The choice of a washing machine in most cases is based on characteristics such as functionality, reliability, size and design. There are situations when the unit you like is ideal according to almost all criteria, but does not fit into the interior due to its dimensions. Then you have to decide on a purchase based not on technical indicators, but on the size of the device.
Washing machines come in a variety of sizes
Washing machines of standard sizes have a height of 85-90 cm, a width of 60 cm and a depth of 50-60 cm, so the issue of placing such a large appliance can become a real headache for residents of small apartments. Fortunately, many manufacturers of household appliances follow the needs of the market and offer customers units of different shapes and sizes.
What types of automatic washing machines are there? All of them are divided according to the type of laundry into devices with front (horizontal) and vertical loading. Let's talk in more detail about the sizes of each of the two types of equipment.
Dimensions of a front loading washing machine
These devices are among the most popular on the household appliances market. They have a familiar look to many and are equipped with a hatch on the front panel. The drum of such devices generally holds up to 5 kg of laundry, but there are models with a capacity of up to 10 kg. Horizontal type machines should be placed in the room so that there is enough free space on the front panel to open the hatch, store and unload clothes. According to their dimensions, front-loading washing machines can be divided into:
- Full size . As we have already written, the width of a washing machine of this type is approximately 60 cm, height – 85-90 cm, depth – 60 cm. The recommended weight of loaded laundry is 5-7 kg.
- Narrow . When the buyer is faced with the task of fitting equipment into a small room, already filled with furniture, the question arises of what length of machine there is. After all, find free space for a standard-sized device in a bathroom with an area of about 4 square meters. m is not an easy task; the length of the equipment should be minimal. The solution to this problem may be to purchase a narrow washing machine. The height and width of narrow units are standard, but the depth is almost 2 times less - 32-40 cm, depending on the model. No more than 3.5-5 kg of laundry should be loaded into narrow machines. Devices of this type are ideal for any small-sized apartments, where every centimeter of free space plays an important role.
- Built-in . Not every washing machine can be built in. The thing is that the level of vibrations created by the drum in conventional devices is too high. This often leads to damage to the headset in which the equipment is built. Another problem when installing the unit, for example, in kitchen furniture, is limited access to the compartment for loading detergent: it is simply hidden by the countertop. In such cases, the height of the washing machine is of serious importance. Built-in models of household appliances are slightly lower than standard ones - only 68-70 cm, their depth and width are also reduced - 45 and 50 cm, respectively. These devices are quite compact; they are often purchased for placement under the sink in the kitchen or bathroom. The weight of laundry loaded into such a unit usually does not exceed 3 kg. Please note that for machines built under the washbasin, a specially shaped sink (“water lily”) is required, the drain of which is located not at the bottom, but on the back wall.
When a washing machine is fully integrated, the dimensions of the device must be selected as accurately as possible
Types of built-in washing machines
According to the installation method, washing machines are divided into the following types:
- fully built-in. Such models have removable plastic parts, grooves for fasteners and an expanded range of adjustment of the legs. The front panel has special hinges for the door, and in the lower part there is a deep ledge for the headset base. In addition, the equipment is equipped with a leakage protection system, has minimal vibration and increased reliability - all to ensure that after installation it operates uninterruptedly for many years;
- with the possibility of embedding. The design does not imply the dismantling of all panels (only the upper part is removed). Grooves for fastening may be missing. These models can be built under the countertop or used as free-standing equipment;
- free-standing. The units are not suitable for full integration, however some models can be built under the countertop. In this case, everything depends on the dimensions of the machine and the size of the headset.
The functionality of each type of equipment is approximately the same, some differences relate to the design, and of course, the best built-in washing machines will stand out for their increased reliability and durability.
A washing machine built into the cabinet allows you to maintain the design concept
It should be noted that for embedding under the countertop they use:
- frontal (horizontal) models, which is the most common solution;
- vertical, which is quite rare. The design of the unit involves installation only under a folding tabletop, which then cannot be fully used.
The photo shows an option for placing a top-loading washing machine under a folding countertop
Installation of models with vertical loading requires compliance with special conditions: it is necessary to exclude the possibility of liquid or food residues getting into the machine.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the built-in washing machine are the main selection criterion. By size, front-loading units are divided into the following categories:
- full size. The width and depth of such machines is 60-65 cm, and the height is 85-90 cm. The drum loading volume ranges from 5 to 7 kg;
- narrow. They differ from full-size models in depth, which is usually about 40 cm. These machines have a loading volume of 3.5 to 5 kg;
- ultra-narrow. They also differ from full-size and narrow options only in depth (it is 32-35 cm). The devices can hold 3-4 kg of laundry;
- compact. Built-in washing machines with a depth of 45 cm fall into this category. The width of such units is usually 50 cm, height - 70 cm. Models have the smallest loading volume (1-3 kg).
Washing machines with vertical loading have standard dimensions: width - 45 cm, depth - 60 cm (sometimes 65 cm), height - 85 cm. Drum loading volume - 5-7 kg.
Dimensions of a top loading washing machine
Most often, these devices are chosen by owners of small apartments, because vertical automatic machines do not require free space on the front side - their lid opens upward. The width of these devices is usually 40 cm, the depth is 60 cm, and the height is exactly the same as in many front-loading machines - 85-90 cm. The maximum weight of loaded laundry is most often 6 kg.
The width of top-loading washing machines is usually 40 cm
Additional advantages of such units are a low risk of leakage and the ability to add laundry to the drum without interrupting the washing process. Moreover, such devices do not differ in service life and washing quality from full-size horizontal machines. Unfortunately, the range of models with vertical loading is much more modest than units with horizontal loading.
Types of washing machines
The choice of type and model of machine for installation in the kitchen largely depends on the dimensions of the room. Excess space allows you to purchase a device of any size - even one designed for 8 kg of laundry and having a width of more than 60 cm. If there is not enough space in the apartment, including the bathroom, and the washing machine is in the kitchen, there are also layout options - but choose a medium or compact device .
For the kitchen area of a small apartment, equipment with reduced height and width is selected. There is an option with a semi-automatic unit with vertical and horizontal dimensions of up to 40 cm - it may even require a cabinet for a washing machine. Shallow appliances are suitable for installation in a cabinet or mounting further under a countertop and closing with doors or curtains.
Typically, front-loading machines are chosen for installation. Horizontal devices are allowed for installation in a finished kitchen wall, where there is a space of up to 50 cm. The width of the front ones is from 60 cm.
Option for open placement of the washing machine under the countertop
If there is no space in the kitchen wall, and there is nowhere to install the machine, use an option with equipment up to 70 cm high. It is suitable for installation under the sink and for placement in a cabinet. This height of the washing machine under the countertop will ensure the same level of all interior elements. The only drawback is the limited loading weight - up to 3.5 kg.
When installing without masking in a closet or behind doors, it is not necessary to choose a white color for the machine. A wide range of online stores offer equipment suitable for any kitchen. There is a solution even for a non-standard design - the front panel is covered with a film of the desired shade. It is advisable to invite a craftsman to decorate the machine.
Disadvantages of small-sized washing machines
Of course, the choice of buyers is often based on the desire to have a washing machine that is suitable in size, but we should not forget that purchasing compact units has, in addition to its pros, also cons. Among them:
- high price of equipment;
- lower quality of washing and spinning (due to the small size of the drum) compared to standard-sized analogues;
- light weight of loaded laundry.
All these factors should be taken into account when choosing a machine for your home or apartment.
Dimensions of automatic washing machines
People who live in apartments are faced with a large selection and different sizes . This applies to the dishwasher, microwave and washing machine, as well as small appliances for which there is very little space in a small kitchen.
If you decide to install an automatic washing machine, you need to determine the place where you plan to put it. Next, you need to measure the dimensions of the resulting space in order to select a product based on them.
Subtleties of selection and placement
Before you make a purchase of the model you are interested in, it is very important to make sure that the dimensions of the washing machine will not in any way affect the quality of its installation. For this:
- Carefully measure the intended location for the device with a tape measure. Add at least 2 cm of margin on each side to the results.
- Check whether water pipes and other communications will interfere with the placement of the device.
- Take measurements of all doorways through which you will need to carry the machine. It is quite rare that entering the selected model is possible without effort. In some cases, there may not be enough space for the unit in the package; in others, difficulties with carrying arise due to the size of the device itself. In both situations, you can make your task easier by temporarily removing the door frames in your house or apartment.
The dimensions of the washing machine matter during transportation
A few words about the price
Whatever one may say, the choice of washing machine model is influenced by how much it costs. Equipment prices vary depending on the functionality and reliability of the manufacturer. At the moment, inexpensive units are washing machines of the Indesit brand. Devices from LG or Bosch are a little more expensive. Please note that standard models of machines with horizontal loading of laundry are the cheapest, but for devices with a vertical type of loading you have to spend a little more. The most expensive ones at the moment are narrow and built-in washing machines.
Remember: you should always approach the choice of household appliances responsibly, because a well-chosen device will save your precious time and effort.
