Under counter washing machine question

[annem]

Hi

I'm a long time lurker but first time poster. I love all the info available on these boards! I'm hoping someone can advise me on under cabinet washers or a washer/dryer combo. We are looking at a small condo for my mother and it's perfect except for the lack of a washer. It does have a dishwasher which she probably would not use much and I'm wondering how hard it would be to switch it out to a washer? The condo was built in the 70's and the upstairs condos do have washers, so I don't think the building plumbing would be an issue. I'm assuming it would need to hook up to a regular electric plug-in, so does that mean a european style washer is not possible?

Thanks for all your help, hopefully this is the right forum.
Anne

 

[henene4]

Options

Depending o the specific setup in that kitchen, practicly any 24" compact washer fitting that space could be installed, though, you will have to deal with vibrations from time to time.
A specific build in washer is offered by Miele, running on standard voltage:
http://www.mielehome.com/Product/Details/405
You attach your kitchen front, so the controlls stay visible. Miele is Miele: Expensive, but probably, this washer will last longer than that kitchen.
If the space (especially the height) allows, the normal 24" washer (http://www.mielehome.com/Product/Details/1010) could be slid under as well, but I would't risk the problems this could bring (warranty, vibrations, damage) as the US models are not labeld as slide-under models. In Germany, any Miele washer could be slit under. All Miele dryers run on higher voltage, so they are out of range for you.
For a washer dryer, I would suggest LG. They have the most approved design and are pretty efficent and good performers as well. But it needs 1" on each side for air circulating, but I don't know if it would be possible to install one of these refrigrator venting openings at the back of the work surface and therefore install it with less than 1" on each side. The link to the model is below:
http://www.lg.com/us/support-product/lg-WM3477HW#
If you buy that flat, I would consider as well to search for a closet to hide a stacked compact pair with a non vented dryer (for example LG or GE) in it and get proper conections set up there by a professional.
If you rent it, the LG washer dryer with a portability kit could work as well.
I will do some more research to help you as this is a verry rare situation.
So, in the end, it is possible, there is exactly one washer in the US I know of that is made on purpose for that situation (the Miele) and it is pretty much possible to do with any compact washer and nearly any compact washer dryer, as long as you check the dimensions carefully and read the installation manuals carefully for any restrictons or things you need to care about.
Best wishes and good luck
Henrik

 

[henene4]

5 minutes of research later..

I found this Whirlpool washer, which is based on an originaly EU design. It is supposed to be abled to be slit under but needs 1" clearence on each side as well, so, I suppose, this to prevent damage to furniture next to it. But with strong enough furniture, I'd suppose no big deal. This means the LG probably will fit as well. Here's the link:
http://www.whirlpool.com/-[WFC7500VW]-1001633/WFC7500VW/
GE offers a 24" washer as well, but there is not one single mention about building it in.

GE Appliances: Shop for Home, Kitchen, & Laundry Appliances

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products.geappliances.com

 

[annem]

She would be buying the condo, so I guess we could alter the cabinet top if needed. Also the foundation is concrete slab and it's the ground floor. There are two dealers listed that carry Miele, so I'll stop in and talk to one of them. I'm attaching a pic of the area I would be working with..
Thanks for your replies!

 

[dascot]

Hi Anne,

Assuming the electrics and dimensions are suitable, it looks very much like a European style washing machine would fit under there easily. Bosch also have a selection of machines that should fit the bill, and are generally solid and well rated in European tests. Asko may be an option as well, and Miele as mentioned already.