The best integrated dishwashers for your kitchen in 2024
Want a dishwasher that blends in with the kitchen? Learn how to choose the best integrated dishwasher for you
The best integrated dishwashers can match comparable freestanding models on washing performance and features – and they’re often less noisy, thanks to the unit door you’ll add to the front.
There’s no one right answer in the ongoing freestanding vs integrated dishwasher debate but if you’ve decided on the latter, we would urge you to choose your model carefully – once a built-in dishwasher is installed in the kitchen, it will be disruptive to get it out again.
In the mini reviews below, you’ll find out commentary on a selection of the highest-rated integrated dishwashers on the market. We’ll also highlight the key selling points of each model, and give you a steer on which households might benefit most from each one. If you’d like to brush up on the key features to bear in mind while shopping for an integrated dishwasher, you can use the link below to skip down to our dedicated buying guide.
Best integrated dishwashers: At a glance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best entry-level fully integrated dishwasher | Beko DIN16430 (~£369) | Check price at AO |
| Best energy-efficient model | Bosch Series 6 SMD6TCX00E (~£999) | Check price at Amazon |
| Best high-end model | Miele G 7460 SCVi AutoDos (~£1,879 ) | Check price at Miele |
| Best semi-integrated dishwasher | AEG FEE63600ZM (~£799) | Check price at AO |
The best integrated dishwashers to buy in 2024
1. Bosch Series 2 SGV2ITX18G: An affordable integrated dishwasher
Price when reviewed: £399 | Check price at John Lewis
- Great for… easy operation
- Not so great for… fine adjustment of washloads
You certainly get a lot of posh-sounding features with Bosch’s entry-level Serie 2 models, including ActiveWater tech to boost cleaning efficiency, a red InfoLight that shines on the floor to let you know the dishwasher is on (and turns off when it’s finished) and EcoSilence Drive, which aims to keep motor noise to a minimum. As with all Bosch dishwashers we’ve looked at, this machine is also equipped with an ‘AquaStop’ device, which cuts off the water supply to the machine in the event of a leak.
The controls are easy to get to grips with and you can take your pick from four programmes: Eco 50°C, Auto 45-65°C, Intensive 70°C and Express 65°C. The Extra Dry setting boosts the drying phase for when you absolutely don’t want to be wiping off drips, the half load does what it says on the tin and SpeedPerfect reduces the programme duration for when you haven’t got time to hang around. The Machine Care programme, meanwhile, does its bit to keep the machine hygienic and bacteria-free.
We can’t say there’s anything fancy here in the way of adjustability – the only things you can tweak are the upper baskets – but the dishwasher still swallows a generous 12 place settings without any hassle. There’s a traditional cutlery basket too, so it’s possible to remove that and fill the dishwasher with big, grimey pots and pans after you’ve cooked up a storm.
Key specs – Type: Fully integrated; Place settings: 12; Rated efficiency: E; Wine glass support: Yes; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery tray/basket: Basket; Adjustable basket: Yes, upper only
2. Miele G 7460 SCVi AutoDos: Best high-end fully integrated dishwasher
Price when reviewed: £1,879 | Check price at Miele
- Great for… superior quality and performance
- Not so great for… people who’ve never won the lottery
We’ve seen several excellent integrated dishwashers that cost three times less than this Miele model – but there’s no denying the brand’s pedigree as a high-end manufacturer. True to form, this is a top-of-the-range integrated dishwasher for those with a generous budget, and though the upfront cost is high, the A energy efficiency rating makes it one of the cheapest dishwashers to run.
It boasts Miele’s hassle-free AutoDos feature, which automatically dispenses the correct amount of detergent with Miele PowerDisk capsules for the wash selected. Since the disks only need to be replaced after 20 washes, you don’t need to faff with detergent tablets every time you turn on the wash. This convenience does come at a price, though; about 48p per cycle isn’t cheap.
However, at this price point you do get plenty of features that might be missing elsewhere. Connect the model to Wi-Fi and you get app control, while adjustable internal trays deliver the flexibility to configure the space to suit your needs. Plus, Quiet Mark accreditation backs up Miele’s claims that this dishwasher is whisper-quiet in use, so it’s the perfect choice for open plan layouts.
All things considered, Miele’s thoughtfully designed dishwasher is one of the quietest, most efficient and most thorough you’re likely to find. Our only question is: should any dishwasher cost that much?
Key specs – Type: Fully integrated; Place settings: 14; Rated efficiency: A; Wine glass support: Yes; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery tray/basket: Tray; Adjustable basket: Yes
3. Beko DIN16430: Best entry-level fully integrated dishwasher
Price when reviewed: £369 | Check price at AO
- Great for… washing large loads of dishes
- Not so great for… premium features
Our favourite thing about this affordable Beko dishwasher is that it packs in 14 place settings, so you will be able to squeeze in a whole day’s worth of dishes without having to perform a frustrating game of crockery Tetris.
It has six programmes to choose from, including the Quick & Shine programme, which will deliver clean tableware in just 58 minutes. If you’ve got items that need only a light wash, the Mini 30 programme provides lightning-fast results in just 30 minutes, and the clever Auto programme will adjust the amount of water used depending on how dirty your load is, saving water, energy and money.
We were pleased to note Beko’s inclusion of a floor-projected LED indicator, which lets you see that the dishwasher is still running without the need to open it. Other great features include a half load setting and delay timer. Users praise this dishwasher for excellent cleaning and they love the adjustable shelf height, as well as the automatic door-opening feature which triggers at the end of a cycle to help with drying.
Key specs – Type: Fully integrated; Place settings: 14; Rated efficiency: D; Wine glass support: Yes; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery tray/basket: Basket; Adjustable basket: Yes
4. Bosch Series 6 SMD6TCX00E: Best energy-efficient fully integrated dishwasher
Price when reviewed: £999 | Check price at Amazon
- Great for… reducing your energy consumption
- Not so great for… minimising your up-front costs
Bosch dishwashers consistently score well on performance and reliability, and this model is no different. But one thing that does set the Series 6 SMD6TCX00E apart from most other integrated dishwashers is its superb energy efficiency, which has been rewarded with a superb A rating. We don’t see those very often.
Sure, it’s pricey, but this model comes equipped with every feature you’d expect of a premium dishwasher, including Wi-Fi connectivity, six cycles and a super-efficient drying cycle that’s become famous, in our rather geeky industry, for leaving even plastic items bone-dry.
Another upside to Bosch’s dishwasher is its generous interior, which holds up to 14 place settings, and incorporates adjustable baskets and a cutlery tray to ensure your utensils and knives and forks are left spotless.
Key specs – Type: Fully integrated; Place settings: 14; Rated efficiency: A; Wine glass support: Yes; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery tray/basket: Tray; Adjustable basket: Yes
5. AEG FEE63600ZM: Best semi-integrated dishwasher
Price when reviewed: £799 | Check price at AO
- Great for… thorough cleaning
- Not so great for… blending into the kitchen design
Fully integrated dishwashers aren’t for everyone. Some users like to keep a closer eye on their dishwashing cycles – and if that sounds like you, we’d strongly suggest you investigate some semi-integrated models, which combine a built-in design with a digital display on the front of the appliance.
This AEG model isn’t the cheapest semi-integrated dishwasher that we’ve seen, but there are some good justifications for its price. For one thing, it is one of the most energy efficient options, having earned a bronze award for energy savings from Youreko, an independent energy insights company. So, you should see savings in the long term with lower running costs.
With 13 place settings, it’s not one for the superstitious, but there’s plenty of space inside this dishwasher for it to be used by all but the biggest families. And if you’re short of cutlery mid-way through a dinner party, the 30-minute quick wash will come in handy.
A key feature to look out for is AEG’s innovative SatelliteClean dishwasher arm, which is said to improve spray coverage for a thorough clean – even when dishes are closely stacked. Meanwhile, the ExtraHygiene function combats germs by sanitising dishes with an extra hot rinse phase, and the half load option ensures you needn’t waste energy and water when the dishwasher is only partially filled.
Key specs – Type: Semi integrated; Place settings: 13; Rated efficiency: D; Wine glass support: Yes; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery tray/basket: Basket; Adjustable basket: Yes
6. Smeg DI322BQLH: The quietest integrated dishwasher
Price when reviewed: £599 | Check price at AO
- Great for… super-quiet operation
- Not so great for… characterful design (relative to the average Smeg product)
The Smeg DI322BQLH is a superbly made, technology-rich integrated dishwasher that quietly goes about the business of thoroughly washing your dishes. Very quietly, in fact – the noise level of 42dB is one of the lowest on our list.
Most of this dishwasher’s standout features are mechanical innovations or wash settings, which make a difference without requiring the owner to master any fiddly new tech. There’s Smeg’s fabulously named ‘Planetarium’ wash system, which uses a patented wash arm motion to improve dishwashing coverage. And if your dishes are relatively clean – perhaps after a particularly well-received meal – then you can wash them really quickly using the DI322BQLH’s ‘Express 27’’ program.
While this dishwasher may be expensive, its B rating for energy efficiency indicates to us that its running costs (and environmental impact) will be relatively low. Smeg has utilised some clever technologies to make this possible, including a mechanism which recycles heat from the dishwashing process for use in the subsequent drying cycle.
Key specs – Type: Fully integrated; Place settings: 14; Rated efficiency: A; Wine glass support: Yes; Quick wash: Yes; Cutlery tray/basket: Basket; Adjustable basket: Yes
How to choose the best integrated dishwasher for you
What is an integrated dishwasher?
Most dishwashers are of the freestanding variety. These machines can be installed pretty much anywhere as long as there’s a 60cm gap (45cm if it’s a slimline model) between the kitchen cabinets and there’s a water supply and drainage in the vicinity. The kitchen sink area is usually the most suitable location. Freestanding models usually come with full white fascias and are very easily slid into position. They’re also usually cheaper to buy.
Integrated models come in two styles: fully integrated and semi-integrated. These machines are designed to fit flush with your existing kitchen units and be hidden from view behind a panel that perfectly matches the rest of your kitchen’s cabinets. Hence, most models arrive with no front panel attached.
However, integrated models do have a drawback or two. The first is that, because the machine is installed among the kitchen units, chances are you will need to leave it behind if you move. We will get to the second in a minute.
READ NEXT: Best Bosch dishwashers
What’s the difference between fully and semi-integrated?
Fully integrated machines are completely hidden from view behind a kitchen panel so that everything, including the control interface and LED panel, is concealed. With some machines, this can cause a small inconvenience as there’s no way of knowing how much longer a cycle has to run or even if the machine is on. Thankfully, many modern dishwashers now come equipped with LEDs that transmit a beam of light onto the floor to let the user know when the machine is on.
Another problem with fully integrated machines is that the control panel needs to fit on a very slim profile, which means stripping down the interface to its bare essentials, often with just a row of confusing icons to baffle the owner.
Semi-integrated dishwashers don’t have this issue because their front control panels are still in full view. To all intents and purposes, a semi-integrated machine is very similar to a freestanding model, only the fascia below its control panel is of the same material and colour as the kitchen cabinets and not white enamel. If you want an easier-to-grasp interface or you’re happy to break up the aesthetic lines of your kitchen with a bit of visible tech, a semi-integrated model is for you.
What do the energy rating labels mean?
The energy rating label gives you an indication of each machine’s annual running costs. As of March 2021, a new rating system is in place. The previous system used the letters A to D followed by up to three plus signs, but the new system does away with the plus signs and rates appliances on a simpler A to G scale. As before, the A-rated appliances are the cheapest to run.
A quick glance over the energy rating label also reveals other key tidbits of information. In the case of dishwashers, you’ll find the maximum number of place settings, the amount of water used per wash and the claimed noise level during operation. Noise levels are provided in two measurements: an A to D rating, and the exact loudness in decibels. Even if you aren’t up to speed with your dBs, it’s easy to tell which machines are quietest.
READ NEXT: Best freestanding dishwashers
Cutlery basket or cutlery tray?
Most budget dishwashers use a basket on the bottom rack for cutlery storage, which can get in the way if you have large pots and pans to wash. The more expensive models give you a range of positioning options, so you can fit it around other items, while the cheaper ones tend to have a fixed basket position.
Baskets are easiest to load but, because the cutlery is crowded into small spaces, some knives and forks might not receive as good a wash. Also, since you’re encouraged to load cutlery handle side down, there’s more chance of stabbing yourself with an upturned knife. Ouch.
High-end machines, by contrast, often feature a top-mounted slide-out cutlery tray instead of a basket. This is quite a lot slower to load, as every knife, fork and spoon needs to be correctly positioned. However, it’s much more space-efficient and gives the cutlery a more thorough wash. Cutlery trays also prevent rust spots from developing when two different metals come into contact with each other during the washing cycle.
