Are All Dishwashers A Standard Size?

You are trying to determine which dishwasher you should get and how you should design your kitchen. There are freestanding dishwashers and integrated dishwashers, and you want to know which one is best for your kitchen. We researched if these different kinds of dishwashers come in the same standard sizes.

Dishwashers come in the standard size of 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches tall. This is the same for freestanding and integrated dishwashers. Both models also include slimline options. Slimline dishwashers have the same depth and height but measure only 18 inches wide for smaller spaces. 

Now you know the standard sizes of dishwashers, including freestanding and integrated models. You might also wonder about trying to fit a dishwasher under the sink or which brand of dishwasher is the most reliable. We will answer all of those questions and give you all the information you need before purchasing your new dishwasher.

Standard Dishwasher Sizes—Integrated and Freestanding

Integrated and freestanding dishwashers come in a standard size. This size is 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 35 inches tall. There are slimline dishwashers that are made for smaller spaces. These models have the same height and depth but are only 18 inches wide. No matter what size dishwasher you need, you can get a freestanding or integrated model.

There are also portable dishwashers that can be placed under the sink or on the countertop. These portable units are not installed directly into the space between cabinets, but they are the smallest units available. A portable dishwasher is the best option if you need a smaller unit than the slimline 18-inch built-in models.

Why Are Dishwashers A Standard Size?

The standard size of dishwashers is created to fit seamlessly with cabinet and counter sizes. The standard cabinet height is 34.5 to 36 inches. 34.5 inches plus 1.5-inch counter depth brings the typical counter height up to 36 inches.

The standard base cabinet depth is 24 inches with a 25-inch countertop to overhang the cabinets by one inch. If you are trying to fit appliances into a small kitchen, you can save about six inches of space by choosing a slimline model with 18-inch width.

How Do You Measure A Built-In Dishwasher?

The manufacturer will provide the measurements of the dishwasher before you purchase. You should measure the space you have available for the dishwasher.

Start by taking three measurements of the height to ensure the floor is level, and the machine will fit into the space. Measure the height on the left side of the opening, the middle, and the right side of the opening. Then measure the width and depth of the opening to make sure the manufacturer's dimensions match your space.

Can A Dishwasher Fit Under A Sink?

A standard dishwasher would not fit under a sink because you need space for the sink plumbing. There are specially designed units made by GE that allow space for the sink pipes while placing the unit directly below the sink.

This can be a good idea for small kitchens, but it can make reaching the plumbing for the sink and the dishwasher unit more challenging. This will likely increase the amount you pay a plumber to make any repairs or changes in the future.

Homelabs Digital Countertop Under Sink Dishwasher

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What Is The Difference Between Integrated And Built-In Dishwashers?

Integrated dishwashers are installed with a full-size cabinet panel to hide the appliance. They also provide more insulation to reduce the amount of noise when the machine is operating. They are more expensive and cannot be reused in another kitchen if you plan on moving. Integrated dishwashers are quieter and look sleeker in the kitchen.

Freestanding dishwashers are easier to install and move. They include a full-size weighted door that doesn't require you to put a cabinet panel on the front. These kinds of dishwashers will slightly stick out from the cabinetry.

Freestanding dishwashers can be operated without opening the door. Since integrated dishwashers have no visible panel, you have to open the door to start the cycle.

Should I Get An Integrated Or Built-In Dishwasher?

An integrated dishwasher is the best option if having a quiet dishwasher is the most important consideration. If you don't want the dishwasher to be visible and prefer the cabinet throughout the kitchen, you should get an integrated dishwasher.

You should try a freestanding dishwasher if you prefer the ease of installation, ability to move to another location, and cheaper cost.

Can You Open An Integrated Dishwasher Without A Door?

Integrated dishwashers come with a weak door and need to be finished by adding a cabinet door panel to the front. Freestanding dishwashers come with a strong door attached to the machine that cannot be replaced. If you like the look of covering up the dishwasher with a cabinet door panel, then the integrated dishwasher is the way to go.

If you want a dishwasher that is ready to install without adding an additional cabinet panel, then a freestanding unit is your best option.

Integrated dishwashers don't need a cabinet to be installed. They are placed directly on the ground between the cabinets and countertop. They should be placed with cabinets next to them for support because they are not intended to be freestanding units.

For more information about integrated dishwashers, check out this post. Do Integrated Dishwashers Need A Cabinet?

What Is The Difference Between Plumbing For Integrated And Built-In Dishwashers?

Integrated dishwashers are made to fit the space perfectly without ever being removed. They can require some plumbing modifications to fit the space and work properly. Freestanding units are easily moveable, so the plumbing is very easy to attach and remove.

For more information about this topic, check out this post. Do Freestanding Dishwashers Need To Be Plumbed In?

Which Brand Of Dishwasher Is The Most Reliable?

The measure of reliability includes a couple of factors, including the average lifespan of the machine and the likelihood of repairs. The average lifespan of all dishwashers is about ten years.

The company Miele is said to have reliable dishwashers that can last up to twenty years. The company rigorously tests these machines to operate for 10,000 hours. This equates to five weekly washes over the course of twenty years. Miele dishwashers are a little more expensive, but they can provide nearly twice the lifespan of some competitor brands.

Whirlpool and GE dishwashers are generally considered reliable in terms of needed repairs over the machine's lifespan. They do not boast the lifespan that Miele dishwashers provide, but they are significantly cheaper.

While dishwashers are expected to last about ten years, about thirty percent will need repairs or complete replacement within five years of purchase. This data is according to Consumer Reports.

What Is The Smallest Dishwasher?

The smallest dishwashers on the market are not installed into the base cabinetry but are considered portable units. They can sit on the countertop, attached permanently under the sink, or they can be pulled up and attached to the sink when you need to use it.

Small portable units can vary in size, but one example is 17.3 x 16.5 x 17.3. These dishwashers are the best option if you don't have the space for a slimline 18-inch built-in or integrated dishwasher.

Farberware 5-Liter Portable Countertop Dishwasher

Click here to check this out on Amazon.

In Closing

The standard size dishwasher is 24 inches wide and deep. This matches the standard base cabinet size, so the dishwasher will fit between your cupboards and sink cabinet. The standard dishwasher is 35 inches, which also matches the size of cabinets so that the machine will fit comfortably under the countertop and between cabinets.

Integrated dishwashers hide behind a cabinet panel exterior for a more seamless kitchen look. They also provide more insulative sound-dampening for a more peaceful kitchen environment.

For more information about dishwashers, check out these resources.

How To Replace A Bosch Dishwasher Front Panel

How Big Are Bosch Dishwashers?

How To Secure A Dishwasher To The Cabinet