How to Choose a Slimline Integrated Dishwasher – Expert Tips & Suggestions

Slimline integrated dishwashers are a wonderful fit for a house or flat that is small. Not only do they have a small footprint, but you can also easily conceal an integrated dishwasher, providing the kitchen with a more streamlined look with less visible space.

Slimline dishwashers are known for their narrow profile. They save on kitchen space as the average width is 45cm as opposed to 65cm of full-sized models. Yet, even though they are slim, they are just as deep as a standard dishwasher.

The largest consideration when purchasing a slimline integrated dishwasher is, of course, size. You need not only consider the height and width of the unit but the depth as well. Integrated units can be partially or fully integrated into your kitchen.

The main difference between the two options is that one fits in a cabinet or under a countertop, and the other is concealed behind a door or in a pantry.

The average slimline dishwasher fits eight to ten place settings. It will allow you to wash a decent number of dishes and perform very well in comparison to full-sized models. They are perfect for average-sized families, and you will probably get at least two meals into the dishwasher before having to start it.

Fully integrated machines tuck in spaces neatly and are flat. They are great for existing kitchen units. Some fit nicely under counter space, while some owners choose to install theirs out of sight by using a cupboard with a concealing door.

Integrated units are less popular over freestanding. You can place a freestanding unit anywhere. An integrated unit naturally looks like it is part of your kitchen. However, due to installation, if you move, it may need to be left behind.

You can also find partially installed units concealed behind doors or in panties that are large enough to accommodate them space-wise.

With some integrated models, you may find the timer is hidden from view. Homeowners are sometimes unable to view the timer unless the door is fully opened.

There are several points to consider before purchasing your integrated slimline dishwasher. Knowing that you want an integrated model is a good start as it eliminates the other choices from your process. However, there are more features to look for, including energy savings, that factor into which is the best model for your situation.

Just because the dishwasher is smaller doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to sacrifice on performance. Most models do exceptionally well when it comes to cleaning dishes.

First, some models come with dual spray arms. One is located underneath the bottom rack, while the other is on top. The benefit to this design is that it sprays all dishes equally well, and the dishes come out clean. Even if your children (or spouse!) load the dishwasher and do not rinse the dishes properly, these dishwashers will have your back.

Soil sensing systems detect how dirty the dishes are, then adjust accordingly. They will change the water temperature and washing duration so that your dishes are always completely cleaned, saving you water and electricity as there is no waste.

Worried about your glasses breaking or your china cracking? Another added benefit to these dishwashers is they often have a delicate glass system, protecting fragile items.

Aside from performance, there is safety to consider as well. Not all models come with child safety locks. If you have children who have busy hands, this feature is a must to preserve your dishes.

Slimline dishwashers have a capacity of eight to ten place settings. A place setting involves one dish, a cup, glass, soup bowl, and five utensils. When you consider this, it really does have a great deal of space within the dishwasher. Most full-sized dishwasher models can do 14 place settings.

Experts recommend that users select a slimline dishwasher that has a pull-out rack for utensils. Since the space within the dishwasher is more compact, this feature saves on space over one with a basket.

While it saves on space because you can add pots and pans to the dishwasher, it may be less convenient when it comes to putting away cutlery unless you specifically sort it. Baskets allow you to remove them and carry them to the cutlery drawer. You can’t do this with a rollout tray.

The best way to make it easier is to sort through the cutlery and manually take them to the drawer. For most people, this isn’t a big deal as you are doing it anyway.

The other thing to consider when it comes to capacity is selecting a machine that has a fold-up rack on the top. This space-saving feature comes in handy if you have a mixture of small and large glasses. Small glasses tuck underneath the racks for added space for small bowls, ramekins, or any other small item. You can also lift them for tall glasses.

Also, consider adjustable shelving that allows you to create more room by customizing the space.

This brings us to another important feature….

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Slimline integrated dishwashers- or any slimline model – are not always known for their energy-saving capabilities. There are a few that run extremely efficiently. However, the vast majority of them do not.

Some models compensate by having a sensor that detects the load or a quick cycle. These cycles use less water and less energy. Most dishes can be washed in under ½ hour. This saves both time and energy.

The energy ratings are an excellent place to begin as they will show you how well the machine performs overall.

A rating scale from A to G replaces ratings of A to D with plus signs. A-ratings are the highest energy-efficient models, while G is on the low end.

Energy ratings also indicate how much energy the appliance uses as indicated by kW/100 washes, how much water is used per cycle, place setting capacity, and how much time is required per cycle.

If you live in a flat or share any wall with a neighbor like a duplex, triplex, or townhouse, you may want to consider a dishwasher with a low noise level.

Noise levels are given an A to D rating and include how much noise the device creates, measured in decibels. The best level is between 45dB and 50dB.

Features may hedge on wants more than needs. Anti-flood protection is a must when it comes to dishwashers. While we never want to think about our dishwasher overflowing, it does happen. Worst of all, when it does, we are not only stuck with a swampy mess to clean but a high water bill as well.

To avoid this situation, investing in anti-flood protection is a good idea. It protects the kitchen if something malfunctions within the system. Float switches found inside the dishwasher detect water found at the base of the unit and prevent it from filling any further. The aqua stop feature will stop flooding if the hose that is filling the dishwasher leaks or splits.

Some models come with an automatic sensor wash. As mentioned above, it senses the soil level of the dishes. Then, it adjusts the wash cycle and temperature to compensate for the dirt level.

Some models come with smart features that allow you to program your dishwasher right from your phone. These are very convenient as you can run the dishwasher at any time- especially if you are expecting last-minute company and all your place settings need to be washed.

Some also allow you to monitor how much the unit consumes energy and water-wise.

There are models which also have an auto-opening feature. During the drying cycle, the door to the dishwasher automatically opens. It opens only large enough to create a small gap for steam to escape and allow fresh air to circulate.

This is beneficial for the following reasons:

• You never have to touch a really hot plate, glass or cutlery
• You don’t’ have to wait for a cooldown
• Acts as a reminder that the cycle is almost finished
• Allows moisture to escape
• Eliminates unpleasant odor because moisture isn’t trapped in the dishwasher
• Doesn’t allow bacteria to form due to trapped moisture.
• Requires less maintenance due to low formation of bacteria

Is more sterile/hygienic

Loading the dishwasher properly is an art. If you are a parent, you try to teach your child to rinse their plates before putting them into the dishwasher.

A child may wonder what the purpose is of rinsing dishes if it’s the dishwasher’s job to clean them. The answer to this question is that food can slip off a plate and clog the drain leading out of the unit. If the hose doesn’t clog, then odour can be present as food can rot.

This involves a cleaning to get rid of the bacteria.

To load a dishwasher:

• Face the dirtiest side of dishes toward the center of the unit.
• Place curved items like mugs and plates on an angle to enable water to drain.
• Plastic items need put in the upper rack for cleaning. Since some dishwashers are hotter on the bottom and plastic can warp, deteriorate, or melt.
• Don’t overfill it, which prevents the dishes from being cleaned properly.
• Use safety features properly.
• Avoid placing sharp objects like certain kitchen knives in the dishwasher. If the edges are sharp, they can become dull as they may rub up against edges or cut through the interior of the unit.

It’s also wise to follow the instructions on the item as well. It will indicate the best wash practices.

While there are several considerations when looking for a slimline integrated dishwasher, the biggest considerations are space and capacity. Select one that has the best capacity for your average day. If it is too big, there may be waste; too small, and you’ll constantly be washing dishes.

This may also end up wasting both water and energy due to the frequency of dishwashing. It is best to find one suitable for your needs.

The features you select should reflect your preferences. Some models will clean your dishes exceptionally well. Yet, even though they may not be the best in energy efficiency, they still do an excellent job in performance over standard models.