How to integrate a dishwasher into a finished kitchen: options + work order

What to look for when choosing dishwashing equipment

The advantages of a built-in dishwasher over a free-standing one are that it significantly saves kitchen space and fits harmoniously into the finished design. All you have to do is decide what size machine you need and correlate the dimensions of the equipment with the location of its intended location.

Types of Dishwashers

First of all, all dishwashers can be divided into household and industrial. The latter are used in public catering places and enterprises, so we will not touch on them.

Household dishwashers can be divided into the following types:

• fully built-in - the system is completely hidden behind the furniture facade. The control unit is located at the end of the front wall. Such models are often equipped with an indicator beam. It creates a light marker on the floor surface, which signals that the washing cycle is not completed;
• partially built-in - the front wall is completely open or partially hidden behind the furniture front. The control panel in this case is located above the facade and is accessible even when the machine is turned on;
• free-standing - an independent unit in its own housing; The following classification affects the dimensional characteristics of dishwashers. The machines are distinguished:
• full-size - with a width of 60 cm. An excellent option for a large family. This “helper” can handle a whole mountain of dishes. In one cycle it can wash from 10 to 17 sets. It is easy to place pots and baking trays in it. The height of such machines ranges from 82-87 cm, depth 55-60 cm. They are presented in all categories - built-in, partially built-in, separate;
• narrow - their width can be from 45-49 cm. They can accommodate a maximum of 10 sets of dishes. More suitable for small families of 3-5 people. If the family is large, you will have to run it several times;
• compact - small devices similar in size to a microwave oven. They have a width of 35-45 cm, so they are easy to place in any, even the smallest kitchen. They can wash 4-6 sets of dishes per cycle. Available in built-in and free-standing design options.

Choosing a size

Built-in dishwashers come in several sizes, and, accordingly, can accommodate different amounts of dishes.

Table 1. Dimensions of dishwashers

SizeDimensions in centimetersMaximum capacity (in the number of cookware sets)

Please note: different equipment manufacturers may vary in size by up to 5 cm.

How to plan the installation of installations of various sizes, drawing

Mini dishwashers are convenient because they can be built into a small kitchen, even under a sink or in a pencil case, since it is similar in size to a microwave oven and its location at eye level is quite convenient. Narrow units should only be purchased if you do not have a large family. It is advisable to choose full-size ones if you have a lot of relatives and the house is full of guests. But, you need to understand that such a machine will take up more space in the kitchen.

There are different types of machines, the body dimensions of which may vary.

Energy efficiency classes and labeling

Electricity consumption and energy efficiency are also important points to pay attention to when purchasing. Manufacturers are required to indicate the energy efficiency class for each product.

As a rule, it is indicated on a sticker that is pasted on the device itself or placed in a package with documents for the equipment. Classes are marked with Latin letters: A+++, A++, A+, A, B, C, D (until 2010, the markings were indicated by the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G), where, respectively, class A +++ – the most economical model in terms of electricity and water consumption.

How energy efficiency classes are marked for various types of dishwashers

But the price for such models will be significantly higher than for a product with a subsequent gradation of classes. The sticker should also indicate:

• product model and brand;
• water consumption in liters per cycle;
• electricity consumption per cycle (kWh);
• drying class (A - G);
• number of sets of dishes;
• class of noise produced in decibels.

Explanation of the symbols found on the sticker that is equipped with the dishwasher body

Installing a built-in dishwasher

The dishwasher is placed in the kitchen cabinet. The main thing is to choose a place near sockets or sewers so that there are no connection problems in the future.

A small dishwasher is built into a niche intended for an oven or microwave. To make it look harmonious with other elements of the kitchen interior, the door is decorated in the same style as the facade. A wooden facade is also worth taking care of. For example, oil-wax for wood, information about which can be found here, has a wide range of applications: it gives wood water-repellent and bioprotective qualities. properties, prevents the effects of UV rays, gives any desired noble shade.

Features of embedding PMM

If you want to maintain a single “picture” of the kitchen without separating the furniture to install appliances, then a built-in model is perfect. Such a dishwasher will hide behind the outer façade, without revealing itself in any way.

The choice of built-in PMMs today is especially large. Among them are the following brands: Bosch, Gorenie, Electrolux, Zanussi, Kandy, Veko and others. They differ not only in functionality, but also in size:

• full-size models are produced with a width of 60 cm, a height of 80 cm, and a depth of 45 cm;
• Compact PMMs measure 45 cm in both width and height.

It is better to integrate such dishwashers into a new kitchen unit, where there is space for them. Usually this is a larger box than the car, because it should not stand close to the walls. Be sure to leave space for ventilation - at least 5 cm. The back wall of the cabinet may be absent or have holes for hoses.

Installing built-in PMMs yourself is quite simple. The kit includes templates with markings for fastenings for hanging the decorative panel.

If you have to start from furniture that is already in the kitchen, choose a place near communications. The ideal option is to the right or left of the sink. Empty the suitable cabinet from the shelves and remove the door. Integration under the countertop is convenient if the machine is equipped with wheeled legs that are height-adjustable.

It is not advisable to place the dishwasher near stoves, ovens or heating appliances.

When purchasing equipment, a warranty is issued, which is void if connected incorrectly. For example, the use of tees or carries is prohibited. You cannot connect the PMM to a stove socket. The cord of the machine is quite short, so the socket should be located at a height of 45 cm from the floor, and also have a European standard, grounding, and connection through a difavtomat.

Types of dishwashers

First, decide which type of dishwasher is best suited for your kitchen. There are 3 most common ones.

Built-in

It is installed directly into a niche, and after installation it will be part of the kitchen set: the matching facade cleverly disguises the machine as an ordinary cabinet, so it always looks organic in the interior.

Read about the secrets of choosing a stylish and ergonomic kitchen set here

Pros:

• spectacular appearance;
• optimization of free space;
• ideal for small kitchens.

Minuses:

• such an installation most often requires thought at the stage of installation of the kitchen unit;
• It is not always possible to install a dishwasher according to all safety rules due to lack of free space.

Can be built into any section of the headset. Simply remove the old module and fill it with the machine. Often the compartment directly under the sink is used for this. The advantages of this solution are closely located communications - less fuss with hoses and wires.

An alternative option is to the right or left of the sink. You will have to worry about connecting the hoses, but there is no need to increase their length excessively.

Any built-in solution is always a compromise: you have to sacrifice, for example, space for storing kitchen utensils.

If the configuration of your kitchen set provides for a pronounced pencil module, then it is optimal to place the PMM there. At least, such a solution fits entirely into the logic of the user interface of the average housewife.

Most full-size dishwashers are available in a width of 60 cm. This corresponds to the default width of the cabinets of any kitchen unit, and you do not have to do any additional work to adapt the module to the appliance.

Dishwasher installation conditions

Before deciding to purchase a dishwasher, decide on the location and possibility of installing it.

This task is much easier to solve with free-standing modifications. They will require very little free space on any of the countertops of the kitchen work area, on the windowsill and even on the floor. The built-in model is installed only in a specially prepared niche.

The undeniable advantage of built-in models is their high hygiene, reduced noise level, and lack of visibility of the unit body, hoses and wires . All this makes such dishwashers more preferable. It is ideal to use kitchen units with a ready-made cabinet for installing a dishwasher. Otherwise, you will have to provide a suitable place yourself.

To do this, you first need to find out the exact dimensions of the main models offered by trading enterprises. Such information is presented in advertising brochures and prospectuses, on store websites, or on price tags in the sales area.

Next, using a tape measure, take measurements of all cabinets and other pieces of furniture in the kitchen. Take into account any free space, for example between cabinets, between a cabinet and a refrigerator, and so on. Based on the results of these studies, a car model is selected based on its dimensions.

Dishwashers from well-known manufacturers often have a width of 60 cm and less often 45 cm (narrow models). Narrow models have a height of 82 to 88 cm, which corresponds to the standard height of kitchen tables. The depth of all machines is 55 cm , which makes it possible to connect communications to fittings and connectors located on the rear wall.

The presence of free communication connection points or the possibility of parallel input is taken into account at the next stage of preparing the installation site.

To connect you will need:

• cold water pipes;
• sewer pipe;
• electrical outlet with a grounding terminal.

If the electrical cable, if necessary, is supplied without much effort, then with water supply and drainage pipes it is already more difficult. For this reason, the installation location is chosen next to the sink. The ability to equip risers with tee fittings will solve the connection problem quickly and at minimal cost.

Types of dishwashers

This technique is not one of the essential devices in the kitchen, but it makes the daily work of a housewife as easy as possible and frees up a lot of time. The dishwasher should be convenient, fit well into the existing design and take up little space if the kitchen is small. Before you build a dishwasher under a countertop or inside a cabinet, choose a suitable model.

All dishwashers are divided into the following size groups:

1. Full-size appliances have a height of 82 to 87 cm. Their depth is 55 or 60 cm, and their width is 60 cm. This appliance accommodates the most sets of dishes. It is installed separately, but you can find models that are fully or only partially built-in. In the first case, the dishwasher control panel is located at the top of the open appliance door. In the second it is completely open.
2. Narrow models have a small width from 45 to 49 cm and wash no more than 9 sets of dishes in one cycle. In all other respects, they are completely identical to full-size machines.
3. Compact models differ from the full-size version in height, which is 1.5-2 times smaller, and in the number of loaded sets. There can be no more than 5. All other parameters are the same. This dishwasher is installed on a countertop or mounted in a cabinet niche. The design features of a small dishwasher do not allow water supply to the lower compartment. Therefore, dishes are not washed so cleanly here.

How to install a dishwasher in the kitchen

There are two options for installing the PMM: in a finished kitchen or in a pre-designated place in the kitchen unit. Dishwashers vary in type and size:

• Compact. Holds from 3 to 5 sets of dishes. Dimensions 50x60x50 cm. Installed on the countertop or under the sink.

• Narrow. Width 45 cm, capacity from 6 to 10 sets. Can be fully or partially built-in.

• Full size. Dimensions 65x65x90 cm, holds from 10 to 15 sets of dishes. Can be built-in or free-standing.

Typically, manufacturers provide space for placing equipment in any kitchen set. To do this, take the dimensions of a narrow dishwasher and add 5-10 cm to them on all sides. If your kit does not include a special cabinet, then it is better to choose a freestanding machine. You can install it in any convenient place, even between the cabinets.

When choosing a freestanding PMM, you need to take into account that the appearance of the cabinet is combined with the design of the kitchen.

By the way, for connoisseurs of beautiful, eco-friendly and high-status furniture, there are ready-made antique interiors using natural wood, created according to your own original designs. If you have prepared drawings in advance for placing a Samsung, Miele or other brand dishwasher, there will be no problems with installation. Otherwise, for embedding, select a cabinet close to the sink. Please note that the distance from the PMM body to the rear wall must be at least 5 cm for normal ventilation.

If you have a small family and the kitchen area does not allow you to install a full-size model, choose a tabletop option. You can put it under the sink, and the connection rules do not differ from other models.

Installation steps

The issue of installing a PMM, that is, a dishwasher, should be approached with the utmost responsibility. This is a serious task that not everyone can handle.

The entire procedure can be roughly divided into several successive stages. The work consists of:

Useful tips when choosing and installing PMM

• Before purchasing built-in appliances, measure the dimensions of your kitchen cabinet.
• The legs of the dishwasher can be adjusted in height. Use a level to position the machine level. Some Hotpoint Ariston and Whirlpool models are very sensitive to a tilt of even 2 degrees. This may affect their future work.
• Mount the machine near a sink. This will make it easier to connect the drain and water without having to extend the hoses. Experts say that extending the hoses can lead to leakage and will also put more strain on the drain pump.

• When built into furniture, install a metal plate under the tabletop to protect the wood from steam. In built-in models, the plate is included.

Please refer to the instruction manual. It shows the procedure for installing and installing the dishwasher. The kit includes templates for hanging the door.

• To connect equipment to the network, a separate moisture-resistant socket is used. Do not connect via extension cords or tees.

Communications for connection

The machine requires three external sources to operate:

• electricity - must come from the electrical network of the house to the outlet closest to the car;
• clean cold water - there should be a water pipe nearby with a threaded connection;
• Sewage system - to drain dirty water, there must be sewer pipes nearby with the possibility of connecting an additional drain point.

Choosing a place

When deciding how to install a dishwasher, it is necessary to comply with the main installation condition - ensuring free access to all communications. In this case, the electrical outlet, water pipe (preferably with a faucet for connection) and the sewer drain pipe should be located as close to the machine as possible. In almost every kitchen, this condition is satisfied by a place in the cabinet near the sink.

Conduct the communications necessary for functioning in advance

Kitchen cabinet remodel

There are two options here - a free-standing cabinet or built into a common kitchen countertop. Before installing a dishwasher, let's assume that the dishwasher exactly fits the width and height of the cabinet, so alterations should be minimal.

Connecting the built-in dishwasher to the water supply and sewerage system

When the place for installing a built-in dishwasher is ready, you can start working on water communications. To supply clean water, you will need to place a tee somewhere in the system. The easiest way to do this is under the sink, at the point where the braided hose from the tap is connected. The unit is disassembled and supplemented with another branch to the dishwasher. It is worth installing another tap here if the equipment does not have protection against leaks. In the case of plastic or metal-plastic pipes, insertion into the system can be made in any convenient place, about which there is a separate article with tips on connection technology.

The drainage is connected to the sewer through a flexible hose. For these purposes, special siphons are produced that have an additional pipe with a diameter corresponding to the dishwasher drain hose. Replacing the siphon solves the problem. All that remains is to plug the device into the nearest grounded outlet and start enjoying another benefit of civilization.

Thematic materials

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Possible embedding options

Manufacturers produce PMM models with standard parameters:

• height 815-875 mm;
• width 598 and 448 mm;
• depth 550 mm.

The range of dimensions allows for the use of several installation options. The control elements of the devices are located at the end of the door, and the legs can be adjusted in height. For a tight fit, the equipment is equipped with corner fasteners and self-tapping screws.

When installing it yourself, it is important to take into account the parameters of the kitchen unit, the presence of water supply and sewerage communications, as well as a free line with an outlet.

Advice! Install the machine next to the sink, where there is access to the main water supply and drainage units.

Cabinet installation

If there are cabinets more than 45 cm wide next to the sink, you can disguise household appliances. Installing a built-in compact dishwasher in a cabinet will allow you to connect the drainage and water intake pipes to ready-made communications. The work includes:

• removal of shelves, bottom panel and back wall from the cabinet;
• vertical adjustment of the PMM body using legs;
• connecting an extended pipe with a shut-off valve for cold water;
• laying a drainage pipe into a siphon;
• organization of an additional outlet;
• installation of a decorative front panel on the device door.

With a front panel on the device door Important! If necessary, a water seal with a drain pipe is installed.

Installation in a free-standing module

The method is relevant if the furniture set does not have suitable cabinets, but the kitchen area is spacious. Order a separate cabinet for a compact machine and install it next to communications. Connection consists of the following operations:

• aligning and securing equipment so that it does not move during operation;
• laying hoses and pipes along the walls for ease of access.

Important! The location of the PMM in a separate module eliminates the difficulty of dismantling if the hose breaks.

Niche installation

The presence in the kitchen set of a special niche for a microwave, oven or compact equipment solves the question of how best to integrate a household dishwasher into a ready-made, assembled kitchen.

Separating the niche from communication networks involves the use of long flexible hoses for supplying water and drains. The front part of the machine is covered with a cover for the facades.

Built into a niche Important! Compact dishwashers are suitable for a family of 2-3 people.

If embedding is not suitable

In small rooms it is advisable to install free-standing devices. What is the best way to install a small household dishwasher, experts say:

• place on the table if the dishwasher is no larger than the oven;
• place in an open module;
• place under the sink;
• allocate a small area for narrow models.

Connection to communications is carried out only after installation of the equipment is completed.

Advice! If there is no room for a built-in device, remodel the kitchen unit, move the lines, but be prepared for large financial costs.

Methods for installing dishwashers

There are several installation methods. It will be easier to integrate a dishwasher into a finished kitchen if you immediately decide on the size of the equipment. Do not buy a model that does not fit the dimensions of your furniture at all.

In an already installed kitchen unit

If all conditions are met, then installing the dishwasher in the kitchen is carried out in the following order:

1. The back wall and shelves in the furniture block are removed.
2. The legs on the device body are adjustable. Set the height according to the level.
3. The dishwasher is connected to the drain.
4. Cold water is supplied.
5. Electricity is connected.
6. A water seal is installed on the drain.
7. At the very end, the front panel of the furniture is attached.

A dishwasher built into an already installed kitchen set.
There is another type of built-in appliances that is partially installed into the set. There is no need to hang a door on the cabinet where the equipment is hidden. Hoses can be installed directly into the system under the sink using adapter fittings.

In a separate headset module

You are lucky if the kitchen area is large and the finished set does not need to be used for the dishwasher. Install a free-standing module. Contact a furniture company to have specialists create a custom-made sink cabinet. All that remains is to place it correctly so that it is convenient to connect the hoses to the communications. Pay attention to how the dishwasher is positioned. Use a level for accurate calculations, otherwise the machine will not work properly. It will begin to vibrate and make noise. The final touch is attaching the front panel.

A dishwasher that can be placed either in a free-standing cabinet or in a niche

To a niche

There are headsets where the manufacturer provides space for installing household appliances. This niche can be used to install a dishwasher in a finished kitchen. But any model will not fit here. It is better to choose a compact dishwasher. Unfortunately, the niche may be located far from the sink, so it will be difficult to route hoses and cables from the equipment to the communications. You can close the front part with a special decorative door. They make it themselves or order it from a furniture company. Keep in mind that miniature models have low performance. If your family is large, you will have to load the dishes several times.

Can't be embedded

There are reasons when it is not possible to integrate a dishwasher into a finished kitchen.

Small tabletop dishwasher

Nuances:

• it is impossible to raise furniture to a height of 85 cm, taking into account the tabletop;
• The lid does not come off the dishwasher.

Expert advice will help resolve the issue. If you remove the cover from the equipment, you will lose the opportunity to receive free warranty service. There are models where such intervention is generally unacceptable and can lead to breakdown. The solution is to place the machine on the floor or on a tabletop and, if possible, make a simple camouflage decor to hide the equipment from prying eyes and improve the interior.

Important! You can connect the dishwasher in any place convenient for you. The only thing that is taken into account is the location in relation to water supply, sewerage and electricity. If all these nuances are taken into account, then installation is easy and safe.