The terms "under-sink dishwasher" and "built-in dishwasher" are often used interchangeably, and they both refer to the same type of dishwasher. Both under-sink and built-in dishwashers are designed to be installed as a permanent fixture in your kitchen and are typically located beneath the kitchen countertop.
Here's a breakdown of these terms:
Built-in Dishwasher: This term is more commonly used to describe dishwashers that are designed to be installed under the kitchen counter, between the cabinets. The front panel of the dishwasher is visible, and it usually matches the surrounding cabinetry for a seamless look.
Under-Sink Dishwasher: While "under-sink dishwasher" might imply that the dishwasher is physically located under the sink, it actually means that the dishwasher is installed beneath the kitchen countertop, adjacent to the sink area. The term might be used to emphasize the proximity of the dishwasher to the sink, making it more convenient to load and unload dishes.
So, in essence, the terms "under-sink dishwasher" and "built-in dishwasher" both refer to the same type of dishwasher, and they are generally identical in terms of features, functionalities, and performance. The only difference is in how the terms are used to describe the location of the dishwasher in relation to the sink.
When choosing a dishwasher, focus on its specifications, performance, energy efficiency, capacity, noise level, and additional features rather than getting too caught up in the terminology. Whether it's labeled as an under-sink or built-in dishwasher, it will likely serve the same purpose and provide the convenience of automating your dishwashing tasks.