Washing machine depth specifications

"If a washing machine measurement states that it is 60cm depth, does this mean that all the piping and electrical wiring at the back will fit under a worktop of 60cm depth, or that it needs just that little bit extra space as well as the 60cm in order to fit?"

A: You can never be totally sure the measurements quoted in the specs would include the space that the hoses take up. If it's mission critical you should always try to physically inspect and measure at a showroom.

Normally the measurements of a washing machine's depth should include the whole area the washing machine will take up including the lid (which may or may not overhang at the back). If the lid overhangs at the back (see photos) then the fill and drain hoses may well fit underneath the lid and not take up much if any extra space. If the lid doesn't overhang the back of the casing then the hoses are likely to take up extra space and not be included in the quoted measurements. Also don't forget that the space taken up by a wall socket or the waste water stand pipe if fitted may also stop a washing machine pushing all the way underneath a worktop unless it has a big overhanging lid at the rear.

Watch out for the washing machine sticking out at the front

For most people the depth is the least critical measurement because not having enough depth usually only results in the washing machine jutting out more than ideally required, it rarely stops one actually fitting in place like not having enough height or width will. One thing to bear in mind though regarding a washing machine not fitting all the way back under a worktop is if there is a kitchen drawer or cupboard, or even a door that opens across the washing machine (or tumble dryer) it could catch on the washing machine if space is tight and the washer has bulbous parts at the front.

These days many washing machines have bulky front designs where the front casing bows outwards, or the door and sometimes control panel, knobs or buttons can jut out a fair bit. These protuberances are not usually accounted for in the depth specifications so again, if mission critical you will need to take your own measurements trying to measure from the bit that sticks out most at the front to the bit that sticks out most at the back. See my pictures here - which highlight this particular issue - Washing machine door clearance warning

The space required for a washing machine in a fitted kitchen - or any kitchen appliance - has long since been 600mm (60cm)

However, that was fine when all washing machines had normal size drums. The emergence of larger capacity drums in washing machines (some as large as 11Kg) has meant many modern washing machines are now much deeper than they used to be. Much of the extra space required for a larger capacity drum comes from making the drum deeper, which is why so many are now 60cm taking up the entire space for a washing machine in many fitted kitchens. If short on depth space it may be possible that some the smaller the drum capacity the less deep the appliance will be although it's also possible that they may all use the same basic cabinet to save on production costs.

Generally these days many washing machines do have an overhanging lid at the back. The lid may be 60 cmm (600mm) deep but the back casing is often less deep meaning hoses have some room to sit between the back of the casing without extending beyond the space the lid takes up but ultimately if things are that tight you will need to measure it yourself.

Best Retailer

John Lewis are a great place to buy a washing machine from. They give at least 2 years guarantee on all washing machines and other appliances - and even 3 years on their own brand (plus 5 year guarantees on TV's).

Free standard delivery on all orders over £30

They've also been voted top of the customer satisfaction polls by Which? consumer association. John Lewis - the best? (external link to my Blog)

List of places to buy washing machines

Here's a quick summary of the available Washerhelp online traders selling washing machines and all other white goods.

Argos Appliances
24-7 Electrical
DRL Ltd own Appliances Online | Boots Kitchen Appliances
John Lewis (voted best retailer twice by Which? members. Give minimum of 2 years guarantee on all washing machines and 3 years on their own brand. Free delivery too)
Co-operative Electrical (the world's largest consumer co-operative)
Comet (one of UK's largest retailers)
Laskys (Part of Kesa Electricals which includes Comet)
Appliance City (Specialising in appliances)
Electrical Discount UK
Electrical123
Electricshop kitchen and home appliances
Kitchen Science
Dixons | Currys | Pixmania (All owned by the DSG group)
Sainsburys Kitchen Appliances (used to be run by DRL Ltd but now incorporated into the main Sainsburys site. Earn Nectar points)
MyChoice - Washing Machines
Marks & Spencer Appliances
Tribal UK

Alternatively you can try comparing prices and finding out much more about Washerhelp's affiliates using my Buy washing machines page (Full page of retailers and online stores)

Special offers and discounts on washing machines

As an affiliate, many retailers regularly notify me of special offers, discount codes and money off vouchers for washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers, fridges, fridge freezers and cookers. This section is where I post these offers - Special offers on washing machines and other white goods (goes to my Whitegoodshelp Blog)

See lots of retailers all on one convenient page

Alternatively you can try comparing prices and finding out much more about Washerhelp's affiliates using my Buy washing machines page (Full page of retailers and online stores plus reviews and information about them)

These photos show a Miele washing machine and a John Lewis washer dryer, both with overhanging lids that extend further back than the actual casing allowing some room for the hoses to fit within the space taken up by the lid.

Depth measurements published on web sites and in brochures usually represent the depth of the lid these days. If the appliance doesn't have an overhanging lid then the depth measurements should also take into account the measurement from the front of the lid to the back of the casing. They don't tend to include any door, control panel or knob that sticks out at the front though (see "Watch out for the washing machine sticking out at the front" on left column).