Built-in washing machines under the countertop: features, varieties and installation

Nowadays, no modern housewife can do without a washing machine. These household appliances are often placed in the bathroom, but if the area of ​​this room is small, then finding a suitable place for this unit turns into a real problem. The difficulty lies in the fact that the washing machine must be connected to a communication system - a sewer drain and a water supply system. The way out of this situation will be the purchase of a model built under the countertop.

Built-in washing machines are a special type of household appliances that differs from standard models in that they are installed in the bathroom or in the kitchen under the countertop, saving room space and not disturbing its aesthetic appearance.

Such units have in their design an adjustment of the legs, grooves for fastening and plastic removable parts. On the front of the equipment there are panels under the door, and at the bottom there is a ledge for the base of the furniture set. Such units are produced with a system of protection against possible leaks, in addition, they are characterized by a minimum level of vibration.

Built-in washing machines can be used in the same way as free-standing appliances, however, they are not entirely suitable for such an integration. When choosing a particular model, it is important to take into account the dimensions of the headset in the bathroom, on which the dimensions of the unit will depend. As for the functionality, each model of such machines has identical performance characteristics, they have durability and high reliability.

Most often, they prefer to choose horizontal (front) models for installation under a countertop, they are the most common. Washing machines with a vertical loading type are rarely built into a headset. Wherein it is important to note that such a technique can only be placed under a folding type of tabletop, which in the future cannot be fully exploited.

The main advantages of these units include:

• effective use of free space in the room, which is especially important for small apartments;
• a huge selection of a lineup with any capacity;
• since the equipment is installed under the countertop, there is no need to limit itself to compact models when choosing it;
• easy installation and the ability to hide hoses without spoiling the design of the room.

As for the shortcomings, they also exist. The main problem is considered the difficulty of repairing equipment and its dismantling, since the unit is not just hidden under the tabletop, but also closed by a facade or plinth. This also presents a number of inconveniences associated with drum airing. In addition, if the machine is placed under a kitchen worktop, it may impede free movement when the door is opened. The difficulty lies in storing laundry baskets, detergents that should not be placed next to food. In all other respects, the built-in model is a functional, beautiful and comfortable piece of furniture that makes life much easier.

Before purchasing an under-counter built-in washing machine, it is important to pay attention to its dimensions, since the further installation of equipment will depend on this. Today, models that are produced with special fasteners for facades are very popular. In this case, the cabinet doors are hung on hinges located on the front of the unit.

These washing machines have a width of 60 cm and a depth of 55 to 60 cm. Unit height is standard - 83 cm, but if you wish, you can independently adjust the height by exposing the legs of the headset. This is a standard model of household appliances; you can also find narrow units on sale, which allow you to maximally save room space.

Washing machines with a front loading are usually full-sized, their depth and width does not exceed 65 cm, height - 90 cm.The loading volume can be different - from 5 to 7 kg. Narrow units differ in depth, which, as a rule, is about 40 cm. They are designed for a load of laundry from 3.5 to 5 kg. There are also ultra-narrow models with a depth of 32-35 cm, their capacity is small - from 3 to 4 kg.

Washing machines with a vertical load of laundry are compact in size, in most cases their width does not exceed 45 cm, depth is 60 cm (sometimes 65 cm), and height is 85 cm. Such units have a loading volume of 5 to 7 kg.

When buying such an important household appliance as a built-in washing machine, you should pay attention not only to its dimensions, but also to the technical characteristics, on which the service life of the unit will directly depend. Since today the market is represented by a huge range of automatic machines, it is difficult to make the right choice in favor of this or that "assistant". Experts recommend paying attention to the following models of equipment, which have received a lot of positive feedback from users.

• Siemens WK 14D540. This is the most affordable and reliable under-counter washing machine, which measures 60 * 60 * 82 cm and is designed for a load of laundry up to 5 kg. The manufacturer has equipped the equipment with a high-quality stainless steel tank and 22 washing programs. The plus of the model is that it ideally fits all standard headsets, does not create vibrations at high speeds, is additionally protected from leaks and has imbalance control. There are no downsides.

• Zanussi FCS 1020C. This model can be simultaneously used both as a freestanding and as built-in under the countertop. Its dimensions are 50 * 52 * 67 cm, loading - 3 kg. Due to its compact size, the unit takes up a minimum of space in the room, it can be easily hidden under the countertop. In addition, the machine is characterized by low water consumption (up to 39 liters) and power consumption class A. The disadvantage is the price is higher than average.

• Miele W 2859 iR WPM ED Supertronic... This is a popular model with a removable top cover, which has dimensions of 60 * 58 * 82 cm and is designed for a load of laundry up to 5.5 kg. The unit is equipped with 16 main washing programs, it is distinguished by an economical consumption of water (up to 42 liters) and electricity, quiet operation and the presence of a special honeycomb drum with original illumination. There are no downsides.

• Bosch WFC 2067 OE. It is a built-in appliance that can also be used as a stand-alone one. The manufacturer produces it in dimensions 60 * 40 * 85 cm, with a load of up to 4.5 kg.Despite the presence of only 12 washing programs, the unit copes well with the tasks set and reliably serves for a long time without breakdowns. Plus - it is quickly installed under the countertop, power consumption class A. Minus - it is expensive.

• LG F-10B8MD. This model is ideal for small apartments, since its size does not exceed the parameters of 60 * 44 * 85 cm. The unit is designed for 5.5 kg of linen, is equipped with 13 programs and even has a “bulky items” mode. There are no downsides.

• Candy Aquamatic 2D1140-07... It is a freestanding model with the possibility of embedding under a worktop. Its dimensions are 51 * 46 * 70 cm, the possibility of loading is 4 kg. The product is equipped with a special child protection and 16 washing programs. Plus - the unit can be placed both under the sink and under the countertop. There are no downsides.

Going to buy a washing machine built under the countertop, first of all, you need to focus on its dimensions, since the installation of the product will depend on this. Today, manufacturers offer customers a huge selection of compact models of appliances that can be placed both in bathrooms and in the kitchen. If the apartment is small, then experts recommend choosing units up to 45 cm deep and 65 cm high.

In addition, the type of loading of linen is also of no small importance, since there are models with front and vertical loading on sale. The last option is characterized by compactness, since it has a width of 20 to 25 cm. The only thing that such models are not suitable for installation in a kitchen set - their upper part cannot be covered with a stationary worktop and can not be used as a work surface.

After the new "assistant" is purchased, the most important thing will remain - its installation. Before hiding the unit in the curbstone, it is necessary to take all measurements and lay a few centimeters in reserve, since there should be a small gap between the equipment, the side walls of the cabinet and the table top for the location of the hoses. In addition, space is needed for constant air circulation. It should not be allowed that the width of the table top completely coincides with the depth of the machine.

Compared to standard models, for built-in appliances, the top must be completely closed... If this is not done, then debris and water from the surface of the furniture will fall on the machine, which, in turn, will lead to various breakdowns. The unit must also be installed in such a way as to ensure maximum stability. To do this, twist the legs and take measurements using the building level. Besides, it is important to provide space for opening (closing) the door and placing detergents.

Since you will periodically have to clean the filters in the drain system of the machine, its lower part must also be provided with free access.... Today, manufacturers produce modern models, the design of which provides for filter cleaning without dismantling the base. If a stationary washing machine is installed, then its base will have to be removed and the legs reinserted. To minimize noise during operation of the equipment, it is recommended to additionally stick felt pads on the side walls of the furniture.

After installation, the ends of the cabinets and the hinges of the machine may interfere with the opening of the pull-out powder tray. To solve this problem, it is enough to leave a small gap on one side between one wall of the cabinet and the unit. If the installation of the machine is carried out without a door, then the tabletop will have to be fixed to the wall.

When connecting the equipment to the water supply, it should be borne in mind that The inlet hose should be positioned at an angle of 35 ° to the location of the water source on the left and 45 ° on the right. In addition, you will need to install a fitting and tee on the central water supply. A shut-off valve will be connected to one of the taps, and a kitchen mixer to the other. Particular attention should be paid to the connection of equipment to the sewage system. To do this, the siphon must have a special outlet, which is led to the drain pipe and then the hose is led through the tee into the sewer pipe.

The installation of the washing machine is completed by attaching the drain hose at a height of 60 to 90 cm from the floor. We must not forget about the grounding of the unit, dismantling the transport bolts and replacing them with special plugs.

In the next video, you will find an overview of the Bosch WIW 28540 built-in washing machine.