Integrated appliances?

[jacktherat]

We are in the process of buying our first house. As far as applicances go, all we currently have is a washing machine, although we are going to buy the cooker off the vendors too. So that leaves us needing to sort out a fridge freezer and dishwasher. However, I'm not sure whether to buy something cheap and secondhand to tide us along until we can afford to replace the kitchen (2 years probably) and then buy new integrated appliances, or to just buy freestanding appliances. Any opinions?

I'd either buy really cheap free-standing in the expectation that you'll replace them in 2 years with integrated or buy really good free-standing now and keep them as free-standing in the new kitchen.

Really do not like integrated fridge/freezers.

Is it a smaller kitchen ? If it is then integrated appliances will make it feel bigger.
If you have white freestanding appliances they will blend in, visually, if you have a white kitchen - but if you choose a colour or wood furniture, they will stick out very prominently.

Sometimes kitchen companies do deals with new appliances as part of the package - so might be an idea to use what you have of buy second hand for a while ?!?!

We have integrated fridge, freezer and dishwasher.

I hate them! I would never choose them again. They are much smaller than free standing internally - and they are double the price, at least. I will be going back to free standing in future - next year all being well.

We have integrated fridge/ freezer and dishwasher, I wouldn't say that I've noticed that they are any smaller. I much prefer having them integrated as it makes the kitchen look much neater, and it also means I don't have to clean behind the fridge!

A couple of the kitchen designers that we spoke to advised against integrated washing machines as if you have a washing machine with a decent spin then the door often falls off eventually (apparently).

If you're sure you're going to replace you could always look for second hand things to keep you going and keep your options open.

Free standing everytime for me...hate integrated.

integrated are a total pain if they break down and need pulling out to repair, need to remove all the "skirting" type stuff to get them out so need a carpenter as well as an electrician. also much more expensive.

Love my integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer. Nice clean sleek look.

Have non integrated washing machine and dryer though.

Personally, I prefer free standing. My Mum had a leak behind her washing machine (she could luckily hear running water) and it was a nightmare trying to get the kickboard off, door and get washing machine out - I gave up and we paid a man to do it.

I had a pipe leak behind my appliances and managed to pull my fridge freezer (had to empty it but at least I could do it) and washing mahcine out myself, so I could ascertain exactly what was wrong - it was a leak on the central heating system, not the general plumbing so got knew our heating engineer would be best for that..

many people prefer integrated appliances because they are pretty.

However, there is less choice and higher prices to buy new, and they are much much more tiresome to take out and put back when they need repair or replacement. This means extra expense.

I chose an integrated dishwasher but free standing fridge/freezer. I chose a "nice looking" stainless steel F/F .

I had the same concerns about all integrated stuff as other posters so this felt like a good compromise. We do have a utility room which meant we didn't have to worry about the washing machine.

We've got a mix -
integrated dishwasher (fab miele) & freezer (came with the house & reused in new kitchen),
Built-in ovens & hob - I used to have a range but didn't want it again.
Freestanding SS full height fridge (could get so much better spec & size and I think it looks smart. )
I have a utility room with freestanding washing machine & tumble dryer.