Integrated vs Freestanding Washing Machines
What’s the difference between a freestanding washing machine and an integrated washing machine? A freestanding machine can be placed anywhere, has a larger load capacity and higher spin speed. An integrated washing machine is designed to hide in a cupboard, to make that possible it has to be designed smaller. A smaller base to facilitate the smooth line of the plinth on the cupboards and less depth to stop from protruding into the room.
By making the integrated machine smaller, it is necessary to lose some functionality, smaller wash loads and lower spin speeds are the main casualties but they do fit into a small space and keep everything neat and tidy.
Integrated Washing Machines Are:
- Able To Fit Into A Fitted Kitchen
Integrated washing machines are designed to sit behind the door of a standard kitchen cupboard. This keeps the kitchen looking uniform with sleek lines and uniform designs. - Quieter Than Freestanding Washing Machines
As integrated machines are smaller, they are quieter by design, having a closed cupboard door and a cupboard encasing them dampens the sound down even further. - Allows A Uniform Floor Space In The Kitchen
As they are designed to fit into the cupboard the machine will not protrude into the room and take up floor space.
- Give your clothes the best care with this washing machine from Hoover. Because it has a 9kg drum capacity, it’s ideal for medium-sized households. If you’re in a hurry to meet your partner, the 14 minute quick wash will get your outfit ready in a jiffy. And thanks to the Allergy Cycle, which uses higher temperatures to remove 99.9% of allergens, like dust mites and pollen, your family’s skin is protected. You can also control and monitor your appliance using the Hoover Wizard app – perfect for getting your chores done while catching up with friends.
- This Hoover Washing Machine comes with a Hygiene cycle. This programme washes at 60C, clearing any bacteria or dirt from your clothing. The additional use of water ensures a full and thorough clean.
- KG Mode is the function that weighs the laundry within the first 4 minutes of the program, adapting the water, energy consumption and time of cycle with a scientific precision
- The Allergy Care Cycle is designed to remove allergens and bacteria by increasing the washing temperature up to 60° C for a prolonged time and by extending the rinsing phase; it is the ideal program to sanitize baby clothes, ensuring the best hygiene for you and your family
- H:820mm x W:600mm x D:560mm
- 7kg Load Capacity
What’s Better Integrated Or Freestanding?
This depends on your preference, the size of your home, and to some extent your budget. If you live in a small flat, studio flat, bedsit, or small apartment and space is at a premium, an integrated washing machine will probably be the best choice for you. If you have more space then you’ll probably be better off with a freestanding machine. Let’s look at the comparisons between the 2 and take it from there.
There is really no contest here, freestanding washing machines win on every comparison test. Let’s look at the advantages of a Freestanding washing machine.
Freestanding Washing Machines Are:
- Cheaper To Buy
We have found that the average freestanding machine is about £120 cheaper than an integrated model on average. - Hold More Washing
The largest capacity integrated machine is around 8 kg, whereas freestanding models have a capacity of around 12 kg. - Easier To Install
It is far easier to access the pipe work on a freestanding machine than on an integrated model. - Easily Transported
If you were to move it is easier to remove a freestanding machine and take it with you, than scrabbling around in a kitchen cupboard feeling for pipes etc. - Much More Choice
There are 80% more freestanding models available than integrated machines. Most companies make 1 or 2 integrated washing machines but those same companies will make 5 or sometimes upto 8 freestanding models.
- Quick Wash function is designed to clean small, lightly soiled loads in 15 minutes.
- 2 Year Warranty
- Ecobubble - Make laundry less of a chore. ecobubble technology mixes air, water and detergent to create bubbles that wash your clothes at cooler temperatures.
- Hygiene Steam - The Hygiene Steam cycle on your Samsung washing machine releases hot steam, eliminating 99.9% of bacteria and inactivating allergens.
- H:840mm x W:600mm x D:490mm
- 7kg Drum Capacity
With all that said, if it’s integrated or nothing, then an integrated machine will do the job.
Some people prefer the fact that everything is hidden from view and so even if they had the space they would still go for an integrated machine.
Ultimately the choice is yours unless your apartment is too small to house a freestanding washing machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Integrated appliances are a good idea if space is at a premium or if you prefer a minimalist lifestyle.
Be sure the floor and the washing machine are level if they are, try adding non-slip anti-vibration pads to the feet of the machine.
