What is a built-in dishwasher? Sizes & types

A built-in dishwasher is considered standard in most homes. It is designed to be installed underneath your countertops and aligned nearly flush with your cabinets for a permanent placement in your kitchen. Since these dishwashers typically slide in between cabinets and underneath countertops, they usually come with unfinished sides and offer the choice between top and front control configurations.

Popular in many homes, built-in dishwashers help you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your recipes. Keep reading to learn more about built-in dishwashers, whether you’re replacing your current one or installing a dishwasher for the first time.

How does a built-in dishwasher work?

A built-in dishwasher connects to your home’s plumbing, eliminating the need to hook up anything to your sink, and is installed underneath your counters. These models often use a combination of spray arms, filtration systems and advanced wash cycles for a thorough, consistent clean. 

Common features of a built-in dishwasher may include: multiple wash cycles for different load types, target spray zones for tough messes, advanced filtration systems and sensor-based cleaning. Learn more about how a dishwasher works with this guide.

What is the difference between a built-in dishwasher vs. a portable dishwasher?

A built-in dishwasher, which can include fully-integrated and panel-ready models, is designed to be installed under kitchen countertops and connected to your home’s plumbing. Whereas a portable dishwasher, also known as freestanding, does not require these plumbing connections and can be wheeled into your kitchen and connected to your sink with a hose.

Freestanding dishwashers are typically 18 inches wide, serving as a compact solution for smaller homes, however some models are 24 inches wide. A standard built-in dishwasher is 24 inches wide and many homes have undercounter cut-outs sized to fit.

Portable dishwashers provide flexibility of placement when connecting to your sink, while built-in models allow for seamless integration in your kitchen and a more permanent connection to your plumbing so they’re always ready to use. 

Learn more about the different types of dishwashers to find the one that suits your cooking style and cleanup preferences, or read the chart below to see what dishwasher may work best for your home.

*This number is an average. Oversized models may be available that hold more settings

Why choose a built-in dishwasher?

Built-in dishwashers have a wide range of features and can be installed under counters for a better flow in the kitchen. In fact, panel-ready models can even provide a wall-to-wall cabinet look for a truly seamless integration.

Select built-in dishwashers also offer flush installation, hidden controls and panel-ready fronts for a fully customized look. Panel-ready models allow you to install front panels and handles over doors to match your cabinets. Integrated models, also known as top control models, hide the control panel so buttons aren’t on display.

Due to the insulation padding, these models also tend to be quiet during a washing cycle. No matter your routine, a built-in dishwasher can help you keep your kitchen decluttered and leave your cookware clean and ready to use for your next meal, like this model from KitchenAid brand with ProWash^™ Cycle capabilities.

What are the pros and cons of a built-in dishwasher?

A built-in dishwasher has many advantages, such as seamless integration, dedicated plumbing, easy access, quiet cleaning cycles and a large capacity, depending on the model. Compared with other configurations, however, it may require installation and take up extra storage space in the kitchen. Plus, it may be difficult to move after installing. Learn more about the benefits of a built-in dishwasher to see if this model is right for you.

What are the pros of a built-in dishwasher?

• Large capacity: Built-in dishwashers typically offer a larger capacity than portable dishwashers and may sometimes include a third rack for even more space.

• Integration with kitchen cabinets: Enjoy the convenience of a built-in dishwasher without disrupting the flow of your kitchen layout. Opt for panel-ready models for a fully seamless integration.
• Dedicated plumbing: An integrated dishwasher is connected to your home’s plumbing system and saves you time and effort by eliminating the need to connect to a faucet or sink.
• Easy access: You can quickly load everything into your dishwasher without the need to hook it up to the sink.

• Quiet: Continue entertaining your guests without the concern of a noisy washing cycle in the background. This installation style tends to dampen noise due to the use of insulating padding.
  
  Select KitchenAid^® models feature a 44 dBA decibel rating, which provides a quiet cleaning cycle without sacrificing performance. Learn more about choosing quiet dishwashers to run discreetly after you are done cooking.

What are the cons of a built-in dishwasher?

• Installation needed: A built-in dishwasher often needs to be professionally installed to ensure a precise fit and connection, unless you have prior experience working with plumbing and electricity or unless you already have a pre-existing space ready to go.

• Less storage space after installation: Installing a built-in dishwasher may sacrifice a small section of your cabinetry, though it will open up floor space in your kitchen vs. a portable unit. KitchenAid brand offers a wide variety of built-in dishwashers to help you get started.

• Higher cost initially: Built-in dishwashers are typically more expensive than portable dishwashers, especially with the cost of professional installation.

• Difficult to move after installation: Because built-in dishwashers are installed into a particular spot into your kitchen and are designed to be permanent, it may be difficult to move them around after they are installed.

How to choose a built-in dishwasher

When choosing a built-in dishwasher, the first step is to measure the desired space in your kitchen and find the corresponding dishwasher size to match. From there, consider the features, style and control panel configurations that complement your preferences in the kitchen.

• Configuration: When it comes to control panel configurations, you have the option of either top control or front control dishwashers. Top control dishwashers provide sleek, minimal appeal with the control panel discreetly placed on top of the appliance door, making it less visible when the dishwasher is closed. 
  
  Front control dishwashers display the control panel on the exterior of the appliance, allowing easy access and quick activation of washing cycles. Shop top control and front control dishwashers from KitchenAid brand.

• Size: After considering the size, placement and control panel configurations, be mindful to select the model with the right style and capabilities that you need.

• Measurements: Measure the width, depth and height of your cabinet’s opening before you purchase your dishwasher. Learn more about how to choose the right dishwasher size with this guide from KitchenAid brand.

• Features: There are many features to choose from. KitchenAid brand offers a wide variety of dishwashers with convenient features, such as this model with 360º Max Jets^™ Third Rack capabilities that take cleaning to a new level with more room to load glasses, mugs, bowls and more.
  
  The flexible designs and advanced features of built-in dishwashers provide the best of both worlds with functionality and visual appeal to match your kitchen and preferences. Check out this dishwasher buying guide for more insight on choosing the right model for your home.

• Noise level: Consider the noise level of your dishwasher. Dishwasher noise levels are measured in dBA, which stands for “A-weighted decibels,” and measures how loud something sounds to the human ear. Quiet dishwashers range from 38 to 44 dBA, while standard dishwashers are usually 50 dBA or above.

• Tub material: Most standard dishwashers have a plastic tub; however, some higher-end models may have a stainless steel tub. Stainless steel tubs can be a durable option for heavy-duty use and may result in a quieter wash cycle than dishwashers with plastic tubs. These tubs also retain heat better than plastic tubs, which may make stainless steel tubs more efficient in cleaning and drying dishes.

• Type: There are three types of built-in dishwashers: semi-integrated, fully-integrated and panel-ready. Semi-integrated dishwashers, also known as front control dishwashers, have their control panel on the front of the door so you can easily view and access the buttons.
  
  A fully-integrated dishwasher, also known as a top control dishwasher, has its control panel on the top of the dishwasher door so buttons are out of sight when the door is closed.
  
  Panel-ready dishwashers are customizable appliances with specific mounting capabilities on the front of the door, allowing you to add a custom front panel that matches your kitchen cabinets. These appliances are usually fully-integrated and blend seamlessly into your cabinetry.

Built-in dishwasher FAQs

Get answers to commonly asked questions about built-in dishwashers.