Best integrated washing machines 2024: Which? Best Buys and expert buying tips

Find out how to get your hands on the best integrated washing machine with our Best Buy recommendations and expert buying advice.

Our in-depth, independent lab tests have found the worst integrated washing machines fail to remove the tough stains that our Best Buys make light work of. They can be tricky to use with lengthy programs, too, which won't make laundry day any easier.

Read on for our list of Best Buys that impressed our experts, as well as some buying and installation advice to help you on your way.

If you already know what you’re looking for, head straight to our integrated washing machine reviews

Best integrated washing machines for 2024

Here's our pick of the highest-scoring integrated washing machines to help make your decision a little easier.

Table last checked: August 2024

Integrated washing machine reviews by brand

• AEG integrated washing machines
• Bosch integrated washing machines
• Hoover integrated washing machines
• Zanussi integrated washing machines

Integrated washing machines by price

• Integrated washing machines under £400
• Integrated washing machines under £600
• Integrated washing machines under £800
• Integrated washing machines under £1,000

Why you can trust our integrated washing machine reviews

We purchase every integrated washing machine we test and won't accept any free samples from manufacturers, so you can be sure all of our reviews are 100% unbiased. As part of our testing, we run three wash cycles on each model containing clothes with a wide variety of stains from blood to oil. If any of the results don't look quite right, we run two additional cycles to ensure we only give our Best Buy recommendation to the true top performers.

Where to buy an integrated washing machine

Any retailer that sells freestanding washing machines will usually stock integrated models, too, but there tends to be a much smaller selection both in store and online. You can pay anything from £300 to well over £1,000 depending on the specific machine you have your eye on.

Be sure to pay good attention to the returns policy in case you encounter any issues, as well as the length of the guarantee, as this varies model to model. If you're replacing an old or broken machine, some retailers will remove and recycle it for you when they deliver your new one.

Popular online retailers include:

• Currys stocks integrated washing machines from lots of brands, including Beko, Hoover and Hotpoint. One of its experts will install it on delivery for £115, and they charge an additional £25 to take away and recycle your old appliance.
• Argos has integrated washing machines at a range of prices, so there should be something to suit your budget. Delivery, installation and recycling will set you back £140 on top of the purchase price, or recycling alone is £19.99.
• John Lewis's integrated washing machines start from £399, with most machines on its site costing more than £600. It's £25 to recycle your old model and £100 to install the new one, but delivery is free.
• AO is well-known for stocking a wide array of products, and integrated washing machines are no exception. Installation is £115, and it will cost £25 to recycle your old model. It will take away all of the packaging for £5, too.

Pros and cons of integrated washing machines

Our research shows that the average scores for cleaning quality and rinsing for integrated and freestanding washing machines are on a par. 

Problems arise when it comes to individual models rather than design, so check our reviews to make sure you don't end up with a dud.

Pros:

• They're built into your kitchen and hidden from view
• They're flush to your units, so the machine won’t protrude into the galley or surrounding space in your kitchen

Cons:

• There are fewer models to choose from compared with freestanding machines
• Integrated models can be more expensive to buy, install, maintain and replace

A smaller selection doesn’t mean you can’t get a great one, though. We've tested integrated washing machines from big-name brands such as Bosch, Hoover and Zanussi.

Need a new machine? See our round up of the best washing machine deals available at the moment

What are the dimensions of an integrated washing machine?

If you’re looking to replace an old integrated machine, our advice would be to measure that instead of trying to squeeze into the space it's left. Using a tape measure, check the height and width of the existing machine.

Now measure the depth from front to back. You need to add around 7cm at the back for any pipes and hoses that will sit behind.

Don't worry about the controls and dials sticking out – an integrated machine should have a flat front, plus space to fit the door hinges.

Most front-loading washing machines – integrated and freestanding – follow the standard dimensions of 85cm high and 59.5-60cm wide.

And the good news is that the majority of kitchen cabinets are designed with the standard height and width to be able to accommodate integrated appliances comfortably.

However, it’s the depth that can really catch people out. Integrated machines can vary from 40cm to 65cm deep. Not measuring before buying might mean you're left with a hefty appliance sticking further out than your cupboards.  

You should also note that drum capacity is different to the machine's size. Just because you have a large model in dimensions doesn’t necessarily mean it has a large drum capacity. Integrated washing machines can come with anything between 5kg and 10kg. 

How much does a new integrated washing machine cost?

Integrated models tend to cost more than their freestanding counterparts. This is partly because it takes more work to design a machine that will work well in an enclosed space.

The best price will depend on what you need. Like most appliances, the more you pay, the more fancy features you get. 

If you’re on a strict budget, then you'll get more features, programs and better spin speeds by opting for a cheaper freestanding model.

You can still bag a bargain, though, and we have some good integrated models for less than £400. 

If you don't want to spend a lot, see our pick of the best cheap washing machines

Is it easy to replace an integrated washing machine?

Replacing an old integrated washing machine with a new one is possible. However, unless you're willing to rework the kitchen units, you'll need to find a model that's exactly the same size. Always try to salvage the door, or you'll need to find an identical replacement. 

If you’ve opted for a semi-integrated machine, it can be even trickier. Finding a model with exactly the same panel display size might be tough, so buying a new unit cover and completely refitting would be the only way around it.

Never try to fit a freestanding model into your units – the front won't be made to support a cupboard door and screwing holes into it may damage the machine.

And freestanding models are easier to remove, transport and refit.

How to fit a new integrated washing machine

Unfortunately, installing an integrated washing machine is harder than installing a freestanding model – mostly because you have to attach the surrounding cupboards, and remove and replace the kitchen unit plinth. 

If you prefer to steer clear of the toolbox, then you'll need to get a trader in. 

A professional will charge more to install an integrated or built-in appliance because of the extra work involved, but for more complex jobs it can be worthwhile. 

If you're a keen DIYer, take a look at our guide to installing your washing machine to help you disconnect the old appliance and connect the new one.

Make sure you read the instructions carefully as a warranty won't cover incorrect installation.

Once that’s done, your instruction manual should explain how to fit the cupboard door to the machine and reset the plinth. 

Most brands will have similar installation methods, although some functions will differ from one model to another, such as the new adjustable front feet in some Bosch integrated washing machines.

Use the Which? Trusted Traders search tool below to find a professional installer. All Trusted Traders have been through our rigorous background checks.

Our integrated washing machine tests

Our washing machine tests are now tougher than ever, so you can be sure that a Best Buy machine will wash your clothes well, while being simple to use.

We’ve reviewed integrated washing machines from big names brands such as Beko, Bosch, Ikea, Zanussi and many more.

Starting with the basics, we challenge each machine to clean a range of tough stains, including blood, oil and rust, so we can reveal the models most likely to clean your clothes well.

We also investigate how much it will cost you to run and whether it makes a racket when it’s on. And because no one likes to be left with completely sodden clothes after a spin, our experts also check how dry garments were after each cycle.

Find out more about how we test washing machines.

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