Set - washing machine with sink

In a typical Khrushchev-era apartment with a small bathroom and kitchen, the question often arises: what to do with the automatic washing machine? Recently, the market has offered owners of small apartments a great solution in the form of ready-made kits that include a washing machine and sink. Such kits fit comfortably even in very cramped spaces, making them potentially attractive to a wide range of consumers. Let's discuss these kits in more detail.

Why buy a ready-made kit?

In many small bathroom designs, the sink under the vanity is replaced with an automatic washing machine. This is explained not only by the space savings but also by the convenient placement of this "home helper," which not only stays out of the way but also blends in well with the standard bathroom fixtures.

Previously, there were very few models of automatic washing machines that could fit under the sink, but now the situation has changed dramatically.

Before the advent of ready-made kits that included a sink and washing machine, users faced the problem of installing these two interior elements. First, it was necessary to choose the right sink and washing machine for it. Secondly, I had to buy a suitable set of plumbing components: a trap, fittings, hoses, sealing rings, faucets, and so on. All of this was very inconvenient. Furthermore, purchasing the equipment separately meant spending a considerable amount of money. That's a thing of the past now, as a ready-made washing machine and sink set is available:

• contains all the necessary materials that you will need to install both the sink and the washing machine;
• contains a perfectly matched sink and washing machine;
• The kit comes with detailed technical specifications, allowing you to determine in advance the location and connection features of the kit in your bathroom.

So, if you want to easily install a washing machine in your bathroom and place a sink above it, without spending extra money, consider ready-made kits, which we'll review in the next section of this publication.

Overview of sets

Having appeared on the market relatively recently, the sink-equipped washing machine quickly gained popularity among consumers and even became something of a bestseller. Manufacturers quickly responded to consumer demand, and now stores are overflowing with such products. Here are some examples of the most popular and sought-after automatic sink-equipped washing machine combinations.

1. Candy Aqua 80 F/Water Lily-Light Set. A relatively inexpensive and highly sought-after sink and washing machine set. It includes a water lily sink, a Candy Aqua 80 F automatic washing machine, a sink faucet, a siphon, a set of hoses, rubber gaskets, and nuts. The sink measures 535 x 560 x 140 mm (W x D x H), and the washing machine measures 510 x 440 x 695 mm (W x D x H). The machine has a 3.5 kg drum capacity. Fuzzy Logic, delayed start, a Woolmark-approved wool wash program, and many other useful features. Price: $536.
   
2. The Eurosoba 1100 Sprint/Kuvshinka-Light set features the same water lily sink, but with a more expensive washing machine from a renowned Swiss manufacturer. The Eurosoba 1100 Sprint washing machine measures 460 x 460 x 680 mm (W x D x H) and has a 3 kg load capacity. Despite its rather modest load capacity, the washing machine is very decent and has a lot of useful functions. Moreover, the washing machine is very energy-efficient in terms of water and electricity consumption. The average cost is $692.
   
3. Candy Aqua 100F plus Victoria Water Lily. This set includes a more modern and technologically advanced washing machine from Candy's 100F series. The Victoria Water Lily sink boasts a light and elegant design. The body of the washing machine matches perfectly with the sink, creating a single harmonious composition. The Victoria Water Lily is also unique in that it allows the faucet to be mounted on either the right or left side, a highly sought-after option in some cases. The set is priced at $440.
   
4. Eurosoba 1000 / Kuvshinka-Lux Light Set. The highlight of this set is not so much the washing machine as the sink. The Kuvshinka-Lux Light's elegant design immediately draws attention, leaving the Eurosoba 1000 in the shadows, but perhaps that's just as well. The washing machine is generally decent, but far from the best in its class. Dimensions (W x D x H) are 460 x 460 x 675 mm, and its reduced water and electricity consumption are the only positives. A 3 kg drum capacity and limited feature set are unlikely to impress anyone these days. Price: $740.
   

The drum load of Eurosoba automatic washing machines usually does not exceed 3.5 kg.

Disadvantages of ready-made kits

Our experts aren't inclined to idealize washing machine and sink sets, as they have obvious drawbacks along with their advantages. What are these drawbacks? Firstly, these sets typically feature lily-shaped sinks, which aren't everyone's cup of tea. Some openly criticize this type of plumbing because it has a very shallow depth, which leads to water splashes flying throughout the bathroom, causing a lot of trouble for housewives. In addition, due to the special location of the drain, such sinks often become clogged with all sorts of debris, and this is completely unsuitable.

Secondly, washing machines included in these sets often fall short in terms of functionality. Specifically, these washing machines have a very limited drum capacity, and in terms of operation, these machines, to put it mildly, are inferior to their full-size competitors. Users of washing machines included in these sets often complain that they are unable to wash large items (outerwear, blankets, comforters, etc.), which is not surprising given the drum capacity of 3.5 kg of laundry.

The most popular sets usually include compact Candy brand washing machines, the functionality of which is significantly limited.

Thirdly, washing machines included in sets often break down, causing a lot of trouble for users. Please understand that we are not trying to promote or vilify washing machine and sink sets. We strive to provide as objective information as possible about this product, and you can decide for yourself whether it's right for you. Most importantly, dispel the myth that such a set is a "cure-all" solution for a small bathroom. It works for some, and not for others!

Installation Features

An under-sink washing machine with a sink is easier to install because it already includes everything you need. Moreover, the manufacturer includes detailed installation instructions that anyone, even the most inexperienced, can understand.

• At the first stage, the specialists writing the instructions remind the user that all necessary utility connections must be made in advance, even before installing the sink and washing machine: a moisture-resistant outlet must be installed, a sewer pipe branch must be installed, and a water pipe branch must be installed. Furthermore, the floor under the washing machine must be strong and level.
• Next, we are advised to determine the exact location of the washing machine and sink, taking into account the distance to the connection points with utilities.

Remember to leave at least 1 cm of clearance between the sink and the top of the washing machine. Clearance should also be left on the sides of the washing machine.

• After this, we mark on the wall the places where the brackets for the sink will be located, and then We hang these brackets. Be sure to install the brackets level so that the sink hangs perfectly straight.
• We check the reliability of the fasteners, and then hang the sink in place, after which we install the siphon, which is also included in the kit.
• Install the faucet and then connect it to the hot and cold water supplies. Remember to ensure all connections are tightly sealed using grommets and rubber gaskets. After installing the faucet, be sure to check for any leaks. Immediately install a tee on the cold water outlet.
• We'll place the washing machine closer to the sink, but don't push it underneath it yet. Otherwise, it will be difficult to connect our "home helper" to the utilities.
• We connect the drain hose to the flat siphon, and the inlet hose to the tee tap, check the reliability of the connections, and then push the washing machine under the sink.

In conclusion, a combined washing machine and sink not only saves money but also allows you to quickly and easily install these two elements in your bathroom. However, it's important to remember that under-sink washing machines have very limited functionality and are definitely not suitable for a large family, not least because of their relatively small drum capacity. Happy shopping!

   

1 reader comment

1. June 29, 2018 at 1:42 AM

   Peter:

   We installed the washing machine next to the sink. We wanted to rewire it ourselves, but we had to call a plumber to rehang the brackets for the new sink. It made the bathroom feel more spacious.

   Answer