Dishwashers - freestanding/built in - what's the difference

[Jux]

Ours died yesterday. I understand Bosch, Siemens or Miele are the preferred manufacturers. But what does freestanding or built in mean? Does it make a difference? Isn't it just down to where you happen to put it? Am I being incredibly thick here?

built in (or integrated) have a cupboard door attatched, semi-integrated have most of a cupboard door attached but have the controls on a panel at the top that is the depth of a drawer. Freestanding is just that.

What she said

oh, and they don't come with the door attached, you get one yourself (to match your kitchen doors obviously)

Ah, thank you.