Semi integrated dishwashers have visible controls.
Dishwashers are coveted for their function -- many of us simply don't like to hand wash our dirty dishes -- but design also plays a factor. Gone are the days when dishwashers were large, bulky machines that you had to hook up to the kitchen sink's faucet. Today, dishwashers fit seamlessly into kitchen designs, whether the kitchen is sleek and modern or has a cozy, country feel. The difference between fully integrated and semi integrated dishwashers lies in the design details.
Fully Integrated Dishwashers
Fully integrated dishwashers are designed to seamlessly match their surroundings. They have a smooth, unblemished front that can be covered with a cabinet door, although not all homeowners choose to cover them. Instead, many leave the dishwashers uncovered, as the sleek look is still modern and appealing in most cases. Those who leave the dishwasher uncovered by a cabinet door may opt to have a handle installed on the front of the dishwasher's door so it's easier to open.
Semi Integrated Dishwashers
Semi integrated dishwashers, by design, cannot be fully concealed by a cabinet door. Like fully integrated dishwashers, they're installed under the countertop and between cabinets or at the end of a row of cabinets. Unlike fully integrated dishwashers, however, they cannot be completely hidden. They can be partially covered by a cabinet door, but the control panel or handle prevents complete coverage. As a result, some semi integrated dishwashers have decorative panels that can often be interchanged or customized to match the surrounding cabinets.
Control Panel
The location of the control panel is the most obvious design difference between fully and semi integrated dishwashers. In fully integrated dishwashers, the control panel is hidden from plain sight. It's usually located on top of the door -- which means you have to open the dishwasher to see it. In semi integrated dishwashers, all or part of the controls are located along the top front panel.
Other Considerations
It's not always the design that's the deciding factor when choosing between a fully or semi integrated dishwasher. Families with small children may opt for a fully integrated dishwasher because the controls are out of reach of little fingers. On the other hand, those hidden controls also make it difficult to see any information about the wash cycle, including the time remaining until completion. In addition, fully integrated models tend to be more expensive, although the price can vary by brand and by the machine's other features.
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