Built-in, integrated or freestanding: dishwashers, fridges and ovens
Whether it's a new kitchen or a simple replacement, the question always comes up: appliance hidden behind the units or freestanding? Each option has its advantages, but built-in appliances don't forgive approximation. Here are the terms not to confuse, the standard niche sizes and the measurements to take before coming to the shop.
- Fully integrated : control panel visible; fully integrated : fully hidden
- Dishwasher: recess of 60 cm, often 82 cm high
- Built-in fridge: the recess of 178 cm is the most common
- Measure the recess, not the old appliance
Terms not to confuse
The built-in vocabulary is tricky, and manufacturers don't always use it the same way. Here is the one we use in store.
| Term | What it means | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding | Complete appliance with its own casing, placed wherever you like | 60 cm dishwasher, fridge-freezer, cooker |
| Under-counter built-in (under worktop) | Freestanding appliance without its top, slipped under the worktop; its front stays visible | Dishwasher, washing machine, table-top fridge |
| Fully integrated | A cabinet door covers the appliance, but the control panel stays visible | Dishwasher with visible control panel |
| Fully integrated (completely built-in) | The cabinet door hides everything; controls on the edge of the door | Dishwasher, tall fridge |
| Built-in | Appliance designed for a cabinet recess, with its own ventilation rules | Oven, microwave, hob, extractor hood, fridge |
Built-in or freestanding: the showdown
Freedom
- More choice, often cheaper for the same capacity
- Easy to replace and take with you when moving
- Larger capacities (American-style fridges, 16-place-setting dishwashers)
- Less uniform look
Harmony
- Uniform kitchen, appliances hidden or aligned
- Appliance protected and noise slightly muffled by the cabinet
- Narrower choice, often higher price
- Measurements and fixings to be respected to the millimetre
The dishwasher
Standard recesses
- Width : 60 cm (the most common) or 45 cm for small kitchens.
- Height : about 81,5 à 87 cm for a standard 60 cm. The most common recess under a worktop is about 82 cm.
- Tall height (XXL) : about 86,5 à 92 cm, to make room for large glasses and dishes. At Bosch and Siemens, you can recognise them by the second letter of the model number (SB… at Bosch, SX… at Siemens, such as the Siemens SX63HX16CE).
Points to check
- The exact height under the worktop, in several places (floors aren't always level).
- The plinth height (the base): it determines whether the cabinet door rubs when it opens.
- The type of hinge : fixed, or sliding (Vario Hinge at Bosch, varioHinge at Siemens), which allows taller fronts or lower plinths.
- The water supply, drainage and socket, accessible in the adjacent cabinet.
On a fully integrated model, the door hides the control panel: many models project a light spot or the remaining time onto the floor to show the current cycle.
The fridge
Recess heights
| Recess height | Appliance type | Example from our range |
|---|---|---|
| 82 or 88 cm | Under worktop (fridge or freezer) | Bosch KUR21VFE0, 859,99 € |
| 102 and 122 cm | Low tall fridge or above an oven | Bosch KIR41VFE0 (122 cm according to its model number), 879,99 € |
| 140 and 158 cm | Single-door fridge, small fridge-freezer | Siemens KI72LADE0 (158 cm according to its model number), 1 299,99 € |
| 178 cm | The most common: single-door fridge or fridge-freezer | Bosch KIR81NSE0, 1 079,99 € ; Bosch KIL82NSE0, 1 129,99 € |
| 194 cm and above | Large fridge-freezers, from certain brands | Made to order, ask us |
The width of the recess is usually 56 to 57 cm for a 60 cm appliance. Heights can often be read from the model number at Bosch and Siemens: 21 or 22 for 88 cm, 41 or 42 for 122 cm, 72 for 158 cm, 81 or 82 for 177 cm.
How the door is fixed
- Sliding rails : the cabinet door slides over the appliance door. Easier and cheaper to fit, but with a more limited opening angle.
- Door-on-door (fixed or pantograph hinges): the cabinet door is screwed onto the appliance. Sturdier, it can carry heavy fronts.
Ventilation
A built-in fridge needs air: follow the vents or slots specified in the manual, in the plinth and at the top of the housing. Poor ventilation increases energy consumption and strains the compressor. This is also why a freestanding fridge should never be enclosed in a cabinet.
The oven
- Standard oven : 60 cm wide and 60 cm high (the appliance measures about 59,5 × 59,5 cm), in a tall housing or under a worktop.
- Compact oven : 45 cm high (combination microwave or steam), often installed above a standard oven.
- Built-in microwave : recess height of 38 cm (single) or 45 cm (combination).
- Depth : often 55 cm minimum, check the installation manual, including the ventilation cut-outs.
Points to watch: a pyrolytic oven under a solid wood worktop must strictly follow the manual (ventilation), and an oven installed beneath an induction hob must be approved by the manufacturer, as induction also needs air underneath. With us, built-in ovens range from the Beko BBIE17302BMPC (399,99 €) to the Siemens iQ700 HB774G2B1 (1 229,99 €), via the Bosch HBA553BA3F (619,99 €).
The hob
For a 60 cm hob, the worktop cut-out is roughly 56 × 49 cm, but it varies by brand and model: when replacing, especially in a stone worktop, check the manual before buying. On the electrical side, an induction hob generally needs a dedicated circuit, often 32 A single-phase: have your installation checked by a qualified electrician (RGIE).
Measurements to take before coming in
| Device | To measure | Also worth noting |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Height under the worktop (left and right), width, depth | Plinth height, hinge type, integrated or fully integrated |
| Built-in fridge | Height, width and depth of the recess | Door fixing (sliding rails or door-on-door), opening direction |
| Oven | Height, width, depth of the recess | Position (tall housing or under worktop), hob above, socket or connection |
| Hob | Existing cut-out dimensions, worktop thickness | Electrical installation (single-phase, three-phase, rating) |
| Freestanding | Available space, access through doors and stairs | Ventilation space and door opening angle |
Take a photo of the rating plate on your old built-in appliance (inside the door frame) and the installation manual if you still have it. With the model number, you can often find the exact dimensions, avoiding nasty surprises on installation day.
Our selection
| Model | Type | Public price |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch SMV2ITX18E | 60 cm fully integrated dishwasher, Series 2 | 699,99 € |
| Siemens SX63HX16CE | Fully integrated tall dishwasher (86,5 cm recess), iQ300 | 1 059,99 € |
| Bosch SMV6ZCX03E | Fully integrated dishwasher, zeolite drying | 1 239,99 € |
| Siemens SN75EX23CE | Fully integrated dishwasher, varioHinge | 1 279,99 € |
| Bosch KUR21VFE0 | Under-counter fridge | 859,99 € |
| Bosch KIR81NSE0 | Built-in fridge 177 cm, Series 2 | 1 079,99 € |
| Bosch KIL82NSE0 | Built-in 177 cm fridge with freezer compartment | 1 129,99 € |
| Bosch HBA553BA3F | Built-in oven 60 cm | 619,99 € |
| Hisense HS672B90B | Freestanding dishwasher 60 cm, 14 place settings | 499,99 € |
Prices as recorded on nimestore.com on 15 October 2026: the product page is definitive, and Nimesclub members often get a reduced price. Heights deduced from Bosch and Siemens model numbers: check the installation manual for the model before buying.
For choosing the dishwasher itself, see our buying guide. The glossary explains the technical terms. Our built-in ranges are detailed in the Bosch, Siemens, Whirlpool and Beko ; we also sell Liebherr built-in refrigeration and Smeg cooking appliances.
Built-in and freestanding appliances in store
Fully integrated dishwasher BOSCH SMV6ZCX03E€1,239.00
Built-in dishwasher SIEMENS SN75EX23CE€1,279.00
Built-in dishwasher SIEMENS SX63HX16CE€1,059.00
Built-in dishwasher BOSCH SMV2ITX18E€699.00
Built-in fridge BOSCH KIR81NSE0€1,079.00
Built-in fridge BOSCH KIL82NSE0€1,129.00
Integrated undercounter fridge BOSCH KUR21VFE0€859.00
Built-in Fridge SIEMENS KI72LADE0€1,299.00
Built-in oven BOSCH HBA553BA3F€619.00
SIEMENS HB774G2B1 Built-in Oven€1,229.00
BEKO BBIE17302BMPC Built-in Oven€399.00
Dishwasher HISENSE HS672B90B€433.00All built-in appliances are in the built-in section of the shop. Come to our Temploux store with your measurements: we'll check them together before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Can you replace a built-in fridge with any model of the same height?
No: you must also keep the same door fixing system. A sliding model and a door-on-door model are not fitted in the same way, and your kitchen front may no longer suit if you change system.
Can a freestanding appliance be put into a recess?
For a dishwasher or washing machine, yes in the semi-integrated version, provided the manufacturer allows the worktop to be removed. For a fridge or an oven, no: a freestanding appliance enclosed in a unit lacks ventilation, uses more energy and risks overheating.
Is a built-in appliance more expensive?
Generally yes, for the same capacity, and the choice is more limited. In return, the kitchen looks more harmonious, and the appliance is protected by the unit. Always compare with a freestanding model if your kitchen allows it.
Is my electrical supply suitable for an oven and a hob?
A single oven is often connected to a 16 A circuit, but an induction hob generally requires a dedicated circuit, often 32 A single-phase. Have it checked by an electrician, as the connection must comply with the RGIE.
Come and see the appliances in person
At our Temploux shop, we open the doors and compare drums and finishes. Or ask our expert sales adviser online, right now.
Read next
Buying guideChoosing your dishwasher well: freestanding, integrated, 45 or 60 cmThree in four Belgians have a dishwasher, and it lasts nearly twelve years on average. Before choosing one, you need to know where it will go, how many place settings you need and what noise level you can accept. The rest, drying and options, makes the difference in price.5 min read
TechnologyThe appliance glossary: 85 terms explained in plain EnglishDirect Drive, i-DOS, autoOpen dry, Low Frost, climate class... Appliances have their own jargon, and every brand adds its own trade names. Here are 85 terms we explain every day in store, sorted by theme, so you can read a product sheet like a pro.8 min read
PracticalMaintaining your washing machine and dishwasher: the habits that make them lastA well-maintained washing machine or dishwasher cleans better, uses less energy, smells fresher and lasts longer. Good news: a few minutes a month is all it takes. Here are the habits, appliance by appliance, with a simple schedule to keep handy.6 min read