In the never-ending quest for style, integrated appliances have become quite a sensation. My first experience of such a thing was seeing my cousin's integrated refrigerator
I arrived at her house with a salad for a family gathering, and she greeted me at the door and told me I could put the salad in the refrigerator. I went into the kitchen and discovered that there was no refrigerator in sight! She arrived a moment later and laughed as she pulled open what I had taken for a closet pantry and revealed it to be the fridge.
Nowadays, the latest rage is the integrated washing machine
The key to an integrated washing machine is that it is specially designed to allow for the fitting of a veneer type of fascia that matches the cabinetry and moldings found in the rest of the room. They are also made so as to allow them to blend in with standard cabinetry dimensions of height, width and depth. A particular consideration for an integrated washing machine is that allowance must be made for the supply and drain plumbing.
Integrated washing machines typically are of a front-loading design, although top loaders can be found. This is a good thing in terms of the unit's operating efficiency, as front-loaders use less water than do free standing ones. If a unit is top-loading, of course, accommodation must be made in the countertop to allow access.
There is a price to be paid for the style of having an integrated unit. They are necessarily smaller than free standing ones, which means that more loads will have to be done in order to wash an equal amount of clothing.
On the plus side, an integrated washing machine will introduce less noise into the living area than a free standing unit. This is because it is effectively built into the cabinetry which will absorb a good deal of the noise it makes. Also, integrated washing machines are insulated and provision is made for ventilation of the motor, all of which tends to keep them quieter than their free-standing counterparts.
If you like the idea of an integrated washing machine and are prepared to pay the premium in price demanded for them, there are a few other things to keep in mind. If you wish to install the unit in an existing space, it's absolutely critical to measure carefully and be certain that the one you desire will fit in. One thing that buyers sometimes neglect to consider is that the doors on adjoining cabinets must be able to open, if not completely, at least enough to grant access to their contents. In this regard, account must be taken of the fascia to be installed on the integrated washer.
Before taking the plunge and having your new washing machine delivered, it would be wise to check and be certain that the plumbing connections are compatible with the existing plumbing. If there is no existing plumbing and you don't intend to do the installation of it yourself, be sure to consult a plumber to get an idea of the feasibility of doing so and the cost. Depending on the layout of your home, you could be in line for a bit of a rude shock.
While it may seem too elementary to be missed, don't forget to allow for a supply of electricity! While it's not usually a serious problem, if you live in an older home with its electrical system operating at or near capacity, the sudden surges of power demanded by any washing machine can cause breakers to trip, so be sure your chosen circuit is up to the challenge.
In the least complicated of possible worlds, an integrated washing machine is best installed as part of an overall kitchen remodeling. In such a case, the desirability of a particular location from a work efficiency perspective can be accounted for, as well as the plumbing and electrical power supply issues.
A well thought out installation of an integrated washing machine can really enhance the appearance of your kitchen. However, there's more to it than is required for a free standing unit installation if you want to avoid costly and embarrassing mistakes.
