built in appliances - what if they break?

[mybabyweightiseightyearsold]

we're about to do an extension - am thinking about the kitchen.

My main criteria is that it needs to be as easy to clean as possible - built in appliances seem to be a logical option.

But, what if they break down? How do you repair/replace them? Do dishwashers change in size - ie, will I have a bother finding something to fit the space in 10 years time?

Or, is this a really, really stupid question?

Our 12 year old built in oven packed in recently.
We measured it, I order a new one of the internet and it arrived 2 days later.
We undid the two screws that held it to the unit slid it forward. DH (electrical type bod) disconnected the electricity and we could then get rid of the oven.
Then we sat the new oven on a workmate while DH connected it, slid it back into the gap and screwed it into the unit.

It was so easy. The sizing is all pretty standard to fit in with the standard sizes of kitchen units which don't seem to change over time. The only tricky bit is having an electrician around to make sure it is wired safely.

We have replaced built in dishwashers and ovens no problem. They tend to be mostly available in a few standard sizes, just be careful to buy a standard size, do your homework before buying.

We were advised not to get a built in microwave because they are all different sizes and can be tricky to get a replacement, don't know if thats true though.

We've just replaced a built in fridge freezer. The choice was a bit more limited than free standing units and it cost a bit more but we had no problems getting one.

Standard sizing is your friend with built in, some makes are easier to take in or out than others but all are made to be replaced. Our miele dishwasher has been made with fitting in mind the smeg it replaced was more tricky to remove.

built-ins are more expensive for the same quality, and more effort to take out and put in. People disagree about how much more effort.

A roll-in is child's play to move out for repair, replacement or cleaning if it is on a Appliance Trolley (like a tray on wheels). Appliances very often have a removable worktop to reduce the height to compensate for the wheels, if your worktop is a tight fit. Many appliances (e.g. Bosch and Siemens Fridge freezers) have wheels at the back, so you tilt them slightly backwards to take the weight of the front feet, and they roll about.

If you have no wheels, spray WD40 on the floor to help the feet slide.

Brilliant, thanks for these nuggets.

It's all a bit of a headache - I have Less Than No Interest in choosing taps etc. Am sure that will change over the next few months and that I'll morph into an appliance bore...