What Size Integrated Dishwasher Do I Need

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What Size Integrated Dishwasher Do I Need?

Choosing the right integrated dishwasher size can feel confusing—get it wrong and you risk cabinet clashes, a misaligned plinth, and doors that won’t open fully. This quick measurement guide explains exactly what to measure and how to avoid the most common pitfalls when fitting a fully integrated or semi-integrated dishwasher.

In a hurry? Most kitchens are designed for a full-size 60 cm integrated dishwasher. If space is tight, a slimline 45 cm model may be the better fit—just be sure to measure first.

What you’ll learn

  • Standard integrated dishwasher dimensions (width, height, depth) and how they relate to your cabinet niche.
  • How to measure your cabinet aperture accurately—including allowances for the door panel, hinges and pipework.
  • Key differences between fully integrated and semi-integrated models that affect fit.
  • Essential clearances for ventilation, floor levelling and plinth alignment.
  • Common measurement mistakes to avoid before you buy.
Pro tip: Measure the opening at the top, middle and bottom for width and at both sides for height. Kitchens aren’t always perfectly square—use the smallest numbers when choosing your dishwasher.

Standard Integrated Dishwasher Sizes

Integrated dishwashers come in just a few standard sizes, making it easier to match them with your existing kitchen cabinetry. The main difference is usually the width, while height and depth tend to be consistent so they fit neatly under a worktop.

TypeWidthHeightDepthCapacity
Full-size integrated60 cm81–87 cm55–60 cm12–16 place settings
Slimline integrated45 cm81–87 cm55–60 cm9–10 place settings
Compact / drawer-styleVaries (45–60 cm)~45 cm55–60 cm6–8 place settings
Tip: Most kitchen units are built to standard widths, so if you have a 60 cm-wide gap, a full-size integrated dishwasher will usually fit without issue.
💡 Did you know?
Slimline 45 cm dishwashers use around 20–30% less water than full-size models, perfect for smaller households.

CATA 300 - UBMD45M.1 45cm Integrated Dishwasher

How to Measure for an Integrated Dishwasher

Follow this simple process to confirm your space suits a full-size 60 cm or slimline 45 cm integrated dishwasher, and to avoid clashes with your plinth, pipework, and cabinet doors.

  1. Measure the width of the aperture
    Measure the cabinet aperture at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the smallest number you record.
    • Typical targets: 600 mm (full-size) or 450 mm (slimline).
    • Allow 2–3 mm clearance either side for easy sliding and alignment.
  2. Measure the height from floor to underside of worktop
    Check both the left and right sides in case the floor isn’t perfectly level.
    • Most integrated models fit 810–870 mm with adjustable feet.
    • Leave a little room for levelling (2–5 mm).
  3. Measure the usable depth
    Measure from the wall to the front of the cabinet, then subtract anything that protrudes: plinth, pipes, sockets, or isolation valves.
    • Dishwasher bodies are typically 550–570 mm deep but need extra space for hoses and the plug.
    • Leave a service gap of ~50 mm if services sit directly behind the machine.
  4. Confirm plinth & hinge clearances
    Integrated doors sit lower than the appliance metal door.
    • Check your plinth height (commonly 100–150 mm) and that the dishwasher door can open without hitting it.
    • If using thick decorative end panels, ensure hinge swing won’t foul adjacent units.
  5. Account for the furniture door thickness
    Your fitted panel (usually 16–22 mm) adds to the overall depth.
    • Make sure the door panel won’t project beyond handles or collide with opposite units.
  6. Check services (water, waste, electrics)
    Ensure the hose reach and cable length suit your layout and won’t force the appliance forward.
    • Waste standpipe or trap ideally within 1.5–2.0 m of the appliance.
    • Dedicated fused spur or socket accessible for isolation.
Check Target / Guidance Your Measurement
Width (top/middle/bottom) ≥ 600 mm full-size or ≥ 450 mm slimline (use smallest value) ________ mm
Height (left/right) 810–870 mm with levelling allowance ________ mm
Usable depth ≥ 560–570 mm body + rear service gap as needed ________ mm
Plinth clearance Door opens freely over plinth (100–150 mm typical) OK / Adjust
Door panel thickness Usually 16–22 mm; confirm hinge swing & depth ________ mm
Services reach Waste within 1.5–2.0 m; power accessible OK / Extend
Important: Manufacturer specs vary slightly. Always compare your measurements with the specific niche dimensions and ventilation clearances in the product installation manual before ordering.

Fully Integrated vs Semi-Integrated Dishwashers

Once you’ve confirmed the space for your new appliance, the next choice is between a fully integrated or semi-integrated dishwasher. Both sit inside your kitchen cabinetry, but the style and visibility of the control panel differ.

Fully Integrated

  • Completely hidden behind a matching cabinet door.
  • Controls are located on the top edge of the door, only visible when open.
  • Creates a seamless, modern kitchen look.
  • Same size ranges as semi-integrated models (60 cm or 45 cm).

Semi-Integrated

  • Cabinet door covers most of the front.
  • A small strip at the top remains visible with the control panel.
  • Easier to check cycle progress at a glance.
  • Measurements are identical to fully integrated versions.
Tip: If you prefer a completely hidden design, go fully integrated. If you’d rather keep an eye on settings and time remaining, a semi-integrated model may suit you better.
💡 Did you know?
Some fully integrated dishwashers use a floor beam of light to show when a cycle is running, since the panel is hidden.
Male hand putting dirty plate in dishwasher, view from inside dishwasher. Household chores, man washing dishes

Tips to Ensure a Perfect Fit

Even if your measurements look correct, a few small details can make the difference between a smooth installation and constant adjustments. Keep these points in mind when fitting your integrated dishwasher.

  • Leave clearance for ventilation: Most models need a few millimetres at the top, sides and rear to avoid overheating.
  • Check plinth alignment: Your kickboard (plinth) should sit flush without blocking the dishwasher door. Adjustable feet can help raise or lower the unit.
  • Plan for pipework and cables: Ensure waste pipes, water inlets and electrical sockets don’t push the machine forward.
  • Consider door swing: Integrated panels are heavier than standard doors, so confirm the door opens fully without hitting adjacent units.
  • Level the floor: If the kitchen floor isn’t perfectly even, use the dishwasher’s adjustable legs to stabilise it before fixing into place.
  • Test before final fix: Always slide the dishwasher in and open the door fully before securing. This helps catch clearance issues early.
Note: Cabinet doors and plinths vary in thickness. Always double-check the manufacturer’s installation instructions to confirm the clearances required for your specific model.
🔧 Quick tip
Fit the cabinet door panel after levelling the dishwasher — it makes alignment far easier.
UBMD60M.1 CATA 300 - 60cm Integrated Dishwasher
CATA 300 - UBMD60M.1 60cm Integrated Dishwasher

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most careful measurements can go wrong if a few key details are overlooked. Here are the most frequent integrated dishwasher installation mistakes — and how to prevent them.

Measurement Oversights

  • Forgetting to check for skirting boards or decorative end panels that eat into width.
  • Not measuring at multiple points — kitchens are rarely perfectly square.
  • Ignoring the thickness of the furniture door panel.

Installation Errors

  • Forgetting to leave a service gap for hoses and power cable.
  • Not accounting for uneven floors when setting height.
  • Fixing the appliance in place before checking that the door opens fully.
Tip: Before ordering, sketch your space on paper with all measurements written down. This makes it easier to double-check compatibility with the manufacturer’s spec sheet.
💡 Did you know?
Over 30% of dishwasher installation call-outs are due to incorrect niche measurements, not faults with the appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still unsure about which integrated dishwasher size to choose? Our quick FAQs cover the most common queries homeowners have before buying.

While most are designed around a depth of 55–57 cm, you should always allow extra clearance for hoses and the plug. Some manufacturers also specify a ventilation gap at the back.
It’s possible, but you’ll need a proper cabinet housing and a matching furniture door. Plumbing and electrical connections must also be positioned correctly for an integrated fit.
Don’t force the appliance in. Even a few millimetres short can prevent correct fitting and cause door alignment issues. Trimming cabinetry or choosing a slimline model may be the solution.
No — slimline machines use the same cleaning technology as full-size versions, but they hold fewer place settings. They may use slightly less water and energy per cycle.
Yes, a furniture door panel is essential to complete the look. Without it, the dishwasher’s bare metal front would be visible.

Final Verdict: What Size Dishwasher Do I need?

Choosing the right integrated dishwasher is straightforward when you take accurate measurements and
check for clearances around the plinth, services, and door panel. Whether you need a
full-size 60 cm model for family loads or a slimline 45 cm option for tighter spaces,
the key is confirming your cabinet aperture (width, height, depth) and comparing it with the product’s
niche dimensions.

Quick recap: Measure width at three points, height on both sides, and usable depth including any pipes or sockets.
Leave a small service gap and ensure the plinth won’t block the door swing.

What to do next

  • Create a simple sketch with all your aperture measurements clearly marked.
  • Decide between fully integrated (seamless look) or semi-integrated (visible controls).
  • Match your measurements to a shortlist of models with suitable niche sizes and required clearances.
  • Plan installation: confirm water, waste and power locations; adjust cabinet and plinth if needed.
Final tip: Before ordering, read the manufacturer’s installation guide for the exact niche and ventilation requirements.
A quick check now prevents fitment surprises later.

Ready to choose? Use your measurement checklist to filter compatible models and pick the capacity, programmes, and energy rating that fit your home.

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