Integrated appliances yay or nay?

[HeyJudy]

We're getting a new kitchen and the kitchen designer has included within their quote an integrated dishwasher, washing machine and tumble. We're keeping our fridge so this will remain free-standing, and we're also getting a new free-standing cooker.

However, I'm not completely convinced of the merits of integrated appliances. The only real pro I can think of is that they are quieter. We plan to spend a lot of time in the new kitchen so I can see how the noise, esp from the washing machine, could be quite annoying.

I know many would think that the hidden look of integrated appliances is another pro but I'm actually not too bothered about them being on display.

In terms of cons I can think of a few - fewer choices of appliances, smaller loads (the washing machine would go from 8kg load to 7kg), perhaps difficulty repairing?

So if anyone has any opinions or experience of integrated vs free-standing I would be really appreciative!

Nay. We bought a house with integrated appliances and replacing them was hell on wheels.

Oh no sorry it was so hellish! Thanks for your reply.

I would say yes to integrated dishwasher and no to the other two.

We moved to a kitchen full of integrated applicanceS. They are a pain to replace and often smaller.

I’d say yes, because it makes rhe kitchen look much better, more finished. Balance up how often you replace versus how often you’re in the kitchen and need to look at em.

We have a very attractive kitchen (put in by previous owners) but the dishwasher cost extra to replace and I hate the fridge. The doors weren't fitted nicely and it looks awful. I would love to replace it but it would be such a faff and expensive when it works ok. Also our microwave went wrong and even that costs hundreds when you can see cheap ones in supermarkets. I would never have integrated appliances.

45 years of kitchens and I've had both. Only integrated appliance I'd ever have is a dishwasher if pushed. In the kitchen I have now there are no integrated appliances. All white high gloss units and white freestanding appliances.

What about an undercounter oven and a gas hob? I've got Neff ones. Are they bad as well?

We have an integrated dishwasher which I would go for again but other than that I'd go freestanding every time. Our integrated fridge is so small its ridiculous. I can't wait to redo our kitchen & get rid of it.

I guess it's a matter of taste but I hate seeing the appliances. Really spoils the look of a kitchen for me. It attracts the eye to the ugliest part of the kitchen. So definitely integrated for me.

Over the years I’ve come to this conclusion:
Integrated ovens, unless room for a Rangemaster.
Integrated fridges are hopeless, either too small or top shelves too high.
Integrated dishwasher ok, but prefer free standing, they seem to work better and last longer.
Integrated washing machine is good.
But, huge but, it does depend on your kitchen. If I had an open plan kitchen/dinner/living room I’d want all appliances hidden.

Naaaay!!

We had all integrated appliances in a new kitchen we had installed many years ago. Integrated appliances are very expensive and, IME, are rarely as good as the free standing, cheaper equivalent.

We bought all new appliances when we moved as had to leave the integrateds behind and I have never looked back!

Personally I think appliances on show make a kitchen look really cheap. You could spend a fortune on a new kitchen but if you can see the washing machine and dishwasher, you may as well have not spent so much as that's all you can see. Fridge-wise though, I would definitely not integrate it unless you have the space to have a massive one and massive freezer. Otherwise I don't think the same rules apply to the fridge freezer! I guess it depends if you're into aesthetics in any way or simply practicality.