Many housewives dream of placing a washing machine and dishwasher in the kitchen. This issue is especially pressing for owners of small apartments with tiny bathrooms, where it's impossible to fit a dishwasher. We'll explain how to properly organize the space to fit all the necessary appliances into the available square footage.
We place devices in a miniature room
Owners of Khrushchev-era apartments, in addition to a tiny bathroom, are usually left with a small kitchen as well. Fitting both a dishwasher and a washing machine in the same room can be quite challenging. With some effort, you can figure out how to fit the necessary appliances in the limited space.
It is important not to place the dishwasher and washing machine close to each other; there should be sufficient distance between them.
Why is this requirement important? During the spin cycle, any automatic machine emits vibrations – the impulses, transmitted to the body of the dishwasher, can damage the deviceThere must be some distance between appliances. It's best not to place a dishwasher directly next to a cooktop. However, the restrictions are not as strict. It's sufficient to leave a 2-3 cm gap between the appliances and insert a thermal insulation sheet. After these measures are taken, the appliances can be placed next to each other.
A dishwasher is often placed between the sink and the stove. This placement is convenient because dirty dishes stored in the sink don't have to be carried far. Another advantage is the proximity of utility lines. When placing the dishwasher next to the sink isn't feasible, it can be placed anywhere near the utility lines. Of course, running hoses through the kitchen can be inconvenient, but the problem is solvable. You can purchase 5-7 meter long corrugated hoses, which are definitely sufficient for connecting the dishwasher to the water and sewer lines.
There are narrow dishwashers available that fit directly under the sink, integrated into the kitchen cabinetry. You can also buy compact countertop models that fit comfortably on a cabinet. This saves valuable kitchen space. The ideal location for a washing machine is near the sink. It's important to avoid placing the washing machine next to any other appliances. The machine can be installed either freestanding or integrated into the kitchen cabinetry.
The best options for equipment placement
First, let's describe the easiest and most convenient option for placing a dishwasher and washing machine. The easiest way would be to place the machines to the left and right of the module with the sink. The advantages of such placement are obvious:
Minimal effort when connecting devices to the water supply and sewerage systems. You won't need to extend the lines;
no need to think about how to disguise the inlet and outlet hoses running throughout the kitchen;
It is very convenient to load dirty dishes from the sink directly into the dishwasher.
Built-in appliances will fit more seamlessly into the kitchen's interior – the cabinet fronts will conceal the appliances, preserving the room's appearance.
There's no fundamental difference between where you place your dishwasher or washing machine from the sink. Choose based on your preferences. Consider which placement will be more comfortable for your family. If you have a very small kitchen, you'll have to get creative. A top-loading washing machine can be hidden under a work island. The countertop lid can be hinged. The arrangement looks like this:
When closed, this part of the kitchen cabinet will serve as a work surface. Conveniently, even with this placement, the washing machine is close to the sink, so there's no need to significantly extend the wiring. As for the dishwasher, it can be placed between the sink and the stove. Don't forget to place insulation between the appliances. This will ensure proper operation.
Another option for placing the washing machine is in the work island, but on the opposite side of the kitchen, near the window. The counter can be used as a dining table. This placement is also suitable for small rooms, less than 6 square meters. We also place the dishwasher near the sink.
Another option is to place the washing machine under the window. In this case, the windowsill is extended and converted into a work surface. For greater convenience, the dishwasher is placed next to the sink unit. This arrangement requires built-in appliances. The furniture set will have to be custom-made.
If you have no other option but to place the dishwasher and washing machine next to each other, ensure there's sufficient clearance between the appliances. Each unit should be installed in its own module. You can install an anti-vibration spacer between the cabinets, and be sure to place a silicone mat with the same properties under the washing machine. This will partially dampen the vibrations emitted by the machine during the spin cycle. In fact, even a small kitchen can accommodate a dishwasher, a washing machine, and a refrigerator. With careful space management, you're sure to succeed.
Many housewives dream of placing a washing machine and dishwasher in the kitchen. This issue is especially pressing for owners of small apartments with tiny bathrooms, where it's impossible to fit a dishwasher. We'll explain how to properly organize the space to fit all the necessary appliances into the available square footage.
Add a comment