Great appliances can make or break how a kitchen works — so our guide to the best integrated dishwashers is a must-read if you are currently finding the task of selecting the right model a little overwhelming.
From small and slimline options to those with eco settings and quick washes, integrated dishwashers are a sleek and stylish addition to your kitchen design, and a great way to take the elbow grease out of clearing up.
If you've landed on this page unsure of the differences between integrated and freestanding dishwashers, which have similar price points, note this: integrated dishwashers offer a space-saving benefit in that they take up room which would have been used for cupboards. This makes them effective in kitchens where floor and surface area is limited.
So how do you pick the best one for you and your home? We’ve got our hands dirty – so to speak – and collected the latest built-in dishwashers from the top brands for different homes, lifestyles and budgets to make the process of buying for your kitchen as pain-free as possible.
The Best Integrated Dishwashers
Sitting at a comfortable position on the price spectrum, this integrated dishwasher offers great value for money with six programme settings and space for 13 place settings.
The ultimate feature for modern living, the machine can be turned on via an app on a smartphone when you’re away from the house and will automatically open when it finishes so you come home to clean and dry crockery.
Another stand-out feature – and one that those with babies may well be interested in – is the intensive 75°C programme, designed to sterilise dishes, pans and baby bottles and guarantee protection from germs and bacteria.
A very viable contender for our top spot, the Hisense HV661D60UK is the joint-most energy-efficient integrated dishwasher on this list. It can also fit up to 16 place settings at once, making it the perfect addition for larger households.
With a D rating (formerly A+++), this Hisense model features an eco wash that uses cooler temperatures and less energy to clean pots, making it very energy efficient. Plus, when the wash cycle has finished, the door will automatically open by up to 10cm - this allows a natural flow of air and ensures more hygienic drying.
There's also a 15-minute Quick Wash setting you can select if you're short on time.
The quietest dishwasher on this list, the Candy Brava is a machine you can have on late at night without worrying about waking the kids.
It can hold up to 16 place settings and, to make life even easier, can be controlled remotely via an app on your smartphone — perfect for those times when you realise you left home without setting it off.
Although there is no half-load option, the rapid 24-minute cycle or eco programme make up for it.
Other handy features include an adjustable top rack, delay timer and anti-flood devices.
As built-in dishwashers go, the Indesit DIE2B19UK is an affordable way to tick all the boxes. It has a large capacity for 13 place settings – ideal for medium-sized households – and an easy user-interface.
A feature of particular note that takes the hassle out of busy mornings is the 'Push and Go' function that offers an efficient 85-minute cycle at the push of a single button so everyone in the family can help out.
The speedy 28-minute cycle is another handy highlight.
On the downside, at 52dB it is noisier than some of the other models here which may be an issue in small or open plan kitchen diners.
This is a great, simple to use and fit option. Although it may lack the frills and smart features of some others, for many this will be welcomed.
It offers everything you could want from a low-cost integrated dishwasher, including a quick cycle, simple operation and plenty of internal space for dirty dishes.
On the downside, it doesn't have a half-load setting.
This model is super-efficient and bursting with all sorts of different settings for anything a busy lifestyle throws at it while still remaining easy to use.
It is fitted out with sensors that calculate how dirty your plates are, adjusting accordingly to save water, energy and most importantly, money.
Another feature of note is the Heat Exchanger drying that gets rid of moisture with warmth from the wash, for cupboard-ready glasses and cutlery every time.
The height-adjustable top basket ensures there's a place for everything in the dishwasher, from water bottle caps to small coffee machine parts — perfect for picky dishwasher packers.
This Fisher & Paykel Single DishDrawer is a stylish dishwasher which is great for compact apartments and smaller kitchen spaces. And while it costs a little more than others on this list, rest assured you're not just paying for the design: it also provides excellent performance and reliable results, plus a whole load of features.
It utilises SmartDrive technology that uses a brushless motor and fewer moving parts which means it runs exceptionally quietly (at 45db to be exact - in comparison, a human voice is around 60dB)
It also has a Sanitise cleaning programme which kills 99.9% of bacteria during a powerful rinse, offering peace of mind that your items will be germ-free. There's also a speedy 49-minute quick wash programme, and an Extra Dry programme to ensure plastic containers are ready for the cupboard
Adjustable racking means you can make room for larger items, plus you can arrange or remove the cutlery basket, fold down cup holders and slide shelves up or down.
How to Choose the Best Integrated Dishwasher
There are several things to consider before purchasing an integrated dishwasher, including:
Freestanding or integrated?
If you're unsure as to whether a freestanding or integrated dishwasher would best suit to your kitchen, here's some of the key comparisons. Freestanding units are generally no wider than 60cm and are positioned just below your kitchen worktop. Integrated models tend to sit behind a façade that matches your kitchen cupboards. Slimline models are available too for smaller kitchens.
Both tend to have multiple wash cycles (including eco wash settings), and while integrated dishwashers permanently live in your kitchen space, the only downside would be if you had to move out. Integrated dishwashers also offer a sleek, aesthetic benefit and help to maximise the space in your kitchen.
Speed settings
Speed can be particularly important for families, for example, because knowing how quickly a wash will take can be invaluable on school nights. It can also be useful to ensure you are economical with your washes.
Noise
Look at a dishwasher's noise as louder models may wake up younger children, or provide a scare while you're relaxing on the night-time!
Capacity
Make sure you assess a dishwasher's capacity so you know you'll have enough space on the racks is available - adjustable racking is handy so you can fit in larger items when needed.
The Energy Efficiency Labels Changed in 2021
In March 2021 the energy efficiency labels underwent an overhaul. This means whereas you've likely seen dishwashers, fridges and washing machines classed as A+++, this is no longer the case. The new labels rank only from A-G.
However, the most efficient dishwashers on the market currently have a D rating, so a product with an E/F rating will still be classed as energy efficient.
These changes are designed to push manufacturers to meet tighter restrictions to achieve the top energy rating, and ultimately is good news for consumers.
The energy ratings for dishwashers are calculated by how much water they use compared to the amount of energy they consume over 100 cycles. This is tested using an Eco 40-60 cycle.
Assistant Editor Amy began working for Homebuilding & Renovating in 2018. She has an interest in sustainable building methods and always has her eye on the latest design ideas. Amy has interviewed countless self builders, renovators and extenders about their experiences for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine. She is currently renovating a mid-century home, together with her partner, on a DIY basis, and has recently fitted her own kitchen.
