Integrated

Buying an Integrated Washing Machine

What is so Different About an Integrated Washing Machine?

There are a number of significant differences that distinguish integrated washing machines from their freestanding counterparts. Not least of these is that integrated machines have a flush mounted doors and their controls are sited to allow for a fascia to be fitted. Integrated machines are also designed to accommodate the fitting of a plinth to match your existing cupboards.  In addition, they are manufactured to a depth approximating to standard kitchen cabinet depths i.e. between 560mm and 570mm. It is therefore important to select the correct type of machine at the outset.  If you are installing a new kitchen but wish to integrate your existing freestanding washing machine, you could potentially achieve this by installing deeper worktops to allow for the machine's greater depth and by fitting one or more kitchen fascias to end panels sited in front of the machine to create an opening door. In most cases, however, it will be necessary to purchase a dedicated integrated machine.

Other Key Features and Things to Consider

Efficiency

Simply stated, the more complex the energy saving, the more components there are to potentially go wrong!

Ease of Use

Walking around a showroom can be a little intimidating, with manufacturers vying for your attention by including as many knobs bells and whistles as possible. In practice, however, washing machines are all designed to perform the same core functions. You can simply ignore the various extended options and select the basics when putting a wash on. If the complexity seems too much, focus on machines at the budget end of the range as these have fewer options (also less to go wrong!)

Guarantee

All manufacturers provide twelve month parts and labour guarantees. Many offer extended guarantees but do bear in mind that these may require you to use the manufacturer's own engineers at a higher cost than using independent engineers.

Load Sizes

For full size washing machines a 4kg load is generally regarded as small and a 6kg load is deemed large.

Noise Levels

Nearly all modern machines are pretty quiet. As a guideline, 70 db or below on the main spin cycle is deemed to be quiet.

Reliability and Longevity

Modern manufacturing and quality control techniques should ensure years of relatively trouble free service from most current models. Do consider that machines at the budget end of the scale may not last as long and may require more engineer call-outs so their lifetime costs may in fact be higher.

Dimensions

As standard, the width for front loading automatic washing machines is 60cm. If your room requires something narrower, perhaps you should consider a top-loader. Height-wise, most front loaders are 85cm high but bear in mind that there are minor variances. Whatever you do, make sure you have measured the available space accurately! Depths vary.

Spin Speed

Most washing machines start at about 800rpm spin speed and ranges often go all the way to 1600rpm. Most people go for around 1000rpm - which is more than adequate for most purposes. Remember that, in general, the faster machines are likely to wear out more quickly.

Wash Time

Few buyers are particularly concerned by this. Machines with the most drawn-out programmes tend to be 'A' energy rated - these work with less heat by extending the wash time. Many current machines offer a 'quick wash' programme or 'timesaver' option to reduce the length of the normal wash cycle. As a guideline, a 1000 spin speed model with an average energy rating, will take around one and a half hours on a 60 degree wash (depending on the temperature of your hot water supply).