Can I enclose a freestanding washing machine?

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Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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  • January 20, 2008 at 5:33 pm #33867
    bashdem
    Participant

    Hi

    I’m planning a new kitchen and have recently bought a new freestanding washing machine as the old one failed. I had hoped to enclose this behind a door in an empty carcass in the new kitchen. Is this recommended?

    I am buying the kitchen from IKEA and they wouldn’t recommend this (I can understand that as they wasnt to sell me an integrated appliance which is more expensive).

    I enquired about doing the same thing with a fridge freezer and was told this wasn’t safe as integrated fridge freezers vent differently to allow for being enclosed. Fair enough – I enclose my freestanding fridge freezer and it will prbably overheat and fail (if not worse). But is this also the case with washing machines?

    Thanks in advance

    January 20, 2008 at 6:27 pm #240401
    Penguin45
    Participant

    Re: Can I enclose a freestanding washing machine?

    You can box in the washer if you need to. Just bear in mind that one day it will have to come out for servicing……..

    Penguin45.

    January 20, 2008 at 6:46 pm #240402
    Simon46
    Participant

    Re: Can I enclose a freestanding washing machine?

    Check the depth of the machine as ones i have seen have had a bigger worktop so the cupboard door closes and does not hit the washer door.

    Regards
    Simon

    January 20, 2008 at 6:48 pm #240403
    bashdem
    Participant

    Re: Can I enclose a freestanding washing machine?

    Penguin45 wrote:You can box in the washer if you need to. Just bear in mind that one day it will have to come out for servicing……..

    Penguin45.

    That’s fine, but you say it as if it will be a bit of a mission to get it out.

    I just plan to have an carcass surrounding the freestanding washing machine with a door on the front and a plinth at the bottom.

    So, to remove I take the door off, unscrew or unclip the plinth and slide the machine out? No?

    Cheers

    January 20, 2008 at 6:57 pm #240404
    Simon46
    Participant

    Re: Can I enclose a freestanding washing machine?

    Allow for hinges in width of cupboard so washer doesnt foul them when being slid out and remember plinth is inset as regards to cubboard door so that will be the minimum depth of washer. And make sure floor is the same level as rest of kitchen so machine does not sit in a hole.

    S.

    January 20, 2008 at 7:00 pm #240405
    kwatt
    Keymaster

    Re: Can I enclose a freestanding washing machine?

    You’re problem will be the plinth line. A freestanding washer has a “straight” front and an integrated one has a kick to allow for the plinth which is a lot less than the standard 600mm depth of a freestander.

    Other than that there’s no real technical reason it can’t be done but you’re cabinet will almost certainly have to come out about 650mm or so from the wall, so non-standard worktops as they’re only usually 600mm deep. Then you have to allow for the door, knob protrusion and space for movement so the front doesn’t rattle off the door.

    HTH

    K.

    January 20, 2008 at 7:02 pm #240406
    bashdem
    Participant

    Re: Can I enclose a freestanding washing machine?

    Simon46 wrote:Check the depth of the machine as ones i have seen have had a bigger worktop so the cupboard door closes and does not hit the washer door.

    Regards
    Simon

    Yeah, just checked the new machine and it’s got a depth of 600mm. The kitchen units are 600mm deep. Assuming the machine depth excludes pipes I think the size may be an issue.

    I’ll measure the machine when it arrives.

    Not looking good is it 🙁

    January 20, 2008 at 7:05 pm #240407
    bashdem
    Participant

    Re: Can I enclose a freestanding washing machine?

    Of course!! The plinth does sit closer to the wall than the cabinet depth.

    In that case I seriously doubt I can get this to work.

    Bang goes my clean run of units with hidden appliances.

    Thanks for all your replies though.

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