Best Integrated Washing Machines

We’ve looked at the UK integrated washing machine market and found the best there is to assist you in your next purchase. This piece will highlight the key selling points as well as any known weaknesses. Alongside the best overall integrated machine, you will also find a recommendation for a high-quality budget model.

If you are in a hurry, our no 1 integrated washing machine is the Bosch WIW28501GB model. To skip to this section click on the content list below.

What is an integrated washing machine?

Integrated washing machines do the same job and operate in the same way as their more conventional freestanding counterparts. The only significant difference is in their structural design.

These machines are designed to integrate seamlessly into your kitchen cabinets, giving your kitchen a more organised and sleeker look. An integrated washing machine isn’t just about aesthetic appeal, they also come with all the top features and functions of a freestanding machine, to ensure your laundry is a breeze.

If you want to move away from the regular bulky washing unit and conceal your washing machine, an integrated washer should be top of your list.

What is a semi-integrated washing machine?

While a fully integrated washing machine remains concealed behind cupboard doors, its semi-integrated relative leaves a small space at the top to enable you to operate and view its control panel. Everything else is similar to the fully integrated models including how they function and even their price ranges. However, the popularity of semi-integrated washers looks to be on the decline with very few of them available on the market today.

Why choose an integrated washing machine?

Not everyone wants a constantly visible washing appliance, this could be for aesthetic preferences or due to space limitations. With an integrated washing machine you easily close your unit off, leaving your kitchen or utility room looking cleaner and more unified.

Integrated washers and driers are also comparatively less noisy compared to freestanding models. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, they operate behind doors (literally) which means some of the noise they produce is damped down. Also, most of them come with slower spin cycle speeds and heavy insulation to minimise vibrations.

If choosing an integrated washing machine there are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Requires less space due to its compact size.
• Discreet design that doesn’t interfere with your kitchen interior.
• Less noise compared to freestanding models.

Cons

• They can be pricier than most comparable freestanding models.
• Users with big families may find that the load capacity is too small.

What should I look for when buying an integrated washing machine?

The increasing popularity of integrated washers has seen manufacturers release lots of different models into the market as they seek to satisfy the growing demand. The result. Plenty of options that make choosing the most suitable washer a lot more complicated! These are some essential features to look for when making your buying decision:

Load capacity

A washer’s load capacity refers to the maximum recommended weight that its drum can hold at one time. Drum sizes vary although most integrated machines carry between 5-9kgs (with freestanding models going up to 12kg). How much you need is primarily dependent on the number of people in your household.

To give you a practical idea of how drum sizes are measured, 1kg of laundry equals to five standard shirts or two bath towels or one shirt + a pair of denim jeans.

Spin speed

A washing machine’s spin speed determines how much water is left when a cycle completes. Usually, most integrated washer dryers have spin speed ranges of between 1000-1600rpm (revolutions per minute). The higher the rpm, the dryer your laundry will be at the end of the wash cycle.

Economy

Two of the most important factors to consider when choosing a top integrated washing machine are energy efficiency and water economy. You want to purchase an appliance that uses as little of these valuable resources as possible. Not only will it lower your costs but it will also reduce your carbon footprint.

Concerning energy efficiency, all household appliances now carry a label that shows their energy ratings. They also indicate the approximate number of kilowatt-hours that the appliance uses per year. Ratings range from A+++ (best efficiency) down to G (inefficient). Anything above A+ should be able to save you sufficient money in electricity bills every year, but it’s best to go for A+++ rated machines where possible.

When it comes to water efficiency, most washing machines now include a water-efficiency label alongside the energy label. This will indicate how many litres of water is used per kilogram of load. Some of the most efficient machines use as little as 6 litres of water per kilogram. Whilst the least water-efficient machines can reach up to 14 litres per kilogram.

Better technology can also contribute to improved efficiency. A key feature to look out for is auto-load sensing. This function enables a washing machine to automatically determine the load size and, consequently, the amount of water needed for an effective wash.

Another solid feature is quick wash, which is a valuable function if your clothes require light washing, or you are in a hurry. Instead of running through the full cycle, your cycle can be completed in as little as 10 minutes, saving more water and electricity.

Special features

The overall ability of a washing machine is at times judged based on how many extra functions it comes with. The more the features, the more efficient and useful it’s likely to be. Some of the key functions to consider here are special programmes for cleaning materials like cotton, delicate clothing, duvets, and synthetic material. Others include support for extra-high temperature washes and removal of stubborn stains like grime.

You might also consider child-proofing your kitchen and minimising avoidable accidents by going for a machine with security features such as a child and door lock.

Are all integrated washing machines the same size?

The simple answer is no but most integrated washers have a standard size of approximately:

• Height 82cm
• Width 60cm
• Depth 55cm

There are some that don’t conform to this but most do. Variations, however, are quite small, I have come across a machine 90cm tall and another which was 58cm deep.

This makes it incredibly important to always confirm that your unit will fit the allocated space. Ideally, you want it to be as snug as possible. This will give your machine the support it needs and minimise unnecessary movement.

When measuring up don’t forget to leave some extra space at the back to accommodate water and waste pipes. A minimum of 7cm clearance is recommended.

Best integrated machines

There are our top four picks based on factors including price, energy efficiency, water efficiency, drum size and special features.

No 1: Bosch WIW28501GB

When Bosch manufactured their WIW28501GB model, they gave lots of attention to noise reduction. Not only is this the best integrated washing machine it’s the quietest washing machine among the five that we’ve reviewed here.

This model comes with three special features for noise management, the EcoSilence Drive, a Night Wash programme and an innovative AntiVibration design. The EcoSilence Drive is a Bosch’s patented technology that not only enables your washing machine to operate silently but also helps to save on energy.

The Bosch WIW28501GB includes patented technology which adds a special vibration protection function called AntiVibration design. Enjoy whisper-quiet washes thanks to its excellent insulation and a stable body frame that significantly cuts down noise levels.

Finally, you can activate the Night Wash programme to enjoy a good night’s sleep without worrying about being woken up by cranking sounds in the dead of night.

This washer is more than just a noise reduction mechanism. The WIW28501GB boasts many more features you will love. Its unique, droplet-shaped VarioDrum System is designed to protect your clothing from creasing and stretching whilst ensuring a quick and thorough clean. This is achieved by distributing water evenly to all parts of the drum and with the help of its asymmetrical paddles, rotates your laundry to the centre. The result is quicker and more thorough washes even for your heavily soiled garments.

No 2: NEFF W544BX1GB

The Neff W544BX1GB is another well-sized machine that will fit seamlessly into your kitchen or laundry room. Inside, the 8kg drum will give you more than enough space for most medium to large families and even be able to take on larger items like some duvets and blankets.

The spin speed can reach 1400rpm and the automatic stabilisation function makes sure it doesn’t shake the machine or get too noisy. This is one of the quietest machines we’ve found and even when spinning at its maximum, it only produces 66dB, which is significantly quieter than the others on this list.

The C energy rating isn’t the highest, but it still offers great efficiency and only uses 11000 litres of water annually. There are 15 programs to choose from and numerous other settings to personalise every wash to match your needs perfectly. Inside the drum are a range of sensors that can automatically adjust time, spin and temperature to complete each program in the most efficient way.

You get a two-year guarantee, which, while not the longest I’ve seen, is better than some of the short terms I’ve seen with similar machines. All in all, the Neff W544BX1GB is an affordable modern machine that allows you to save money, power and water with useful sensor driven settings and programs.

No 3: AEG L7FE7461BI

One of the standout features of the AEG L7FE7461BI integrated washing machine is its ProSteam Technology. Designed to take the time-consuming ironing work out of laundry day. It cuts down the time spent on the ironing board by executing this quick and gentle programme which uses steam to reduce creases in your dry fabrics. You can also apply it at the end of your wash cycle to speed up drying and to remove odours from your clothes.

Like most modern integrated washers, the AEG L7FE7461BI model comes with a load auto-sensing feature known as ProSense Technology. With this function, the machine automatically determines how much energy and water are needed to complete a given wash cycle based on the load size.

A few other innovative features that we liked in this model are the Eco TimeSave programme and the Soft Plus mode. The former is what most washing machines manufacturers refer to as quick wash and is meant to offer you spotless cleaning results in minutes whilst using minimal power. As for the Soft Plus function, the idea is to improve fabric integrity so you never have to worry about your clothing getting damaged by excessive force or overuse of detergents.

Best Budget: Logik LIW814W20

Logik are the kings of the low-cost appliance and their LIW814W20 integrated washing machine is a great example of what they can do on a budget. For less than £300, you get capabilities and features that you’re more likely to find on something costing £500 or more. The 8kg capacity drum spins with a power of 1400rpm and it has an impressive energy rating of B.

You can choose from 16 preset programs and select several different settings, including variable spin and prewash options. If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for Quick Wash which can launder 2kg in just 15 minutes. If you want to load the machine but aren’t ready to dry a new batch of washing, you can make use of the precise 24-hour delay timer.

This is a particularly quiet model and is even ideal for use during the night. The controls are easy to understand and a countdown timer is clearly shown on the LED screen. Disappointingly you only get a 1-year guarantee, but other than that, there’s a lot going for this budget model.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting a suitable integrated washing machine for your household, the last thing you want to do is over analyse your options. With tens of options begging for your attention, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and end up wasting valuable time or, worse still, making the wrong decision. The five models we’ve reviewed for you here are an excellent place to start. Weigh the pros and cons of each and choose the right one for you and your family.