The difference between installing a built-in dishwasher and a freestanding model is that additional design is required for the front wall - the machine door.
It is assumed that the decorative panel is selected to match the surrounding interior, and then the facade is installed on the dishwasher.
If experienced craftsmen cope with this operation quickly, then for beginners the task seems quite difficult. To understand the features of facade installation, you should carefully study the instructions and become familiar with some of the installation nuances. And we will tell you about all this in detail in our article.
Design features of built-in PMMs
The range of models integrated into kitchen units is much wider than their free-standing counterparts. This is explained by the principles of ergonomics and space saving inherent in the concept of constructing a kitchen interior. To get acquainted with the best brands specializing in the manufacture of built-in PMM models, please follow this link.
To install a built-in dishwasher, you will need a separate cabinet, or rather, a niche in the set. It differs from a regular kitchen cabinet in that it does not have a back wall or bottom.
The equipment is built inside furniture modules and decorated with facade panels so that when closed it is completely hidden. This installation method allows you to maintain the kitchen interior in the same style.
The machine is installed directly on the floor, on 3 or 4 support legs. The absence of a rear wall allows for free placement of the water supply and drain hoses.
The cabinet must have reliable walls to which the dishwasher body is attached, and a “roof” - the countertop. The front panel is not fixed to the walls, like conventional cabinets, but directly to the car door.
There is no need to experiment with fasteners : manufacturers have provided installation features and prepared special holes for self-tapping screws. We have provided detailed instructions for installing a built-in dishwasher model here.
What is a facade for PMM? This is a decorative panel, most often made of the same material as the front surface of the entire kitchen unit. It is made from MDF, plastic, laminated chipboard, solid wood or combined materials.
The fasteners are not visible from the outside, since installation is carried out from the inside, from the side of the machine door. Self-tapping screws are screwed into the holes and partially, not completely, enter the panel fabric
Where do you get decorative panels?
There are several ways to make it:
- ordered together with a kitchen set if the dimensions of the machine are known in advance;
- make it yourself from the doors of a disassembled kitchen cabinet;
- if there is no suitable “extra” facade, they are selected in a similar style and color design.
The first method is considered the most practical: when ordering, all dimensions of the car are taken into account, so the facade “fits” perfectly. But this method is not always applicable. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the options for integrating a dishwasher into a finished kitchen.
How to install a dishwasher under the façade
Before starting work, read the installation instructions and make sure you can handle the job. Remember to follow safety precautions. It is useful to watch a current video, e.g.
To begin with, installation of communications is carried out: water supply, sewerage, electrical network. Only after a test check can the PMM be secured in a niche, under the tabletop, and a decorative panel hung. Fastening is done with bolts (screws, self-tapping screws) included in the kit. Along with fasteners, gaskets, instructions, you will find a stencil. Applying it to the cabinet walls, countertop (depending on the PMM model), draw the locations of the holes for fastening. They are easy to make with a hammer drill. Do not make through holes; drilling ¾ of the wall thickness will be enough. All that remains is to screw on the countertop protection and place the dishwasher in the cabinet. Last steps:
- Attach fittings, slider mechanism (if necessary).
- After attaching the stencil, determine the attachment points on the inner surface of the facade.
- Use a narrow drill to drill points, not all the way through, to avoid damaging the exterior finish.
- Remove the transport screws from the door (if equipped).
- If you are working without an assistant, try temporarily fixing the facade on the door with double-sided tape so that you can easily screw in the fastening bolts in the right places.
- Check the tightness of the fit, the quality of fixation, locking, and the presence of interference when opening and closing.
Household appliances have been purchased, built-in and connected to the power grid and communications. All that remains is to complete the work and hang the facade. How to attach it, read the article.
Install the front on the dishwasher according to the instructions and the attached template.
There are three main types of dishwashers:
- Freestanding.
- Partially built-in.
- Fully built-in.
If free-standing machines are placed anywhere in the kitchen, then other types of PMM “Electrolux”, “Ikea”, “Gorenye” and other brands are built into the furniture set. Initially, decide on the installation location and prepare a niche for the dishwasher. How to connect the PMM correctly, read one of the previous articles.
The advantage of the built-in PMM model is that it is completely hidden behind the door, being part of the interior.
- This option is easier to choose; you don’t need to look at the design of the case that will fit into the kitchen set.
- The hidden control panel is a big advantage if there are small children in the house.
- Reduced noise level. It is hidden by the cabinet panels where the equipment is mounted.
The decorative panel can be screwed to the door, hiding the equipment from prying eyes. Most often, the wall part is made of the same material as the rest of the kitchen: for example, Leroy MDF.
At what stage should the façade be attached?
The dishwasher is installed in several stages. The main connection is considered to be connection to communications: water supply, sewerage system, dedicated power line.
Decorating the front side is usually done at the very end, when the rest of the work has already been completed.
The housing is pulled out of the niche to provide access to the car door from all sides. But during the fitting process, it is better to push the machine into place so that the panels of the dishwasher and neighboring modules are at the same level
Is it possible to run the dishwasher without the decorative trim installed? It is not recommended to launch before installation work is completed for several reasons.
Only a dishwasher that is completely closed on all sides can fully perform its functions; in addition, the panel plays the role of an additional sound and heat insulator.
Sometimes they mask the machine first and then make the connection. This option is appropriate if there is a delay in connection for objective reasons, for example, at the same time the riser in the toilet is being replaced or a new power line is being laid.
In order not to waste time, decorate slowly.
Types of dishwashers
Modern dishwashers are divided into three main types:
- Tabletop;
- Freestanding;
- Built-in.
The smallest machine is a desktop model. Its dimensions allow the unit to be installed directly on the countertop. Free-standing models only require connection to the power supply and communications; they are installed as a separate module or in the niches of a kitchen unit. It is the built-in models that cause the most difficulties when installing communications and installing the machine itself, which will be discussed below.
A tabletop dishwasher can be hidden in a kitchen cabinet
Freestanding dishwashers are mounted under the countertop
The advantage of a built-in dishwasher over other models is that they do not destroy the integrity of the designer’s idea or simply do not violate the aesthetics of the interior of the room. Built-in dishwashers are hidden under a box that is part of the kitchen unit, and their facades are covered with decorative facades. If your kitchen is small, then the built-in model is just for you.
We recommend watching a video about the types of dishwashers and their features:
Even when placing an order for a new kitchen, the installation of a built-in dishwasher can be ordered from specialists. But this is not always convenient due to extra costs. In addition, in order to correctly accept the work in order to avoid further troubles, you should delve into the nuances of the installation carefully.
Installing a dishwasher with your own hands means knowing all the nuances of its installation.
Preparation of tools and materials
No special tools are required to secure the façade trim.
The same items that are used to install the dishwasher as a whole will be useful:
- drill;
- screwdriver;
- awl;
- screwdriver;
- tape measure or ruler;
- pencil or marker.
If you don’t have a power tool, then one screwdriver is enough - you can screw in the screws by hand if the holes for them are pre-drilled.
The drill bit is selected according to the diameter of the screws: the holes should be a little tighter so that the fasteners are held firmly in the sockets
The work is simplified by the presence of a stencil for the façade overlay included in the delivery set. It is a large sheet of thin paper with marked attachment points.
The stencil is placed on the back side of the decorative panel and the places where the screws are screwed in are marked.
In addition to the tools, you will need double tape. Several “Velcro” pieces of tape will come in handy when you need to try on the facade. It is not recommended to immediately “mount” it on screws, since an error of 2-3 millimeters will mean all the work is in vain.
Don’t forget about the handle, without which opening the door will be problematic. It is also fixed with self-tapping screws, which are screwed into the back of the panel.
To ensure that the surfaces of the door and facade adjoin as tightly as possible, the heads of the screws should be recessed into the canvas.
It is easier to attach the workpiece than a homemade overlay. If you make the panel yourself, you may need carpentry tools, sandpaper for sanding, antiseptic impregnation and paint to finish the entire surface or just the ends.
Professional installation advice
To avoid the most common mistakes, we suggest using recommendations from experienced furniture makers:
- be sure to use a tape measure or ruler, do not use your eye, do not be lazy to check the even position of the template and the panel - the appearance of the kitchen facade as a whole depends on this;
- choose the correct length of the screws: they must fit confidently and deeply enough into the panel surface, without coming out from the front side and not deforming it;
- when using a paper template, be sure to secure it on all sides;
- you can use a regular screwdriver, but using a screwdriver speeds up the process;
- Attach the handle, focusing on the location of the handles on adjacent cabinets, try to maintain not only the position (parallel/perpendicular to the floor), but also the height;
- To prevent the PMM door from closing during installation work, place a couple of large books or another heavy object, such as an iron, on it.
If a former cabinet door is used as a dishwasher front, when trying it on, pay attention to the location of the old holes.
It is important to ensure that the old mounting holes do not come into contact with the new ones, otherwise the screws may pop out and the panel may partially come off.
After completion of all installation work, you can begin operating the equipment. But first, it is advisable to carefully study the rules of operation and maintenance of the dishwasher.
