Hiding Kitchen Appliances

thescouselander

We keep the washing machine and drier in the conservatory (which is next to the kitchen) to save space in the kitchen. This actually works out quite well but I would like to hide the appliances some how. I was considering making some sort of cabinet to go round them or buying something if possible.

The problem is that all the appliance cabinets available are for built in appliances which dont seem to be as deep. Does anyone know if there are cabinets available which would fit a standard size washing machine and drier inside?

Pretani

never seen cabinets which would suit. A kitchen manufacturer could make you up something to go round them.

jennifernil

I would buy a couple of doors and a deep worktop, then make units to fit.
For the worktop you could use a tabletop from somewhere like Ikea and cut it to fit if necessary. A nice solid wood one would look good.

thescouselander

jennifernil wrote: »

I would buy a couple of doors and a deep worktop, then make units to fit.
For the worktop you could use a tabletop from somewhere like Ikea and cut it to fit if necessary. A nice solid wood one would look good.

Yeah, thats what I thought I might do - I was just wondering if there were any alternatives. I think this will probably be the best way though.

majjie

For the end panels, you need to look for base end panels which are oversized - or you could buy a breakfast bar back panel and cut it up.

If you have room, use two 400 wide doors for each machine with an end panel between them. If not try using these:
http://www.diy-kitchens.com/shopexd.asp?id=6734&websess=84381493468637

Stevie1

We have the same problem with our fridge and freezer. Don't really want to replace them as they are only a couple of years old and of really good quality (Liebherr).

The manufacturers say we can't get replacement doors for integrating them (why not?)...can't think of another solution

majjie

Unfortunately free standing fridges and freezers don't work well if they're enclosed in furniture ... not enough ventilation ... although I've seen it done with big gaps at the sides. Probably invalidates any guarantee, though ...

Stevie1

majjie wrote: »

Unfortunately free standing fridges and freezers don't work well if they're enclosed in furniture ... not enough ventilation ... although I've seen it done with big gaps at the sides. Probably invalidates any guarantee, though ...

Have you any idea why?
I understood that they were the same only with a different door...
either way, in our case they are out of guarantee anyway.

Pretani

A washing machine and drier might destroy a standard unit if set on the base, with all the vibrations. Better not to have them sitting on the unit base, just the floor.

majjie

Stevie1 wrote: »

Have you any idea why?
I understood that they were the same only with a different door...
either way, in our case they are out of guarantee anyway.

I've not looked into it recently but I don't think they are the same ... I think the ones designed to be built-in are more robust ... and the built-under ones have specially designed ventilation grilles - which get air through the gap between the door and the plinth.

jennifernil

If you have standard ones that you want to "build-in" you do need plenty of ventilation, especially behind and above. Make sure there is plenty space behind them, do not push them too far back. And leave several inches open above.
The special built-in ones do have designated ventilation, but you can do it with existing ones if you can give them enough space.