Experiences with integrated appliances

NotAGolf

NotAGolf

NotAGolf

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I'm looking at redoing our kitchen and one of our decisions we have to make is integrated vs freestanding appliances. I've only ever had freestanding appliances before so was wondering if anyone had an opinion on what to go for.

We'd need the following appliances:
- Fridge
- Freezer (Could be a large fridge/freezer combo)
- Washing machine
- Tumble dryer
- Cooker (We've already decided this will be freestanding)

I can think of a few cons for integrated: More expensive, less of a range, and trickier to replace (both physically, and due to the reduced range). Obviously integrated looks nicer though, particularly for the washer/dryer as these always look ugly in my opinion.

One thing I have seen people do is use free standing appliances and get a deeper worktop so you can still fit the cupboard doors over the front of it.
 
I've got an integrated washer-dryer and it does look a lot better than any freestanding one I've seen but searching for replacements is a bit of a headache.

I have one long plinth running across multiple kitchen units including in front of the washer-dryer. This isn't a problem with my current one as the filter port is above it but I've seen quite a few new washer-dryers with the filter port at floor level i.e. behind the plinth making access a PITA.

My fridge is freestanding though and I'm happy to keep it that way. A freestanding fridge can look pretty nice - especially those American style ones.

My oven and hob are built-in but separate from each other meaning I can replace one without having to replace both. The hob is gas and oven electric which I find to be a good combo.
 
I'd watch sticking a door on regular free standing appliances since they are designed to be in free air, integrated stuff has special fans to pull air around the units compressor.
 
Thanks for the responses guys. I agree about the large fridge/freezers looking quite good, it's just whether I can make it fit in with the layout.

Imy said:
I have one long plinth running across multiple kitchen units including in front of the washer-dryer. This isn't a problem with my current one as the filter port is above it but I've seen quite a few new washer-dryers with the filter port at floor level i.e. behind the plinth making access a PITA.
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What do you mean by the filter port? The bit where you pour in the detergent/conditioner etc?

Firestar_3x said:
I'd watch sticking a door on regular free standing appliances since they are designed to be in free air, integrated stuff has special fans to pull air around the units compressor.
Click to expand...
Didn't think of that. I take it that only applies to fridges and freezers? A washer/dryer doesn't have a compressor or anything else that needs to be kept cool does it?
 
The filter is where the fluff from your clothes gets trapped to stop it clogging up your waste pipes. Mine needs cleaning every 3 or 4 uses of the dryer. If it gets clogged up the machine won't empty itself of water.

Other washer-dryers may work in a different way but that's how mine works.
 
All our appliances are integrated, looks much nicer than free standing ones, the dishwasher, fridge, freezer and washing machine are all Bosch ...not cheap but worth it.
 
Our appliances are also integrated and gives a seamless look to kitchen - washing machine is next to sink and fridge and freezer are next to each other in a unit on the other wall - we have a built in double oven as well.

It does make for a tidier looking kitchen - on the other hand if you have a utility room so much the better.

Best thing we did

Dave
 
mpledge52 said:
Didn't think of that. I take it that only applies to fridges and freezers? A washer/dryer doesn't have a compressor or anything else that needs to be kept cool does it?
Click to expand...

Don't think a washer will be a problem, proper built in fridge freezers have a special fan running to cool the compressor.
 
maccapacca said:
They haven't got special fans you need a vent at the top and bottom and convection does the rest
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The last two i've pulled out have a ducting from the bottom front to the compressor with a cylinder fan blowing air across the compressor towards the front unit plinth.

Full larder units have a gap top and bottom, some with fans to draw the air though.
 
Last edited:
After looking about at basic cheap tat, really expensive stuff and everythign in between we settled on Ikea stuff for fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher.

For the cost and the warranty included seemed a decent enough option.

My Only qualm with the fridge is due to the placement of the shelves and the ones on the door cant lie a 2L bottle down
 
Anyone got any opinion on CDA and Indesit appliances? My parents are getting quotes for a new fitted kitchen at the moment. My Mum wants the best she can get but my step-dad prefers the path of least resistance and wants to go with whatever the designer recommends. I've obviously suggested they shop around for appliances a bit but ultimately it's his money.

I'd never heard of CDA before so I'm a bit dubious myself.
 
FerretBoy said:
Had integrated dishwasher, was a pita to fix etc, replaced with normal one. Looks just fine. It's not a show house.
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Why was it a PITA to fix. They are essentially the same as a freestanding machine but with a different front. They are no harder to remove than a freestanding.

I don't understand why people think integrated is a pain unless they think the word means bolted into all the surrounding units.
 
Imy said:
The filter is where the fluff from your clothes gets trapped to stop it clogging up your waste pipes. Mine needs cleaning every 3 or 4 uses of the dryer. If it gets clogged up the machine won't empty itself of water.

Other washer-dryers may work in a different way but that's how mine works.
Click to expand...

Most plinth's are just push clipped on so dropping it to get to the filter shouldn't be an issue
 
TheVoice said:
Anyone got any opinion on CDA and Indesit appliances? My parents are getting quotes for a new fitted kitchen at the moment. My Mum wants the best she can get but my step-dad prefers the path of least resistance and wants to go with whatever the designer recommends. I've obviously suggested they shop around for appliances a bit but ultimately it's his money.

I'd never heard of CDA before so I'm a bit dubious myself.
Click to expand...

CDA just badge stuff up, they use all sorts of products from different manufactures.

Kitchen companies portray them as a premium brand but they aren't really.
 
OldCoals said:
CDA just badge stuff up, they use all sorts of products from different manufactures.

Kitchen companies portray them as a premium brand but they aren't really.
Click to expand...

Thanks. This was from Tesco Kitchens, their choice of appliances was quite limited really. Indesit, AEG and CDA were all they were offering.
 
markyp23 said:
My washer-dryer has a fluff clean programme, no access needed.
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So where does the fluff go?

mattyg said:
Most plinth's are just push clipped on so dropping it to get to the filter shouldn't be an issue
Click to expand...
Yes mine is also push-clipped but it can be annoying to put back on as it's 4 units wide with multiple sliding clips you have to line up with the unit legs.
 
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