Your Cart
£0.00
Before You Buy a Dishwasher
So, you’re purchasing a dishwasher? By this point, you probably already know whether you’re looking for an integrated or freestanding, compact or full-size dishwasher. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, we’ve put together a handy guide of things to think about before you click “buy”.
What Are the Standard Dishwasher Height and Dimensions?
The standard height of an integrated dishwasher is 82cm, with a depth of 55cm, and a width of 60cm.
This means that they’ll fit under a standard kitchen worktop with ease. If you have custom, or non-standard worktops, don’t worry; there are plenty of dishwashers that will work in your home such as compact dishwashers, and freestanding dishwashers.
The standard dimensions of freestanding dishwashers are 85cm tall, 59.8cm deep, and 60cm wide.
They are slightly larger than integrated dishwashers to allow the top of the appliance to sit in line with your countertops.
How Do You Measure for a Dishwasher?
Whether you’re purchasing an integrated dishwasher or a freestanding one, there are a couple of things to take in to consideration:
The power socket for your dishwasher should be no more than a metre away, whilst the water and waste pipes should be a maximum of 50cm away. Keep these things in mind when deciding where to install your dishwasher. You’ll also want to make sure that you have enough space to open the door of your dishwasher fully, without it catching on any other appliances or cupboards.
Measuring for an Integrated Dishwasher
If you’re replacing an existing integrated dishwasher, the simplest way to measure for your new one is to measure your existing appliance from edge-to-edge and top-to-bottom. This should guarantee that your new dishwasher will fit.
In addition to this, you might want to measure your existing appliance from front to back. Most integrated appliances and cabinets will have a depth of 55cm, but it’s always worth double-checking, just in case. Be sure to also allow a minimum of around 3cm extra space behind your integrated dishwasher for the water and waste pipes.
In short, you’ll want to measure from:
Once you’ve got your measurements, you’re ready to start shopping for your new appliance.
If you’re measuring for a brand new integrated appliance, then the same rules apply. Measure from the top to the bottom of your cabinet space, allowing for a couple of mm wiggle room for you to slip the appliance into place. Then measure your cabinet from side-to-side, and front-to-back. Be sure to allow for an additional 3cm of space at the back of the appliance for the water and waste pipes.
Most integrated dishwashers will have a depth of 55cm; allowing you space to attach the cabinet door to your appliance (integrated appliances should be supplied with all the fixings for attaching the door to the dishwasher).
Measuring for a Freestanding Dishwasher
A freestanding dishwasher doesn’t need to fit under your existing cabinets, so will fit in to your kitchen with ease. They typically stand a little taller than an integrated appliance, so the top of the machine will sit in line with your surfaces.
To find the perfect size freestanding dishwasher measure from:
As with an integrated dishwasher, you’ll need to ensure that your appliance will be no more than a metre from your power source, and no more than 50cm from your water and waste pipes. Allow for 3cm at the back of the appliance for your water and waste pipes.
Transporting a New Dishwasher
Getting your new dishwasher home can feel like a hassle, but stress not. We’re here to help! When you purchase a dishwasher from Appliance City, you can choose to have your new appliance delivered for free by our expert delivery team. We can also take away your old appliance and recycle it responsibly for you.
If you’re transporting a dishwasher from one home to another, be sure to drain the pump first. This can be done by engaging the drain solenoid where the drain hose was attached. Unplug your dishwasher, remove the drain hose from the pump, and push down on the plunger in the middle of the solenoid to drain the appliance of any remaining water.
Once it’s drained, you can transport your dishwasher. If the appliance can’t be stood upright, then lay it on it’s back with the door facing up and latched. Be sure to secure the appliance to prevent it from sliding around.
How Heavy is a Dishwasher?
The weight of your dishwasher will largely depend on the type of dishwasher that you’ve purchased. Expect a compact dishwasher to weigh around 15-30kg, a slimline dishwasher can sit between 30-40kg, and a full-size dishwasher can be anything from 40-60kg.
Will a Dishwasher Fit in My Car?
Due to the angular nature of a dishwasher, and the weight associated with it, it’s unlikely that a dishwasher will fit in a hatchback or compact car. The dimensions often make manoeuvring and lifting a dishwasher very difficult. Small vans and estate cars, which have a much bigger and lower boot space, could be used for transporting a dishwasher. This is because they require you to lift the appliance to a much lower height and can be transported standing upright.
That said, we would always recommend you hire a man and van. They know how to lift and move large and bulky items, like dishwashers, and often have trolleys that will make getting your new appliance in and out of your home a breeze.
Can I Lay a Dishwasher on Its Side?
Transporting a dishwasher on its back is preferable to transporting a dishwasher on its side. This is because dishwasher tend to be a little top-heavy. If you’re moving your dishwasher, lie it on its back with the door facing up and latched.
Installing a Dishwasher
Whether you’re fitting an integrated dishwasher or a freestanding dishwasher, the process is the same when it comes to hooking it up to the power, water, and waste supplies. Integrated appliances will come with all the fixings that you need to attach your dishwasher to your counter, and attach the door, too.
If you are installing your dishwasher yourself, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so. Most dishwashers will be connected to the hot water supply, but some models can be connected to the cold-water supply to take advantage of the energy-saving properties of the heating element within the dishwasher itself. If yours can be connected to the hot water, be sure to use a hot water hose which is designed to withstand the temperature of the water.
Who Can Install a Dishwasher?
When it comes to who should install a dishwasher, we always recommend that you get a professional in. However, with a little bit of know-how installing your dishwasher yourself is relatively straightforward.
Where to Install a Dishwasher
As mentioned earlier, your dishwasher should be no more than a metre from your power source, and no more than 50cm from your water and waste pipes. This usually means that you’ll be installing your dishwasher close to your sink.
Top tip: don’t install your dishwasher next to your fridge. When a cycle is running, your dishwasher will throw out heat. Your refrigerator will then work overtime to counteract the rise in internal temperature.
So, there you have it – our guide to what to think about before you buy a dishwasher. Appliance City dishwashers are available in a range of styles from some of your favourite brands in colours to suit most styles and budgets. Shop online for the best deals or contact us for expert and impartial advice.
