How to place a washing machine and sink in a small bathroom?

How to fit a washing machine and sink in a small bathroomA great way to accommodate a washing machine and sink in a small bathroom is to build the former underneath the latter. This eliminates the need to find a separate space for the appliance, build a niche, or forgo a dishwasher. However, simply combining a standard sink and washing machine won't work: the height of the unit, plus the trap and the thickness of the bowl, will make the entire structure too high. You'll either have to add a stool, reminiscent of childhood memories, or find another solution. We suggest the latter.

Options for solving the problem

If building a washing machine under the sink is the only way to arrange a small bathroom, then you just need to “combine” them correctly. A regular sink and a full-size washing machine won't fit together – the structure will be too tall and bulky. It is better to solve the problem in one of two ways:

  • buy a compact washing machine with a body height of up to 70 cm for a regular sink;
  • Purchase a special built-in sink that features a drainage system and thickness that can easily accommodate any front-loading washing machine.

Neither solution is ideal and will require investment, calculations, and effort. However, one layout method is significantly more cost-effective and convenient than the other. We suggest considering each option in more detail and making a final decision.

Specially designed washbasin

If your washing machine was recently purchased, upgrading to a compact one isn't practical. It's much more cost-effective and convenient to purchase a dedicated sink. Firstly, miniature washing machines are much more expensive than sanitary fittings. Secondly, you don't have to settle for the limited functionality and small drum capacity of smaller machines.PAA Claro sink over the washing machine

There's a wide range of sinks for automatic washing machines: classic and unusual options, rectangular and round, white and colored, affordable and expensive. There are also universal models, such as the PAA Claro, which fits virtually all built-in washing machines. Its advantage is that the siphon is located off-center, saving space below and freeing up an additional ten centimeters. The sink's size is also important: it's 9 cm thick and only 6 cm deep, ensuring comfortable and practical use of the plumbing fixtures.

It is advisable to install a front-mounted automatic machine with a depth of up to 50 cm under the PAA Claro sink.

PAA Claro also has other advantages:

  • discreet design – rectangular shape and oval bowl;
  • Stylistic versatility, which allows PAA Claro to fit seamlessly into almost any design: from home bathrooms to public recreation areas;
  • a drain hole masked by a soap dish lid;
  • relatively low cost (the price for a sink is $170–$210, and for a new compact washing machine – from $200);
  • the ability to install any washing machine under the sink (the main thing is that the depth of the machine body is less than 50 cm).

Thanks to PAA Claro and other special built-in sinks, there's no need to buy a compact washing machine. You don't have to sacrifice a large capacity washing machine or suffer from poor spinning and washing results – these sinks can be installed with standard, narrow automatic machines. This way, you can save space in your bathroom without sacrificing a full-fledged automatic washing machine.

Opting for small cars

If the sink is already installed or you don't want to change it, then you need to go another route and buy a compact washing machine. Small machines are less common in stores than their narrow and full-size counterparts, but you'll still have to explore a couple dozen options. Our brief overview of “miniature” technology will help you choose the best one.

Front-loading machines with a height of up to 70 cm are considered compact.

  • The Candy Aquamatic 1D835-07 is ideal for under-counter installation, measuring just 70 cm high and 50 cm wide and 46 cm deep. Its compact size makes it easy to fit under a standard sink or vanity unit, and its white finish complements any room's style. The Candy Aquamatic can wash up to 3.5 kg of clothes at a time, with 18 preset programs available. The Aquastop system and delayed start timer are also a plus. A drawback is the maximum spin speed of 800 rpm. Prices start at $186.examples of compact cars
  • Zanussi FCS1020C. The renowned brand Zanussi also offers its own version of a miniature model. This front-loading washing machine has optimal dimensions: 50 cm wide, 52 cm deep, and 67 cm long. The drum holds up to 3 kg and spins at up to 1000 rpm. It features balance and foam level controls, as well as variable wash temperature and all standard modes. However, the machine is expensive—at least $400.
  • Electrolux EWC1350. This miniature Electrolux model is also expensive, available for a minimum of $376. Its features and power match the price. It offers a capacity of up to 3 kg, 15 washing programs, intuitive controls, a high energy rating, and complete leakage protection. The dimensions of the body are optimal for proximity to the sink, since the height does not exceed 67 cmThe model's main feature is its 1,300-rpm spin speed, a record for a "small" model. However, high speeds come at a cost to the machine's noise and stability—it bounces and hums loudly.
  • Eurosoba 1000. This compact Swiss front-loading washer easily fits under the sink. Its dimensions are smaller than many of its peers: just 68 cm high, with the other dimensions being 46 cm. In terms of performance, it's a happy medium. It features a 4 kg capacity tank, Aquastop system, spin speed up to 1000 rpm, automatic imbalance and foam level control. Features include a dark body with red accents, low noise, and a child lock on the dashboard. Price: around $430.
  • Eurosoba 1100 Sprint. An updated version of the Eurosoba 1000. The spin speed has been increased to 1100 rpm, the energy efficiency rating has been upgraded to A+, and the body color has been changed to classic white. Otherwise, everything remains the same: a 4 kg load capacity and compact dimensions. Price: around $600.

A small bathroom isn't a death sentence. A built-in washing machine under the sink will solve the space issue without weighing down the room's decor.

   

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