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Washing machine - integrated or not!?

21 replies

Howdidthathappen1 · 18/12/2022 15:24

Wonder if I could get some views to help me make my mind up.
Currently in the joyous process of building work so have no kitchen - new one being delivered end of Jan. I initially thought I wanted an integrated Wasing machine and have ordered the door front however having looked at them I'm now wondering if I should get a 'better' machine but that will mean not integrated. Will it spoil the look that much?
I've been pondering for so long I've tied myself up in indecision now!


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OP posts:
Letsrunabath · 18/12/2022 15:27

Is there somewhere else you can put it a utility room or garage? If not I’d have it intergrated. Looks much better and you can still get a good quality machine.

Mosaic123 · 18/12/2022 15:28

Integrated looks better.

Beamur · 18/12/2022 15:29

Mine isn't integrated. It's not pretty!
Integrated appliances look neater. Only you can decide what works better for you.
My kitchen is a work horse not a show room.

OxanaVorontsova · 18/12/2022 15:29

We have freestanding but behind doors to match our units, looks great and retinas flexibility for repairs/replacement

OxanaVorontsova · 18/12/2022 15:30

Retains 🙄

AnnaTortoiseshell · 18/12/2022 15:30

I would get it integrated it it’s in your kitchen.

greenacrylicpaint · 18/12/2022 15:32

a lot more choice for free standing than jntegrated.

plus you should ideally keep the door of the washer open between washes to prevent them getting smelly.

HarvestThyme · 18/12/2022 15:57

Integrated looks better - and that is the only advantage to integrated.

Integrated offers fewer options (though still some excellent choices) and it will cost at least double to install and replace.

If the look outweighs every advantage offered by freestanding - fair enough. Go for it.

bellac11 · 18/12/2022 16:00

We have a free standing that sits under the work tops but thats in a utility room. If it were in the kitchen I would have integrated and accept a slightly less good machine for the looks. Im shallow like that.

We have integrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher and a cupboard for the bin. I hate things on show

Howdidthathappen1 · 18/12/2022 18:34

Thanks all. Dishwasher will be integrated even though I've previously had not great experiences - but at least handwashing dishes if it breaks is less painful than clothes if that breaks!
Integrated washing machines seem like a lot more money than standard - so for the same price I could potentially get a decent machine.
I like the idea of hiding a standard behind a door - wonder if my fitters could manage that.......

OP posts:
bigbluebus · 18/12/2022 18:37

My domestic appliance engineer always breathes a sigh of relief when I tell them my machines are free standing and not integrated.

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 18/12/2022 18:38

Howdidthathappen1 · 18/12/2022 18:34

Thanks all. Dishwasher will be integrated even though I've previously had not great experiences - but at least handwashing dishes if it breaks is less painful than clothes if that breaks!
Integrated washing machines seem like a lot more money than standard - so for the same price I could potentially get a decent machine.
I like the idea of hiding a standard behind a door - wonder if my fitters could manage that.......

If you get a freestanding and want a door you will need a wider worktop as the other cupboards will need to be brought forward to match the door on the freestanding washing machine. Just wanted to warn you. Easy to do for a decent fitter though. I have gone freestanding as I can not justify the price of an integrated for the machine you get. I like Bosch appliances and it is like double the cost.

smooththecat · 18/12/2022 18:39

I am getting integrated. Interesting that someone said they managed to fit a free standing one behind a door, I think there wouldn’t be enough depth in the units.

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 18/12/2022 18:39

smooththecat · 18/12/2022 18:39

I am getting integrated. Interesting that someone said they managed to fit a free standing one behind a door, I think there wouldn’t be enough depth in the units.

As I posted above, you need to bring the other units forward and get a wider worktop.

mrswibblywobbly · 18/12/2022 18:40

Integrated, but having experience having to take off the kick board to get to the filter this week get the fitter to cut an accessibility door in it.

smooththecat · 18/12/2022 19:10

OhhhhhhhhBiscuits · 18/12/2022 18:39

As I posted above, you need to bring the other units forward and get a wider worktop.

X post. I don’t think I’ll want to bring all of the units forward.

I know people say that freestanding is better for maintenance but it just ruins the look of the whole kitchen to have that thing sticking out.

smooththecat · 18/12/2022 19:12

Do you have space to bring the units forward OP?

Howdidthathappen1 · 18/12/2022 19:15

Sadly can't bring units forward and one thing I've not been prepared to compromise on is my worktops and I literally can't afford a single mm more of them!
Still can't decide aarrgghh!!

OP posts:
LindorDoubleChoc · 18/12/2022 19:20

Not. Our integrated dishwasher has been a big enough PITA.

OxanaVorontsova · 18/12/2022 19:43

Our worktop is deeper but not by a huge amount, I’d go freestanding if I couldn’t have had this option.

Washing machine - integrated or not!?
Porridgeislife · 22/12/2022 18:39

Freestanding. Most washers need you to keep the door ajar between washes or they start smelling, if it’s integrated you permanently have a cupboard door ajar.

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