes, and you generally use the same brush, sponge or cloth for scrubbing, so this can cause cross-contamination.
In a dishwasher, the dishes are cleaned with high-temperature water that sprays the dishes with pressurized jets. This makes for a clean that is much more sanitary.
The main advantage of a fully integrated dishwasher over freestanding models is not a practical concern. People choose integrated dishwashers because they feel that there is an aesthetic appeal.
The integrated machines are built into a kitchen cabinet space, and the door is covered with a panel that matches the other kitchen cabinetry. This provides the room with a more uniform appearance.
When you consider practicality, the freestanding machines are in some ways much more straightforward. They are easier to install, they don’t need to be fitted exactly into a space in the cabinet, and they are easier to remove if you need to replace the unit or if you want to take it with you when you move.
As an additional point, integrated models tend to cost a little more. Since the dishwasher has to fit into an enclosed space, different engineering standards must be met.
When you compare integrated and freestanding machines that have similar features, the integrated dishwasher is usually going to cost more, and this price increase also tends to become more pronounced as you move up in quality.
Points to Consider When Purchasing an Integrated Dishwasher
As with any kitchen appliances purchase, there are things that you are going to want to consider when you go shopping for an integrated dishwasher. Aside from your budget and the machine’s dimensions, you need to think about things like the machine’s capacity and the different features.
Capacity
Capacity is probably one of the most important points to look into when you go shopping for a dishwasher. If the machine is for a small family, you might be able to make do with a slimline model. For mid-size to large families, you are probably going to be better off with a full-sized machine. Of course, space will play a role in the size of the dishwasher you can get, but you do not want to have to wash several loads to get all of the dishes done.
Interior Racks
The interior racks can also play a significant role in the versatility of the machine. Some of the less expensive machines will have very few adjustable options for the racks, but you can find models with a range of folding racks and prongs, height-adjustable upper racks and special features like the third level cutlery tray.
Adjustability
With more adjustable features, it will make for a machine that can hold or wash a wider array of dishes. You don’t want to get a dishwasher to find out that it cannot fit some of the items you commonly use.
Features and Programmes
A machine that is fairly basic regarding the features and programmes can still work fine for a home’s dishwashing needs, but there is something to be said for the models that come with advanced features.
If you spend a little bit more, you can get a machine with programs that make it safe for washing glassware or a programme to sanitize. There are even features like sensor washing and quick wash that can be really useful.
What Is the Difference Between a Fully Integrated Dishwasher and Semi Integrated Model?
The primary difference between a fully integrated and semi integrated dishwasher is where the control panel is located. On a fully integrated dishwasher, the control panel can be found on the top part of the door on the inside. This means you must open the door to get to the panel. People choose this option when they want their dishwasher to blend in more perfectly with the rest of their kitchen features.
A semi integrated dishwasher can still have the control panel on the inside of the door. Still, you will also find the controls on the outside door to see what is happening during each wash cycle without having to open the dishwasher door and interrupt the cycle.
Our Recommendations for the Best Integrated Dishwasher
Below you’ll find a list of our recommended built-in dishwashers with a brief description of each as well as a list of pros and cons.
The Best Fully Integrated Dishwasher
Here are some of our top picks for the best fully integrated dishwasher, followed by a couple of semi integrated options below.
1. AEG Integrated Dishwasher
Key Features
- 13 Place Setting Capacity
- Comfortlift Technology
- Aeg Satelittelclean Spray Arm
- A++ Energy Rating
- 2- Year Warranty
- 7 Programmes
- Dimensions: 81.8 x 59.6 x 55 cm
This integrated dishwasher by AEG will revolutionize the way you do your dishes at home. It has the world’s first lift and load basket. It has an advanced mechanism that actually lifts the rack up to a more comfortable height. This makes loading and unloading incredibly easy on the back.
You will also find that it has an effortless cycle-setting with QuickSelect. This gives you the best control over your dishwasher and its functions. Simply choose the cycle time you want with the slider, and you can add whatever extra treatments you want with just a tap. Walk away and let the machine do the work for you.
It also has SatelliteClean. Its spray arm offers three times better coverage than your standard dishwasher. It boasts of a double rotating arm that continuously changes the spray’s angle, making sure your dishes come out spotless each and every time.
You will also find a 24 hour start time delay, salt indicator light, rinse aid indicator light, and cutlery tray among its many features.
2. Bosch Serie 2 Fully Integrated Dishwasher
Key Features
- 10 Setting Load Capacity
- A+ Energy Rating
- 4 Programmes
- Height Adjustable
- Removable Cutlery Basket
- Collapsible Supports
- 10-Year Rust Guarantee
- Dimensions: 59.8 X 55 X 81.5 cm
The Bosch Serie 2 fully integrated dishwasher is a great choice if you are looking for more features. This dishwasher offers a sleek and uniform look and has an A+ energy rating so you can keep your energy bills manageable.
It features a LoadSensor that actually detects how many dishes you have loaded into the dishwasher. It can then adjust the water usage accordingly. This way, a smaller load uses up less water, saving on both energy and water consumption in the household.
To regulate the water hardness, this dishwasher has glass protection. So, you don’t have to worry about your favourite glassware becoming damaged during the wash cycle. The AquaStop sensor helps protect against water damage, and you will also receive a 10-year rust guarantee when you purchase this integrated dishwasher.
It has four programmes to choose from: Eco, Normal, Quick Wash, and Pre-Rinse. The Quick Wash setting takes only 29 minutes from start to finish. The Eco option runs approximately 210 minutes and uses only 14 litres of water during the washing cycle.
3. Hoover H-Dish 300 Wi-Fi Connected Fully Integrated Dishwasher
Key Features
- 13 Place Setting Capacity
- Total Care For Delicate Glassware
- Eco Programme
- Wi-Fi Wizard App
- Dimensions 82 X 59.8 X 55 cm
If you have a medium-sized household and you want to make tackling your chores a bit easier at home, then this is the fully integrated dishwasher to consider. It has a 13 place setting capacity, so you will have plenty of room to load the day’s dishes.
It also features a Total Care Basket, making it easy to keep any delicate items you have secure. The basket is made from a soft material and has specially designed hooks to keep everything safe from damage.
The economy wash programme of this dishwasher is great because it uses a lower temperature and less water to save money on your water and energy bills. Want to check on your load while you are out running errands? All you have to do is connect your dishwasher to your mobile device remotely using Wi-Fi, and you can do just that through the Hoover Wizard app.
4. Smeg DIA13M2 Fully Integrated Standard Dishwasher
Key Features
- 13 Place Setting Capacity
- A++ Energy Rating
- Half Load/Zone Option
- Quick Wash Cycle
- 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Dimensions: 81.8 x 59.8 x 57 cm
This Smeg dishwasher is another fully integrated dishwasher that can hold up to 13 place settings at one time, making it ideal for a medium-sized household. The Quick Wash cycle allows you to get a load done quickly while still delivering spotless results in as little as 27 minutes.
You can also use a delicate programme for any glassware or porcelain you have, so they don’t become chipped or damaged in any way during the wash cycle. Once the load has finished washing, the residual heat drying cycle will recycle all of the hot air built up inside the dishwasher and use it to dry your dishes more effectively and efficiently. This feature helps you maintain lower energy bills in the long run.
Semi Integrated Dishwasher Options
Now that we have given you a selection of some of the best fully integrated dishwasher options for 2021, let’s take a quick look at a semi integrated dishwasher option you may want to consider.
1. Hoover H-DISH 300 Wi-Fi Connected Semi Integrated Dishwasher
Key Features
- 13 Place Setting Capacity
- Can Be Controlled With Wi-Fi And Wizard App
- A+ Energy Rating
- Cutlery Basket
- 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
- Dimensions: 82 x 59.8 x 55 cm
If you would rather have a semi integrated option, then the Hoover H-DISH should make your list of considerations. It can hold up to 13 place settings, making it ideal for a medium-sized household.
Among its many features, you will find Total Care for your wine glasses and other delicate glassware and porcelain. The Economy Wash cycle helps you save more on your monthly utility bills while still giving you spotlessly clean dishes every wash.
It is very similar to the Hoover H-DISH 300 fully integrated option we have reviewed above. The difference, however, is where the control panel is located. The control panel on a fully integrated dishwasher is located inside the top of the door.
So, you will only know what settings are being used when the dishwasher door is open. The semi integrated model has a panel inside on the top of the door as well as the outside, so you can see where you are at in the wash cycle without having to open the door.
2. Miele G 7315 Sci XXL Full-Size Semi Integrated Dishwasher
Key Features
- 14 Place Setting Capacity
- 10 Programmes
- 7 Wash Temperatures
- Quick Wash Cycle
- 2-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Dimensions: 84.5 x 59.8 x 57 cm
Next on our list for the best semi integrated dishwasher is the Miele Wi-Fi enabled dishwasher. It can hold up to 14 place settings at a time, making it one of our list’s larger options. It features a 58-minute Quick Wash cycle and an auto-dosing system to provide optimal results. It will never use more detergent than needed for any load. The cartridge can hold up to 20 loads, so you don’t have to worry about loading detergent before every wash.
You can also connect the dishwasher to your mobile device, so you can start it remotely, monitor the progress, and even order more detergent when you run out. Simply connect the dishwasher to Amazon Alexa.
You will also find a range of cleaning options available with this Miele dishwasher, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your more delicate glassware, but you can still be sure that the dirtiest dishes still get as clean as possible. The Express option allows you to reduce cycle times, or you can add even more cleaning power when you feel it is necessary with the IntenseZone option.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several great options to choose from when you want to purchase an integrated dishwasher for your kitchen. Before making a decision, determine your household size and what kind of features you want so you can find exactly what you need.
The best integrated dishwasher will be quiet and have a flexible and intuitive design that helps take the guesswork out of each cycle.
