Ok to take feet off washing machine?

[habitofalifetime]

We've recently moved into a house with a utility room. It has a workbench with a sink sunk into it, and a splashback of tiles above. Below the workbench is a washing machine and tumble dryer. I've just realised that both machines have had their feet removed in order to fit them under the workbench, which had a clearance of only 83cm. The washing machine will soon need to be replaced, but the standard height, with feet, is 85cm. So I need to decide whether to buy a new machine and remove the feet, or arrange for the workbench to be lifted (not an easy job, due to the sink and the tiles).

What are the disadvantages of removing the feet? Am I right in thinking they're needed to stabilise the machine? I was planning to get the new machine from John Lewis and use their installation service, but do you think they would refuse to remove the feet?

At least two of the feet will be adjustable, and yes for stabilisation. If they're taken out, whatever the feet were fitted into or the metal frame underneath might trash the flooring - though since this has already happened, that's probably not a worry!

The installers should be fine with it, might ask you to sign a waiver though, and it might affect your warranty. Worth asking if that's a major consideration - not that there's much you can do about it.

On the other hand the new one may just fit. Our current washer is only about 2mm off the lino with its feet wound all the way in.

Apparently some manufacturers make washing machine height reduction kits Who knew? Pricey though.

That's right, the feet are there to stabilise it when it's spinning. You can take them out and lay it on something non slip like small rubber mats if the floor is level but I doubt very much if a John Lewis installer would remove them and fit it without them. You used to be able to get washing machines less than 85cm, maybe you still can if you can find one you like.

I'm sure a friend of mine took the top off her machine to get it under the worktop