The dishwasher is arguably the most used appliance in your kitchen. If not the most used, definitely the most loved. Ending a great meal with the slog of handwashing pots, pans, plates, and cutlery saps the pleasure out of your evening meal.
For those of you looking for the benefits of a dishwasher, without sacrificing the design aesthetic of your home, you may want to consider an integrated dishwasher rather than a freestanding model.
The best integrated dishwashers offer a uniform look throughout your kitchen. But before any big appliance purchase, you need to do your homework.
Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve been busy curating a list of the UK’s best Built-in dishwashers, and a handy buying guide to help you make the perfect pick.
All of the integrated dishwashers on our list have an A rating for both washing and drying, but each of them has other convenient features worth mentioning. Let’s dig in…
1. Bosch SMV4ECX23G Series 4 Built-in Fully-Integrated Dishwasher
This fully integrated dishwasher from Bosch boasts several features that make the higher price tag feel pretty reasonable. A LoadSensor detects the number of dishes and adjusts water usage accordingly giving smaller loads less water, which saves both water and energy.
Their glass protection can actually regulate the hardness of your water, keeping your favourite glasses and delicate dishes safe from wear and damage while washing.
An AquaStop sensor also protects your home from water damage and you get a 10-year rust guarantee. To clarify, this machine knows how to measure the load, knows what kind of dishes it’s washing, and stops itself from destroying your kitchen. What more could you ask for?
With 4 programmes (Eco, Normal, Quick Wash, and Pre-rinse) and an A+ energy rating, it’s both efficient and convenient. The Quick Wash setting takes just 29 minutes and the Eco programme (50°C) will run 210 minutes and use 14 litres of water. The maximum load capacity is 10 place settings, which is the smallest on our list, despite being the same size (60cm) as the others mentioned.
Overall, this dishwasher is one of the higher-priced but is also one of the most feature-packed models we’ve seen, but is built by Bosch – a brand known for its excellent reliability. For those of you looking for a fully equipped dishwasher from a trusted brand, this one is for you.
2. Hotpoint Hotpoint HIC3C26WUKN Integrated Dishwasher
Another A+ energy-rated integrated dishwasher is the reliable Hotpoint Aquarius. It comes with fewer features than the Bosch, but a slightly larger capacity, at 13 place settings. Its Inverter Motor can calibrate the correct water pressure to get your dishes spotless. Plus, its Hygiene+ technology removes harmful bacteria.
Loading is easy, thanks not only to the large capacity, but also the Vertical Zone which allows you to load pans and cookware vertically, keeping the bottom drawer open for even more dishes. The Aquarius has 4 wash programmes, Eco, Intensive, Normal, or Soak so no matter your mess, this dishwasher handles it.
Customers love this practical dishwasher because it has movable baskets, runs quiet, and has an easy to clean the filter.
3. Hisense HV523E15UK Slimline Fully Integrated Dishwasher White
A hard-working dishwasher with a reasonable price tag, the Indesit integrated dishwasher has the best price on our list. With a 13-place setting capacity and an A+ energy rating, just like our pricier recommendations, this is a very budget-friendly choice for those who want exceptionally clean dishes without paying for any unnecessary extras.
With 4 programmes, including Intensive (65°C) for stubborn baked-on food, this dishwasher will get the hardest job done in just two and a half hours, no elbow grease needed. Eco, Normal, and Pre-wash programmes are also available. You’ll find it slightly quieter than the Bosch listed above and it comes with a 10-year guarantee on all parts.
Those who own this dishwasher comment on how clean their dishes are and that they aren’t paying for additional accessories they won’t use or need. For a simple, family-friendly dishwasher at a reasonable price, the Indesit fits the bill.
Next: Best Freestanding Dishwashers for Energy Efficiency
4. BEKO DIN15X20 Full-size Integrated Dishwasher
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what a luxury dishwasher looks like, the Beko Din 29×20 comes pretty close. This integrated dishwasher has the most features on our list. With 9 programmes and an A++ energy rating, the Beko Din is as economical as it is useful.
Though it is the same size as most of the other models we’ve listed (60cm), it has the largest capacity, with room for 14 place settings. Yes, big families and dinner hosts, rejoice! That’s a lot of place settings. Running at a quiet 44 decibels, it’s one of the quieter models on our list and the eco programme uses just 9.5 litres of water making it the most efficient with water usage, as well.
Considering the thirty-minute Quick Wash and the Fast+ function that increases speed by 70%, we see why customers love this dishwasher. Most reviewers have high praise for the Beko Din’s adjustability, quiet motor, and available cutlery tray.
If you’re looking for a dishwasher that has all the bells and whistles with a great energy rating, the Beko Din might be your perfect match.
5. Hotpoint Built-in ActiveDry Dishwasher – H7IHP42LUK
If space is a concern in your kitchen, the Hotpoint Ultima integrated dishwasher is the smallest on our list at 44cm, with the capacity for 10 place settings. Don’t let the small size fool you, though. This dishwasher is small but mighty.
Much like the Beko Pro, the Hotpoint Ultima is rated A++ for energy and it uses only 9 litres of water per load with its Eco programme. At 43 decibels it is also the quietest model on our list. Also, like the Beko, it has 9 programmes so you can get the perfect wash for each load.
Customers love that the upper rack has an adjustable height, making it easy to load even more into the bottom rack. An LED power signal and a 24-hour delay round out Beko’s additional feature list.
If a quiet, energy-efficient, and compact integrated dishwasher is what your family needs, then the Hotpoint Ultima is a great option.
Related Article: Beko Dishwasher Not Heating Water or Drying
Integrated Dishwasher Buying Guide
Now that we’ve given you a list of our favourite built-in dishwashers and their features, let’s narrow down what is best for your home. This helpful buying guide explains what to look for and what to consider when buying an integrated dishwasher. Be sure to keep your own family’s lifestyle and budget in mind when deciding which to buy.
Size and Capacity
This is the number one factor to consider when you begin your search for an integrated dishwasher. You’ll not only need it to fit your family’s needs, but it also needs to fit into your kitchen.
The most common size for a built-in dishwasher is 60cm, with enough room for about 10-13 place settings. One place setting is normally a dinner plate, dessert plate, bowl, coffee cup, drinking glass, two forks, two spoons, and a knife. As noted above in our list, there are some great models on the smaller side (44cm) that work just as well as their bigger counterparts, so even if you don’t have a lot of room you can rest easy knowing you can still get a compact model without sacrificing function.
Find the dishwasher manual online prior to buying to get a sense of the loading instructions and to see a detailed view of the interior so you know how to load it most efficiently.
Energy Rating of Integrated Dishwashers
If you’ve already started looking at dishwashers you may have noticed that they all come with an energy rating, ranging from A+++ to D. The higher the grade, the more energy-efficient and cost effecting your dishwasher will be.
Most models now come with an Eco programme, which will save you the most money. Eco programmes run with lower temperature water (usually 50°C) and will take longer to run a full cycle, but the savings in energy and utility costs are worth it.
Our tip: Stick with the A+ or higher rated dishwashers. Even the more affordable integrated dishwashers we’ve seen have this rating and we don’t recommend going lower.
Programmable Built-in Dishwasher
In our above list, you saw that dishwashers can come with as few as 3 programmes or as many as 9. The most common functions are Eco, Normal, and Intensive, but some models also have Pre-soak, Sanitize, Quick-wash, and more.
For many, the three most common functions are more than enough. For big families running the dishwasher daily, Quick-wash and Intensive functions may be more of a necessity. Eco settings, which are the most energy-efficient, can take from three to four hours to run. Quick wash should run around thirty minutes, and standard Intensive washes take around three hours.
Check the manual online before buying to see all of the programme speeds. They will give detailed run times for each programme.
Noise Level
Depending on the time of day you run your dishwasher, the noise level can be very important. Some models have motors that are built to be nearly silent (38-43 decibels, or dBA) and others, though quiet, will be a little louder (52-62 dBA).
Our tip: Anything under 52 dBA will be quiet enough to keep you and your family undisturbed.
The Cost of a Top Integrated Dishwasher
Integrated dishwashers are slightly higher in cost compared to the top freestanding dishwashers and run between £230 and £450 for our top picks. Higher priced models will come with extra features, like auto-wash, a delay timer, and a cutlery tray. Mid-range models will run £230 to £300 and this is the sweet spot if you’re on a budget.
If you don’t think you’ll need the additional features of a high-end (and high-priced) model, opting for a quality dishwasher with fewer features will still be perfectly suitable for your home’s needs and will keep you within your budget.
Get the best you can afford. Don’t choose a dishwasher on price alone and don’t settle for the absolute cheapest. Whatever the cost, it’s a waste of money if you have to re-wash dishes by hand.
Additional features
We’ve covered the main things to look for in an integrated dishwasher, but what about the extras? Below are a few other bells and whistles you can consider before making your purchase.
- LED signal – An LED light that projects onto your floor, signaling whether or not the dishwasher is running.
- Flatware baskets or trays – Higher-end and more expensive models come with flatware trays instead of baskets. This saves space on the bottom rack and also protects your flatware from rusting. Baskets are the most common and movable baskets are most convenient.
- Adjustable interior – Some models have an adjustable top rack, folding prongs, and moveable baskets to customize your interior and fit your needs.
- Delayed start – Models that allow you to delay your wash (by as much as 24 hours) can save you more money, as running them in the middle of the night saves even more on energy costs.
An integrated dishwasher is a smart choice for anyone who wants to keep this hardworking appliance hidden. If you’ve got the space and a little room in your budget, these appliances will save you time and energy every day.
