Is it possible to place a hob above a washing machine?

Owners of small apartments have to work hard to fit all the necessary household appliances into modest square meters. It is important not only to find a place for each unit, but also to arrange them organically: so that one does not interfere with the other. More often than not, the problem is caused by the washing machine, which, instead of the bathroom, has to be placed in the kitchen. Often there are not enough cabinets and you want to install a hob above the washing machine. Let us consider in more detail whether such a neighborhood is acceptable and safe.

Technical feasibility

The first step is to find out whether the washing machine will fit under the hob. More often, to install appliances, you have to be content with a standard kitchen set, the height of the cabinets on which is equal to the same parameter as the washing machine. Often the machine is even higher than the countertop, and to place the unit you have to remove its top cover and tighten the legs as much as possible.

A full-size front-facing washing machine cannot fit under the hob - you need to either raise the countertop or buy a compact machine.

When you build in a hob, there will be even less space for the washing machine. The fact is that both electric and induction tiles sink into the thickness of the countertop by at least 3 cm, and more often by 4-5 cm. Moreover, it is recommended to leave a small air gap between its body and its “neighbor”. It is clear that in this case the machine simply does not have enough space, even when removing the top cover. Especially if the model is full-size and has a spacious drum. There are two ways to solve the problem of lack of space:

• raise the tabletop higher;
• choose a compact washing machine model.

The option with a raised tabletop is not for everyone. Firstly, you will have to pay extra to the furniture maker for non-standard sizes. Secondly, it will be difficult to use the tiles if you are not above average height. Compact washing machines also have their disadvantages, for example, limited functionality, high cost and small capacity of up to 3-4 kg.

Is it safe for devices?

It is not recommended to place the washing machine under the hob for safety reasons. In simple words, these household appliances are considered incompatible - they need to be located away from each other. There are several reasons for this:

• the tile gets very hot, which is dangerous for the washing machine;
• the washing machine vibrates, damaging the hob;
• The machine releases moisture that is dangerous for the tiles.

The negative impact of one unit on another must be taken into account. Any hob, both electric and induction, gets very hot when used for a long time. So, when cooking for an hour, the bottom of the tile heats up to 60 degrees and above. The provided fans only smooth out the heating, but do not eliminate it. As a result, hot air easily penetrates the washing machine and dries out the rubber structural elements: the pipes crack and lose their tightness, and the pressure switch begins to work incorrectly. All this affects the performance of the machine, since the board receives incorrect data from the sensors and freezes. Repairing the control board is a very expensive proposition, especially when it comes with replacing hoses and a level sensor.

The washing machine “responds” with increased humidity. Some of the water taken from the water supply, although in small quantities, ends up at the bottom of the hob. If the body of the tile is made of plastic and stainless steel, then damage is minimal, otherwise corrosion, structural damage and other defects are possible.

The hob will negatively affect the washing machine installed below - when heated, the hot air will damage the pipes, hoses and pressure switch.

The third nuance is the vibration emanating from the washing machine. All frontal machines vibrate strongly during spinning, especially older models are unstable. The “shivering” is transmitted to the cabinet walls, then to the countertop and hob. The tiles are not designed for such loads: the structure becomes loose and quickly fails.

The conclusion is clear - placing the hob above the washing machine is strongly not recommended. Such a proximity will lead to disastrous consequences, including the “fatal” outcome of both devices. It’s better not to take risks and waste money, but to arrange the equipment differently.

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