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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Narrow washing machines - do they exist?

28 replies

qwertyqwertyqwertyqwerty · 27/04/2024 08:11

Does anyone know if a narrow washing machine exists? I have tried to find one in obvious places, without much success. I can find ones with reduced depth (back to front) but not reduced width (side to side) so far. Standard is 600mm, I was hoping for 550mm.

If I could find one, it would make a difference to kitchen layout.

OP posts:
Duckinglunacy · 27/04/2024 08:14

Hmmm - good question. The integrated ones are, I believe, very marginally. Narrower, but by millimetres. I can’t see how you can have a washing machine much smaller as the drum is round, so the machine itself needs width. If you did find one it would probably have a small load capacity

arfnaror · 27/04/2024 08:15

would a top loading one be narrower? not sure but in my head this might be the case :)

msbevvy · 27/04/2024 08:19

I had one years ago. It had about the same capacity but it was top loading. The drum was sideways on if you know what I mean. I think I have seen them around more recently.

qwertyqwertyqwertyqwerty · 27/04/2024 08:29

Thanks to all. I would be happy with a smaller load capacity.

Sadly top loading wouldn't work either.

Maybe they just don't exist!

OP posts:
arlequin · 27/04/2024 08:43

markselectrical.co.uk/wmtf722uukn_hotpoint-top-loading-washing-machine

Here's a 40cm one

arlequin · 27/04/2024 08:43

Oh sorry it's top loading!!

qwertyqwertyqwertyqwerty · 27/04/2024 08:57

Oh wow, very persistent!

It is 3kg load capacity though, so clearly the width is extrememly important for getting anything like a 'normal' amount - I don't think 3kg would be enough, although I could probably cope with 5kg.

I am very grateful for your time in looking though. Might just have to put up with the slightly annoying layout (which will irritate me for all eternity!!!)

OP posts:
Ineffable23 · 27/04/2024 08:57

https://www.zanussi.co.uk/laundry/laundry/washing-machines/compact-washing-machine/zwc13013/#reviews

Here's one.

Edit - realised it's the same as someone already posted, sorry!

qwertyqwertyqwertyqwerty · 27/04/2024 08:59

People are so nice to be helping. I'm going round in circles with thinking about how to improve the kitchen Grin

OP posts:
Ineffable23 · 27/04/2024 09:05

I know you've said top loading wouldn't work, but if it would really improve your kitchen layout, I wonder if you could somehow hinge the worktop over the top, so it lifts with the machine lid? Obviously it wouldn't work if you had granite or something but it might be worth considering.

Duckinglunacy · 27/04/2024 09:08

Yeah going down in width will have a massive effect on drum size, because it’s a non-linear relationship. If you’re having layout issues why not share the plan? MN is fantastic at kitchen layout.

qwertyqwertyqwertyqwerty · 27/04/2024 09:09

Ineffable23 · 27/04/2024 09:05

I know you've said top loading wouldn't work, but if it would really improve your kitchen layout, I wonder if you could somehow hinge the worktop over the top, so it lifts with the machine lid? Obviously it wouldn't work if you had granite or something but it might be worth considering.

It was going to have the draining board over it, and we are not the type of people who put the washing up away IYSWIM Grin

But actually this is a very good idea and I wonder if I should lump it for now and do a more serious rethink for future, I could see how that could work.

OP posts:
qwertyqwertyqwertyqwerty · 27/04/2024 09:16

Duckinglunacy · 27/04/2024 09:08

Yeah going down in width will have a massive effect on drum size, because it’s a non-linear relationship. If you’re having layout issues why not share the plan? MN is fantastic at kitchen layout.

Oh interesting, now you have said this my ancient maths is coming back to me.

I think I will just have to stick and not worry about it for now. But it feels like toploading is an option for future. There is a limited space elsewhere where a washer could fit, it is whether that would be worth paying for the plumbing.

OP posts:
Librarybooker · 27/04/2024 09:46

I don’t have any suggestions, but do think washing machines are getting bigger. Our new one fills the slot more snug than the previous 2 have. It’s also deeper. We had to reposition a drawer front to clear it. Whilst it’s the norm for us to need to favour fit on occasion in our wee house, it does seem a time when stuff is big.

Take our sofa dilemma. The shops are full of giant couches. I should think 50% of properties in our locality either have small sitting rooms or narrow access to open plan rooms. I want a small 2 seater, but keep getting offered a snuggle chair 🤣

Hamserfan · 27/04/2024 09:58

I hear your pain OP we also wanted something a bit smaller but gave up in the end and had to compromise on the layout. The much smaller capacity of the couple we found meant it was just not practical for the size of our family.
We are all quite short and are currently looking for new sofas, all I want is one where I can sit with my back right back against the cushions and have my knee at the end of the cushions. This seems to be impossible to find it seems I will be condemned to sit with my legs out straight like a toddler 😡🤦🏼‍♀️

Librarybooker · 27/04/2024 10:37

Hamserfan yes indeed, that sounds like my kind of sofa. I’m tall, but I do like a higher back sofa.

EatCrow · 27/04/2024 10:41

qwertyqwertyqwertyqwerty · 27/04/2024 08:59

People are so nice to be helping. I'm going round in circles with thinking about how to improve the kitchen Grin

I’ve had to put my freezer in my cloak room since I moved (I got a smaller kitchen) and it’s very annoying so I understand. I’m trying to embrace tiny living and failing.

IsGoodIsDon · 27/04/2024 10:46

In a few years when my youngest is about 12, we are going to ditch our bath put in a shower and put a narrow top loading washing machine in the bathroom to free up space in the kitchen.
I can’t see us moving from here for a long time and it’s the kids who have baths so once they are older I would really prefer to have a shower over a bath.

Wallywobbles · 27/04/2024 11:01

There's an amazing kitchen designer (used to be on Mumsnet) called OnePlan. You can find her through Houzz. She will absolutely find you a plan that works. Best money I ever spent.

Words · 27/04/2024 11:01

Hell OP My mother always had top loaders. The surface above was designed so it could be removed and replaced. A bit of a faff, but she managed fine, and if it improves the overall design of the kitchen might be worth thinking about. I get the draining board issue though...

hushabybaby · 27/04/2024 11:20

LG have a machine called max depth and it's 449mm! And it's 60cm wide
13kg load!

rwalker · 27/04/2024 11:27

even do you find one I don’t think I’d bother
as when it claps out in a few years you’ll won’t get another

I’ve seen a few outside in those small metal shed things they only need cold water and drain downside is can’t use it when freezing

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