TL;DR – in short

• IKEA METOD kitchen appliances do not have to be from IKEA .

• An IKEA dishwasher is the least problematic with an 80 cm front.

• A non-IKEA dishwasher requires a sliding hinge or BEHJÄLPLIG adapter that allows integration with an IKEA front.

• IKEA hoods are the easiest to install in METOD housings.

• A built-in refrigerator should have a sliding hinge and ventilation.

• The oven, hob, sink and tap usually fit without any problems, even from outside IKEA.

If you want hassle-free assembly – IKEA.
If you are looking for a specific brand or features, non-IKEA equipment will also work, but requires detailed checking.

Is it necessary to install IKEA household appliances in an IKEA METOD kitchen?

Short answer: no need .

In an IKEA METOD kitchen you can install household appliances purchased outside IKEA and in most cases it will work without any problems.
The difference lies in the level of complexity of assembly .

Why do many people choose IKEA household appliances?

Home appliances offered by IKEA are equipment from well-known manufacturers, specially prepared for the METOD system.

The most important advantages:

• full compatibility with METOD bodies

• 5-year warranty

• no problems with mounting the fronts

• simpler and often cheaper assembly of the entire kitchen

If you want a quick and hassle-free end result, IKEA home appliances are the safest choice .

Non-IKEA household appliances – when does it make sense?

Non-IKEA equipment:

• usually fits true to size

• often offers more features or a different design

However, you should pay attention to:

• type of hinges

• way of integrating the front

• ventilation and assembly

It's not difficult, but it requires a conscious choice.

Dishwasher in the IKEA METOD kitchen

This is the element that most often causes problems.

The simplest solution

• dishwasher from IKEA

• prepared for a long front 80 cm

• factory sliding hinge

Non-IKEA dishwasher

If you choose a dishwasher from another manufacturer:

• check if it has a sliding hinge

• if not, you will need a BEHJÄLPLIG adapter

BEHJÄLPLIG is a special set that:

• enables the integration of a full-size IKEA front

• allows you to mount the METOD front on non-IKEA dishwashers

• solves the problem of opening a long front of 80 cm

Without a sliding hinge or adapter, the front may get stuck or work poorly.

Hood – IKEA or another manufacturer?

The choice of hood depends on the kitchen layout:

• chimney

• under-cabinet

• insular

• ceiling

• countertop

• integrated with the board

If the hood is to be hidden in a cabinet , IKEA models are the easiest to install – they fit the METOD dimensions.

For non-IKEA hoods, check:

• width and depth under the body

• front mounting method

• space for running the pipe

Built-in refrigerator in the METOD system

When it comes to refrigerators, there are a few key issues to consider:

• choose sliding hinges , not door-on-door ones

• check the dimensions of the body, e.g. 60×200 or 60×220 cm

• provide ventilation:

  • approx. 5 cm at the back

  • at least 2 cm at the top

  • built-in ventilation grilles

It is worth remembering that built-in refrigerators often have a smaller capacity than free-standing ones.

Oven, hob, sink and tap

Here are the fewest problems:

• ovens and hobs have standard widths of 60 or 80 cm

• fit METOD without adapters

• with a custom-made countertop, you can choose any sink and tap

• holes are cut for a specific model

An undermount sink requires a suitable countertop material, e.g. stone or composite.

Practical conclusions

• The IKEA dishwasher offers the least amount of complications with a front of 80 cm

• The BEHJÄLPLIG adapter allows you to mount the IKEA front on non-IKEA dishwashers.

• IKEA hoods are easiest to fit into the METOD system

• Always check the capacity and ventilation of the built-in refrigerator.

• A sink and faucet from outside IKEA give you the greatest freedom of choice

Well-chosen household appliances make the METOD kitchen work comfortably and look coherent, without any alterations or stress.

FAQ

Do non-IKEA household appliances fit METOD?
Yes, but you need to check the hinges, dimensions and mounting method.

What is BEHJÄLPLIG used for?
This is an adapter that allows you to integrate an IKEA front with non-IKEA dishwashers.

Is a non-IKEA dishwasher a bad choice?
No, but it requires a sliding hinge or adapter.