A washing machine is an important household appliance that can be placed in a free corner and not be played up in the interior. But the limited size of apartments forces us to resort to more reasonable ways of arranging equipment. For example, a washing machine built under the countertop will look neat both in the kitchen and in a small bathroom. This article discusses the types and sizes of built-in machines, and also provides an overview of models suitable for installation under a countertop.
You can install a washing machine under the countertop both in the kitchen and in the bathroom
The most popular sizes of automatic washing machines
If a person is going to buy an automatic washing machine, then perhaps he will be concerned about the functional and dimensional features of various types of models. City apartments, built back in the Soviet period, are, let's say, compact in size, so the owners cannot help but be interested in the size of the washing machine.
Before buying a washing machine, you should decide where it will be located.
Standard bathrooms may not provide the opportunity to install a full-size variation, or they provide the opportunity, but can create discomfort associated with the small amount of free space left.
In principle, you can buy a large washing machine, but place it in the kitchen or hallway. Most models are standard. They are approximately the same size. But, if a person needs a washing machine for personal laundry or other similar purposes, then it is necessary to find a larger model. Such models will be able to wash a larger amount of laundry in one procedure. But, more people want to buy a washing machine specifically for use at home. In this case, it is necessary to proceed from the availability of free space in the apartment. And also on what washing programs are needed for the needs of the owners of the household appliance. Traditionally, the machine is usually placed in the bathroom. Experts advise considering this option as a priority.
The dimensions of washing machines can be measured using standard parameters:
- Height;
- Width;
- Depth.
In most cases, the main parameter for choosing a machine is width. Also, in some cases, height matters, for example, when the owner of household appliances wants to install a washing machine under the sink or build a countertop above it. The dimensions and comfort of use in narrow rooms may also depend on the design of the machines.
In front-loading options, it should be ensured that there is some free space on the front side of the household appliance, since it is on this side that the machine has an opening door. Through it, dirty laundry is loaded into the drum, as well as items that have already been washed are removed. When using machines with horizontal loading, you will not need to worry at all about the availability of free space on the sides and front of the household appliance, because its hatch opens upward. This type of machine cannot be installed under a washbasin or under a countertop, because in this case there will be problems with opening the hatch and loading and unloading.
The size standard for front loading depends on the type of machine:
- Width – 60-85 cm;
- Height approximately 90 cm;
- Depth – 32-60 cm.
The dimensions of models with vertical loading are standard - depth approximately 60 cm, height approximately 85 cm, width - 40-45 cm. Models weigh differently. Some modifications can reach a weight of 85 kg. The minimum weight of a household appliance is 50 kg. The majority of cars have an average weight of about 65 kg.
Why do you need to know the sizes?
Knowing the expected size of the washing machine is necessary to make life in the house comfortable. A bulky washing machine in a small bathroom or cramped kitchen “eats up” extra space that could be usefully used for other needs. In addition, it serves as a constant obstacle and makes passage difficult.
When choosing a place for a washing machine, you need to make sure that there is at least a couple of free centimeters between the device and the walls (other furniture or appliances) - this is necessary so that the machine does not hit hard surfaces during the spin cycle.
Suitable washing machine width: choosing based on size
It's not always easy to choose a washing machine. It is especially difficult for those who have never purchased this household appliance before. When making a choice, the main thing is not to miss the size of the equipment. Especially in cases where the space that is planned to be allocated for the machine is limited.
You can take the necessary measurements using a regular tape measure.
It is imperative to measure the space for the equipment using a tape measure.
In order for a new household appliance to fit neatly into the space, it is necessary to leave a margin of at least 5-6 cm, no less. It is also necessary to take into account the dimensions of the door frame. If you purchase a large model, you should make sure in advance that the equipment will pass through all the doorways that will be encountered on the way to its installation. Starting from the doorway of the entrance and apartment premises, and ending with the doors of the bathroom or other room in which the machine is planned to be installed. If the washing machine does not fit into the opening by just a couple of centimeters, then it is possible to temporarily remove the jambs. Maybe this technique will help bring the equipment into the apartment.
It is also important that there are pipes in the room. If a person wants to install the machine in the bathroom or kitchen, then there is a communications system there. If one of these pipes is located in a narrow place along the path of the workers with the washing machine, then it may interfere. It can also become a hindrance if it is located in the place where the owner of the household appliance wants to install the washing machine. Do not forget about measuring distances taking into account communication systems. If it suddenly happens that the washing machine has already been purchased, and it does not fit into the place that was chosen, then you can go in different ways. First, think about where else you can install it.
If the machine does not fit in the bathroom, then it is possible to arrange it:
- In the kitchen;
- In the hall;
- Elsewhere at home.
True, if you arrange it in the corridor, then most likely you will need to run communication pipes to it. In the kitchen area, these pipes are not far away, so you can avoid unnecessary investments in extending and installing plumbing. If for some reason a person cannot install the machine or fundamentally refuses to install the machine in any place other than the intended one, and it does not fit there, then it is necessary to exchange the household appliance in the store for equipment with a more compact size. You can also make a refund, since the prices of the goods are not low.
What else is worth considering
Of course, it is important to know what the height of the unit is, but this is not enough. There are a number of other aspects to consider. Only then will it be possible to choose the optimal automatic machine. It doesn’t matter whether it will be in the bathroom, kitchen or other room.
Bosch
In any case, in addition to the height of the washing equipment, it is worth considering:
- depth;
- width;
- brand.
Washing machine height standard: important features of the equipment
In addition to dimensions and weight, the household appliances in question have other features that play a role in the acquisition and further use. Globally, all commercially available models can be divided into 2 types. The first is semi-automatic, as already mentioned, you can rarely find such equipment.
If the room is small, then it is better to choose a built-in washing machine
Such units:
- Does not meet the buyer's requirements;
- They have modest functionality;
- Cannot automatically execute all specified programs;
- Such machines need to be controlled;
- Most of these models do not even have a push-up function.
The second type of machine is in demand among consumers - automatic machines, these are modern units that are relevant today. Washing in them is a pleasure. We threw in the laundry, added the detergent, set the necessary functions, and started!
Sink selection
Model
Not every type of sink can be installed above a washing machine. You can choose from the following options.
- “Water lily” with a side drain - hanging models with a hole at the bottom can be used, but they will have a fairly large depth (about 20 cm), which means there will be a large gap between the bowl and the machine, which does not always look aesthetically pleasing.
- Rear drain - this option is more similar to the classic models with the drain at the bottom in the center, but here it is moved to the back of the sink, and the machine will be located in front of it.
- Built-in - the bowl is immediately built into the countertop, and the appliance will be located under it. This is one of the most popular options, since the additional layer visually unites the parts of the structure and also protects the surface of the unit from splashes and moisture.
- The overhead is an easy-to-implement and effective solution when the bowl is simply placed on the countertop under which the machine is placed.
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Material
The most common materials are porcelain and earthenware. The first one is heavier and more expensive, but it will last longer. This is an environmentally friendly material that is resistant to mechanical stress. No cracks form on it, so less dirt accumulates and, accordingly, maintenance is easier.
A ceramic bowl costs significantly less because this material is made from cheaper raw materials. Then it is covered with a special glaze. Earthenware is not afraid of aggressive detergents, dyes and temperature changes. The downside is that over time, the glaze cracks, small roughness appears on the surface, and the bowl loses its former luster. To avoid the accumulation of microbes and the appearance of stains in these cracks, you can take a model with an additional anti-dirt coating.
Another option is artificial stone. Bowls made from this material can be of any shape and size, and are often made to order. Additionally, they are coated with a special antibacterial coating. They are resistant to mechanical stress and do not require complex maintenance. In terms of technical properties, artificial stone even surpasses natural stone in some ways, but is just as expensive.
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- Plumbing equipment
Which sink is better to choose for the bathroom: studying 3 important parameters
Tabletop
The surface can be part of a full-fledged cabinet or “float” in the air, mounted on the wall. In the first case, in addition to the washing machine, a storage system is also organized under the bowl: shelves or closed drawers. But this option is not suitable for very tiny bathrooms.
If the area is very limited, the entire space under the sink will be taken up by appliances, and the countertop will serve as a protective layer. It can be made of wood, natural or artificial stone, acrylic or chipboard with marble or wood lamination. The main thing is that the material is waterproof itself or coated with a water-repellent varnish in the case of wood.
A sink above a countertop washing machine can be either surface-mounted or built into it. An interesting technique - the surface of the sink extends to the sides and plays the role of a countertop.
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Dimensions of the automatic washing machine and other parameters
There are other parameters that play a role, for example, the efficiency of equipment. The efficiency of machines in terms of energy saving is the most important criterion for choosing a household appliance. After all, there are models that consume a huge amount of energy, and there are those that help save.
When choosing a washing machine, keep in mind that hoses will take up some space
Based on this quality, the following groups can be distinguished:
- The most economical option is the model with the designation “A++”;
- In second place are the “A+” cars;
- Behind them is "A";
- Next “B”, “C”, “D” and so on until the letter “G”.
The further the letter is located from the letter “A” in the Latin alphabet, the more energy the machine consumes.
Which sizes are rarer?
Washing machines that are significantly larger or smaller than standard sizes are considered rare . For example, a machine taller than the usual 85 cm is a very rare specimen, as well as a very “small” unit, less than 30 cm deep. As a rule, machines of non-standard sizes are outdated models that have long been discontinued. But these can also be units produced by some little-known company or simply devices that are used in special areas (for example, in production).
Wall-mounted washing machines are also available for sale. This is a small washing machine with dimensions - 55x29x60 cm.
Standard height of a washing machine (video)
As has already become clear, choosing a washing machine is a responsible matter. Therefore, before paying for equipment, you need to think through everything carefully and measure it.
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Doors for facades can open in different ways and in any direction - depending on the convenience of the owner and the area of free space around the door. The most accessible and common doors are swing or retractable doors. But when fully opened, they require free space equal to the width of the door or the depth of the shelf. If there is a shortage of space, it is better to abandon them in favor of more compact folding double-leaf systems ("book" doors, when opened, take up half the width of the door) or roller blinds.
Regular hinged doors.
Book doors
Roller shutters are the most convenient doors that do not require additional space and can be mounted in any type of cabinet, including wall cabinets. There can be one roller blind for the entire height of the section (an economical option), but for convenience and less wear and tear on the structure, it is better to provide separate doors for the machine and for the shelves.
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