Built-in and non-built-in dishwashers - what's the difference?

Buying a dishwasher is a serious matter, and choosing among a huge number of models the one that will meet all the desired parameters is not so easy, especially for an unprepared buyer. All dishwashers differ not only in size, but also in the ability to be built into furniture, and therefore they come in:

• fully built-in,
• partially built-in and
• non-embedded.

What is the difference between all these dishwashers you need to figure out, understand what their pros and cons are, and only then draw a conclusion which one is best for you.

Fully built-in dishwashers

A fully built-in dishwasher is a machine that is installed in a niche in a kitchen unit, the top of the machine is covered by a countertop, and a facade made of the same material as the furniture is hung on its door. When the washing machine door is closed, not everyone will be able to understand that behind it is a dishwasher and not an ordinary cabinet. This is the whole difference between a built-in and non-built-in dishwasher. The design features of this type of dishwasher determine its advantages:

• creating a holistic and modern kitchen design;
• the hidden location of the machine makes it safe for children;
• Fully built-in dishwashers are a little quieter than freestanding models, but in our opinion this is a subjective opinion of users, since the declared noise level in the machines is the same.

The only disadvantage of a fully built-in model is that it cannot be placed anywhere in the kitchen; it must be integrated into the furniture.Firstly, because built-in appliances do not have decorative side panels, secondly, without hanging the facade on the door, it may not be fixed in the open position or may be difficult to open. Therefore, to the question whether it is possible to supply such a machine separately, we would answer - no, it is not reasonable.

For your information! With the same characteristics, fully built-in models are slightly more expensive than freestanding machines of the same brand.

Fully built-in dishwashers come in different sizes:

• 55x45x50(WxDxH) cm - these are compact models with a capacity of up to 6 sets;
• 45x60x82 (WxDxH) cm - these are narrow models with a capacity of up to 11 sets;
• 60x60x82 (WxDxH) cm - these are full-size models with a capacity of up to 17 sets.

Here are some examples of fully built-in dishwashers:

BOSCH SMV50E10RU is a full-size dishwasher made in Germany and with a capacity of 13 place settings. Equipped with five washing programs and pre-rinsing. There is complete protection against leaks, the noise level does not exceed 48 dB. Dimensions (WxDxH) are 60x55x82 cm. Average price: $500.

BOSCH SPV 53M 20RU is a narrow German-made dishwasher with a capacity of 9 sets. Just like the previous model, it has 5 washing programs built in and complete protection against leaks. The end of washing is determined by a beam on the floor. The noise level is only 46 dB. Dimensions (WxDxH) – 45x57x82 cm. An excellent model for a small kitchen for $370.

Flavia CI 55 HAVANA is a compact dishwasher, fully built into furniture, with a capacity of 6 sets. It has 7 built-in programs and partial protection against leaks. There is a special holder for glasses. Dimensions (WxDxH) are 55x50x45 cm.Average price: $200.

Partially built-in dishwashers

A partially built-in dishwasher model differs from a fully built-in dishwasher in that it has a control panel located on the top of the door. Under the panel, either the front part of the kitchen unit is hung, or a decorative panel that matches the color and style of the kitchen. Some people like to show off stylish equipment, A partially built-in dishwasher is just the option when you can neatly fit the appliances into the furniture, but at the same time leave the door visible.

Some models of dishwashers have the ability to be partially built-in due to the fact that the top lid is easily removed and covered with a countertop on top.

Partially built-in dishwashers can also be:

• full size;
• narrow
• compact.

Let's take the following models as examples:

Siemens SN 55M540 – full-size dishwasher for 13 sets, made in Germany. Equipped with five washing programs. There is a pre-soak program. There is protection against leaks and against children. Noise level – 46 dB, dimensions (WxDxH) – 59.8x57.3x81.5 cm. Price from $480.

Smeg PLA4525X is a narrow Italian-made dishwasher for 10 sets. It has 9 built-in programs, including delicate washing of fragile dishes. The machine operates very quietly, because the noise level is only 44 dB. Dimensions (WxDxH) -45x57x82cm. However, there is a drawback - protection against water leakage is only partial, with an average cost of $810 for the model.

BOSCH SKE52M55RU is a compact dishwasher made in Spain for 6 sets. It has 5 built-in programs. There is a child lock, as well as all the necessary functions, including a delayed start, a self-cleaning filter, an end sound signal and others.The size of the machine (WxDxH) is 60x50x45 cm, noise level is 45 dB. Average price $500.

Non-built-in dishwashers

Non-built-in dishwashers are also called freestanding. Their peculiarity is that they can be placed in any place in the kitchen that is convenient in terms of communications. Machines of this type have decorative panels on the front and sides, and the top is also covered with a panel.

According to technical parameters freestanding dishwashers no worse or better than fully built-in ones. This means that the choice of one model or another will be based on the external design of the dishwasher. Non-built-in dishwashers are best suited for large kitchens, when the machine can be placed separately from all the furniture.

For your information! Non-built-in models have a rich color palette, from which you can choose a stylish and attractive dishwasher.

These models, like the previous ones, are produced in three categories: narrow, full-size and small. In addition, all free-standing models can be divided into two groups: floor-standing (narrow and full-size) and tabletop (small). Let us give examples of several models.

Bosch SMS 40D02 is a full-size dishwasher with a capacity of 12 sets. It has 4 washing modes built in, as well as complete protection against leaks. Unfortunately, there is no child protection. The noise level is 48 dB. The model is made in classic white color. Its dimensions (WxDxH) are 60x60x85 cm. This budget model costs an average of $280.

Siemens SR 26T897 is a narrow dishwasher designed for 10 place settings. There are 6 washing modes, including an automatic program. There is full protection against leaks and child protection. The declared noise level is only 43 dB. There is an additional program with accelerated washing, as well as a “Hygiene Plus” program, suitable for washing children's dishes. Its dimensions (WxDxH) are 45x60x85 cm. The average price is $480.

Bosch SKS 50E11 is a compact dishwasher of unusual yellow color with a capacity of 6 sets. This model is equipped with five washing modes and partial protection against leaks. The washing machine is a little noisy, the noise level is 52 dB. The dimensions (WxDxH) of this model are 55x50x45 cm, which allows you to place it on the table. She will be able to decorate the interior of the room, making it bright and cheerful. Average price $360.

To summarize the review, we once again emphasize that there is no difference in technical parameters, reliability and dimensions between a built-in and a conventional dishwasher. One differs from the other only in external features and external structural features, for example, the presence or absence of special fasteners for hanging the facade on the door. Therefore, you need to give preference to a particular model based on the design of the kitchen.

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