How to choose a built-in washing machine for the kitchen

It is not always possible to place a washing machine in the bathroom - sometimes the room is barely large enough for a sink, bathtub or shower. In this case, a good solution is to install appliances in the kitchen. All communications are at hand here, and the unit can be connected to them at the same time as the dishwasher. And in order not to violate the integrity of the kitchen unit, it is better to choose a built-in washing machine.

Often built-in models of washing machines are installed in the kitchen

Nowadays you won’t surprise anyone with a built-in washing machine in the kitchen. If you are thinking about placing the unit next to other household appliances, then you were able to appreciate the convenience and beauty of such a solution. In our article we will tell you everything about built-in models of washing machines and help you make your choice.

Built-in and conventional washing machines: differences

Many people are interested in the question: what is the difference between a built-in machine and a regular one? Functionally - nothing, that is, the units perform the same functions and are identical in use. The differences relate mainly to appearance, and before talking about them, it should be noted that built-in models are divided into two types:

• with the possibility of embedding;
• designed specifically for embedding.

Models from the first group outwardly look like ordinary washing machines, and they can be used without integration into a kitchen set. Such units are built under the countertop, for which the upper part of the body is removed. In some models, a special metal cover is installed between the countertop and the machine itself, which prevents moisture and grease from entering the internal parts of the equipment. The front part of such a washing machine is not covered by anything, so it turns out that the equipment is partially built-in.

Built-in appliances certainly save space in the kitchen

Units specifically designed for integration into furniture look a little different. There are special fasteners on the body of such equipment, for example on the front panel, to which the door will be attached, hiding the facade of the machine. The dimensions of a built-in washing machine are smaller than that of a regular washing machine, because it must be completely hidden inside a standard kitchen cabinet. At the bottom of the rear part of the case, such a unit usually has a special recess for the baseboard.

In the photo you can see a fully built-in washing machine

A significant difference between built-in models of washing machines is the low level of noise and vibration, especially during spinning. This effect is achieved through rigid fastening in furniture. And yet, many manufacturers install an additional leakage protection system in such models.

It should be noted that built-in appliances can be placed not only in the kitchen, but also in the bathroom, also by placing it under the countertop where the sink is installed, or by hiding it inside a special cabinet.

conclusions

Purchasing a built-in washing machine is the most suitable and reasonable way to intelligently optimize the usable area of ​​a small kitchen or bathroom without violating the overall concept of the interior. Only a built-in washing machine that is correctly selected in accordance with all parameters will function silently and correctly for a long time. It is important not only to choose the right equipment, but also to install and connect it to the main power lines.

You should purchase any washing equipment only from specialized stores that fully guarantee its safe and long-term operation, as well as warranty service in case of failure.

Built-in washing machine: advantages and disadvantages

To make the right choice, you need to know all the advantages and disadvantages of built-in washing machine models.

Advantages

Why are built-in appliances valued most? Because it allows you to create a complete interior. A washing machine hidden behind the facades of a kitchen unit can be of any color; this will not spoil the design of the room, because the equipment simply will not be visible. In addition, such a home assistant will free up space in the bathroom, and it will not take up much space in the kitchen.

If you install a washer-dryer in the kitchen, you can simultaneously perform several household tasks: cook, wash and dry things, wash dishes. There will be no need to constantly be torn between two separate rooms.

If your washing machine is located in the kitchen, you can do dishes, laundry, and cooking at the same time

The advantage of installing the unit inside the kitchen unit is that all communications will be hidden, you will not have to trip over wires and hoses. When installing the equipment, you can simultaneously connect both the washing machine and the dishwasher, saving consumables and time.

As we mentioned above, built-in appliances have increased operational safety indicators: they rarely leak, suppress excessive foaming, and also make less noise and vibration. Manufacturers make sure that you do not have to disassemble the kitchen set to fix any problems. Stationary equipment lasts longer and is more reliable.

Flaws

Built-in models also have disadvantages. First of all, you need to take into account that such equipment will cost much more than conventional ones. The difference in price is due to the high degree of reliability of the built-in units, so it may be worth overpaying for a high-quality home assistant that will last for many years.

The variety of models of built-in equipment is much smaller than traditional ones. But to some extent, this may even make the choice easier.

A washing machine placed in the kitchen can become a source of unpleasant odors from detergents, which are not at all in harmony with the aromas of cooked food. And vice versa - if you leave washed laundry in the kitchen, it can absorb foreign odors. It is also worth considering in advance where the powders and conditioners used for washing will be stored. Remember that you cannot place them in the same box with food.

Washing powder and fabric softener should be stored separately from food, for example, together with other household chemicals in a cabinet under the sink.

With proper operation, you will not notice any possible inconveniences, but you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of the built-in equipment.

Built-in SMA: how is it different from regular SMA?

The built-in version of the washing machine has the following advantages and positive differences compared to conventional equipment:

• Space saving. A pressing issue for owners of small apartments and the notorious Khrushchev kitchens of 6 square meters. This is also true for small bathrooms.
• Possibility of choosing a more spacious model . You will be able to afford a car with a large load without cluttering up the space in the room.
• Ease of connection to communications. All hoses are securely hidden in the cabinet along with the electrical appliance.
• Doesn't spoil the interior . Everything is clear here - the kitchen set looks laconic and modern, and guests do not watch their underwear rotating in the drum.

Are there any disadvantages? Definitely! And there is no point in hiding them:

• Such models are significantly more expensive than stand-alone devices.
• The assortment is not as rich as that of stationary SMs.

How to choose the right built-in washing machine

To choose the right washing machine, you first need to decide on capacity. For a family of two people, a unit designed for 5 kg will be sufficient. If there are more family members and you plan to wash bulky items, it is better to choose a model with the ability to load 7 kg of laundry.

You also need to keep in mind that traditionally built-in models are front-loading. A vertical washing machine, of course, can also be “hidden” in the kitchen, but then you will need a special folding countertop.

To “hide” a top-loading unit in a kitchen set, you will need a folding countertop

When choosing a suitable model, you need to pay attention to the energy consumption class (the most economical unit will be class A++) and spin performance (machine with spin class A is best at spinning).

Built-in appliances make less noise than conventional ones, but still, when purchasing a unit, you should pay attention to this indicator. Don't forget that narrow built-in washing machines will produce more noise than standard width ones.

Review of popular models

Based on user reviews, we have prepared a short overview of popular models of built-in washing machines:

• MAUNFELD MBWM.148W is a fully built-in unit manufactured in Italy. It has excellent technical characteristics and high reliability. Equipped with anti-overflow protection, anti-foam functions, as well as a self-cleaning drain filter and a carbon fiber tank, which ensures maximum silence during operation and suppresses vibrations;
• Candy CBWM 914DW-07 – has a lower spin class than the previous model, but a lower noise level. It has high technical characteristics and a tank capacity designed for 9 kg of laundry. The advantage is the relatively affordable price of the unit;
• AEG L 61470 WDBI – built-in washing machine with dryer. It has many useful features and very low noise levels. The disadvantage is that the energy consumption class is not high enough.

According to numerous ratings, built-in household appliances manufactured under the Miele, Bosh, Electrolux brands are considered to be of the highest quality, while Beko and Whirlpool are considered to be quite reliable.

Of course, it is more convenient when the washing machine and dryer are not in the kitchen or bathroom, but in a separate utility room

We hope that our article will help you choose the right built-in washing machine for your kitchen.

Determination of technical parameters

To choose the right built-in washing machine, you should definitely take into account the following technical features and parameters of the device:

1. Dimensions.
2. Availability of additional options.
3. Electricity and water consumption.
4. Control type.

The price of washing machines that have an electronic control system is an order of magnitude higher, but in this case the overpayment is quite appropriate. Such models are very economical, most of them have various useful additional options.

For example, a water level flow controller, which allows you to correctly calculate its quantity in accordance with both the selected program and the loading of the drum. If you have a water meter, this useful option during the operation of the washing machine will help save significant financial resources.

The average water consumption is determined by an electronic control system in accordance with its temperature of 60 degrees and the “Standard wash” parameter. Based on these data, indicators are calculated for the selected programs.

There are also plenty of additional functions. But the most common ones are:

• drying;
• delayed start timer, which allows you to turn on the washing machine at a predetermined time, for example, at night or on days when electricity is supplied at a reduced rate;
• quick wash;
• “Sports shoes” mode;
• “Half wash” – thanks to the presence of this mode, you can wash your clothes efficiently in a short amount of time, significantly saving on water and electricity consumption.

You can correctly determine all the technical parameters of a washing machine with the help of a specialist who, in accordance with them, will help you correctly select the appropriate model.

Placement in a cabinet

A common way of arranging a kitchen set is to divide it into two parts, where wall cabinets, a stove, and a countertop are included in the first part, and the second independent part includes a cabinet with a sink and a machine, placed along the side wall.

This arrangement contributes to the convenience of connecting the unit and a long service life.