What Is a Freestanding Dishwasher and Is It Better Than a Built-In?

When choosing a dishwasher, one of the first decisions is whether to go freestanding or built-in (also called integrated). Both types do the same job — wash your dishes — but they differ in installation, flexibility, appearance and cost. Here's how to decide which suits your kitchen.

What Is a Freestanding Dishwasher?

A freestanding dishwasher is a self-contained unit with a finished exterior on all visible sides. It can be placed anywhere in a kitchen that has access to water supply and drainage, and simply plugs into a standard power point. Because it's not permanently fixed to cabinetry, it can be moved if you renovate or relocate.

Freestanding dishwashers have:

• A finished top surface that can be used as extra bench space
• Visible control panel on the front door
• A complete exterior finish on sides and top — designed to be seen
• A power cord that plugs into a standard power outlet

What Is a Built-In (Integrated) Dishwasher?

An integrated or built-in dishwasher is designed to be installed inside a kitchen cabinet with a custom door panel attached to the front that matches the surrounding cabinetry. When closed, it's invisible as an appliance — it looks like just another cabinet door.

Built-in dishwashers have:

• Hidden control panel — often on the top edge of the door, invisible when closed
• No finished exterior — all sides and top are plain metal, designed to sit inside cabinetry
• A custom door panel from the cabinet maker or supplied with matching finish panels
• Fixed installation — not easily moved

Freestanding vs Built-In: Key Comparisons

Installation

Freestanding dishwashers are significantly easier and cheaper to install — just connect to water supply, drainage and power. Built-in dishwashers require cabinet space, a custom door panel and are typically installed by the kitchen cabinetmaker or a specialist at higher cost.

Appearance

Built-in dishwashers produce a seamless kitchen look. For high-end kitchen renovations, integrated appliances are standard. Freestanding dishwashers have a more utilitarian appearance but have improved significantly in design quality in recent years, with stainless steel finishes that look attractive in most kitchens.

Cost

Freestanding dishwashers are generally less expensive than built-in models at equivalent performance levels. Built-in models carry a premium for the hidden control panel design and require additional cost for door panels and installation.

Flexibility

Freestanding dishwashers can be moved when you renovate or move home. Built-in dishwashers are tied to the kitchen cabinetry and are difficult to remove without disrupting the cabinet layout.

Which Is Better?

Neither is universally better — it depends on your situation:

• Choose freestanding if you're in a rental, don't have matching cabinetry, want lower cost or want flexibility to move or replace the appliance in future
• Choose built-in if you're doing a full kitchen renovation, want a seamless look and have the cabinet space and budget for integration

Oceania Appliances stocks a full range of freestanding and built-in dishwashers across all major brands. Visit our showroom in Wetherill Park or call 0400 983 352 for advice on what suits your kitchen best.