Can You Put A Freestanding Dishwasher In An Integrated Space (Replace An Integrated Dishwasher With A Freestanding One)

Thinking of replacing your integrated dishwasher with a freestanding one?

You’re not alone. As integrated dishwashers have a limited lifespan, and many consider the more affordable option of a freestanding model.

But can you put a freestanding dishwasher in an integrated space? The answer is yes, it is possible!

In this article, we’ll address the common concern of putting a freestanding dishwasher in an integrated space while guiding you through the process and discussing important considerations to ensure a seamless transition.

Don’t miss out on this valuable information for hassle-free dishwasher replacement.

Are Integrated Dishwashers the Same Size as Freestanding?

Integrated and freestanding dishwasher embraces different construction styles. To replace one with the other on the same dishwasher compartment, you must ensure it seamlessly fits in the available space. 

1. Integrated Dishwasher Design

An integrated dishwasher is a kitchen appliance that needs a kitchen cabinet door on the front side. There are two types of integrated dishwashers: semi-integrated, commonly referred to as integrated, and fully integrated devices.

Semi-integrated dishwashers have buttons on the upper part, while fully integrated controls are in the door. Hence, when shut down, the controls are not visible.

Further, fully integrated dishwashers have the quietest operations making them the best choice for a home kitchen.

Additionally, integrated dishwashers have a standard height of 82cm, a width of 60cm, and a depth of 55 cm. 

Pros of Integrated Dishwashers

• It gives a sleek and seamless look
• Quieter than the freestanding dishwashers

Cons of Integrated Dishwashers

• You can’t move with it to a new house.
• Quite expensive
• The installation and replacement process is complicated

2. Freestanding Dishwasher Design

A freestanding dishwasher is a standalone appliance that requires relatively minimal installations, which you can do all by yourself. They have a rigid covering panel that can also be used as a worktop.

These devices are built to offer portability; hence you can move with them to a new house. A standard freestanding dishwasher stands 85 cm tall, 60 cm wide, and 59.8 cm deep.

In addition to that, you don’t have to pay for a special installation process; the freestanding dishwashers cost cheaper than the integrated dishwashers. 

Pros of Freestanding Dishwashers

• Cheap and easy to install and replace
• Due to its portability, you can move with it to a new house
• More affordable than the integrated dishwashers

Cons of Freestanding Dishwashers

• Noisier than the integrated dishwashers
• They interrupt the uniformity and the sleek kitchen design

Can You Replace an Integrated Dishwasher With a Freestanding One?

Yes! You can replace an integrated dishwasher with a freestanding one

However, there are some considerations that you need to make. As we saw earlier, these devices are designed differently.

• Measure the space where you want to fit the freestanding dishwashers.

For instance, you need to check the space available and ensure that it is big enough to fit the new appliance. Fortunately, they all come in different sizes, so it is possible to get a freestanding dishwasher that is almost, if not the same, size as the old integrated dishwasher.

Also, freestanding dishwashers come with an attached door. Therefore, using the exact dimensions to install an integrated dishwasher will stick out of the space.

• Tally the power settings and capacity of the devices

You need to check the settings and the capacity of the new device. It wouldn’t make sense to get a frustrating item for a replacement. Perform a good search, and you can be sure to get a freestanding dishwasher that is equally powerful.

• Remove the kickboard

Kickboards, also known as kitchen plinths, are boards used to cover the spaces between the dishwasher and the cabinets. These prints cause integrated dishwashers to look like part of the kitchen. 

You should remove the plinths before placing the freestanding dishwasher.

Aside from these should consider the plumbing procedure and connections to other devices.

Can You Remove the Integrated Dishwasher?

Integrated dishwashers have a sleek appearance which makes their removal process seem to be a daunting task. However, you can quickly get the job done with the right tools and clear steps. 

Step 1: Turn off the power

Dishwashers use electric power in their operations. First, switch off the power to guarantee your safety.

Step 2: Access the connections

Integrated dishwashers have their connections at the bottom part. Thus you will need to remove the panels first to access them. Remove all the screws connecting the panels and pull them to access the connections.

Step 3: Disconnect the water supply

The next thing is to disconnect the device from its water supply. In most cases, they have their inlet hose connected to the sink. If that is the case, disconnect the hose and ensure the tap is closed.

Step 4: Disconnect the drain hose

The drain hose is the outlet for the dirty water from the dishwasher. In most cases, the drain hose is connected to the dishwasher pump. Hence, you must only disconnect the opening that connects to the drainpipe.

Step 5: Remove the screws

Integrated dishwashers have screws fixed in to put them in place. Consequently, to remove it, you must first remove the screws connecting it to the cabinet. Loosen these screws.

Step 6: Disconnect the power

Before removing the dishwasher from its place, you need to disconnect the power cables first. But be warned, if you can’t figure out the wiring yourself, you better consult instead of risking your safety.

Step 7: Remove the dishwasher

With everything holding the dishwasher out of the way, you can now remove the dishwasher. Pull it carefully out of its place.

Can You Get a Freestanding Dishwasher?

Yes! You can get a freestanding dishwasher. The most reliable brands to bring a freestanding dishwasher are Bosch, Whirlpool, and Samsung.

However, when acquiring a freestanding dishwasher, you must consider vital factors to avoid disappointment.

One of them is its size. You can first measure the available storage space to ensure you get the right size. A freestanding dishwasher has a top, bottom, sides, and already fixed door. So, it can be placed anywhere there is a space in the kitchen.

Suppose the only available space is under the bench for the dishwasher installation. In that case, you will need to get a dishwasher shorter than the workspace or cut the workspace to fit the dishwasher. Also, having a dishwasher with multiple cleaning cycles for a home would be best.

On the other hand, Integrated dishwashers are sleek and give your kitchen an elegant look.

What is the Difference Between a Semi-Integrated and Fully Integrated Dishwasher?

Both fully integrated and semi-integrated dishwashers are connected to your kitchen fixtures to make them look inbuilt. 

The difference is that a fully integrated dishwasher’s door covers the dishwasher entirely. The control panel can only be accessed if the door is open. These dishwashers are less noisy.

A semi-integrated dishwasher has a strip left on the top of the installed cabinet door. The strip has a control panel and a dishwasher handle. 

Final Words

Freestanding dishwashers are the best replacement due to their cheap cost and seamless installation. As a standard, they have a height of 85 cm, 60 cm wide, and 59.8 cm deep.

Choosing the correct type of dishwasher for your home depends on the fixtures in your kitchen. You can fix an integrated dishwasher if you have space between your cabinets.

A freestanding dishwasher can stand on itself. You can also replace the integrated dishwasher with a freestanding dishwasher. Both come in the same standard size of 600×450 mm.

Fortunately, removing the old integrated dishwasher in place will be relatively more straightforward. All you need to do is to turn off the power, disconnect the water inlet and outlet hoses, and do the unscrewing before actually removing the dishwasher from its place.

Several brands are fully dedicated to manufacturing the best freestanding dishwashers for you. 

For instance, the Bosch brand has been in this business for several years and has always lived up to its promise. Hence, you should not worry about getting your freestanding dishwasher from them.

James Miller

James is an organic fertilizer professional who owns a successful organic fertilizer company in new jersey. He is an expert in waste management in both houses and community cases. In his free time, he loves to write about his experiences in the field.