An integrated washing machine may just be just what you're looking for if you're need something unobtrusive to blend in with your existing kitchen design.
I know because I’ve been there myself, so let’s take a look at what you can expect for your money in 2023.
And The Winner Is....
After carefully considering the pros & cons of the best integrated washing machines on the market today, we recommend the
It's 9KG size makes it perfect for families of three / four. It's larger size also makes washing bedding and duvets a whole lot easier, too.
We love the mid-range price, the A +++ energy rating, the great selection of programs, and having not one but three quick wash features.
To see our detailed integrated washing machine reviews click here!
How to Choose An Integrated Washing Machine
The first thing we need to consider is how to go about choosing from the huge range of options that are currently on the market.
Do you go for the established brand name you trust when shopping for white goods? Or is it worth spending time to look into all the options?
I’ve been there, trying to figure out what actually represents value by scanning through pages of specs and data sheets late into the night, so I’ve compiled a checklist for you to work through to make the process straightforward.
What Is an Integrated Washing Machine?
If you want to hide a washing machine from view, you can build it into a cupboard or other suitable storage unit.
Integrated washing machines are designed to let you do this without having to worry about adequate ventilation.
They provide a good blend between aesthetics and performance.
You no longer have to see a corner of your kitchen or laundry room dominated by a machine that doesn’t match your decor.
What’s The First Thing to Look for?
I always recommend starting with the dimensions that you have to work with in your home.
You may have a couple of places in mind where you can install your new machine. Get busy measuring them up so you know exactly where your new washer will go and that if it will fit!
Once you know how much space you have, you’ll be able to see the dimensions of each washer and begin homing in on your perfect match.
Are Built-In Washing Machines Really Eco-Friendly?
Every appliance consumes electricity, there’s simply no getting away from that.
When choosing the best integrated washing machines, we examined the energy rating and electricity usage very closely .
It’s something that I paid a lot of attention to quite recently as I wanted to make a purchase that would have a minimal impact on my monthly electricity bill.
Ratings range from A - G, with A+++ being the highest. The latest built-in washing machines are considerably greener than years gone by.
We've only selected washers for you that are rated A++ to help lower your carbon footprint and keep your electricity costs down.
How Quiet Are Integrated Washing Machines?
As well as the latest washers being more energy efficient, they're also a lot quieter.
Providing your build your storage space correctly, noise shouldn't be an issue. Of course, if there are loose fixtures or unlevelled surfaces then this will cause enhanced vibrations that will likely cause annoyance, but this can be easily rectified.
You can check how quiet a washer is by looking up the Noise Level in the specifications. The lower the number, the less noise, and as integrated washers are enclosed a portion of their noise should be damped down.
Tell Me The Cons
Not everybody is a fan of integrated washing machines. Some people believe their smaller size means they're not durable and can't handle larger loads.
This is simply not the case, and you can routinely find reliable machines that can last for years and handle loads up to 9 kg.
Another perceived drawback is the price. As with any market, there is a range of prices distributed across models and manufacturers. On examing integrated vs non-integrated washers, there is little discernible difference in price across the range.
You can probably buy a regular washer with comparable specs slightly cheaper, but many people think the improved aesthetics and smaller size are worth paying a premium for.
Are Integrated Washers Worth the Extra Work?
An integrated washing machine provides a simple way to put the aesthetic side of things first when it comes to your kitchen.
The ability to close it off to the world keeps everything nice and orderly. It will also lower the noise during spin cycles and help keep your kitchen more hygienic.
While you need to be a little more precise with the space requirements and finishing when taking a built-in route, I personally didn’t find this prohibitive or off-putting.
After all, when you’re buying something you use all the time and want to last for years, an extra couple of hours work here isn’t the biggest commitment in the world.
With the above in mind, let’s take a look at 5 of the best integrated washers in 2023.
Bosch first started making washing machines in 1958, and 60+ years later the brand is still pushing boundaries in the home appliance industry.
This Bosch series 6 model has an 8 Kg load capacity, which makes it a great option for the family home.
You'll have no problem taking care of all the kids clothes and large duvets, too.
It has also been awarded the highest A+++ energy rating.
That means it has as minimal impact as possible on the environment and your electricity bills.
With width and depth both under 60 cm, this is a slim machine that gets lots of complements for it's good looks and build quality.
What really stands out is how quiet it is. At just 41 db during the regular spin cycle, this is one of the quietest washing machines on the market.
The reason for this is Bosch's "EcoSilence" technology, and you can learn more about that in the video below...
The biggest drawback for this model is its high price. You are certainly paying a premium for an established name.
Something else to consider is the absence of any Quick Wash option.
These settings are great to have available when you are in a hurry (and with a family when aren't you?!) or want to remove a single stubborn stain.
Not having one on an integrated washing machine that is priced at the very top of the market is disappointing in my opinion.
If you're looking for a competitively-priced integrated washer from a brand you can trust, the Hotpoint BIWMHG71284 is a great choice.
This 7KG capacity is perfect for a small family and the 30 minute quick wash is sure to come in handy when you need uniforms and PE kits fast.
The stand-out feature of this model (other than the price) is the variety of washing programmes you get.
Chief among them is the "Anti Stain 100" program. This uses 20-degree heat to remove 100 of the toughest stains.
You can also speed things up by using the "Anti Stain Quick Wash" which removes 30 stains in just 45-minutes.
There are also programmes for whites, coloureds, delicates and even one for duvets. . And there's that all-important "half load" function - which many don't have these days.
This 7KG Hotpoint model is also very energy-efficient and rated A+++. The water consumption is estimated to be just 10,840 litres - good for this size. The energy consumption is also decent at 157 Kwh per year.
There are a few things we don't like...
There is no child-lock which can be a problem if you have toddlers around. And the warranty is a bit miserly at just one-year.
But for the price this is definitely one of the best integrated washing machines available in 2021.
Beko is a Spanish manufacturer that's making serious inroads into the UK washing machine market.
They have already picked up a couple of awards from “Which” magazine, and Curry's have previously named them “The Home Appliance Supplier of the Year”.
This Beko model is in the same price range as the previously reviewed Hotpoint BHWMD732 but there are a couple of key differences to take note of.
The first is this model has a 16000 rpm spin speed, and this means only 44% percent of water is left after the wash.
This is really impressive as many machines will have between 50% - 55% left over.
Less water means your clothes will be able to dry faster, saving you a lot of time. If you're using a tumble dryer or radiators to dry clothes, it will also save energy and money, too.
This model is rated A+++ for energy efficiency, and on average it uses 194 kwh and 9020 liters of water a year. This are pretty strong stats and big improvements over previous Beko models.
One cause for concern is the noise is the noise during high-spin. On paper, the 72db is pretty mid-range, but users have complained watching a movie difficult in their open-plan floor accommodation.
There is still much to like about this model. The 14-minute quick wash is one of the fastest on the market, with a lot of models only having 30-minutes (if at all).
A half-load sensor is also a really nifty feature which will help for those mid-week loads that can't wait until the weekend. This feature automatically senses the reduced load and makes adjustments to improve wash quality and energy usage.
Overall, this is a solid 7kg integrated washing machine which is perfect if you dry a lot of clothes indoors.
With an 9Kg load capacity, the Hoover H-WASH 300 is perfect for a larger family whose washing piles up quickly.
Aside from the generous drum size, there are a few more features that make this Hoover design stand out.
The first is the number of quick wash programs available.
Many comparable models will just have one 30 minute program, but the Hoover HBWM914DC-80 has three! You can choose from either 14, 30, or 44 minute washes.
For regular washes, there is a weight sensing “KG Mode” which allows the machine to make automatic adjustments for the time, water and energy required.
If you have an infant at home, you'll know just how much extra laundry you need to do. There's nothing worse than the little one either spitting up or spilling something and finding your out of onesies.
That's why it's great there is a “Baby Setting”, so you can do smaller cotton loads quickly and not worry you're wasting energy.
And when it comes to energy efficiency, this washing machine is superb. It has a A+++ rating and its 1400 rpm spin speed only leaves 44% of water behind after washing.
The real drawback to this model is how quiet - or not - it is. At 77 db during the spin-cycle, it's not the quietest on the market.
However, during the regular wash cycle, it puts out 56 db which is actually pretty good for a 9kg washer.
It definitely deserves its place on our list due to its energy-efficiency and the trio of quick wash cycles to choose from.
The 8KG Candy CBWM814DC integrated washing machine is mid-priced and perfect for family of three or four.
This Candy model has 3 quick wash programs which allow you to wash smaller loads in a hurry.
With the quickest setting being just 14 minutes, it's ideal for washing baby clothes or shirts in a pinch.
Another really great feature is being able to adjust the spin-speed and the temperature settings depending on the types of clothes you're washing.
Speaking of babies, there is a dedicated baby cycle which is designed to get stubborn stains and not leave behind powder residue which can irritate delicate skin.
There is also an automatic weight sensor which adjusts water and temperature settings to help save energy and improve washing quality.
With an energy rating of A+++ it is a highly cost-effective choice over the long term that will make a minimal impact on your monthly outgoings.
The only slight downside is there aren't a great range of pre-set programs. Whilst there is a baby cycle, there isn't a sports program or a high-temperature Anti-Allergen program either.
But if you're looking for a larger washing machine which is still energy-efficient, this is one is available at a great price.
Integrated Washing Machine FAQs
Are integrated washers any good?
Yes, integrated washers are great if you want to keep it out of sight or to match your existing kitchen design.
Are integrated washing machines a standard size?
Yes, integrated washing machines are a standard size so they can fit under a kitchen counter. They measure H82cm x W60cm D54cm to 56cm. The depth can vary by up to 2cm depending on the drum size.
What is the difference between integrated and built in washing machine?
The difference is behind a door and therefore not visible. A built-in washing machine is installed flush with your kitchen units and are still visible.
Are integrated washing machines easy to install?
Integrated washing machines are easy to install for plumbing professionals, but can be a bit fiddly if you have little experience.
How much space do you need to leave behind a washing machine?
It's recommended to leave about an inch (2cm-3cm) behind a washing machine for the pipes and to help air circulate.
Do you need a special door for integrated washing machine?
You don't need a special door per se, though you do need one that fits! The big DIY stores like B&Q have a wide selection of integrated appliance doors so you should easily find one that you like.
