2 questions re: Front loading Washer & cabinets

16 years ago

Hi guys, this is my first time at the Laundry board. I usually lurk at the Kitchen forum and sometimes at appliances.

I have two questions:

DH told me this morning after crunching numbers, I can get a new washer/dryer. We have a Kenmore set now that is in pretty good shape. When we started our mini-kitchen remodel, I didn't plan on replacing them. But if we have extra money, then I guess I should do it.

My washer/dryer are at the end of my galley kitchen, across from my mini-pantry. My kitchen appliances will be stainless, but I'm okay with white for the wash/dry. I'm thinking a front load model is what I want. Only three of us in the family. DH and me and DD. I usually can get a weeks worth of laundry done on the weekends... so we don't generate a ton. (DH does his own laundry - I do mine/DD and towels) I've never bought a wash/dry. Our first place came with one and then this current house we inherited from my grandparents. So, what do I look for? Other than front load and white, I'm not sure what else I need/want.

Another question. Since the shelf over my wash/dry came down for painting, we're putting up a cabinet. The opening is 64 1/2 inch... for those with small cabinets. Did you use just upper kitchen cabinets or have something specially made. Since I'm getting a front load, I guess I could get a cabinet/shelve combo? That would be nice and convient to keep something handy.

Any suggestions on a washer/dryer for me? Also, any pictures of a small laundry area with cabinets would be appreciated!

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Comments (3)

peggross1
16 years ago
Hi,

I'm redoing a laundry room, and plan to use regular kitchen cabinets for the room, although we'll be using a lesser brand and lower-grade of cabinetry than we're using in the kitchen (particle board, not plywood, overlay, not inset, etc.).

I gave a rough sketch of what we wanted to my kitchen designer today, and he'll adjust it and give us a quote using the standard sizes available in the line we're going to use.

An idea you might want to consider. I hate that my current washer/dryer get all scratched from people using the tops as a table, so I'll be having a countertop installed above my front loaders (leaving enough space for them to be removed if necessary) and plan to use that space for folding clean laundry.

Someone else, who had their front loaders IN their kitchen, actually concealed them behind cabinet doors, so they didn't show at all when not being used. Might be a good idea for you to consider if your machines are visible at the end of your galley kitchen.

Since you do smaller loads, I'm sure Miele lovers will be recommending that you get the smaller Miele front loaders. Me, I'm getting the larger capacity Bosch Nexxt 800 washer and dryer.

Good luck!
looser
16 years ago
Hello,
I have a Bosch Nexxt 500 plus set in our L-shaped kitchen. Our laundry area is just 60" wide, so there is not much room to spare. The washer and dryer are each 27" wide.
We just moved into our new house and the laundry area has cabinets over the empty w/d space. They do match the other kitchen cabinets and provide good space for detergents and other laundry accessories.

We are planning on installing a countertop above the washer and dryer and then make a fake sliding "wall" on the back to conceal those ugly water faucets and hoses. We have seen that setup in a vacation home and really liked it. It was above a Kenmore HE3t set and looked great. The combination of the countertop and the sliding "wall" keeps things from falling behind the washer and/or between the washer and dryer.

I don't want to conceal the front of the w/d since they do look nice and I think the manual even says not to install it that way. It would also be tough to do with the large capacity washers. For your needs a smaller washer might actually work out good. I did consider the Bosch Axxis washer myself (for our family of three). I guess it depends on how often you want to wash large items like comforters...

My w/d set is very quiet which is important since the kitchen is open to the living room and the dining room. No complaints whatsoever.
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cburch
Original Author
16 years ago
Ohhh, thanks for the great info guys .......

I'll check out both brands mentioned!

Christy

2 questions re: Front loading Washer & cabinets

Comments (3)

peggross1

looser

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cburch
Original Author

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2 questions re: Front loading Washer & cabinets

Comments (3)

peggross1

looser

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cburchOriginal Author

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cburch
Original Author