How to Choose An Integrated Dishwasher

An integrated dishwasher allows you to install your dishwasher inside the cabinet or wall, hiding it completely from view, save for the door. This can be a great way to save space in your kitchen and allow available space to multitask, in this case using the top of it as counter space. When choosing a model for use in your home, all you have to do is take a little time to do your research before you buy and you can be sure that the integrated dishwasher you choose for your kitchen will serve you well.

Instructions

1. Determine what size you need. There are two sizes of integrated dishwasher to choose from, 45 cm and 60 cm wide. For a family of one or two, the smaller size will be fine, but you will seriously want to consider the larger one if you have more than two people in the household.

2. Find out about its warranty. You want not only the longest warranty possible, but you also want to ensure that it covers both parts and labor, otherwise you could potentially end up with a large service charge if the unit breaks down and needs later repair.

3. Check out its ratings. Aside from product reviews, which will be discussed later, you will want to find out how the integrated dishwashers you are researching are rated for their environmental impact and resource use. Water and power use ratings will be listed on the tag for the integrated dishwasher when you are looking at it, with AAA being the best. You will want to choose a model that is listed as A or above to make sure it is as efficient as possible.

4. Keep it simple. That shiny new integrated dishwasher you saw in the showroom may have a dozen different programs and hundreds of different possibilities for use, but you have to think realistically about whether or not you are actually going to use any of them. Light wash, regular wash, and heavy wash with an optional heated dry are the only options most people are ever going to explore. Why pay extra for something you won't use?

5. Go online and read product reviews for the unit you are interested in. Rather than depending solely on the sales tag or the salesperson, who may have never actually used the machine, go online and find out what experience other people have had. This will be the best indicator of its later performance.

Tips & Warnings

• Most models will have a reservoir for salt and rinse aids, but you can bypass them by using three in one tablets in your integrated dishwasher.