Can you build in an ordinary washing machine?

Q: Can you build in an ordinary washing machine?

An ordinary freestanding washing machine is not designed to be fully built in the way an integrated washing machine is. That is because a freestanding washing machine needs enough room for ventilation, vibration and maintenance. We therefore advise against fitting doors directly in front of a freestanding washing machine. Would you still like a clean, tidy look? Then a Wastoren® washing machine cabinet is an excellent solution.

An ordinary freestanding washing machine is not designed to be fully built in the way an integrated washing machine is. That is because a freestanding washing machine needs enough room for ventilation, vibration and maintenance.

We therefore advise against fitting doors directly in front of a freestanding washing machine. Doing so can obstruct the air intake and outlet, while during the spin cycle the machine needs enough room to work safely.

Would you still like a clean, tidy look? Then a Wastoren® washing machine cabinet is an excellent solution. The cabinet is developed specifically for freestanding washing machines and dryers and gives a neat, built-in appearance without compromising on safety, ventilation or ease of use.

Why is this not possible?

The warranty on the machines: building them in behind doors can put the warranty on the washing machines at risk.
Fire safety: the machines need room to disperse heat and must not be closed off completely.
It does not fit: the machines would have to be pushed all the way back, because the drum door protrudes slightly. That is not possible, because the base plate is 60 cm deep.
Anti-tip device and TÜV guarantee: our patented anti-tip device can then no longer be fitted in front. That voids the TÜV guarantee. It is precisely this anti-tip device that lets us guarantee the machine cannot vibrate its way out of the cabinet.

Safe alternatives for a clean look

Would you still like a neat, integrated look? Then there are safe solutions:

A genuine integrated washing machine: designed specifically for full integration, with fixing points for a cabinet door and built-in vibration damping.
A surround: with side panels and a top but no door in front of the machine. That gives you a clean look while our patented anti-tip device keeps working fully.

If you put a freestanding machine in an open surround, allow at least 62 to 65 cm of width so the cabinet does not start to vibrate, 5 to 10 cm behind the machine for the hoses, and provide ventilation through the plinth or an open top.

Neatly tidied away all the same

The machines stay freely accessible at the front, while the rest of the setup is finished cleanly. Would you like to know more about the safe construction? Take a look at our washing machine cabinets or contact our customer service.