Measuring built-in dishwasher niche dimensions

Thinking about buying a built-in dishwasher? Then it’s important to know the niche dimensions before buying one. Otherwise, there’s a chance the dishwasher won’t fit.

In this blog, we explain step by step how to measure the width, depth, height of the kitchen niche, the front panel, and the plinth height.

Jump to:

• Measuring the kitchen niche

• Measuring the front panel

• Measuring the kitchen plinth

What is the niche?

The niche is the opening in the kitchen cabinet where the dishwasher is installed. Even a difference of just a few millimeters can determine whether a built-in dishwasher fits properly and whether the door opens smoothly.

That’s why it’s important to measure the niche dimensions first when buying a built-in dishwasher.

Most kitchens have a standard niche width of:

• 60 cm wide → standard dishwasher

• 45 cm wide → slim dishwasher

In addition to the width, you’ll also need the depth and height measurements to determine the correct dishwasher size.

Measuring the kitchen niche

Step 1 - Width

Start by measuring the inside width of the opening. Stretch a tape measure horizontally from the inside left side to the inside right side. Measure both the top and bottom, since kitchen cabinets can sometimes be slightly uneven.

Step 2 - Depth

Next, measure the depth from the back wall to the front edge of the cabinet opening. Still have your current dishwasher installed? Then measure the depth of the countertop and subtract approximately 5 cm, so there is enough space for the connections at the back of the appliance.

Reduce the risk of installation errors. Always check that there is enough space behind the dishwasher for:

• water supply line

• drain hose

• plug / power outlet

Step 3 - Height

Finally, measure the height. Extend the tape measure from the floor up to the underside of the countertop.

Measuring the front panel

The front, also called the dishwasher front panel, of a built-in dishwasher matches the rest of your kitchen cabinets.

The panel completely covers the built-in dishwasher. You operate the dishwasher using the controls located along the top edge of the door. These models are called fully integrated dishwashers.

There are also models where the front panel only covers the lower part of the dishwasher. The controls remain visible at the top. These models are called integrated dishwashers.

Fully integrated dishwasher

The front panel completely covers the dishwasher.

The controls are located along the top edge of the door.

Integrated dishwasher

The front panel only covers the lower section. The controls remain visible.

The controls are not covered by the front panel.

Which model is suitable for your kitchen?

Measure the full height of the front panel.

• 70.5 – 77.5 cm is suitable for the XXL models of our fully integrated dishwashers.

• 65.5 – 72.5 cm is suitable for the standard models of our fully integrated dishwashers.

• 51.2 – 61.1 cm is suitable for our integrated dishwashers.

The control panel on all our integrated dishwashers is 11.4 cm high.

Any gap between the front panel and the control panel can be filled with an accordion trim strip up to a maximum total height of 14.3 cm (control panel + strip).

The cabinet front must be at least 54.1 cm high if you do not want to use the strip.

Measuring the kitchen plinth

Want to open the dishwasher door without any issues? Measure the kitchen plinth. The height of your kitchen plinth is important when determining the type of door hinge for your dishwasher.

If the plinth is 9 cm or higher, a door-on-door system with a standard hinge works perfectly. A model with a VarioHinge will also fit.

If the plinth is between 5 and 9 cm, choose a dishwasher with a sliding door system with VarioHinge. With this system, the kitchen panel first slides slightly upward when opening, preventing it from hitting the appliance. Models with VarioHinge work perfectly in IKEA kitchens.

Bosch built-in dishwashers