Washing machine under the countertop in the kitchen
According to statistics, approximately 50% of residents in Russia live in small apartments. One of the pressing questions is how to integrate a washing machine into a kitchen set.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the recommendations and examples on the topic of the article.
- Where to put a washing machine in the house?
- We build a washing machine: what should you immediately pay attention to?
- Top Loading Machine Placement
- Features of location in a small kitchen
- How to install a washing machine yourself?
- Video: washing machine in the kitchen under the countertop
- Options for installing a washing machine in the kitchen in the photo
Where to put a washing machine in the house?
We will describe the main pros and cons of placing a washing machine in the kitchen, which will help you weigh your own decision.
Main advantages:
- free space in a small bathroom;
- all engineering communications have been carried out;
- we can install a large model, which often does not fit in the shower room;
- There is less humidity in the kitchen, so there is no such risk of short circuits as in the bathroom.
Disadvantages:
- if you chose the built-in option, equipment repair is complicated;
- it is recommended to think over the moment of storage of dirty things, gel, rinse aid, powder;
- takes up space that could be left under the cabinet for utensils;
- the open door of the machine can get in the way, as the machine needs to be ventilated.
If you, after weighing everything, still decided to install the machine in the kitchen, then check out the installation ideas.
We build a washing machine: what should you immediately pay attention to?
There are many solutions for integrating a washing machine into furniture. In this case, it is necessary to observe the general style of the kitchen set.
Interesting to know! There are simple and unusual installation methods. Of the latter, there is an option when the body can be installed in a niche under the window.
To correctly install the technique, several nuances are taken into account:
- Remoteness from ovens, dishwashers and household appliances, since vibrations can disrupt the operation of fans and compressors of these household appliances.
- Availability of free space for linen (approximately 1 m2)
- Space for free access to the connection of the inlet and drain hoses.
Specific examples are presented below.
Disguise as a facade, with a door
The most popular installation idea for this household equipment. The appliances are covered with a countertop on top, and a kitchen cabinet door in front. If the design concept in the kitchen is developed in such a way that one does not want to violate the design with an inappropriate type of household equipment, then this solution is chosen to install the "washing machine" in the headset.
In addition, the washing machine under the countertop in the kitchen does not affect the correct operation of kitchen appliances. However, remember that the washer creates vibration during operation.
Under the countertop, no door
Sometimes a washing machine can look appropriate in a kitchen set without disguise. Household appliances, kept in one color ensemble, are well perceived.
Alternatively, you can fit the device under the countertop by pasting it with a special foil. In another case, you can order the service of decorating a car to match the color of the interior, decorating it in an artistic style.
Embedding a typewriter in a cupboard
In this case, the equipment can be built not with an arrangement on the floor, but in a cabinet compartment. The technique looks concise in the built-in design. Below is usually a niche for the cabinet for utensils, above is another section.
Thus, the standard built-in model of the machine fits neatly into the kitchen design.
The advantage of this location! The hostess does not need to bend over to crouch to load or unload laundry from the machine. In addition, it is a rational use of space in the room.
Under the sink
When there is little space in the kitchen, the installation option under the sink is chosen. It may not be the best option for arrangement, but in conditions of tight space economy it can be an ideal choice.
In this case, the height of the car should be no more than 70 cm, otherwise it will be difficult for children and adults with small stature to reach. We'll have to substitute a stool.
- The depth of the washer must be 50 cm.
- The sink is also chosen correctly. A water lily with a height of up to 20 cm is suitable here. For safety reasons, the drain hose should not touch household appliances.
On the one hand, space is saved, on the other, there are many disadvantages:
- the dimensions of the machine are limited;
- drainage into water lilies is subject to frequent blockages;
- for installation, you need a special siphon, which is difficult to find;
- there is a risk of water entering the control board and other electronic parts, leading to damage to the machine.
Therefore, such an attitude is a controversial choice.
Top Loading Machine Placement
The installation of appliances in a small top-loaded kitchen is inconvenient, but here, too, the design solutions are well developed.
Two options are considered:
- The headset manufacturers make a separate table for an individual washing machine. Thus, two issues are resolved, the technique fits into the interior, while the table fully functions as an additional working area.
- The machine is built into a common wall, but the top of the tabletop or part of it is made folding.
The first and second ideas solve the aesthetic and functional problem of placing appliances in a compact room. The rest depends on the personal preference of the customer.
Features of location in a small kitchen
Another nuance that raises doubts is the noise and vibration in the kitchen. Today's technologies allow, if not solve the whole problem, but reduce noise to a minimum.
Solution! Install the appliances on ceramic or porcelain tiles, which, in comparison with linoleum or parquet, reduce the level of noise and vibration. Also, the location behind the door and the correct adjustment of the legs almost completely eliminates noise. In some cases, soundproofing materials are used.
In addition to the correct integration of household equipment into the headset, it is necessary to provide a place for storing gels, rinse conditioners, powders, tablets. Such a department is necessary so as not to constantly run to the bathroom for detergents.
How to install a washing machine yourself?
Appliances by specialists or apartment owners on their own. The second method involves the presence of certain skills.
How to integrate the washing machine under the worktop?
- The machine is placed between the two compartments of the headset, covered with a table top.
- The device is placed in a separate compartment.
- If the machine is equipped with places for fixing furniture hinges, then it is placed between the compartments of the headset, doors are installed on top.
In any case, the bottom of the washer is covered with a panel.
We follow the installation rules:
- The back wall is absent so that there is no overheating and circulation is maintained.
- It is better when the device is standing on the floor or placed on a stable cabinet. We do not recommend installing it on the base of the cabinet.
- Installing kitchen utensils on the appliance is not recommended. The dishes will break and the body of the equipment itself may be damaged externally.
- The device is installed on a perfectly flat surface. If this is not possible, then use the adjustable feet. We measure the location by level.
- Do not place the machine close to the table top so that it is not difficult to access the gel pouring compartment.
Prepare your tools:
- level;
- roulette;
- set of wrenches;
- PTFE sealing tape;
- shut-off valve;
- screwdriver;
- hoses;
- pliers.
Serial connection of the machine:
- We close the shut-off valve in the water supply system.
- The drain hose is connected to the sewer through a rubber siphon that prevents the spread of odors.
Important! Use only the hose supplied with the machine, as it is adapted to the specific pump modification. Otherwise, lengthening leads to malfunctions in the pump, sometimes to breakdown.
- A flexible hose is connected to the water supply. In this case, a valve must be installed on it. In the event of a repair or emergency, you do not deprive the entire home of the water supply. Remember to install the inlet and return filter.
- The connection to the mains must be from the power distribution board, using the grounding current.
- Since the machine is sometimes installed in a damp room, it is recommended to connect it to a waterproof outlet.
All of the above recommendations will not only help save space, but also make it more functional, aesthetically harmonious.
Video: washing machine in the kitchen under the countertop