Integrated washing machines - any issues I should be aware of

[fussychica]

.....and any recommendations welcome. Thinking of integrating to give kitchen a more spacious feel when refitting(it's very small).

If you have landed here looking for recommendations, this thread is a bit old now, so some of the suggestions may be out of date. However, we've recently updated our best integrated washing machine page with lots of great advice, plus a shortlist of the models tried, tested and loved by Mumsnet users. We hope you find it useful.
MNHQ

House we bought about a year ago is fully integrated...first opportunity I get will swap out for free standing. Washing machine in particular developed a leak and then needed a minor repair...the kick board broke in 2 first time we removed it and has never fitted properly since. The space is so tight the machine has never fitted back in properly either (convinced they put in appliances then built the units on top of them lol)...

If its inside a cupboard you can't leave the door open so it will stink.

Agree. Hate integrated stuff.

anything integrated will be smaller inside than free standing; this is particularly annoying with fridges/freezers. When we changed our small kitchen recently, only the hob and oven stayed integrated. Everything else is free standing and I love it. It was also cheaper as we didn't have to buy the cabinets into which the integrated things go.

Thanks folks. Never considered the need to leave the door open being an issue stupid woman. I actually love my freestanding AEG and was only changing for the appearance. Your comments have changed my mind and saved me £s.