Not every home has a designated laundry room, and smaller homes or apartments may not have room for one at all. The kitchen, on the other hand, is already set up with plumbing and electrical outlets, making it a convenient location to install a washing machine without the hassle or expense of major renovations. In older homes, particularly in cities where space is at a premium, combining the kitchen and laundry areas is just smart planning.
Why You Should Have a Washing Machine in Your Kitchen
If you live in the United States, the idea of having a washing machine in the kitchen might seem a bit unusual. In many American homes, the laundry room is typically found in the basement, a utility closet, or the garage. But look across the ocean to Europe, and you'll find that having a washing machine in the kitchen is a completely normal part of everyday life. While it may take some getting used to, there are actually several practical and even space-saving reasons why it's worth considering.
It's a Matter of Space
It Makes Multitasking Easier
You can throw in a load of laundry while cooking dinner or cleaning up after a meal. Instead of running up and down stairs or across the house, everything is in one place. You're more likely to stay on top of laundry this way, since it's not hidden away in a remote corner of the house — you'll hear the machine finish its cycle and be reminded to hang up or dry your clothes promptly.
It Can Save Energy and Water
Kitchens are usually designed with water efficiency in mind. If you're already using energy-efficient appliances and plumbing, adding your washing machine to that space may help reduce your overall water and energy usage. It can also be more cost-effective to have one room with multiple water-using appliances rather than setting up plumbing for another room.
Modern Machines Blend Right In
Some people worry a kitchen washing machine might be noisy or take away from the aesthetic, but modern machines are often built to be quiet and compact. Many can be hidden behind a cabinet door or built into the same line as your dishwasher and oven, giving your kitchen a sleek, uniform appearance. If you're short on storage, you can even install a countertop above the machine for extra prep space.
It Centralizes Your Home Base
Keeping your laundry space in the kitchen can make your home feel more centralized and efficient, especially in busy households. It helps cut down on time spent moving back and forth between rooms — you can keep an eye on dinner, answer emails at the kitchen table, and manage laundry all at once. It might take a little mental adjustment at first, but many who make the switch find they never want to go back.
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