Best integrated washing machines UK: quiet built-in models

The best integrated washing machine is quiet, compact, stylish and discreet. Once installed in your kitchen, you should be able to forget it is even there. If you're wanting a sleek, minimalist look in your kitchen, integrated appliances are ideal as they are hidden away in your kitchen units so unsightly white goods never have to be seen or heard.

Nowhere is this more convenient than in an open-plan home, where the whine of the motor and the noisy rocking of your washing machine or washer-dryer on a spin dry can rudely interrupt your favourite programme or disturb your children from completing their homework.

However, inexpensive and effective integrated washing machines are hard to find and there's often limited choice compared to their freestanding counterparts. You can’t just install any old washer too; you need to buy specialist built-in appliances, which is why we turned to our forums to consult Mumsnet users on the best integrated washing machines for any home.

Through reading Mumsnetters' feedback, we collated a criterion for the best integrated washing machines on our shortlist: a comprehensive range of programmes, a decent drum capacity and a good energy efficiency rating (not much different from our best tumble dryer guide). There were some additional and more stringent requirements we also considered too, like compactness, noise level and a reversible door (for our left-handed parents).

Using this list of features, we scoured the Talk threads in search of tried-and-tested brands Mumsnet users recommended. This is the cornerstone of every Swears By article on Mumsnet, from the best steam iron to the top laundry detergent, as we know the parents on our forums have a wealth of life experience and authentic, unbiased views to share on a range of products.

We then cross-referenced these suggestions against expert opinions, consumer champion websites, and verified customer reviews to triple-check that these are truly the best you can buy.

Here are the best integrated washing machines in 2024.

You may also want to check out our guides to the best washing machines, best dehumidifiers, best fabric softeners, best laundry baskets, best rotary washing lines and best clothes pegs to help meet all your laundry needs.

Why are integrated washing machines so expensive?

Compared to the average cost of a freestanding washing machine, integrated models are considerably more expensive, even when they’re the exact same model. So, why is this? The answer is two-fold. Firstly, it comes down to the design and manufacturing costs; creating a washing machine that integrates seamlessly into a kitchen without sacrificing its effectiveness or efficiency is tricky.

Secondly, there are the installation costs to consider on top of the initial outlay unless you are good friends with a plumber. Plus, repairs and maintenance work is more difficult when kitchen cabinets surround the machine, so this could be more costly in the future.

Related: The best integrated washer dryers for families

Can you put a freestanding washing machine in an integrated space?

Yes, you can, but you would need bespoke cabinets, as they must be deeper and wider than standard. In the long run, this can be even more expensive than simply buying an integrated washing machine, and if you aren’t planning on replacing your whole kitchen or utility room, it just won’t work.

Read next: The best budget washing machines under £500

Are all integrated washing machines the same size?

Yes, all integrated washing machines are roughly the same size to fit a standard-size kitchen. Typically their measurements are around 82cm (height) x 60cm (width) x 54-56cm (depth) - give or take a few centimetres.

How do I know if an integrated washing machine will fit in my kitchen?

The best way to find out if an integrated washing machine will fit is to measure the height, width and depth of the space, bearing in mind you will need to leave a minimum of 3cm at the back of your appliance for pipes and fittings to connect. To ensure this is correct, measure the depth from the front of the plugs or pipes. If you measure from the wall, your integrated washing machine will not fit.

How to choose the best integrated washing machine

To find the best integrated washing machine for your home, you’ll want to consider the following:

• Dimensions: Carefully measure your space and ensure that you have the measurements written down when browsing to avoid any issues with installation.

• Budget: You’ll need a clear idea of what you can afford, including additional installation costs, its effect on your utility bills and any future maintenance or repair payments.

• Energy efficiency rating: The better its rating, the less you’ll spend on utility bills and the lower your carbon footprint. Choosing a machine that is C or above can save you hundreds of pounds in the long run.

• Programmes: Ask yourself what programmes and settings are essential to you and your family. For example, an anti-allergen wash cycle will be necessary if you have allergies. Conversely, if you’re a sporty family who is always on the go, a quick 15-minute cycle will be helpful.

• Drum capacity: Typically, integrated washing machines have a smaller capacity drum than freestanding models. However, this rule has some exceptions, like the Candy CBW49D1E or Hoover H-Wash 300 Pro, which both have a 9kg wash capacity.

• Noise level: Particularly if you’re installing your integrated washing machine in an open-plan living space, you will want and need a quiet model like the Bosch Series 8 WIW28502GB with its EcoSilence Drive.

• Installation: Ask yourself these questions before making any final decisions: Who will install it? Does the integrated washing machine include an installation kit? How much am I willing to pay for installation?

Read next: Bosch vs Samsung washing machines: which brand is best for families?

What features should an integrated washing machine have?

It is less about what they should have and more about what you specifically need your machine to be able to do and how much you are willing to spend. Much like a freestanding washing machine, an integrated model has many standard features, so your decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. Features you might like your integrated washing machine to have include:

• Specific, specialised wash programmes: You’ll know your family’s laundry requirements better than anyone, and as such, you should pick your washing machine to meet them. For example, families with newborn babies may like a washing machine with an anti-bacterial, hot wash cycle to tackle stains from any poonamis! Speaking of which, our guide to the best laundry detergent for babies has plenty of options, ideal for sensitive skin.

• Smart connectivity: If you’re tech-savvy and like the idea of controlling your machine whilst you are out and about or having advanced sensors that optimise your cycles, then choosing a smart integrated washing machine is a must-have.

• Eco-friendly design and settings: From eco-efficient wash cycles to drums made from recycled bottles, pick a brand that has the same goals in mind if you're all about saving the planet.

• Reversible machine door: For left-handed people, consider purchasing an integrated washing machine with a reversible door that you can adjust to open from the right, not the left.

• Certifications: More and more washing machines are becoming Woolmark certified, meaning if you happen to be a fan of an expensive, soft woolly jumper with a hand-wash only label, we’d recommend factoring this into your decision.

• Self-cleaning function: All parents are busy, busy, busy, so a washing machine that cleans itself or has its own specific self-cleaning programme is a godsend.

How long should an integrated washing machine last?

According to official figures, an integrated washing machine should last five to ten years. Although many Mumsnet users report, theirs lasting up to 15 to 20 years.

What’s the best integrated washing machine?

Following our investigation, we’ve found that the best integrated washing machine is the Bosch Series 8 WIW28502GB. Manufactured by the well-regarded Bosch brand, it is quick, quiet and efficient according to previous customers and, as a bonus, is covered by a five-year manufacturer warranty.

How we choose our recommendations

At Mumsnet, we pride ourselves on the use of our triple-check verification process that allows us to offer our readers recommendations that are authentic, unbiased and informative.

Starting with a thorough search of our forum threads, we gathered Mumsnet users' opinions on which brands offered the best washing machines (and which missed the mark). After all, if a model can survive the brutal everyday use of the average family, then it’ll withstand anything you throw at it. Through our research, we discovered that Mumsnet users particularly rated washing machines with a large capacity drum and a good energy efficiency rating, plus ones that were ultra-quiet and had a convenient range of features and programmes.

From this initial list of brands, we then explored experts' opinions, looking at the particular models that were frequently recommended or had received consumer awards. Following this, we analysed each individual integrated washing machine's previous customer ratings and read their reviews to help us narrow our list down to our finalists.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.