Washing machine in the kitchen: installation options
Installing a washing machine in the kitchen will be the best solution for small apartments and houses. Developers often save space on the bathroom, and you can only dream about a separate room where there would be a dryer, a washing device, an ironing board, cabinets and shelves for household chemicals. Therefore, many use the kitchen room as an alternative.
Different experts express opposing opinions about this arrangement of the mechanism. Some give a lot of arguments in support of this decision, others disprove them. The choice of the best place in your own housing always remains with its owner. To cope with the task, he can listen to different points of view, take advantage of the experience of professionals, consider ready-made examples.
Advantages and disadvantages of installing a washing machine in the kitchen
The kitchen is not an ideal place to place a washing machine. Owners of small apartments and studios are forced to make this choice if there is no free space in the bathroom. This is due to the presence of plumbing communications, water is supplied here, there is a sewer drain. Of course, there are many advantages of installing the device in the kitchen area, they are expressed:
Saving free space in the bathroom, which is overloaded with various plumbing fixtures.
During washing, you can cook, wash dishes, perform other household chores, following the process.
From a safety point of view, appliances that run on electricity are best placed in the kitchen. Outlets are rarely provided in the bathroom, and the existing protection in the form of special covers does not always help. In addition, a metal product in a dry room is better preserved, its lining does not rust.
You can wash things at any time, no need to adapt to all family members who take a shower.
The design of the cars fits into any interior, and if desired, you can hide it behind the door of the nightstand.
Experts recommend installing an electronically controlled washing machine in a dry room. In this case, the kitchen looks more attractive.
Despite all the advantages, there are many inconveniences associated with such a neighborhood:
To connect the equipment will require powerful electrical wiring, which entails additional costs for repairs.
A basket of dirty laundry cannot be installed next to the appliance. It, along with washing powders and conditioners, will have to be stored in the bathroom.
During operation, the noise created by the unit prevents household members from talking, watching TV.
After washing, the hatch door is left open to dry the drum. If you do not ventilate, a musty smell will appear inside. This creates certain inconveniences, especially in small rooms.
The room will constantly smell powder, whiteness, air conditioning.
Food is in contact with household chemicals, particles of which remain in the air.
Models of a washing machine for the kitchen
Choosing the right option is a simple task that is easy to handle, but there are some nuances here. Any equipment is suitable for a large area, for small rooms the number of possible types of objects is small. First of all, it is necessary to determine a number of basic parameters inherent in different products, namely:
type of load;
overall characteristics;
installation method.
You should also take into account a number of criteria that play an important role: noise level, energy saving class, spin cycle, type of control, the presence of a child protection function, against leaks, and other additional features. If you decide on all the features in advance, the number of specific models that will satisfy the requirements is minimized.
By the method of loading laundry
According to this parameter, all devices are divided into two types: frontal, vertical. In the first case, the laundry is loaded through the hatch located on the front side of the product, in the second - things fall into the tank from above. Both options perform the same function, while there are no cardinal differences in the quality of washing.Let us dwell in more detail on each type:
Frontal. The most sought after model. It is characterized by a relatively low cost, the ability to observe the washing process through a transparent window located on the door. It can be built into furniture, it fits perfectly into any kitchen interior. However, when loading things, you will have to bend down, and to open the door you will need free space.
Vertical. It is possible to add a thing at the time of washing, you do not have to bend to load laundry, the lid comes off, so there is no need for free space on the side. But this option costs a quarter more than the horizontal, it can not be built into furniture.
If you compare both types, in most cases the preference is given to the first. This is due to the more advantageous appearance of frontal products, the ability to use the top panel as an additional shelf, and they can also be built into furniture, placed under the sink.
Dimensions and size
When choosing the dimensions of the washing machine, the space allocated for it is taken into account, as well as the installation method, it will be a freestanding model or it must be built into the kitchen set, closed with a door. There are various products that can be easily installed in any, even the most inaccessible place. Using the table as an example, consider the existing types of equipment depending on size:
Dimensions
Frontal
Vertical
Full size
Narrow
Ultra narrow
Compact
Height cm
85-90
85-90
85-90
68-70
85-90
Width cm
60
60
60
47-50
40
Depth cm
60
35-40
32-35
43-45
60
Load kg
4-7
3,5-5,2
3,5-4
3
4-7
Built-in or freestanding
Manufacturers, taking into account the needs of the consumer, produce different models of equipment, which according to the installation method is divided into two types: freestanding, built-in. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. To choose the right product, consider in more detail each option:
Freestanding unit.The most common type of washing machine. From the name itself, you can understand that the item will be located separately from the furniture, stand away from the refrigerator, gas, electric stove, kitchen table. Some specialists manage to build such models, which ultimately leads to a reduction in their service life.
Embedded devices. In turn, they are divided into two types: fully integrated, with the ability to embed. The first view is completely covered with kitchen furniture panels. The second - can be installed under the countertop, put freely. Unlike standard, embedded products on the sides are protected by strong metal sheets. The main feature, except that they are not visible, is the absence of noise and vibration during the washing process, which is achieved by rigidly fixing the unit.
Options and installation location
You can install the equipment in almost any area: under the working area, window sill, bar, in the cabinet, cabinet, niche, corner. Depending on the selected model, it is placed in the following ways:
separate from kitchen furniture;
partially embedded under the countertop;
completely hidden in the headset.
When choosing the best place, experts recommend adhering to certain rules:
It is desirable to install the product near utilities, next to the riser and the water supply, where the sink is usually located.
If the kitchen has a dishwasher, then it is better to place them on opposite sides of the sink.
The refrigerator, oven, dishwashing installation should be at the maximum distance, since the generated vibration has a negative effect on the operation of compressors, built-in fans.
When using front models, you should provide for the presence of free space for opening the door.
Access to hoses and pipes that supply and discharge water should be free.
Full embedment
Built-in washing machines allow you to rationally use the kitchen space, they are not visible, so they do not affect the design of the room. This type of technology is characterized by convenience and practicality. This is the best option for small rooms. However, when choosing a product, you will have to focus on the parameters of kitchen furniture, so the indicators of width and depth are critical. You should also maintain the distance from the cabinet door to the device, it should be 5-10 cm. When choosing this option, you must determine the installation location:
Under the sink. This is very convenient, because in most cases the cabinet under the sink is not occupied with anything, while the plumbing communications are nearby. The minus can be called the fact that when replacing hoses, a blockage in the sewer, in other unpleasant situations, you will have to pull out the equipment every time.
In a separate cupboard. The unit can be installed not on the floor, but occupy the middle compartment, under which another bedside table can be located. Some experts manage to hide standard models in a curbstone.
Under the bar. If in previous cases it is possible to install machines only of the front type, then this method is suitable for vertical models. The main thing is to provide for a folding tabletop. The only drawback of this placement is the distance from the riser and pipes with cold water.
Partial embed
For partial installation, a technique appropriate to the existing interior is suitable. For example, a refrigerator, an automatic machine, a gas stove, and a furniture facade have the same color. If the device does not match the design of the room, then it is hidden behind a decorative door. You can install a stationary product, while taking into account its dimensions. There are two ways to position the unit under the countertop: with an open facade, a hidden door. We consider each of the options in detail.
Niche installation
The location of the device under the countertop is convenient. It can occupy a corner place against the wall next to the sink. The technique will be hidden on three sides, and the front will remain open. But do not forget that it must be removed from other equipment. If this is not possible, an oven is located nearby, good heat insulation between objects should be provided.
This installation method is very simple. It is only necessary to select the product that is appropriate in size and connect it to the communications. However, the machine may not fit into the interior of the room, may not match its color, in this case use a special film, paste over the facade.
Installation in a niche under the countertop with a door
Under the countertop can be located various objects: dishwasher, freezer, oven. These elements do not always correspond to the chosen direction of the design of the room, especially when the floor, walls, facade of furniture are designed in the same style. Therefore, appliances often hide behind the door. The washing machine is no exception.
When choosing a suitable model, its depth is measured not by the body, but by its door and the most protruding parts. This arrangement is convenient in that if necessary to protect the product from children, it can be locked. If there is another built-in technique, vibration is taken into account, to reduce it, a gap between the side walls and the device on each side is at least 2 cm.
Stationary placement
For stationary placement, an ordinary freestanding machine is suitable. This is the easiest installation method. If desired, it can be placed in any free area in the kitchen, removed from the working area, hidden behind a screen or curtain. It is enough to find a suitable place, connect the device to plumbing communications.
On the sides and on the front side, the equipment does not close with anything, so with this arrangement, you can use frontal and vertical options.These models are usually purchased either to save money, or when the kitchen is repaired, there is simply nowhere to build the unit.
The fixed method is the most budgetary, in which there is no need to equip a special place in the cabinet, to engage in its manufacture. However, when determining the optimal point, it is worth considering general recommendations, do not remove the object from the riser and pipes with cold water. The best option is the area in the kitchen sink area.
Features placement of a washing machine in the kitchen 6 square meters. m
Every housewife dreams of a large, bright kitchen. Many residents living in Khrushchev have to be content with a small room with an area of 6 m². But even with small dimensions, I want to make this baby functional, to place most household appliances in it.
It is difficult to fulfill the plan, after placing everything desired in a small quadrature, there should be enough free space where all family members could gather at the table. The best option in the kitchen will be the use of built-in appliances, it can be put:
in the nightstand under the sink, behind the door of the kitchen cabinet;
under the countertop with an open facade, a closed door;
hide in a niche under the window.
If you have a choice, then it is better to install an automatic machine in the bathroom. But if there is no way out, then it is quite possible to place in a small room. The main thing is to follow the basic recommendations for choosing a place.
How to install a top-loading washing machine
A car with a top hatch can be called a practical device. Its design is thought out to the smallest detail, it has a number of significant advantages over front models. When there is a power outage, a breakdown of the system, the engine, the laundry gets out without problems, and the water does not appear on the floor, threatening financial costs associated with replacing the flooring, repairing the kitchen from the neighbor below.
The main drawback of a vertical machine is its high cost, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to mount in furniture. Most often, it is placed separately, less often installed under a folding tabletop. In the second method, they act as follows:
Determine the place for the device.
Saw off part of the countertop over a specific area.
Open edges are covered with plastic, metal strips;
The cut piece is processed, connected to the main furniture fittings. The result is a lid that opens 180 degrees.
Fix the unit.
Sewer communications are failing.
Perform the first launch.
Do-it-yourself installation
Many are interested in the question of installing the product with their own hands. Independent work must be carried out taking into account such moments: ease of use of equipment, easy access to hoses and pipes supplying water, discharging sewage, lack of interference for everyday tasks. When installing, you must adhere to certain rules, recommendations from the manufacturer:
the distance between the wall and the back of the unit is more than 15 cm;
the distance of the product from the riser is less than 5 m, taking into account the layout;
the distance from the side wall to the outlet is not more than 90 cm;
the object should be at least 2 cm away from the side walls and other kitchen elements;
wiring, pipes should not touch the walls of the machine.
The device cover cannot be used as a stand. The machine is not designed for additional load, which can lead to distortion, with the ensuing negative consequences: corrosion, musty smell.
Socket Installation
Connecting the device to the mains is a responsible, important event. The washing machine itself heats the water, absorbs 2.5 - 3 kW. For its nutrition, a separate line is required. It is necessary to lay additional wiring in the kitchen, a three-core cable with a cross-section of a core from 2.5 mm².If hard water is supplied to the house, a thicker wire should be provided.
You should choose industrial types of cables with thermal insulation. Laying is recommended to be done in the wall, the wire should be laid in a protective corrugation. The machine must not be connected to the wiring supplying other electrical appliances, for example, an oven, hob, refrigerator. An automatic device and an RCD (residual current device) must be installed in the shield.
Experts recommend using moisture-proof sockets and plugs that withstand heavy loads, do not deform. There are options equipped with a separate RCD, they allow you to protect the machine from short circuiting. Install them at a distance of no more than 90 cm from the product, indented from the floor by 60 cm.
Base mounting
The washing machine is conveniently located on the base. There are open models, with drawers for storing things, washing powders, household cleaning products. However, experts do not recommend using them, it increases the likelihood that the product may fall off the pedestal during operation. If you can not do without an element, then when using it it is recommended to adhere to certain rules:
You should use factory supports made for a specific model, they have special mounts.
It is necessary to provide rubber foot pads.
When connecting the machine to the cabinet, tighten all the bolts well, check the connection for strength.
It is necessary to install the design on a prepared, even base.
Some craftsmen equip stands from improvised materials. With their independent manufacture, the likelihood of skewing the unit is high.
Floor installation
The equipment should be installed on a prepared, reinforced concrete base. If the house has wooden floors, then from the vibration created by the washing machine, they can sink, become unusable.For the safe use of the unit, so that it does not break, a quality base should be prepared. To do this, you must:
Determine the location of the item.
Remove the old flooring, if the screed has irregularities, recesses, peels off - it needs to be knocked down.
To clear a surface of dust and pollution.
Lay a layer of waterproofing.
Install and lock the profile beacons.
Knead cement-sand mortar.
Pour screed.
Level the surface with a rule.
When the concrete dries up, remove the beacons, cover the resulting voids with a solution.
After complete drying and shrinkage, install the technique.
Connection to communications
Connecting to sewer communications is a very important point. Mistakes made can lead to a flood, damage to the unit. First connected to the water supply. To do this, a tap is made from the main water supply pipe to the automatic device, a ball valve crashes into it, with it, the flow of water into the washing machine is regulated.
The crane should be mounted in an accessible place. Upon completion of washing, it must be covered. The next step is to install the drain. There are two ways to connect the outlet hose:
Install a drain siphon. The easiest option, but you need to replace the old drain element.
Bring the hose directly to the riser. A pipe tee is required. If you have experience, work can be done independently, the tee will cost inexpensively.
Conclusion
In small apartments, in the absence of free space in the bathroom, a washing machine is installed in the kitchen. The method has a number of positive and negative points. Someone categorically refuses this method, others follow the millions of owners of such apartments, use every opportunity. Thanks to a wide range of products, the unit is easily masked by the facade of the furniture, so it does not spoil the design of the room.
Installing a washing machine in the kitchen will be the best solution for small apartments and houses. Developers often save space on the bathroom, and you can only dream about a separate room where there would be a dryer, a washing device, an ironing board, cabinets and shelves for household chemicals. Therefore, many use the kitchen room as an alternative.
Different experts express opposing opinions about this arrangement of the mechanism. Some give a lot of arguments in support of this decision, others disprove them. The choice of the best place in your own housing always remains with its owner. To cope with the task, he can listen to different points of view, take advantage of the experience of professionals, consider ready-made examples.
Content
Advantages and disadvantages of installing a washing machine in the kitchen
The kitchen is not an ideal place to place a washing machine. Owners of small apartments and studios are forced to make this choice if there is no free space in the bathroom. This is due to the presence of plumbing communications, water is supplied here, there is a sewer drain. Of course, there are many advantages of installing the device in the kitchen area, they are expressed:
Despite all the advantages, there are many inconveniences associated with such a neighborhood:
Models of a washing machine for the kitchen
Choosing the right option is a simple task that is easy to handle, but there are some nuances here. Any equipment is suitable for a large area, for small rooms the number of possible types of objects is small. First of all, it is necessary to determine a number of basic parameters inherent in different products, namely:
You should also take into account a number of criteria that play an important role: noise level, energy saving class, spin cycle, type of control, the presence of a child protection function, against leaks, and other additional features. If you decide on all the features in advance, the number of specific models that will satisfy the requirements is minimized.
By the method of loading laundry
According to this parameter, all devices are divided into two types: frontal, vertical. In the first case, the laundry is loaded through the hatch located on the front side of the product, in the second - things fall into the tank from above. Both options perform the same function, while there are no cardinal differences in the quality of washing.Let us dwell in more detail on each type:
If you compare both types, in most cases the preference is given to the first. This is due to the more advantageous appearance of frontal products, the ability to use the top panel as an additional shelf, and they can also be built into furniture, placed under the sink.
Dimensions and size
When choosing the dimensions of the washing machine, the space allocated for it is taken into account, as well as the installation method, it will be a freestanding model or it must be built into the kitchen set, closed with a door. There are various products that can be easily installed in any, even the most inaccessible place. Using the table as an example, consider the existing types of equipment depending on size:
Built-in or freestanding
Manufacturers, taking into account the needs of the consumer, produce different models of equipment, which according to the installation method is divided into two types: freestanding, built-in. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. To choose the right product, consider in more detail each option:
Options and installation location
You can install the equipment in almost any area: under the working area, window sill, bar, in the cabinet, cabinet, niche, corner. Depending on the selected model, it is placed in the following ways:
When choosing the best place, experts recommend adhering to certain rules:
Full embedment
Built-in washing machines allow you to rationally use the kitchen space, they are not visible, so they do not affect the design of the room. This type of technology is characterized by convenience and practicality. This is the best option for small rooms. However, when choosing a product, you will have to focus on the parameters of kitchen furniture, so the indicators of width and depth are critical. You should also maintain the distance from the cabinet door to the device, it should be 5-10 cm. When choosing this option, you must determine the installation location:
Partial embed
For partial installation, a technique appropriate to the existing interior is suitable. For example, a refrigerator, an automatic machine, a gas stove, and a furniture facade have the same color. If the device does not match the design of the room, then it is hidden behind a decorative door. You can install a stationary product, while taking into account its dimensions. There are two ways to position the unit under the countertop: with an open facade, a hidden door. We consider each of the options in detail.
Niche installation
The location of the device under the countertop is convenient. It can occupy a corner place against the wall next to the sink. The technique will be hidden on three sides, and the front will remain open. But do not forget that it must be removed from other equipment. If this is not possible, an oven is located nearby, good heat insulation between objects should be provided.
This installation method is very simple. It is only necessary to select the product that is appropriate in size and connect it to the communications. However, the machine may not fit into the interior of the room, may not match its color, in this case use a special film, paste over the facade.
Installation in a niche under the countertop with a door
Under the countertop can be located various objects: dishwasher, freezer, oven. These elements do not always correspond to the chosen direction of the design of the room, especially when the floor, walls, facade of furniture are designed in the same style. Therefore, appliances often hide behind the door. The washing machine is no exception.
When choosing a suitable model, its depth is measured not by the body, but by its door and the most protruding parts. This arrangement is convenient in that if necessary to protect the product from children, it can be locked. If there is another built-in technique, vibration is taken into account, to reduce it, a gap between the side walls and the device on each side is at least 2 cm.
Stationary placement
For stationary placement, an ordinary freestanding machine is suitable. This is the easiest installation method. If desired, it can be placed in any free area in the kitchen, removed from the working area, hidden behind a screen or curtain. It is enough to find a suitable place, connect the device to plumbing communications.
On the sides and on the front side, the equipment does not close with anything, so with this arrangement, you can use frontal and vertical options.These models are usually purchased either to save money, or when the kitchen is repaired, there is simply nowhere to build the unit.
The fixed method is the most budgetary, in which there is no need to equip a special place in the cabinet, to engage in its manufacture. However, when determining the optimal point, it is worth considering general recommendations, do not remove the object from the riser and pipes with cold water. The best option is the area in the kitchen sink area.
Features placement of a washing machine in the kitchen 6 square meters. m
Every housewife dreams of a large, bright kitchen. Many residents living in Khrushchev have to be content with a small room with an area of 6 m². But even with small dimensions, I want to make this baby functional, to place most household appliances in it.
It is difficult to fulfill the plan, after placing everything desired in a small quadrature, there should be enough free space where all family members could gather at the table. The best option in the kitchen will be the use of built-in appliances, it can be put:
How to install a top-loading washing machine
A car with a top hatch can be called a practical device. Its design is thought out to the smallest detail, it has a number of significant advantages over front models. When there is a power outage, a breakdown of the system, the engine, the laundry gets out without problems, and the water does not appear on the floor, threatening financial costs associated with replacing the flooring, repairing the kitchen from the neighbor below.
The main drawback of a vertical machine is its high cost, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to mount in furniture. Most often, it is placed separately, less often installed under a folding tabletop. In the second method, they act as follows:
Do-it-yourself installation
Many are interested in the question of installing the product with their own hands. Independent work must be carried out taking into account such moments: ease of use of equipment, easy access to hoses and pipes supplying water, discharging sewage, lack of interference for everyday tasks. When installing, you must adhere to certain rules, recommendations from the manufacturer:
Socket Installation
Connecting the device to the mains is a responsible, important event. The washing machine itself heats the water, absorbs 2.5 - 3 kW. For its nutrition, a separate line is required. It is necessary to lay additional wiring in the kitchen, a three-core cable with a cross-section of a core from 2.5 mm².If hard water is supplied to the house, a thicker wire should be provided.
You should choose industrial types of cables with thermal insulation. Laying is recommended to be done in the wall, the wire should be laid in a protective corrugation. The machine must not be connected to the wiring supplying other electrical appliances, for example, an oven, hob, refrigerator. An automatic device and an RCD (residual current device) must be installed in the shield.
Experts recommend using moisture-proof sockets and plugs that withstand heavy loads, do not deform. There are options equipped with a separate RCD, they allow you to protect the machine from short circuiting. Install them at a distance of no more than 90 cm from the product, indented from the floor by 60 cm.
Base mounting
The washing machine is conveniently located on the base. There are open models, with drawers for storing things, washing powders, household cleaning products. However, experts do not recommend using them, it increases the likelihood that the product may fall off the pedestal during operation. If you can not do without an element, then when using it it is recommended to adhere to certain rules:
Floor installation
The equipment should be installed on a prepared, reinforced concrete base. If the house has wooden floors, then from the vibration created by the washing machine, they can sink, become unusable.For the safe use of the unit, so that it does not break, a quality base should be prepared. To do this, you must:
Connection to communications
Connecting to sewer communications is a very important point. Mistakes made can lead to a flood, damage to the unit. First connected to the water supply. To do this, a tap is made from the main water supply pipe to the automatic device, a ball valve crashes into it, with it, the flow of water into the washing machine is regulated.
The crane should be mounted in an accessible place. Upon completion of washing, it must be covered. The next step is to install the drain. There are two ways to connect the outlet hose:
Conclusion
In small apartments, in the absence of free space in the bathroom, a washing machine is installed in the kitchen. The method has a number of positive and negative points. Someone categorically refuses this method, others follow the millions of owners of such apartments, use every opportunity. Thanks to a wide range of products, the unit is easily masked by the facade of the furniture, so it does not spoil the design of the room.