Differences between a built-in washing machine and a conventional one

The inscription on the price tag is not the only difference between a built-in washing machine and a free-standing machine. There are several obvious external signs that help you immediately determine the type of washing machine. This will save time and allow you to take the choice of a new “home assistant” seriously.

Knowledge of the design features of built-in equipment, their advantages and disadvantages will help you understand among the many models. We invite you to consider all the nuances in detail and learn about the best “furniture” machines.

External signs of a built-in washing machine

It’s easy to find a model for embedding into a set or cabinet among the presented range: just pay attention to its appearance. Firstly, you won’t find vertical machines of this type in Russian stores, so we’ll go straight to the front ones. Secondly, we look for fasteners on the front wall of the case, located on the right and left and intended for installing a decorative door. They look like small rivets with slots for screws. Thirdly, do not forget about other differences.

1. The flattened or concave hatch door, and the rest of the front body are on the same line. All to ensure that the machine is completely hidden behind the door.
2. A protruding lower decorative strip that blends beautifully with the façade of the set.
3. The technical drain hatch, behind which the garbage filter “hides,” is located higher. Otherwise, access to it would be blocked.
4. No protruding elements on the dashboard. The program selector is replaced by touch control via a digital display or has a minimum thickness.

Fourthly, less noticeable features can be noted. For example, special grooves are provided on the back wall of the case for embedding into furniture. Therefore, one glance at the machine is enough to understand whether it is a “built-in” unit or a free-standing unit with a removable cover.

Pros and cons of this technique

Built-in household appliances are mainly attractive due to the opportunity to aesthetically integrate a bulky unit into the overall interior with a single style. Such machines can easily be complemented by a decorative door and hidden in a kitchen unit or cabinet. The main thing is to accurately measure all the available space and correctly install the machine. It is impossible not to note other advantages of “built-ins”.

1. Safety. Such machines are located mainly in kitchens, where air circulation is better and there is no high humidity, which makes the operation of the washing machine safer and longer.
2. Convenience. This includes the possibility of freely arranging a workplace in the kitchen to suit your interests and needs. For example, place all household appliances in the kitchen, making the room multifunctional and easing household chores. There will be no need to control the machine in another room and be distracted from cooking or washing dishes.
3. Durability. Practice shows that built-in machines are characterized by a long service life, high wear resistance and strength. The explanation is simple - such equipment is very individual and is purchased once and for a long time, so manufacturers rely on quality and reliability.

There are also disadvantages, but they are much smaller. What is most striking is the high cost of such machines, which is determined by high-quality assembly and long service life.Another unpleasant aspect is the limited range. There are much fewer built-in models delivered to the store than conventional front-facing cameras, so choosing the right one is more difficult.

The only “save” is that the design of the machine does not matter, since the unit is hidden behind a furniture facade.

The best built-in machines

Among built-in washing machines there are also leaders. We have selected the three best machines in terms of price-quality ratio, with optimal technical characteristics and a high rating among consumers. The TOP 3 included Weissgauff WMI 6148D, Bosch WIW 28540 and Siemens WI 14W540. They have both common features and individual advantages. So, the main powers and capabilities are almost the same:

• Capacity up to 8 kg.
• Energy consumption class – A+++.
• Washing efficiency level A.
• Digital display.
• The spin speed is 1400 rpm with the ability to vary until canceled.
• Complete protection against leaks.
• Has a child lock feature.
• Control of imbalance and foaming.
• Delay start timer.
• Plastic tank.
• Selecting the washing temperature mode.
• Sound accompaniment.

Now let's talk about the advantages of each model. The first - Weissgauff WMI 6148D - is compact and has a depth of 54 cm (3 cm narrower than its competitors). We are pleased with the low cost of about $300, as well as the presence of the largest number of modes with 16 options, including the “My Program” self-tuning function. The main “plus” is the honeycomb Water Cube Drum, designed to protect laundry from mechanical damage and improve the quality of washing. The hatch's wide diameter of 30 cm is impressive, making it easier to load and unload laundry.

The cost of Bosch WIW 28540 starts from 70 thousand rubles, which is explained by the reliability of the brand, touch controls and numerous additional options. Among the latest are the machine’s self-cleaning, TimeLight optical display and the non-contact modern EcoSilence Drive engine. The latter guarantees the new home assistant high energy efficiency, low power consumption, durability and noise levels in the range of 41-67 dB. The unique structure of the drum, made using VarioDrum technology, and a more stable body with the AntiVibration function are attractive.

Another feature of this model is the presence of internal drum lighting.

The German Siemens WI 14W540 can also boast of an optical display, a self-cleaning system and touch control. But the average price of this model is much lower and is within 60 thousand. Among the advantages are ideally selected modes with the ability to wash black items, outerwear, mixed fabrics and prevent wrinkles. Consumers note the “smart operation” of the machine with fast but high-quality spinning and copious rinsing. It is also convenient to be able to easily stop the wash at any stage of the cycle and add forgotten items.

For those who value convenience, aesthetics and functionality, built-in washing machines will be the best option. In addition to the main feature - the possibility of embedding, "furniture" machines have other differences from conventional machines that simplify washing, installation and operation of equipment. The main thing is to know all the nuances of the chosen model and use all the provided functionality.

Reader comments

• Share your opinion - leave a comment