Which types of integrated appliances need to be placed in a unit?

DIY Kitchens

11 years ago

Many customers ask the question, “do I need a unit for a built under integrated fridge, washing machine or dishwasher”?

These types of questions are asked extremely often and are very valid questions. When you look at a fully fitted kitchen with appliances hidden away, it’s hard to see where they actually are and if they in fact do have their own units, in which the appliances are housed.

The guide below will tell you which kitchen appliances need to be placed into a unit and which ones don’t. There is also a link where necessary to example units that you would need for each.

Does my appliance need a kitchen unit?

Appliance	Kitchen Unit Required?	Link (More info)
Tall Fridge Freezer	Yes	Kitchen Unit Options
Half Size Fridge/Freezer	No (Just a door required)	Kitchen Door Options
Integrated Oven	Yes	Kitchen Unit Options
Dishwasher	No (Just a door required)	Kitchen Door Options
Fitted Microwave	Yes	Kitchen Unit Options
Washing Machine	No (Just a door required)	Kitchen Door Options
Tumble Dryer	No (Just a door required)	Kitchen Door Options
Wine Cooler	No (No unit & no door)	N/A

How do I know which door I need?

Choosing the door for your appliance is not as hard as you might think. Every appliance will have a set width of around either 450mm or 600mm. When choosing your door, just ensure that it matches the width of the unit that it will be covering.

The appliances will also be supplied with a hinge system to attach the door. If the appliance is situated at the end of a run you will need a end panel to cover the side of the appliance.

Dishwasher size examples

This dishwasher has the dimensions of (mm): 818 x 596 x 555
(H x W x D) 818 x 596 x 575 mm.
The 818 refers to the height
The 595 refers to the width
The 555 refers to the depth

The door needed to fit this dishwasher would be 600mm wide. If you were buying a slimline dishwasher with the dimensions of 818 x 446 x 550, then you would need a door which is 450mm wide.

Here you can see a full range of kitchens and kitchen units.

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