Integrated appliances - can you use before getting cabinets?

incka

Hi,

I've just purchased my first flat with my wife, the place doesn't have any kitchen appliances and we're wanting eventually to get an integrated kitchen but right now can't afford one (likely having to spend a bit on unexpected asbestos removal/containment).

Is it ok to buy integrated appliances now, but just use them on the floor (concrete) or on wooden blocks until we're able to afford getting an integrated kitchen and fitting?

That way we don't have to re-purchase appliances down the line, say in 6 months, when we can afford to get the cabinets.

Will it damage them, and if so how much?

Thinking of getting:

integrated electric oven with electric grill
integrated dishwasher
integrated washer-dryer
integrated electric hob

casper_g

Integrated washing machines and dishwashers are designed to just stand on the floor under the counter, with a door attached for cosmetic reasons. They'll look ugly if used "naked", but you shouldn't have much trouble. The biggest issue is likely to be that the spring-loaded door on the dishwasher will keep wanting to close as it will be designed to counteract the weight of a door fascia fitted to the front.

I'm not so sure about the idea of using the oven or hob without building them in, though.

cddc

I would buy a cheap oven housing and a cheap worktop to fit the oven and hob. You could probably get both for about £50 from Wickes or Screwfix to tide you over until you can afford to get the kitchen done.

You are fine with the dishwasher and the washing machine but the oven and hob should be housed to be safe.

Kiran

Agree with both of the above. Cheap housing for the oven and the hob needs to be in a worktop from a safety point of view.

Rain_Shadow

If you can possibly afford, and have room for, separate washing machine and drier then get them. Washer driers are a PIA, and a not very reliable one either.

phil24_7

What about buying some butt-ugly cheap appliances from ebay/gumtree/freebay/freecycle/freeads/preloved etc. to tide you over until you redo your kitchen?

ic

Whilst refurbishing my kitchen I used my old dishwasher. Thing to watch for is it'll be unstable - the door really needs a door to be attached in order to counteract the strength of the springs that want to close it, and you really need some weight on top to stop it tipping over when the door is open and the basket pulled out.

cyantist

stick a wanted ad on freecycle asking if anyone is ripping a kitchen out and has spare housings for oven and hob.

The washer/dryer and dishwasher will be fine without a door.