Fitting appliances into tall kitchen cupboards

Fenderman10

I want to fit if possible a built in washing machine into a tall cupboard of a new kitchen, that seems perfectly doable, but above that washing machine I wish if possible to install a built in fridge. My question is simply, is that possible or recommended in some other way. I am trying maximise space in smallish kitchen and having 2 appliances in the one tall cabinet might allow that. Thanks.

Browntoa

Nothing to stop you doing it assuming

Middle shelf takes the weight of fridge

Ventilation is required to dissipate heat 

Adequate power supply

jennifernil

All the integrated washing machines I have seen do not actually sit inside a unit, they sit on the floor between the adjacent base units, whereas the integrated fridges do go into a unit, so it would not be totally straightforward, but it is possible.

EssexExile

A washing machine on the floor inside a unit is fine but, as mentioned above, it would have to be extra wide to take a washing machine. Alternatively fit the washing machine normally, then the worktop, then a fridge in a unit sitting on the worktop. Only problem I can see is that a built in fridge is designed to go in a unit at ground level so is designed to work around the plinth, which you wouldn't want higher up.

FreeBear

EssexExile said: Only problem I can see is that a built in fridge is designed to go in a unit at ground level so is designed to work around the plinth, which you wouldn't want higher up.

A trim panel could be fitted where a plinth might normally be - It would probably need a ventilation grill fitted, and there would need to be somewhere for the warm air to escape at the top of the unit. I'd also be concerned about the weight. Most of the fridges I've looked at weigh around 30Kg - Stuff it full of food, and it soon adds up. Fitting a full width worktop with the fridge housing on top would help to take the extra weight.

The other point to consider is electrics - The washing machine and fridge should be on separate switched fused spurs and the switches accessible without having to move the appliances. For practical reasons, the switches are usually positioned 150mm or so above the worktop where the appliance is located - Inside a cupboard is not a good idea.. 

rach_k

Are you not having a freezer?

phill99

I fit kitchen for a living. An integrated washing machine or tumble dryer is 595mm wide and is designed to sit between 2 units on the floor with a 600mm wide appliance door on the front. It will not fit into a 600mm wide tall housing unit. The internal measurement of a 600mm wide tall housing unit is 564mm. An integrated under-counter fridge is exactly the same - designed to sit between 2 base units with a cupboard door on the front. Integrated fridge freezers sit within a 600mm tall housing unit as they are less than 564mm wide. This is also true for single ovens.