Is it possible to install a washing machine next to a refrigerator?

Is it possible to install a washing machine next to a refrigerator? During operation, the washing machine necessarily takes in water, is afraid of overheating and vibrates strongly, so its installation is approached with special attention. First of all, this concerns “neighbors” - not all equipment is safe to install next to the machine. Otherwise, the units will fail ahead of schedule. It’s definitely not possible to “bring together” the machine with the hob and microwave, but is it permissible to place the washing machine next to the refrigerator? Let's look at the arguments for and against.

Recommendations from equipment manufacturers

The admissibility of the layout of the refrigerator and washing machine depends on several factors. More precisely, there are three of them: the built-in nature of the equipment, the planned distance between the devices and the strength of the existing floor covering. Let's consider each point in detail.

If the equipment is built-in. The easiest way is when both the refrigerator and the machine are mounted in a kitchen unit. In this case, all danger disappears, and any “neighborhood” becomes acceptable. The point is in the design - such units provide the necessary ventilation, vibration resistance, heat and water removal. It is enough to leave 2-5 cm between the devices, install and adjust correctly.
Minimum distance. It is better to distance conventional models from each other, focusing on the recommendations of the manufacturers. As a rule, restrictions apply to the refrigerator: it must be installed 30 cm from other equipment and not moved close to the walls. Powerful refrigerators heat up more, requiring a minimum of 50 cm.

It is advisable to place the refrigerator at a distance of at least 30 cm from other equipment.

Durability of the floor covering.Much depends on the floor in the room. The refrigerator is not designed to suppress vibration, so a washing machine standing next to it can create an imbalance in the design. A concrete base will help smooth out shaking, but a wooden base will not. Hence the restrictions: on concrete and tiles you are allowed to move the washing machine no closer than 10 cm, and on wood and laminate – at least 30.

It is possible to find a compromise. The main thing is to respect the boundaries mentioned by the manufacturers. Also, be sure to leave the second side of the refrigerator free from neighbors and install the washing machine as level as possible. Don’t forget about vibration damping and place the machine on special anti-slip pads.

Advice from practitioners

In practice, it is sometimes difficult to comply with all the standards and boundaries indicated by manufacturers. Especially if there is not enough free space in the kitchen, and there is no opportunity to buy built-in appliances. In this case, it is recommended to focus on the “golden mean” - minimum safety rules. Then space is saved without harm to the washing machine and refrigerator. Practitioners give the following recommendations:

avoid the proximity of equipment wall to wall - at least 5 cm (for a concrete surface, if the floor is wooden, then the distance between the equipment increases);
organize a stable, level and durable base for the washing machine;
refuse spinning at high speeds, choosing a maximum of 800 revolutions (this will help reduce the outgoing vibration and protect the machine components from rapid wear);
do not place a partition between the refrigerator and the washing machine, as vibration can be transmitted through it;
purchase special anti-vibration stands for the machine;
leave one side wall of the refrigerator free from cabinets and appliances.

Ideally, all appliances in the kitchen should be separated from each other by at least 30-50 cm, delimiting the cabinets with the cabinets. If the square meters are not enough, then the washing machine can be placed closer to the refrigerator. The main thing is to provide a stable base and leave a gap of 5-10 cm.