Washing machine at waist height?

[AmberRoseGold]

I am currently in the never ending stage of designing a utility/boot room. I had thought of having the washing machine and dryer at waist height with drawers below for dirty washing. But my ma tells me that the weight of a washing machine makes this unsafe.
Is there a way or making it safe? We would be starting from scratch anyway. Miele PowerWash 20 if that makes any difference.
Thank you for any advice

That sounds wonderful. Just make the frame below solid. I had to drain my floor sitting front loader once and Holy God it was a performance.

And think of the ergonomics as you get older. Such a good idea.

Yes, it's possible, but you need a sturdy frame to support it due to its weight. A standard drawer/shelving unit would collapse - you'd need some serious timber frame work which would make the drawers small. A good carpenter could make something for you, but would be costly (as would anything bespoke).

Could you not have something with drawers/baskets to the side...similar to photo?

Why not have shelves above?

I think the op wants the door of the washing machine at waist height. The storage underneath is secondary.

Usually people stack them

www.miele.co.uk/e/washer-dryer-stacking-kit-wtv-511-9351780-p

sasweldingservices.com/

Find a metal fabrication service near to you - to build you a frame that will take the weight. You could design it with shelves for baskets etc...

Really good idea...

My MIL has this. Her washing machine sits on a very sturdy frame with the base at waist height. It's a complete pain in the neck. the switches are too high for her to reach so she has to climb on a stool to turn it on (shes 88 and uses a walking stick so it's not safe). Even trying to get stuff out from the back of the machine means you have to climb on a stool.

I've recently been looking at utility room photos on houzz. They have lots of examples of fitting a washing machine at waist height.

houzz shaker style

houzz search

So it seems that it is possible - you just need to ensure the cabinetry is strong enough.

It's a great idea and can definitely be done but you'll need a joiner

the switches are too high for her to reach so she has to climb on a stool to turn it on

This. A million times over. Be very careful raising the machine as it will raise everything not just the door height. Putting powder etc in will be a total nightmare

Talk to chippy. 4x2 frame with 22mm OSB/chipboard or even worktop base. Line and trim the frame with the same board you use for the rest of the cabinets. Find baskets or whatever that fit into the gap.

You'd need someone who can easily move the thing and hope that it doesn't walk when spinning large things. Having it up a height would make it much more difficult to pull out for maintenance.

Make sure you check the plumbing hoses in and out are long enough.

Great idea! It can be done. I saw a pic yesterday but can't find it. Just needs a bit of joinery and it's not a nightmare for adding powder etc - as long as the drawer below is not too deep.

Amazing. This is all so helpful. Thank you. We do have them stacked at the moment but I dream of having them at an easy to open and clear height.
I definitely hadn’t thought of the controls tho’. I will have a think about optimum height. We are all fairly tall but with bad backs, hence idea of raising them.
We have an amazing carpenter who will give a lot of push back and challenge. Bur I’ll also ask him if he thinks metal frames would be better.
Thanks all, really kind of you. And when, one day far away, it’s all done, I’ll post a picture of it in all its glory.

Miele sell plinths with a drawer for this purpose. Cost over £400 but should he the optimum height and fit for purpose. Scroll to the bottom on this link...

www.miele.co.uk/e/laundry-care-accessories-1022151-c

Yes! That Miele product looks the right idea. You need to lift by just a foot rather than to waist height.

Meh, I think I want it much higher if I can. But will see what chippy and local metal workshop say. We are fairly space constrained and need to fit stuff like shower, loo and boot room stuff in too so it is going to be precision planning. And will be the main entrance for the muddy dog in winter (looks balefully around already filthy entrance hall). Plus will have underfloor heating so I will need to work out best thing to do with washer placement and that- I assume skirt around it with quite a margin.
Thanks again. This has been super useful as a way of moving on my internal dialogue about it.