Integrated Dishwasher: 45 or 60 cm?

Integrated Dishwasher: 45 or 60 cm?

When you look for an integrated dishwasher, the first decision is the width: 45 or 60 cm. The difference is not only about size. Capacity, water use and electricity use per cycle change too. Here you will find the figures, how to measure your space and which size suits each home.

At a glance
  • A 45 cm model usually holds 9 to 10 place settings, and a 60 cm model usually holds 12 to 15.
  • For 1 or 2 people, or a small kitchen, 45 cm is usually enough.
  • For 4 people or more, 60 cm is more comfortable.
  • A fully integrated model hides the control panel behind the door.
  • On the label, check the energy rating, the kWh and the dB level.
Contents
  1. What changes between 45 and 60 cm
  2. How many place settings you need
  3. Water, electricity and the label
  4. Noise in dB
  5. What fully integrated means
  6. How much it costs
  7. How to measure your space
  8. What to avoid
  9. Which one to choose

Integrated dishwasher: what changes between 45 and 60 cm

A 60 cm dishwasher is the standard size in most kitchens. The 45 cm model is narrower and suits small kitchens, flats and holiday homes. Both usually have the same height, so the difference is in width and capacity.

A 45 cm dishwasher holds fewer dishes, but it fits a narrower recess. The table below shows the usual figures. They are ranges, because every model is different.

Feature45 cm60 cm
Place settings9 to 1012 to 15
Water per eco cycleabout 6 to 9 litresabout 9 to 12 litres
Electricity per eco cycleabout 0.6 to 0.8 kWhabout 0.7 to 1 kWh
Ideal for1 to 2 people4 people or more

Integrated 45 cm dishwashers from our shop

Whirlpool WSIC 3M27 Fully Integrated Dishwasher for 10 Place Settings, E (H82xW45cm)
Whirlpool WSIC 3M27 Fully Integrated Dishwasher for 10 Place Settings, E (H82xW45cm)
See price
Whirlpool WSIC 3M27 C Integrated Dishwasher for 10 Place Settings 45cm White
Whirlpool WSIC 3M27 C Integrated Dishwasher for 10 Place Settings 45cm White
See price

How many place settings you need

Count the place settings for a normal family meal, plus the breakfast dishes. If the total comes to more than 10, a 45 cm model needs a second cycle during the day.

  • 1 to 2 people: 45 cm, with 9 to 10 place settings
  • 3 people: depends on how much you cook
  • 4 to 6 people: 60 cm, with 12 to 15 place settings
  • Frequent guests: 60 cm, so dishes do not wait for a second cycle

If you cook often, 60 cm is more comfortable, even for 3 people.

Water, electricity and the label

Water and electricity use per cycle give the clearest comparison, because the tests are run the same way for every model. On the label you will find the energy rating, which now runs from A to G, the annual consumption in kWh and the noise level in dB.

Only compare ratings on the same scale, because older A+++ labels cannot be compared directly with the new ones.

A 60 cm model uses more per cycle, because it washes more dishes. However, if you wash only a few dishes, the larger machine often runs half empty, and then the 45 cm model works out cheaper.

Tip: Only run the dishwasher when it is full. If you are also looking for a washing machine, see our guide on how to choose a washing machine.

Noise in dB

Every 10 dB sounds roughly twice as loud, so even a small difference on the label matters. Modern integrated models usually range from 40 to 52 dB, and the very quiet ones fall below 42 dB.

If the kitchen is open to the living room or the bedroom is next door, look for models below 44 dB.

What fully integrated means

A fully integrated dishwasher is hidden behind a door panel that matches the rest of the cabinets. The control panel sits inside the top edge of the door, so no strip of buttons is visible. A semi-integrated model has a visible strip of buttons and is usually cheaper.

Full integration needs a door panel made for that specific machine, which is why the total cost goes up. In our catalogue, fully integrated models say so clearly in their titles. See all our dishwashers.

How much a fully integrated dishwasher costs

The price depends mainly on width, energy rating, noise level and programmes. The 45 cm models are usually cheaper than the 60 cm ones, and fully integrated models cost a little more than semi-integrated ones.

For fully integrated models, the cost of the door panel and installation is added on top. Ask your kitchen manufacturer for a separate quote for that part. Prices change often, so check the current price on each model's card.

How to measure your space

Measure inside the recess, not the front of the worktop. Measure the width at the top, in the middle and at the bottom, because walls are not always straight.

  • Width: 45 or 60 cm, depending on the model
  • Height: usually 81.5 to 90 cm, from the floor to the underside of the worktop
  • Depth: usually 55 to 60 cm, with room for pipes and cable
  • Water and power: the water supply, drain and socket should be close to the recess

Height is the most critical measurement. Most integrated models start at about 81.5 cm, and adjustable feet cover small differences. If the space is shorter than the model's height, it will not fit.

What to avoid

You do not need to pay for every feature, but watch out for these points:

  • Noise: the noisier models, if the kitchen is open plan or close to a bedroom
  • Low ratings: when a better rating is available at the same price, choose that one
  • Racks without height adjustment: large pans do not fit easily
  • Awkward filter: you will clean it often, so choose a model with a filter that comes out easily
  • No half load programme: you need one if you often wash only a few dishes

Which one to choose

For 1 or 2 people, or a small kitchen, choose 45 cm. For 4 people or more, or if you cook often, choose 60 cm. For 3 people, choose 60 cm if your space allows it, otherwise 45 cm will do.

Fully integrated 60 cm dishwashers from our shop

Whirlpool WIC 3C33 PFE Fully Integrated Dishwasher for 14 Place Settings, D (H82xW59.8cm)
Whirlpool WIC 3C33 PFE Fully Integrated Dishwasher for 14 Place Settings, D (H82xW59.8cm)
See price
Bosch SMV2ITX16E Fully Integrated Dishwasher 60cm
Bosch SMV2ITX16E Fully Integrated Dishwasher 60cm
See price
BOSCH Fully Integrated Dishwasher 60cm A+ 52 dB SMV25AX00E
BOSCH Fully Integrated Dishwasher 60cm A+ 52 dB SMV25AX00E
See price

With your measurements to hand, browse the full range of dishwashers and compare models on the same basis.

Frequently asked questions

What size is an integrated dishwasher?

The width is usually 60 cm, or 45 cm for the narrow model. The height is usually 81.5 to 90 cm, and the depth is about 55 to 60 cm.

Is a 45 cm dishwasher enough?

For 1 or 2 people it is usually enough, as it holds 9 to 10 place settings. For 3 people it depends on how much you cook, and for 4 people or more you will want 60 cm.

How much does a fully integrated dishwasher cost?

It depends on the width, energy rating and programmes, and 45 cm models are usually the cheapest. For fully integrated models, the cost of the door panel and installation is added, so ask for a separate quote.

What is the smallest height for a dishwasher?

An integrated model usually starts at about 81.5 cm. Countertop models, which sit on a worktop, are much lower, at roughly 45 to 55 cm.

Which dishwasher should you avoid?

In an open-plan kitchen, avoid the noisiest models. In general, avoid racks without height adjustment, awkward filters and models with no half load programme. When a better energy rating is available at the same price, choose that one.

Find the dishwasher that suits you

Models in 45 and 60 cm, integrated and fully integrated, with delivery throughout Greece.

See all dishwashers

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