Which is best for me?

One of the primary concerns when purchasing a new appliance is the location and "will it fit?"

Some prefer a freestanding appliance in a dedicated utility room, while others who are tighter on space will opt for an integrated solution within their kitchen.  See below at some of the pros and cons of each.

Integrated

Integrated washing machines are designed to fit in between your kitchen cabinets, blending in with the rest of your kitchen. They have a cabinet door on the front of them, which makes them look like a normal cupboard. The bottom and legs of the appliance are set back to allow your kitchen plinth to run along the base in front of the machine.

To fit in as if they were a cupboard, integrated washing machines are slightly thinner, shorter, and shallower than freestanding washing machines. This allows them to sit in line with your cabinets with a matching door on the front of them and still have enough space at the back for any pipes and water connections.

It’s important to note that integrated washing machines have a smaller load capacity than freestanding washing machines, and they often cost more and have fewer functions. Additionally, there are fewer integrated machines available on the market.

When installing an integrated washing machine, always check that you have enough space for your waste water pipe. Alternatively, position it so it’s not directly behind the appliance.

Pros:

Design freedom: Integrated washing machines are hidden from view and blend in with your kitchen units, giving you more design freedom.
Flush fit: They sit flush in line with your cabinets, so they don’t stick out between cabinets.
Quiet operation: They are often slightly quieter than freestanding washing machines because of the cabinet door.

Cons:

Higher cost: Integrated washing machines are generally more expensive than freestanding washing machines.
Limited choice: There are fewer models to choose from compared to freestanding machines.
Cabinet door maintenance: The cabinet door may need replacing due to shaking and moisture.
Expert fitting required: They require expert fitting to ensure they are installed correctly.
Not portable: They cannot be moved with you if you move to a new home.

Free Standing

Freestanding washing machines can be placed anywhere as long as they can be connected to a drain and plugged into a regular power socket, and offer a wider range of choices compared to integrated washing machines.

In addition to more choices, freestanding washing machines are often more affordable, and have a larger capacity drum than integrated washing machines, making them a great choice for those looking for a cost-effective and versatile option.

However, if you have a sleek-looking modern kitchen, a larger sized freestanding washing machine may look out of place.

Pros:

Less expensive: Typically are not as expensive as integrated units

Wider choice variety: There are far more models available with additional features

Transportable: Relatively easy to move to a new location should you wish to move.

Cons: 

Larger unit size: May stick out with a typically greater depth to the machine than the kitchen units.

May spoil the look:  Without the integration into the kitchen units it may look out of place.